Listed as Travel Iowa’s number one Christmas destination, downtown Atlantic lights up six blocks with nearly 200,000 lights for the holiday season. “Christmas in Atlantic kicks” off Saturday, November 9th, with the Holiday Open House beginning at 9 AM. Visit local businesses to get a holiday sneak peek and enjoy treats, giveaways and special promotions. Participating locations include: Aunt B’s, Bonnesen’s, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Hanson’s Fine Jewelry, Jazzercise, The Franklin Market, The Picker’s Parlor, The Uppercut & More Boutique and Something For You.

Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith says also, that for the third year, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce will be offering AtlantiCash at a discounted price as part of their Holiday Promotion, sponsored by First Whitney Bank & Trust. Smith said “We wanted to think of something exciting to get people out shopping local. What better way than to offer AtlantiCash, which can only be spent in Atlantic, at a discount.” Two years ago, she said “We sold $10,000 in 20 minutes. Last year, we sold $15,000 in eight minutes. The goal this year is to sell $30,000, all of which goes back into Atlantic businesses.” For one day only, community members can come to the Chamber on Saturday, November 9th and buy a pack of $100 in AtlantiCash for $80, a 20% discount. Community members may purchase up to three packs. The discounted AtlantiCash will be available from 9 AM – 12 PM.

The Holiday Promotion is also sponsored by Hy-Vee, Olsen Fuel Supply, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Brymons Interiors, Fareway, Outfitters Outlet Store, Something For You and Unique Salon & Spa.

The Annual Grand Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Atlantic News Telegraph and Precision Concrete Services, will be Thursday, November 21st at 5-p.m., at the Historic Rock Island Depot in Downtown Atlantic. There will be free hot cocoa, and the Atlantic Hy-Vee will be serving free hot dogs for the community to enjoy. Santa will have a special arrival on his helicopter, weather pending, at 5:30-p.m., to turn on the lights and see children in his cabin from 6- until 7:30-p.m. Nov. 21st, at the City Park.

Prior to the Lighted Parade on December 7th, visit Santa in his cabin where you can enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides from 3-to 5:30-p.m. Visit www.christmasinatlantic.com for Santa’s full holiday schedule. Santa’s Cabin is sponsored by the Atlantic Rotary Club. The Lighted Parade and Fireworks will be December 7th, starting at 6-p.m. If you or your group/organization wishes to be in the parade, please submit your entry 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. The Lighted Parade and Fireworks is sponsored by A.M. Cohron & Son.

Join the Chamber for a Holiday Concert and Angel of Christmas on December 8th, at the First United Methodist Church, starting at 3-p.m. Submit your nominations for Angel of Christmas to the Atlantic Area Chamber by November 22nd. The Angel of Christmas is sponsored by Cass County Health System. Don’t forget to pick up your Christmas Brochure from area retail businesses, “like” the Chamber on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter, to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA, and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan).