Elk City, OK – Mayor Micah Kilhoffer says preparations are underway for the city's annual Christmas in the Park celebration at Ackley Park.

During a recent interview, Kilhoffer said crews began getting ready shortly after the city's flea market wrapped up.

The mayor joked that it's hard to believe Christmas preparations are beginning in early October, especially with temperatures hovering around 90 degrees.

While crews may not be hanging lights just yet, Kilhoffer says the work of preparing the displays has already started.

He praised city employees for the work they put into the annual attraction and said he always looks forward to seeing the finished product.

Kilhoffer also hopes to see the decorations continue expanding farther north as the display grows.

Christmas in the Park has become a holiday tradition in Elk City, featuring millions of Christmas lights and hundreds of festive displays.

The attraction has traditionally included train and carousel rides, visits with Santa and other family activities.

An official schedule for the 2026 Christmas in the Park season has not yet been announced, but preparations are already underway.

Copyright 2026 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.