Celebrate ‘A Country Christmas in Northwest Nebraska’

By Discover Northwest Nebraska

CHADRON – The countdown to the holidays has begun, and Northwest Nebraska is full of old-fashioned Christmas spirit!

From shopping events that feature unique gift items for your loved ones to fun decorating opportunities and family-friendly events, Northwest Nebraska is a great place to spend the holidays. Discover Northwest Nebraska and the Chadron and Crawford Chambers of Commerce, along with local businesses, are excited to promote a variety of holiday events this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

The Festival of Trees will return to the Dawes County Courthouse in Chadron as part of the festivities of A Country Christmas. The trees will be available for viewing after Thanksgiving through the end of the year, and a special open house with live music and refreshments will take place following the Parade of Lights Dec. 1 until 8 p.m. Photo by Kerri Rempp/Discover Northwest Nebraska

“Christmas is about pictures and memories,” said Mike Kesselring of Chadrad Communications, one of the businesses involved in the marketing effort. “As we have drawn from the Northwest Nebraska Christmas celebrations and get-togethers and collected them under the banner of ‘A Country Christmas,’ it has been with that in mind.”

Events kick off Nov. 11 with unique shopping opportunities at the Pine Bough Bazaar. Other shopping occasions include Shop Hometown Harrison Nov. 18-19, the Kris Kringle XMAS Boutique Dec. 3 and the Sandoz Center Art Show & Sale, Dec. 2. Shop Small Saturday is Nov. 26, and the organizations involved with ‘A Country Christmas’ urge residents and visitors to patronize local businesses in Harrison, Crawford and Chadron.

Santa will once again light the Chadron Community Christmas tree Dec. 1 as part of the events in A Country Christmas in Northwest Nebraska. A complete schedule and additional information on the festivities can be found at http://discovernwnebraska.com/a-country-christmas. Photo by Kerri Rempp/Discover Northwest Nebraska

“We are anxious and excited to see the outcome of joining forces with so many entities in Northwest Nebraska to pull off a well-rounded ‘Country Christmas’ for our community and surrounding area. With something for all demographics to enjoy during the holiday season, we are thrilled to continue adding the Christmas cheer and holiday spirit while serving the community and our members the best way we can,” said Chadron Chamber Director Gabby Michna.

Fun family activities include two parades, community tree lightings, a Christmas Cruise and a performance of “The Nutcracker.” Santa will make multiple appearances in Northwest Nebraska during ‘A Country Christmas’ as well, with his first-slated arrival Nov. 26 at The New Leaf. The New Leaf is also featured on Nebraska’s inaugural Holiday Passport program, so get your booklets and stop by between Nov. 19-Jan. 1 to get your stamp and pick up some great gifts!

Businesses, organizations and individuals can also help create the ‘Country Christmas’ winter wonderland for visitors and residents to enjoy. The annual Festival of Trees at the Dawes County Courthouse returns this year, and businesses and organizations are invited to set up a decorated tree at the courthouse. The Chadron Chamber of Commerce once again will host its annual Christmas lighting contest. There are registration deadlines coming up soon to participate.

You can find the full schedule, additional information and event registration forms for ‘A Country Christmas’ at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce or at http://discovernwnebraska.com/a-country-christmas.