The historic downtown area of Parker is a step back in time to a kinder gentler world during the holiday season with scenes like this that remind you of Little House on the Prairie, Mayberry, Stars Hollow, and Walton’s Mountain. We are OK with that.
Holiday Events for friends and family in Douglas County
There are so many things to do this holiday season in the area, it’s hard to keep track. Hopefully, this list of “things to do” for this weekend will help you to create your new simpler Christmas holiday traditions. This year many residents are working to reduce the “getting” and increase the giving, not of things necessarily, but your time, attention, and care to those in your life that really matter the most. Let’s step back to smell the holly instead of rushing from store to store buying things instead of memories.
2023 Holiday Events from the Town of Parker
Hometown Holiday Experience
Holiday Activities | Nov. 26 to Dec. 17
Join the Town of Parker for our Hometown Holiday Experience downtown activities starting Sunday, Nov. 26!
Please note, Hometown Holidays Kick-off Saturday activities previously scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 25 have been canceled due to anticipated weather conditions. The Winter Market and sponsor booths planned for Saturday will not be rescheduled, while appearances by Elsa and Olaf are expected to be rescheduled to another date this holiday season. Please follow this page or the Town of Parker’s Facebook page for rescheduling updates.
Despite the cancelation of Kick-off Saturday, there will still be plenty of fun to have this holiday season in Parker! Grab a selfie or a family picture by the Town Tree, experience the beautiful downtown holiday lights, music and décor attractions, and meet one of our holiday characters like Buddy the Elf and Elsa and Olaf!
Activities
- All holiday activities will now begin on Sunday, Nov. 26.
- Meet Elsa and Olaf (previously scheduled for Nov. 25; now TBD).
- Winter Market and sponsor booths canceled (previously scheduled for Nov. 25). The Town of Parker encourages you to visit another Winter Market planned as part of the Downtown Business Alliance’s Hometown Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9.
- Visit Gingerbread Lane at the Schoolhouse, Polar Bear Ice Land at Discovery Park and Santa’s Workshop at O’Brien Park for a fun family selfie—it might even be a great addition to your holiday cards.
- See the walk-around characters on Saturdays and Sundays (from noon to 4 p.m.), Nov. 26 through Dec. 17 (Saturday, Nov. 25 canceled due to anticipated weather)
- On Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Christmas, the Town invites you and your family to find one of Santa’s real-life elves around Downtown Parker. If you see Buddy the Elf, take a photo of him and post it on the Town’s Facebook page (@TownofParkerCO), sharing where you found him. All submissions will be entered into a prize drawing! Buddy the Elf appearances begin Sunday, Nov. 26.
Swim with Santa
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down…the waterslide! It’s a Santa-sized pool party with holiday music, festive giveaways, and plenty of splashin’ photo ops with jolly old St. Nick in the Activity Pool.
Date: Sat., Dec. 16, 2023
Time: 5 or 6 p.m.
Location: Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E. Lincoln Dr.
Ages: 15 years and younger
Cost: $26 per Parker resident, $28 per non-resident.
*Space is limited. Walk-up registrations will be taken on a space-available basis and will cost an additional $5 per participant.
All participants will get the opportunity to not only swim with Santa, but to take a unique photo with Santa in or around the pool! Giveaways will be available to take home. Children of all swimming abilities are welcome. Each child 5 and under and non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the water.
All participants will get the opportunity to not only swim with Santa, but to take a unique photo with Santa in or around the pool! Giveaways will be available to take home. Children of all swimming abilities are welcome. Each child 5 and under and non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the water.
HOLIDAY EVENTS 2023
Below you will find a few things that are quite inexpensive and that you can enjoy with your loved ones this year. We will update the links when we have more information.
- Turkey Day 5K Fun Run / Walk
- Castle Rock Starlighting
- Mayor’s Tree Lighting at O’Brien Park
Parker’s Christmas Carriage Parade- Community Messiah Performances (you can join the 100 voice choir)
- The Annual Nutcracker of Parker November (Click to purchase tickets)
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Church Services (will update when information is available) Please check the church websites listed.
