Holiday Cheer in Downtown Parker: What’s Happening in 2025
The holiday season is around the corner — and Downtown Parker is pulling out all the stops! Whether you’re planning a family outing, looking to light up your Instagram feed, or just want to support local businesses while soaking up that small-town charm, there’s something here for everyone. Below is a curated guide to the key events and festive experiences to mark on your calendar.
🎉 Signature Events Worth Marking
Here are a few “must-go” events that capture the spirit of the season in Downtown Parker.
1. Mayor’s Holiday Lighting — Nov. 28, 2025
Kick‐off the season in style! On Friday, November 28, from 5 pm – 7 pm at O’Brien Park, join the community for the lighting of the park and Mainstreet. Expect holiday music, twinkling lights, a countdown with the mayor, and maybe a few surprise holiday characters.
Tip: Arrive early to find good parking (lots can fill up), and bring a hot cocoa to keep warm.
2. Downtown Parker Holiday Market — Saturday, December 6, 2025
This is the big one: over 100 local vendors and makers gather in O’Brien Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 6. Expect Santa & Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, kids’ crafts, face-painting, holiday music, carriage rides, sweet treats, and that local-shopping joy.
Why it’s awesome: It’s more than shopping — it’s a full-day celebration.
Pro tip: Bring a reusable tote for your finds, and explore the nearby boutiques afterward on Mainstreet.
3. A Classic Parker Holiday — December 6–7, 2025
For a more intimate and musical holiday experience, join the concert by the Parker Chorale and the Parker Symphony Orchestra at the PACE Center (20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker) on December 6 & 7 with showtimes at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Nice for: A cozy date night or a more elevated outing after the festive hustle.
4. Hometown Holiday Weekends — Nov. 29 through Dec. 21, 2025
Starting Saturday, November 29, and running weekends through December 21, Downtown Parker transforms into a winter wonderland. Highlights besides the lighting include:
A new “Gingerbread Lane” at the Schoolhouse.
“Polar Bear Ice Land” at Discovery Park.
Santa’s Workshop at O’Brien Park.
Walk-around holiday characters (Buddy the Elf, etc.) on Saturdays & Sundays noon-3 p.m.
Tip: This is great for multiple visits — go back weekends for different fun and photo ops.
🛍️ Shopping, Dining & Local Flair
Don’t just attend events — stroll the streets. Downtown Parker offers a walkable environment with festive décor and local flavor:
Explore boutique shops for artisan gifts, cozy décor, and one-of-a-kind items. Downtown Parker
Warm up in cosy cafés and restaurants — perfect after an afternoon of browsing or a carriage ride.
Capture your holiday card photo! With the lighting, decorations, and charm of Mainstreet and the park, you’ve got plenty of backdrops.
📆 Quick Calendar Recap
Nov 28: Mayor’s Holiday Lighting (5 – 7 pm)
Nov 29: Hometown Holiday Weekends begin
Dec 6: Holiday Market (10 am – 3 pm)
Dec 6–7: A Classic Parker Holiday concert
Nov 29 – Dec 21: Weekends filled with holiday décor, characters, special zones
(Dates subject to change — always check official Downtown Parker / Town of Parker websites before heading out.)
🎄 Wrap-Up: How to Make the Most of It
Dress in layers: Colorado evenings get chilly, especially outdoors.
Come early for parking around O’Brien Park; if lots are full, nearby public lots and walking routes are your friend.
Combine events and shopping: Make a morning of the market, then browse Mainstreet, have lunch or hot cocoa, enjoy lights at dusk.
Bring your camera/phone: Many photo-worthy moments (reindeer, gingerbread lane, ice land, characters).
Support local: The holiday market is a prime opportunity to shop small and make a community impact.
Mark multiple weekends if you can — the “weekend” vibe offers different experiences each time.
