Friday, Dec 5: Loras College’s 20th Annual Mysteries of Christmas performance featuring the Loras Choirs and the Wind Ensemble at 4pm and 7:30p in St. Joseph’s Chapel, Hoffmann Hall. Admission is free and treats will be provided.
Memory: My fondest memories are driving through Reflections in the Park. My favorite years were when I was younger and me and my cousins would sit in the back/trunk area of their minivan while going through the park. It always gave the best angle to view the lights!
Friday, Dec 5: Carnegie-Stout Public Library invites the community to kick off the holiday season at its annual Tree Lighting Celebration from 5:30p-7p. The official Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6p, followed by Story Time by the tree. This event is free and open to all, and no registration is required.
Memory: As a kid, I’ll always remember sledding at Bunker Hill. I think the opening in the fence is still the same! If you were brave enough (or dumb), you’d launch over the big brick wall. You know which one!
Friday, Dec 5: The Hazel Green Public Library will host Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6p-7:30p. Bring your camera for free photos while you meet Santa. There will also be hot cocoa, cookie decorating, free books, and a Story Walk.
Memory: A memory I will never forget… I was at a friend’s house on a December day with nothing to do inside, we decide to go sledding but we didn’t have sleds. So, our bright idea was to body slide down the hills. Well, on the way down the hill I slid right over a rock and broke my butt literally!!! Returning from winter break with a broken tailbone and having to carry a donut to sit on while in 6th grade, not ideal! But always a fun memory to giggle about. 🙂
Nightly: Hillcrest Reflections in the Park at Louis Murphy Park. Take a drive through between 5p-10p. Everyone gets a candy cane, and the dogs will even get a treat! $12 per vehicle, pay at the gate. $10 passes available at any Fidelity Bank.
Register below to win a 2-night stay at the Dittmar Farms Tree House!
Christmas Cocktail: Cranberry Old Fashioned. 1 part cranberry syrup 1 part bourbon, crushed ice. Mix together, stir, and top with orange slice. (to make syrup, combine a 12oz bag cranberries, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup sugar in sauce pan. Medium heat for 12 minutes, or until cranberries pop. Strain, and save.
Saturday, Dec 6: Immanuel Congregational UCC Church invites you to their Christmas with Santa event from 9a-12p at the Church, 1795 Jackson Street. Have your picture taken with Santa for free from 9:30a-11a, enjoy cookies, candy, baked goods and have your gifts wrapped. Turkey and dressing sandwiches and meals will be available.
Memory: Watching Santa come down the 4th street elevator – always the kick off to the holiday season.
Do you know of a fun, winter event happening in the Tri-State area?
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Memory: Having to wear wonder bread bags inside our boots to keep our feet dry while we went sledding.
Saturday, Dec 6: Grant Regional Health Center Auxiliary’s Festival of Trees at the Lancaster Congregational Church continues from 9a-12p at the Congregational Church on the Square, Lancaster, across street from Grantland Theater
Christmas Cocktail: White Christmas Cocktail. 1.5 oz vodka, 1.5 oz amaretto, 1.5 oz heavy whipping cream and freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish. Chill a martini or coupe glass.Pour vodka, amaretto, and whipping cream into ice-filled shaker. Shake until cold, then strain into the chilled glass.Grate a little nutmeg on top and enjoy!
Sunday, Dec 7: The Hazel Green Fire Department invites you and your family to come to the Fire Station from 10a-1p for holiday fun including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, games and crafts for all ages and a chance to see the fire trucks up close. (3930 Percival Street)
Register below to win a 2-night stay at the Dittmar Farms Tree House!
Sunday, Dec 7: Hazel Green Christmas and Craft Show will be held from 10a-3p in the Hazel Green High School Gym, 1105 Maple Street. Featuring 90 crafters, food by 4H, Santa’s Workshop for kids and free food provided by local businesses.
Memory: Snow meant going to the 2-tierd hill behind Keane Hall at Loras College. We would build a snow ramp at the bottom, pour a little water on to ice-it for more speed, then strap on the K-Tel short skis and try not to break anything. Good times!
Tuesday, Dec 9:
The Jackson County Historical Society invites you to their annual Holiday Soup Supper & Cookie Walk on Tuesday, December 9 at the Clinton Engines Museum, located at 605 E. Maple St., Maquoketa. The event begins at 12p with a brown bag lunch and continues thru 6:30p with the Cookie Walk and Supper.
Memory: Back when I was young, my family and cousins celebrated Christmas Day at my grandparents house on White St. Christmas night my cousins and I would spend the night. My grandparents would take us around to see the Christmas lights throughout the city. The following day we would go ice skating at Comiskey. We would put on our skates at their house and cut through the yards over to Comiskey.
Sunday, Dec 14: St. Donatus Luxembourg Heritage Society’s annual St. Nick Day & Cookie Walk 9a-11:30a at Kalmes Restaurant. Come meet the traditional St. Nicholas. A variety of cookies will be available for purchase during the cookie walk as well as other treats.
Memory: Back when we already had a snow storm or two by Thanksgiving (when I was a kid), Thanksgiving was always hosted at our house and my sister, brother, and a handful of the neighbor kids LOVED it! We lived at the end of a dead end road (never busy – plowed 2 days after the snow hits sort of place) and it was a long, steep, hill… impassable by most vehicles. It was our job to wait up at the top of the hill, in full snow gear, with our sleds in hand – to send the dressed up moms, aunts, and grandmas to my house for thanksgiving the only safe way we knew how ……. down the hill via saucer, or toboggan. You KNOW we didn’t ever intentionally send them sailing into the drift, or over a “surprise” jump, all dressed to the nines for the lovely occasion. hahaha – best!
Do you know of a fun, winter event happening in the Tri-State area?
Click here, let us know, and we’ll get it on our page!
Register below to win a 2-night stay at the Dittmar Farms Tree House!
