(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Listed as Travel Iowa’s number one Christmas destination, downtown Atlantic lights up six blocks with nearly 200,000 lights for the holiday season. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, says “I look forward to Christmas in Atlantic every year. It’s a big tourist season for our community with people from all over the state, and outside Iowa, coming to see our downtown. It also provides the community with free family activities the entire months of November and December, while encouraging holiday shopping at our incredible locally owned businesses.” The Atlantic Area Chamber is excited to announce Gregg Young of Atlantic as the presenting sponsor for this year’s Christmas festivities.

Smith said “We’re so excited to partner with Gregg Young of Atlantic to help execute the tradition that is Christmas in Atlantic. With their partnership, we’ll be enhancing events as well as adding a few fun surprises for the community.” Christmas in Atlantic kicks off Saturday, November 11th with the Holiday Open House. Visit local retailers to get a holiday sneak peek and enjoy treats, giveaways and special promotions. New this year, the Chamber has partnered with retailers to launch the ‘Holiday Punch Card’. November 11th – December 18th, when you spend $20 at a participating business, you’ll receive a custom punch on your card. Once it’s filled, turn it into the Atlantic Area Chamber for your chance to win $50 in AtlantiCash, which will be drawn every Friday beginning November 17th. A grand prize drawing, valued at over $1,000, will be drawn December 18th. For a list of participating businesses, visit www.atlanticiowa.com.

For the seventh year in a row, 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 and Cappel’s Ace Hardware. According to Bailey Smith, “Last year we sold $40,000 in about 45 minutes, our highest dollar amount yet. The goal this year is to sell another $40,000, all of which goes back into Atlantic businesses.” For one day only, community members can come to the Chamber on Saturday, November 11th and buy a pack of $100 in AtlantiCash for $80, a 20% discount. Up to three packs, totaling $300, may be purchased. The discounted AtlantiCash will be available from 9 AM – 12 PM, or till supplies last.

The Annual Grand Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Atlantic Municipal Utilities, will be Thursday, November 16th at 5 PM at the Historic Rock Island Depot in downtown Atlantic. Santa will have a special arrival at 5:30 PM to turn on the lights and see children in his cabin from 6 – 7:30 PM at City Park.

The Lighted Parade and Fireworks will be held December 2nd, starting at 6 PM. 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. The Lighted Parade and Fireworks is sponsored by A.M. Cohron & Son, McDermott & Son Roofing and Rush, CPA & Associates.

Prior to the Lighted Parade on December 2nd, visit Santa in his cabin where you can enjoy hot chocolate and treats, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides, sponsored by Lloyd & Meredith and Roland Funeral Home, from 3-5:30 PM. Visit www.atlanticiowa.com for Santa’s full holiday schedule. Santa’s Cabin is sponsored by the Atlantic Rotary Club and Farmhouse & Flowers.

Join Chamber officials and community members for the Holiday Concert and Angel of Christmas on December 3rd at the First United Church of Christ, starting at 3 PM. Submit your nominations for Angel of Christmas to the Atlantic Area Chamber by November 22nd. The Angel of Christmas is sponsored by Cass Health.

Pick up your Christmas Brochure and Holiday Punch Card 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.atlanticiowa.com.

Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017.