Christmas in the Park Campsite Reservations
Join in the festivities!
Registration for Christmas in the Park begins at 9:00am on Saturday, September 5th and closes at 5:00pm on Monday September 7th. The first 67 participants to register will be eligible for a site. All additional registrants will be added to the waitlist. Christmas in the Park will take place on December 11th and 12th 5:00pm to 9:00pm. For additional information, visit our website to view information about Tyler State Park’s events.
Due to high demand, we cannot accommodate all requests to be near / next to another participant. We thank you for your understanding ahead of time.
For additional information, suggestions or questions please contact the Park Headquarters at 903-597-5338 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
Participants must sign up individually. Group submissions will not be accepted.
Set Up 12/10/26 – 12/11/26 ** Ready by 4PM ** Take Down 12/13/26 **Vacated by 5PM**
Decorating: Thursday December 10th to Friday December 11th, 2026 (Sites must be complete and ready by 4pm)
Event Dates: Friday December 11th and Saturday December 12th, 2026
Event Time: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Clean-up: December 13th, 2026 (Site must be clean and vacated by 5:00pm)
Come help us celebrate a Pinywoods Christmas at Tyler State Park!
This agreement is to participate in decorating a site for our Annual Trail of lights and Food Drive. Should you secure a site, you will receive free camping and entrance for the above stated dates. Please remember to bring some canned goods or non-perishable food items to donate to our food drive. All donations will go to the East Texas Food Bank!
We have a few rules below that we need you to follow to make sure that the event runs smoothly. If you have any questions, please contact the office at 903-597-5338.
Rules:
- Participants receive free camping and entrance in return for decorating their camper and campsite for our annual Trail of Lights Food Drive. There are even prizes for the Best Site Award and Superintendent's Favorite Award.
- All State Park Rules and Regulations apply. Visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/parkinfo/rules_and_regulations/ for more information.
- Selling products or solicitation of donations within the park is prohibited.
- Displays that include alcohol, tobacco or drugs are prohibited.
- The state park is only responsible for providing the existing 30/50-amp electrical outlet; all other extension cords, outlets or plugs will be provided and maintained by the display participants. We will not be able to provide any extension cords for your use.
- All outdoor lights must meet the UL Standards for Safety.
- Make sure vehicles are parked in designated parking spaces at your campsite. Vehicles cannot be parked off pavement or in the grass.
- By 5:00pm on 12/11/26 and 12/12/26 barriers, cones and traffic coordinators will be in place to direct traffic during the Trail of Lights Event. Please remain at your campsite during this time and off the roads. If you need to leave your campsite via vehicle - please do so before or after the event.
- Make sure you are ready to start the event by 4:00pm. All lights and equipment should be checked and working at least 3 weeks prior to your participation and verified again once your site is set up prior to the event. Event will be held from 5:00pm-9:00pm.
- If you have visitors who plan to come see you during the event, they must follow the designated Trail of Lights route. Parking is available at Northside Day Use Area and the Boat Ramp. After the event ends, visitors may park at your campsite if there is parking available.
- No campfires/charcoal cooking during the event. We have had issues with smoke in the past and want to make sure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- Children must be supervised at all times. To ensure safety, the use of E-bikes and E-scooters is heavily discouraged during the event. It is against State Parks rules and regulations for minors to be unattended.
Should you need to cancel, please do so three weeks prior to the event or sooner so that we have time to find replacements. Anyone who cancels within three weeks of the event will not be eligible to participate (at no cost) in future events. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows are ineligible for participation in future events.
You may cancel your reservation via phone (903) 597-5338 or via email at audrey.nagel@tpwd.texas.gov
Inclement Weather Contingency PlanThe drive through light tour will continue as planned so please make sure your decorations are UL listed for outdoors, are attached or tied down; and cover electrical outlets appropriately.
For additional information, suggestions or questions please contact the park at (903) 597-5338.
Decoration ContestTyler State Park staff will be voting on the best decorations during the event with winners in the following categories.
- Best Site 2026 – will receive a sign to display at campsite and future events.
- Superintendent’s Favorite – will be used as promotional picture for next year’s advertising.
Judging will take place on Friday at 6:00pm by park staff.
We appreciate your cooperation with this and know that with your help we will have a great time and a very successful event!
Christmas in the Park takes place during the second weekend in December - you will be provided free camping and entrance for this event should you secure a spot on the list when registering. Set up is Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th . All sites must be completely set up and ready by 4pm on the 11th of December. The Trail of Lights event will be open to the public from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on the 11th and 12th of December. All lights must remain on until 10pm. Clean up will be Sunday the 13th.