“Christmas In The Park” is a FREE family community event sponsored by The Gathering Church, designed to share the hope and message of Christmas. This is our FIFTH YEAR of serving our community and helping people find and follow Jesus! We are expecting an attendance of over 35,000 over these 5 days and can’t wait!

There will be live entertainment, activities for all ages, pony rides, petting zoos, ornament making, bounce houses, a special visit from Santa, SNOW and an opportunity to see the “Christmas Story” in the most realistic and immersive way possible. Our guests will have the opportunity to experience the journey that Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem. We rely on dedicated volunteers to serve our community and impact lives. Volunteers are vital in bringing the message of Christmas to our community and shaping our city one soul at a time.

The event takes place at Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N Bullard Ave, Surprise, AZ 85374.

Key dates for 2025:

• Set Up Days: December 16th, 17th, & 18th (9 AM - 5 PM daily)

• Event Nights: December 20th - 24th (6 PM - 9 PM nightly)

  • 6-7pm Concert

  • 7-9pm, Journey to Bethlehem, Bethlehem Marketplace, Christmas Wonderland Open

• Worship Night in the Park: December 28th (6 PM - 9 PM)

• Event Teardown: December 29th

The event is FREE! No tickets necessary and everyone is welcome. Come as many times as you would like! Please note this is an outdoor event so please dress accordingly.

Yes—there’s a special opportunity to experience the Christmas Story come to life following the Christmas concert.

A variety of Food Trucks are available in the parking lot with menu items to purchase and will be open from 5-9pm. We provide complimentary cookies, cocoa, coffee, popcorn and cotton candy.

Follow @gatheringchurchaz on Instagram and Facebook for photos, videos, updates—and check out last year’s recap on our site!

Worship Night in the Park is a special evening happening on December 28th from 6 PM - 9 PM. Volunteers are needed for roles like First Impressions, Hospitality, Greeters, Parking and Operations.

You can reach Tara Morgan (Christmas in the Park Director) at taramorgan@gatheringchurch.org.

The Gathering Church meets at The Vista Center for the Arts located at 15660 N Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona. We have 3 gatherings, 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30am. At The Gathering, we know we weren’t made to live life on our own. We want to help people find true community so that we can live the life full of purpose and belonging that Jesus created us to live. To find out more check out gatheringchurch.org.

• Seating is provided

• Please follow signs for parking, volunteers will be able to direct you.

• We provide complimentary cookies, cocoa, coffee, popcorn and cotton candy. A variety of Food Trucks are available in the parking lot with menu items to purchase and will be open from 5-9pm.

• There are a limited number of public restrooms available as well as portable restrooms.

• We kindly ask that you do not smoke or vape during our family friendly event.

• No costumes and bags are subject to be searched.