Elkader will be home to holiday spirit throughout the next month
Pictured is the Central art department’s display in the 2024 Elkader Holiday Light Display. The art department and 40 businesses or groups will showcase displays this year. The event kicks off this Friday, Nov. 21, with the lighting at 6 p.m. The annual Jingle Mingle will take place the same day, from 4 to 6 p.m., with participating business offering holiday deals, treats and activities for shoppers. The Main Street Elkader Board will have hot cocoa, an ornament making station and live music at the event. (Photo by Jillian Webb Art)
By Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns | Times-Register
Elkader will be the home of holiday spirit this season with events planned throughout the next month.
Festivities kick off on Friday, Nov. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m., with the Elkader Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Jingle Mingle event. Participating businesses will offer shoppers special holiday deals, treats and activities.
At 6 p.m., the holiday happenings will move to the City Campground for the official kickoff to Elkader’s second annual Holiday Light Show.
The light show is organized by the Elkader Main Street Board, Elkader Area Chamber of Commerce and city of Elkader.
This year, over 40 businesses, organizations, churches or individuals have sponsored displays.
During the kickoff, the Main Street Elkader Board will host a Christmas ornament-making station at the shelter house (Floral Hall).
The Beaverdale Babies will add festive flair to the evening with live music from 5 to 7 p.m.
A holiday mailbox, sponsored by Norwex independent consultant Brittney Reinhart, will be stationed downtown throughout the holiday season.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, holiday fun at the Elkader Light Show will continue as guests are encouraged to wear their Christmas pajamas for “PJ Night.” Glow sticks will be available at the entrance for children while supplies last.
The Elkader Depot Museum will be open for its Christmas open house on Friday and Saturday, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Celebrate “National Shop Small Saturday” on Nov. 29 in Elkader with the Holiday Traditions Open House.
GEAR will hold its Breakfast with Santa event from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. (reservations required).
The Elkader Cinema will offer a free showing of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at 12 p.m.
EXIT Realty Driftless will host a meet-and-greet with Santa from 1 to 3 p.m. at their Elkader office.
Clip Clops Carriage Rides out of St. Olaf will offer festive horse-drawn sleigh rides at the Elkader Library from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, will see guests outfitted in their ugly Christmas sweaters gather for a run through the Elkader light display.
Santa will visit the shelter house at the City Campground on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Clayton County SxS Riders group will also be organizing a ride.
Pedretti’s Bakery and Wilke’s Marketplace will partner to sponsor a cookie-decorating event on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m.
If the weather allows, on Dec. 27, visitors are invited to tour the Holiday Light Show in their snowshoes or snow skis.
Hot cocoa will be available in the shelter house during most events.
The last day of this year’s Elkader Light Show will be Jan. 1.
Additionally, a holiday window decorating contest will occur during December. Visitors and community members are invited to vote on their favorite by scanning a QR code.
More information on the light show and other local holiday events can be found on the Main Street Elkader and the Elkader Area Chamber of Commerce websites and Facebook pages.
