Kick off the holiday season and discover historic downtown Atlantic during Grand Lighting on November 20, starting at 5:30 pm sponsored by Mahle Engine Components, CornerStone Landscaping. Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce say Mayor David Jones will kick off the holiday season with a sparkling cider toast, welcoming Santa and his reindeer to town and the unveiling of Santa’s new chair, hand built by an area resident. The Grand Lighting ceremony will be held in the Atlantic City Park on November 20th.

Chamber Director Quida Wymer says “We are excited to bring something new to Christmas in Atlantic this year for all ages,” Wymer said. “For the first time ever, Santa’s reindeer will be in the Atlantic City Park throughout the Christmas season, the first appearance will be during Grand Lighting.”

The evening of Grand Lighting is full of holiday cheer featuring: horse-drawn carriage rides sponsored by First Whitney Bank and Wells Fargo; hot coco and popcorn for all of Santa’s visitors and the Annual Recipe Walk. Warm up and enjoy flavors of the season in downtown retail stores. Participating businesses will offer sweet and savory treats and recipe cards for holiday favorites as you shop. Pick up a list of participating businesses at the Rock Island Depot, 102 Chestnut Street.
Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce businesses that would like to participate should contact Chelsea at the Chamber office, 712.243.3017.

Grand Lighting is only the beginning of the Chamber Sponsored holiday events, followed by the Lighted Parade and fireworks on December 6. Please submit lighted parade entries to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 712.243.3017 or emailing chamber@atlanticiowa.com. Pre-registration is not required, but is encouraged. Prior to the Lighted Parade on Dec. 6, visit Santa in his cabin where you can enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn, as well as, horse-drawn carriage rides 3-5 pm. Fill up with warm treats along Chestnut Street as served by several community organizations while shopping for the good boys and girls on your list.

Join us for the Holiday Concert, sponsored by Bonnessen’s Five & Ten, and Angels of Christmas, sponsored by Cass County Health Systems, on Dec. 7 at the First Methodist Church, starting at 3 pm. Submit your nominations for Angels of Christmas to the Atlantic Area Chamber by Nov. 12.

Santa will in his cabin every Thursday from 5:30-p.m-7:30-pm Nov. 20 through Dec. 18, sponsored by Atlantic Rotary Club. Carriage rides and Santa’s; reindeer will be in town Dec. 6 from 3-5 pm, as well as, Dec. 13 from 1:30-3:30 pm. Visit www.atlanticiowa.com for Christmas in Atlantic details.