Holidays

Surprise church’s holiday Gathering is becoming big event

5-day Christmas festival annually draws tens of thousands to Surprise

The “Christmas in the Park” celebration is set for 6 to 9 p.m. each night between Saturday, Dec. 20 and Wednesday, Dec. 24 at Mark Coronado Park.

Courtesy Gathering Church

The “Christmas in the Park” celebration is now in its fifth year.

Courtesy Gathering Church

“Journey to Bethlehem” is an immersive experience that realistically details Joseph and Mary’s travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Courtesy Gathering Church

The Gathering Church’s annual Christmas festival continues to get bigger each holiday season.

After drawing in 40,000 people last year, the local church is returning with its free, five-day “Christmas in the Park” event at Mark Coronado Park.

Now in its fifth year, the celebration is set for 6 to 9 p.m. each night between Saturday, Dec. 20 and Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 15960 N. Bullard Ave., and organizers said they plan for an even bigger crowd this year.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.

Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

I am anchor

Holidays

Surprise church’s holiday Gathering is becoming big event

5-day Christmas festival annually draws tens of thousands to Surprise

Courtesy Gathering Church

The “Christmas in the Park” celebration is set for 6 to 9 p.m. each night between Saturday, Dec. 20 and Wednesday, Dec. 24 at Mark Coronado Park.

Courtesy Gathering Church

The “Christmas in the Park” celebration is now in its fifth year.

Courtesy Gathering Church

“Journey to Bethlehem” is an immersive experience that realistically details Joseph and Mary’s travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Posted Wednesday, December 17, 2025 12:00 pm

The Gathering Church has a heart to serve our city and provide life and encouragement to our community.”

Jon Lepinski | The Gathering Church lead pastor

IF YOU GO

What: The Gathering Church’s “Christmas in the Park”

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 through Wednesday, Dec. 24

Where: Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Ave.

Admission: Free

Information: christmasintheparkaz.org

The Gathering Church’s annual Christmas festival continues to get bigger each holiday season.

After drawing in 40,000 people last year, the local church is returning with its free, five-day “Christmas in the Park” event at Mark Coronado Park.

Church officials said they are hoping to spread joy and unity throughout the community with the event.

“The Gathering Church has a heart to serve our city and provide life and encouragement to our community,” lead pastor Jon Lepinski said. “Celebrating our fifth anniversary of ‘Christmas in the Park’ is a tangible expression of this value.”

More than 1,800 volunteers have been helping put on the festival, which Lepinski said aims to “ensure residents receive a free, life-giving Christmas experience that is both memorable and nurturing.”

This year’s event will again feature music, plus a “Journey to Bethlehem” immersive experience that realistically details Joseph and Mary’s travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Families can stroll through the park and enjoy the Christmas lights and holiday displays.

The festival will also include pony rides, petting zoos, ornament making, bounce houses, face painting, axe throwing, batting cage and putt putt golf.

And don’t forget, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their annual stop there.

Attendees can also receive complimentary cookies, cocoa, coffee, popcorn, kettle corn and cotton candy.

Visit christmasintheparkaz.org for a full listing of activities,

The Gathering Church meets at the Vista Center for the Arts at 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays.