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Wide shot of the park lit up at night
Our Story

27 Years of Magic,
Community, and Light

What started with a single lit gazebo has become one of South Texas' most beloved holiday traditions.

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Open Nightly Nov 24 — Jan 1

27 Seasons and
Counting
275+ Handcrafted
Light Scenes
100k+ Visitors Each
Season
Always Free Admission,
Every Night
THE BEGINNING

It All Started
With a Gazebo

In the year 2000, a small group of Cuero residents had a simple idea: light up the gazebo in Cuero Municipal Park for the holidays. That first glow sparked something much bigger.

Neighbors started adding scenes. Volunteers showed up with tools and string lights. Word spread beyond DeWitt County.

Twenty-seven seasons later, Cuero's Christmas in the Park has grown into a breathtaking drive-through experience featuring over 275 handcrafted lighted scenes, thousands of LEDs, and visitors from across the state.

Early years of Cuero Park Lights

The gazebo that started it all

Lake Nativity Reflection
OUR DIFFERENCE

Built by Hand, Given with Heart

Unlike many commercial light shows across Texas, Cuero's Christmas in the Park is not a ticketed attraction. It is a gift from the community to the community.

Every scene in the park has been handcrafted, donated, or sponsored by local families, businesses, and organizations. Admission has been free since opening night, and it always will be.

From the 85-foot Paddlewheel Boat to the 17-piece Lake Island Nativity, each display tells a story that belongs to Cuero.

Always Free
100% Volunteer
THE ATTRACTIONS

Scenes That Bring Families Back

Lake Island Nativity

Lake Island Nativity

A stunning 17-piece nativity set on the lake island. The reflection on the water doubles the beauty, making it one of the most photographed scenes.

Paddlewheel Boat

85-Foot Paddlewheel

One of the largest handcrafted light displays you will find at any holiday event in South Texas. A true landmark of the park.

Themed Worlds

Themed Worlds

From gingerbread houses and Victorian streetscapes to "Sassy" the Sea Serpent, the variety keeps visitors coming back.

Explore All Scenes
Background

Award-Winning, Year After Year

Cuero's Christmas in the Park has been voted "Best Holiday Event" in The Victoria Advocate's Crossroads "Best of the Best" awards every year from 2012 through 2022, earning the "Best Festival" title in multiple years as well.

Best of the Best Award

A Beloved Local Tradition

THE COMMITTEE

The People Behind
The Lights

Cuero's Christmas in the Park is organized and maintained by the December Events Committee (DEC), an ad-hoc committee of the Cuero Development Corporation. This dedicated group of volunteers coordinates everything from scene installation and electrical work to nightly operations and community events like Hot Chocolate Nights.

The event is made possible each year by the generous support of sponsors, partners, and volunteers including the City of Cuero, Cuero Police Department, Cuero Volunteer Fire Department, TrustTexas Bank, H-E-B, and dozens of local businesses and families.

Our Founders

The vision for Christmas in the Park began with five community members whose passion for Cuero set everything in motion: Larry Carter, JoAnn and Buzz Edge, Kay and Jay Lewis, Mary Polansky, and Diana Blank Torres.

Volunteers working together

The December Events Committee

GET INVOLVED

Keep the Lights Shining

Donate

Your donations keep the park growing. Every dollar goes directly toward maintaining existing scenes and building new ones. Give online through PayPal or at Santa's House at the end of the tour.

Give Today

Volunteer

From scene setup in the fall to nightly operations during the season, there is always a way to help. We welcome individuals, families, and groups.

Join the Team

Membership

Join the December Events Committee and help shape the future of this beloved Cuero tradition. Meetings are open to the public.

Become a Member
Christmas lights

Experience the Magic
This Season

Open nightly from the Monday before Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Free admission. Hundreds of scenes. One unforgettable tradition.

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