The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce reports Santa’s Cabin will be open this Thursday in the downtown City Park, with a fresh smell of new cedar after the Atlantic Rotary Club repaired the roof and damaged logs last spring. Santa will be in his cabin to see children following the Grand Lighting ceremony at 5:30-p.m. (sponsored by MAHLE Engine Components and Corner Stone Landscaping), when more than 200,000 light bulbs are turned on to signal the start of the holidays.

Prior to Santa’s arrival, Chamber Director Megan Roberts said a sparkling cider toast will be given from the Grand Lighting Stage to celebrate the holiday kick off. In addition to a photo booth, free horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa and visits at Santa’s Cabin, the Chamber’s Holiday Recipe Walk will also be happening for attendees to enjoy from 5-7 p.m.

Roberts says “Many merchants will be open later on Thursday night, and we have nine stops on the Holiday Recipe Walk where attendees can sample holiday favorites and take home a recipe card for their own collection,” Roberts said. “This is all a part of our efforts at the Chamber to create activities on the Third Thursday of each month.”

A list of participating businesses will be handed out at the Grand Lighting Stage near the city park and include: The Atlantic Coca-Cola Center & Museum; Aunt B’s; Bonnesen’s; Camblin Plumbing & Heating; Cappel’s Ace Hardware; Downtowner Cafe & Catering; Cullen & Associates; Longaberger Consultant Dolly Bergmann, and Rex Pharmacy.

The Third Thursday in November is only the beginning of the Chamber sponsored holiday events, followed by the Lighted Parade on Dec. 7th. Roberts said parade entries are welcome by contacting the Atlantic Area Chamber at 712.243.3017 or emailing chamber@atlanticiowa.com for a registration form. Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged.