By Discover Northwest Nebraska
CHADRON, Neb. - 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 and organizations, are excited to promote a variety of holiday events this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
“Christmas is about spending time with your loved ones and fostering a sense of family and community,” said Kerri Rempp, director of Discover Northwest Nebraska. “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. 1 with unique special events and Christmas Markets including Ladies Night Out, the Pine Bough Bazaar, Shop Hometown Harrison, Kids Christmas Shopping and the the Kris Kringle Christmas Boutique. Other special occasions featured on the calendar are the Nutcracker Tea Party and Nutcracker ballet, the Spirits & Cheers Gala, Historical Christmas Dinner and the Chadron Art Guild Sale. Prepare to host holiday gatherings at your home with a Mocktails for Beginners class and a Foraged Wreath Workshop or make a jingle bell accessory at the Jingle Bell Craft Workshop, just in time for the Crawford Jingle Bell Parade.
Black Friday is Nov. 28 this year, and Shop Small Saturday is Nov. 29. The organizations involved with ‘A Country Christmas’ urge residents and visitors to patronize local businesses in Harrison, Crawford and Chadron during the holiday season and all year long.
“We love 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 to the Christmas cheer and holiday spirit while serving the community and our members the best way we can,” said Chadron Chamber Director Gabby Michna.
Chadron will celebrate Christmas on Main Dec. 4, bringing back a beloved tradition with Santa arriving on the Nebraska Northwestern Railroad train. Come out to Railroad Park to welcome Santa and then migrate one block south to the Downtown Plaza for food, live entertainment and the Community Christmas Tree lighting, followed by the Parade of Lights. Also taking place that evening is the Festival of Trees open house at the Dawes County Courthouse and the Chadron State College Holiday Concert at Memorial Hall.
Crawford’s Jingle Bell Parade and Community Tree Lighting will be Dec. 4 as well. Santa will make multiple appearances in Northwest Nebraska during ‘A Country Christmas’ as well, with his first-slated arrival Nov. 29 at The New Leaf Marketplace. He’ll return for numerous other appearances through Dec. 11.
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 and Crawford Chambers of Commerce once again will host annual Christmas lighting contests. 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.