In the vast, open expanses of South Central Kansas, the night sky is a dominant force. It is deep, dark, and endless. But every year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the darkness over Pratt, Kansas, is pushed back by a collective act of community will.
Lemon Park Lights is not just a holiday display; it is a beaming, electric testament to what a small town can achieve when it decides to create magic for its children. The tradition began 35 years ago with a simple vision from the event's founder, Deb Goyen."I used to run through the park 35 years ago," Goyen recalls. "It was beautiful in the summer with ball games and picnics, but unused and barren in the winter. I thought it would look gorgeous full of lights." Goyen pitched the idea to the local Chamber of Commerce and rallied banks, clubs, and businesses to sponsor the first eight displays. Today, that initial spark has exploded into a winter wonderland that draws visitors from miles around.
A Drive Through the Glow
The experience of Lemon Park Lights is designed to be accessible to everyone. As you turn off South Pine Street, the real world falls away. The decorated route covers a specific footprint within the larger park—a 0.8-mile drive or a one-mile walking loop—creating a ribbon of luminescence in the dark. Visitors have two choices: the warmth of their car or the crisp crunch of the walking trail. The drive-through is a slow-rolling parade, but the walking path offers a different intimacy. Here, you can spot the unique details that make Pratt's display so personal:
- The Hanging Lights: A romantic tunnel of lights that you drive under, these were ingeniously crafted from salvaged strings of half-broken lights. "We salvaged the good halves to create the effect," Goyen explains. They have become a local "lover's lane," serving as the site for at least two marriage proposals.
- The Peeking Elves: A favorite among children, these "half-elves" peeking out from behind trees were born of necessity. "I created them because full elf figures were too expensive," says Goyen. "So we made 'half elves' peeking out of trees to save money."
- The Moose: Goyen’s personal favorite, a wire sculpture by a Utah artist covered in lights. However, she admits there is some internal debate about it: "Ron [who helps maintain the park] despises it because it is very difficult to fix if a light goes out."
- The Hidden Frog: What started as a joke involving a "wandering llama" that kept appearing in the Nativity scene has evolved into a game where a lighted frog is hidden in a new spot each year for kids to find.
Just outside the main park on 6th Street, you’ll find the "12 Days of Christmas" display. Added around 2012, this separate attraction ensures the main park doesn't feel cluttered, giving each area its own distinct character.
The Heart of the Park: "Christmas in the Park"
If the lights are the body of the event, the annual kickoff, "Christmas in the Park," is its soul. Held this year on November 22, 2025, this opening ceremony is a masterclass in small-town spirit. “It is a 'Hallmark moment,'" Goyen describes. "The high school band marches in with lights wrapped around their instruments and uniforms, and Santa arrives on a sleigh with them. It’s very hometown."
Perhaps the most beloved tradition involves the local Fire Department, who are on hand every year to pass out bags of roasted peanuts—a treat that has become synonymous with the holiday season in Pratt.
The organizers operate on a simple, powerful premise:
Magic should be free. The kickoff event features hayrides, a soup dinner, treats, and visits with Santa—all at no cost.
A Blueprint for Community Spirit
What makes Lemon Park Lights truly special—and a model for other communities—is the invisible infrastructure that powers it. This is not a corporate pop-up. It is a labor of love involving a complex ecosystem of cooperation.
- The Volunteers: Local civic groups and tireless individuals spend weeks testing bulbs. This year features a new memorial display—a cat with a red bow—honoring a resident who cared for the city's feral cats.
- Live Traditions: While the early days of live mule teams and full living nativities became hard to sustain, the spirit has returned. Volunteers like Chris Drake and Ron now bring their wagons and horses several times a week to offer rides, keeping the rustic history of the park alive.
- The Funding: The event runs on donations. The donation box at the end of the route is a voluntary "thank you" that funds the next year's magic.
It creates a cycle of ownership. When a teenager drives through the park, they aren't just looking at a city service; they are looking at lights their neighbors, teachers, and parents helped install.
Why It Matters
In the quiet moments of a December night, Lemon Park offers something more than just a photo opportunity. It offers a sense of
place. For the residents of Pratt, it is a yearly reminder that they live in a town that cares enough to light up the dark. For other communities looking for inspiration, Lemon Park Lights is proof that you don't need a massive municipal budget or a theme park contract to build a legacy. You just need a park, a plan, and a community willing to work together to keep the lights on.
Plan Your Visit: Lemon Park Lights 2025
The Basics
- Location: Lemon Park, 906 S Pine St, Pratt, KS 67124
- Admission: Free (Free-will donations gratefully accepted to fund future displays)
The Schedule
- Season Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Hours: Nightly from Dusk - 11 PM
- Kickoff Event: Christmas in the Park
- Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
- Time: Late afternoon/Evening (Check local listings for specific activity times)
- Don't Miss: The marching band with lighted instruments and the Fire Department's roasted peanuts.
Pro-Tips
- Walk or Drive: The route is 0.8 miles if driving, but a full mile if walking. Walking allows you to play the "Find the Frog" game!
- Dress Warm: If you plan to walk, the Kansas prairie wind can be chilly in December!
- Accessibility: The paved roads make the light tour accessible for residents of all mobility levels.
