Update — The lights are coming back to Legion Park. After a strong public response, the City of Owensboro has flipped the switch on its plans and announced the beloved Holiday in the Park at Legion Park will return.
Update — Following a strong public response to its decision to discontinue the “Holiday in the Park” display at Legion Park, the City of Owensboro is exploring ways to restore the seasonal tradition in some capacity. Full story here.
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The City of Owensboro will no longer hold its traditional Holiday in the Park at Legion Park; instead, it will expand its Hometown Christmas celebration with an expanded display downtown and along the riverfront.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the city said it remains committed to preserving the festive spirit at Legion Park, which will feature a lit tree and seasonal decorations around the shelter houses.
Additional city parks, including Ben Hawes Golf Course, Jack C. Fisher Park, the Parks Administrative Center, and the Edge Ice Center, will also feature holiday lights and decor across the community.
In partnership with the Daviess County Fiscal Court, many iconic light displays from Holiday in the Park will be donated to Christmas at Panther Creek.
“This collaboration will ensure these beloved traditions continue to brighten our community, adding to the festive spirit at Panther Creek Park during the 2025 holiday season,” the Facebook post said.
Seasonal photo opportunities will be available at Smothers Park and the Edge Ice Center, giving families perfect spots to capture holiday memories. Dates and times for these photo opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
City officials expressed their gratitude to the community for its support of Holiday in the Park over the years and look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the enhanced Hometown Christmas.
The city said they have plans to announce additions to Hometown Christmas in a release soon.
