Arnold is ready to jump into the holiday season with its third annual Christmas in the Park event.
Festivities will be held from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Arnold Farmers Market, which is near the entrance of Arnold City Park at 2400 Bradley Beach Road.
“I think this has become another tradition for a lot of families,” said Ajsa Roach, Arnold Parks and Recreation Department deputy director. “They know it is held on the first Saturday in December, so they are looking forward to it. I love how well attended it is.
“Our goal when we do community events is appealing to everyone, and I think with Christmas in the Park, we have nailed that. There is something for everyone here, and, overall, I think it is a fun, family event that kicks off the holiday season.”
The highlight of the evening will occur at 5:15 p.m. when Mayor Bill Moritz lights a 60-foot tree made of lights hung on a pole in the field near the Farmers Market.
“That is one of the biggest hits,” Roach said. “People call the event the mayor’s tree-lighting ceremony. Being there when the lights turn on is incredible.”
Roach said the city will turn the lights on every evening through early January. The tree can be seen by people driving on Jeffco Boulevard.
“It is such a statement with how massive it is,” Roach said. “It is incredible driving down the road and seeing it.”
Christmas in the Park also will feature about 60 vendors selling ornaments, baked goods, woodworking items, honey, paintings and other items that would make good holiday gifts.
“I think a lot of people come to shop,” she said. “It is nice for people like me who can come here and have the option of starting your shopping list.”
Roach said up to eight food trucks are expected to be on hand selling their wares.
“There will be Mexican food, like nachos, quesadillas and burritos,” she said. There will be smash burgers, brats, dirty sodas, hot dogs, chicken and rice, and shrimp. There will be a good variety of food.”
In addition, the Jefferson County Salvation Army will serve free hot chocolate, coffee and water.
Santa Claus will be available for photo opportunities at his cottage near the tree. A number of other holiday characters will be at the event for photos.
A stilt walker and a new character, Tappy the Penguin, from Circus Kaput of St. Louis will roam the Christmas in the Park grounds. People will need to bring their own cameras to take pictures with the characters, Roach said.
“We have kids come dressed up in costumes as well. I know the kids really enjoy the pictures with the characters,” she said.
Roach said three balloon artists and three face painters from Circus Kaput will be at the event.
Arnold had added three new features this year – a train, comedy act and a Clydesdale. A trackless train from Game World Event Services of St. Charles will provide free rides around the Farmers Market.
“I feel like it is going to be very popular,” said Karen Fay, procurement specialist with the Arnold parks department. “Kids love trains. There will be Christmas decorations for them to look at while riding the train.”
The Snowball Brothers comedy act is scheduled to perform from 4:30-5 p.m. on the main stage.
“The Snowball Brothers are full of funny winter wit,” said Caitlin Overkamp, recreation supervisor. “They will put on a show of juggling, tricks and interactions with patrons.”
JFP Equine of Waterloo, Ill., will have a Clydesdale at the event, Roach said.
“People love Clydesdales, and being able to take a picture with one and being close to one is another fun thing we have added to the event,” she said.
Members of the Jefferson County Library Arnold Branch will read a story at 4:15 p.m. under the Jaycees Pavilion. Roach said the story time has been a popular feature since the Christmas in the Park event was first held in 2023.
“We love to be able to partner with other organizations and love having the library be a part of this,” she said. “I know my little ones love books, and it is fun for them to listen to a story with the scene around them. They read from a sleigh, and I know it is a fun environment for the kids. There is usually a good turnout for the kids to listen to the stories.”
The Seckman High School varsity select choir and Seckman Jag Choir are scheduled to perform at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the main stage.
“We love that the school is involved,” Roach said. “They did this last year, and they sounded amazing. We are excited to have them back.”
Roach said Christmas in the Park quickly became one of her favorite city-sponsored events.
“I love to see all the different families creating memories,” she said. “It has always been a good turnout, and it is incredible to see everyone in the park.”
For information, go to the Arnold parks and rec Facebook page or call 636-282-2380.