Christmas in Central Park | A Henderson Tradition

We piled into our station wagon with wooden side paneling.  My baby brother was oblivious to what was going on as he was placed into his baby-seat that was fastened in the center of the back seat.  On each side of him, with the best window views, my sister and I would buckle in eager to go on a drive around town to see all the Christmas lights.  My dad had already been scouting the houses with the most impressive holiday decor to put on our list of must-sees as we headed out to take a sightseeing drive around Henderson.  Christmas in the Park was a new event in Henderson that year, as I recall.  My sister and I weren’t quite ready for the awe-inspiring sight.  I remember seeing the lights from a block away, as we approached the park, and not wanting to blink.  It was too cold to get out and walk around that night, so my parents drove very slowly around the city block surrounding the park so that we could take it all in.  Each lap revealed something I hadn’t seen before on the lap prior.  Rows of lights, the whimsical wood cutouts, and the giant tree lit up from top to bottom was worth one more lap.  This began a tradition of going to Central Park year after year to jumpstart our Christmas spirit.

Years later, my husband and I began taking our own children to the park.  We would bundle up with scarves and gloves and walk through the park looking at the larger-than-life rocking horse or stopping for a picture in a giant sleigh.  Hearing their giggles and seeing the amazement on my children’s faces finally allowed me to see why my parents were willing to take another lap around that park. That kind of excitement is contagious and spread with every turn.  There is a twinkle in the eyes of everyone, child and adult alike, as they take in the thousands of lights adorning Central Park.

This year’s 32nd annual Christmas in the Park will offer Henderson another opportunity for free family fun and entertainment, while also helping usher in the season with a night of holiday fun.

Christmas in the Park is presented by the City of Henderson, in partnership with the Henderson Breakfast Lion’s Club.  The event begins 6pm December 1 when Henderson Mayor Steve Austin illuminates the 67-foot Christmas tree (the focal point of the park) during the tree-lighting ceremony, according to Henderson Breakfast Lions Club Laura Freeman.  “Prior to that, the Henderson County Wind Ensemble will be there to play holiday music. We will also have a group of Victorian carolers who will be singing,” says Freeman.

Christmas in the Park features sidewalks lined in lollipops, more than 30 holiday displays, including Santa’s House and a mailbox for children’s letters to him.  In fact, on the weekends leading up to Christmas, ole’ Saint Nick will be making personal appearances!

“We started a Sweet Shop last year,” says Freeman. “It will be open Saturday morning during the parade (December 2) and then every weekend and during the times when Santa will be at the Santa House.”

Santa is expected to be in his house in the park during the first three weekends in December (Saturdays 11 am-3 pm and Sundays 1pm-3pm). Freeman says families are welcome to bring children to chat with Santa. Though a photographer will not accompany Santa during these times, everyone is encouraged to snap their own photos of the moment as keepsakes of the occasion.

During the day, in preparation for the evening’s twinkling lights, City employees will be there ensuring that each night is as spectacular as the night before by inspecting and repairing things in the park.  With the help of other community groups, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Job Corps, Freeman says the park is kept tip-top condition each night for its guests.

Nothing quite warms the heart like Christmas.  “I love the whole holiday season,” Freeman says with excitement in her voice. “I always have.  I moved to Kentucky from California, and so I’m hoping for snow this year.  I think that will add to the ambiance of everything.  I love seeing the kids come and talk to Santa.  It’s just a great time of year!”

While snow can’t be promised, a fun evening with loved ones can, with a stroll through 2017’s Christmas in the Park.

Central Park is in downtown Henderson, across from the Henderson County Courthouse on Main Street.  Plentiful on-street parking spots are available on all four sides of the park.  To confirm times and for additional details on the event, please visit hendersonky.org/event.