Conroe City Council on Sept. 24 approved two downtown items that will shape the fall and holiday season: a reduced-cost holiday lighting contract that moves the city’s Christmas display to Founders Plaza, and a $20,000 marketing grant for the Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival on Oct. 9 to 11.
Council renewed the city’s contract with The Christmas Kings at $126,210, down from $300,000, a savings of $173,790 and the second of five available renewals. The display moves from Candy Cane Park, where it was a drive-through last year, to a walking tour at Founders Plaza. Lights debut after the Dec. 1 tree lighting ceremony and will be on Thursday through Saturday evenings through Dec. 26, Executive Director of Downtown Development and Tourism Jodi Willard told the council. The city is partnering with the Downtown Conroe Association on the design, which Willard said will blend traditional Christmas decorations with an Americana theme.
The $20,000 grant for the 37th annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival is paid from the city’s hotel occupancy tax revenue after the event, under the city’s $125,000 special events grant budget. Organizers must document eligible marketing expenses and hotel stays before reimbursement. The festival runs Oct. 9 to 11 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, its second year at that location after moving from downtown Conroe in 2025. Friends of Conroe, the host nonprofit, told the city the festival expects 10,000 to 15,000 attendees and 450 hotel room nights.
Sources: Conroe City Council agenda packet, Sept. 24, 2026; Community Impact: Conroe approves downtown Christmas lights, $20K Catfish Festival grant.