Christmas at the Park will return to Joe Mack Campbell Park in Jonesboro on Thursday, Nov. 26, featuring over 400,000 lights, new activities, and a Christmas Eve opening for the first time.
The event, located at 600 Harry Drive, will run nightly through Dec. 24, where the first 200 children who visit Santa on Christmas Eve will receive a gift. Organizers announced the details in a release.
Visitors will experience a festive drive-through route that spans more than a half-mile, highlighted by attractions like Snowflake Forest and a 300-foot lighted tunnel. General admission for the drive-through costs $10 per vehicle on select evenings. On nights that include access to Santa’s Village, entry costs range from $20 to $25 per vehicle, depending on the date. Additional fees apply for some activities and purchases.
Santa’s Village gives families the opportunity to enjoy visits and photos with Santa, a Jingle Express train ride, a petting zoo, crafts, fire pits, and more. A gift shop is also available onsite.
Event organizers have added several new attractions this year, including an inflatable obstacle course, a mechanical bull, a slime bar, face painting, a balloon artist, and a rotating lineup of food trucks. Select nights will also feature special attractions and vendors.
The newly introduced Great Sloth scavenger hunt invites attendees to count plush sloths placed along the route for a chance to win weekly prizes. Six social media giveaways are also planned during the event.
On Sunday evenings, families can gather to enjoy Christmas Stories, where local readers will share holiday tales beside the 30-foot Christmas tree in Christmas Square.
Adam Sartin, the event’s founder, expressed his hope for what attendees will take from the experience. “We want families to have a place to slow down and enjoy Christmas together,” he said. “This year, we’re adding more activities while giving guests a $10 option to enjoy the lights. Whether you come for the drive-through or spend the evening in Santa’s Village, we want you to leave with a Christmas memory.”
For a full event schedule, admission details, giveaway rules, and updates on operating days, hours, and attraction availability, visitors are encouraged to check www.christmasattheparknea.com or follow Christmas at the Park on Facebook.
The annual event is made possible through guest attendance and sponsorship support. This year’s sponsors include Ground Crew, Jonesboro Media Group, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, the City of Jonesboro, Lamar Advertising, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and several others.