Festival of Lights

Kick off the holiday season with a visit from Santa Claus, lighted Christmas parade, gingerbread house contest, live music, a FREE Christmas movie, and more!
 

Activity highlights include:

• Holiday Movie - Enjoy a family-themed holiday movie in the Iowa Theater, sponsored by Farmers & Merchants State Bank.
• Live Music - Enjoy entertainment from local musicians to get you in the holiday spirit!  Music stage is on the west side of the courthouse steps.
• Santa Claus - Everyone's favorite jolly ol' elf will be in the courthouse to hear what's on your child's wishlist, and pose for photos!
• Hot Food & Drinks - Warm up with cocoa, cider, soup, and more as you anticipate the start of the parade and Santa's official arrival!
• Holiday Shopping with Local Businesses - Venture into the warm, cozy stores on the square to find unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list!
• Lighted Parade - Enjoy festively-decorated floats travelling around all sides of the square! 
• Gingerbread House Contest - Get creative and construct your own house made out of entirely edible materials!  See below for a copy of the rules and a registration form.  Prizes awarded for all the winners!
• Strolling Carolers - Winterset High School choir students are anxious to get you in the holiday spirit!  Wander into the warm lit stores on Winterset's courthouse square to hear familiar carols and spirited twists on holiday tunes!  
• Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest - Don your tackiest holiday sweater, and send us a photo!  Email your entry to chamber@madisoncounty.com, and you could win $25 in Chamber bucks!  Photos will be posted in the Chamber of Commece office for voting as well as on our Facebook page!  Voting will cease Friday, November 28th at 3:00 pm.
• Festive luminaries, warm burn barrels, & holiday cheer!