Christmas in the Park
2026 Season
The holiday season shines brighter in College Station as Christmas in the Park returns to Stephen C. Beachy Central Park.
What began in 1984, when a local family funded a small display of light panels, has grown into one of the Brazos Valley’s most popular holiday traditions. Today, more than one million lights fill the 47-acre park, transforming it into a seasonal destination for families across the region.
Behind the scenes, crews work year-round to prepare the illuminated displays. Hundreds of panels are assembled and maintained to preserve the familiar scenes many residents return to each year.
From glowing light displays to the College Station Christmas Parade, the season leads you to Beachy Central Park.
Lights On ● Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 6–11 p.m.
Christmas in the Park opens with Lights On, running daily from 6–11 p.m. Nov. 26–Jan. 1.
Drive or walk through more than one million lights throughout Beachy Central Park. Tune in to Willy 97.7 FM for holiday music provided by Bryan Broadcasting.
Children can send letters to Santa using the North Pole mailbox outside the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office. Letters will be accepted Nov. 26–Dec. 24.
>> Downloadable Santa Letter Template
Admission is free, and parking is available in Beachy Central Park. The park will be closed to vehicles on Dec. 5 as preparations are made for the Christmas in the Park event.
Jingle Bell Fun Run ● Dec. 5, 3:30 p.m.
The Jingle Bell Fun Run begins at 3:30 p.m. with a 1.5-mile route that follows part of the College Station Christmas Parade path and ends at Beachy Central Park, where runners can view the College Station Christmas Parade and stay for Christmas in the Park. Check-in begins at 3 p.m. at 810 Holleman Drive East.
Registration is $15 through Nov. 15 and includes a shirt and jingle bells. Late registration runs Nov. 16–Nov. 30 for $20 and includes jingle bells; shirts are available while supplies last. Participants age 3 and under participate free of charge.
>> Register for the Run
Packet pickup is scheduled for 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Dec. 2–Dec. 3 and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office.
Race-day parking will be available at Post Oak Mall, with shuttle service running 4 p.m.–midnight between the mall and Beachy Central Park.
Christmas in the Park Event ● Dec. 5, 6–10 p.m.
Festivities continue 6–10 p.m. with the Christmas in the Park event, which begins when the mayor flips the switch to illuminate the park’s lights. Admission is free.
Enjoy hayrides, cookies, hot cocoa, live entertainment, photos with Santa, and more. Wristbands are required for activities and are available at information booths after completing a waiver form. Food vendors will also be on site.
>> Complete the Waiver
Bring cameras for photos with Santa, as professional photography is not provided.
Recreation Drive will close 7 a.m.–midnight, and vehicle access through Beachy Central Park will not be permitted. Shuttle service will run 4 p.m.–midnight from the Post Oak Mall parking lot. Handicap parking will be available at the Beachy Central Park softball complex, accessible from State Highway 6.
>> View Parking and Shuttle Map
Whether attending the lights, parade, or evening activities, Christmas in the Park brings together decades of tradition and offers a familiar way for the community to celebrate the holiday season.
For more information, call 979.764.3486 or email parks@cstx.gov.