The Annual Grand Lighting Ceremony will be held this Thursday, November 21st at 5-p.m. at the Historic Rock Island Depot in Downtown Atlantic. A free, hot dog meal will be provided, and there’s free hot chocolate available at the Chamber tent. Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith says “Atlantic is one of Travel Iowa’s best places to celebrate the Christmas Season and Grand Lighting is a big reason why. There are over 200,000 lights strung throughout the trees on Chestnut Street as well as City Park that helps create this magical scenery for everyone to enjoy.

Santa will make his special helicopter arrival (weather and an emergency pending), at 5:30-p.m., to turn on the lights and see children in his cabin from 6 – 7:30 PM. Don’t forget to pick up your Christmas brochure from area retail businesses, “like” the Chamber on Facebook, or follow on Twitter to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities at www.christmasinatlantic.com.