The holiday season in Amarillo officially sparked to life this weekend as families gathered at the Amarillo Civic Center for the city’s first-ever Ready, Set, Christmas tree lighting event. The new celebration, hosted by Amarillo Parks and Recreation, blended festive traditions with family-friendly fun, creating an atmosphere that felt both fresh and comfortingly familiar.
The evening kicked off outdoors with a cheerful performance from the Sundown Lane Elementary choir. Bundled in coats and scarves, students sang Christmas favorites while parents recorded the moment and younger siblings danced or tugged on mittens. It was the kind of simple, joyful scene that captures the heart of community holiday gatherings—kids singing their hearts out and families soaking in every second.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted from musical cheer to full-blown Christmas magic. Kelsey Sargent, recreation and special events supervisor for Amarillo Parks and Recreation, noted just how much effort had gone into making this first-time event a success. “It’s an amazing feeling,” Sargent said. “As an event coordinator, you envision all of these events and you’re really excited to see people when they’re here. It just kind of makes your heart feel really full.” Her description matched the mood in the Civic Center lobby, where families posed for photos, made holiday crafts, and wandered through activity stations designed to entertain kids and adults alike.
Beloved Christmas characters—including the Grinch and Buddy the Elf—made surprise appearances, adding humor and excitement to the evening. And in keeping with a classic tradition, families settled in for a free screening of The Polar Express, many children clutching cups of cocoa or waving the tiny jingle bells handed out at the door. The entire event felt crafted to help families slow down, reconnect, and enjoy simple holiday moments often lost in the December rush.
Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley highlighted exactly that sense of connection. “Events like this reflect the spirit here in Amarillo, Texas, because we truly are about family and fun and friends,” Stanley said. “It’s special to see grandma, granddad, mom and dad, and the little ones all enjoying what community should be about.” His words echoed the atmosphere of the night—a multigenerational blend of people laughing, visiting, and making memories together.
Stanley also praised the Parks and Recreation and Civic Center staff for organizing a celebration that brought the community together in a meaningful way. For a first-year event, the turnout and enthusiasm suggested that Ready, Set, Christmas is already on track to become a cherished local tradition.
City officials said they hope to continue building on the event in the coming years, and residents won’t have to wait long for more seasonal fun. Parks and Recreation has several holiday activities planned throughout December, including a Christmas “Swim-In” movie night on Dec. 6 and two Breakfast with Santa sessions on Dec. 13 at the Warford Activity Center.
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