‘Have your ELF a Merry Little Christmas’
MURPHY (December 1, 2023) Here are some fast facts regarding this year’s Christmas in the Park celebration.
THEME: Santa’s Village
DATE: Thursday, Dec. 7
TIME: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
SPECIFIC LOCATION: The event has been moved from its previous location on the north side of City Hall to the City Hall soccer field and south side of the City Hall building by the pond.
TREE LIGHTING: Debuting an entertainingly new holiday presentation feature, the traditional lighting of the Community Christmas Tree will occur promptly at 6 p.m. Scheduled to light the tree is Mayor Scott Bradley. The new holiday presentation, which includes favorite Christmas songs and music, will be played between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. from Friday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 31.
NEW ACTIVITIES: While there will be no mini-parade this year, attendees will be asked to cast votes for their preferred Christmas displays, set up on the soccer field. Voting will be open from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. with winners announced at 7:30 p.m. These displays are created and showcased by residents and City departments depicting their favorite holiday movies. Awards include “The Mayoral Award,” the “Best Display According to Theme,” the “Peoples’ Choice,” and the “Griswold Award.” Organizers expect this display challenge to expand next year as residents get into the Christmas spirit.
SPECIAL MOVIE PRESENTATION: Celebrating its 20-year anniversary, the holiday comedy ELF will be screened. Free popcorn is being sponsored by B&B Theaters. Fans of the movie are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
SANTA VISITS: Visits with the “Jolly Old Elf” to share Christmas gift wishes will begin as soon as the Christmas Tree is lit. An orderly line will form in front of Santa’s corner inside the Community Room at City Hall.
DINNER OPTIONS: Food and drinks will be offered for purchase during the event from a variety of excellent snack and food vendors. People still looking for the perfect Christmas stocking stuffers can visit the market vendors who will be selling hand-made, one-of-a-kind gifts and favors.
SCAVENGER HUNT: A family-friendly Elf Scavenger Hunt will be in play throughout the event. Families can get their scavenger hunt checklist from Santa’s Toy Factory located on the soccer field. While there, kids can make crafts to keep and display at home.
ADDITIONAL FUN: An ice slide and several bounce houses will be available for more family fun and frivolity. Murphy Fire Rescue will be accepting unwrapped toys for their annual drive.
FINE PRINT: Free accessible parking is provided in lots facing the entrance to City Hall. Pets are allowed, but owners are responsible for cleaning up waste. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Parents are asked to keep a close eye on small children, especially near the s’mores open flames.