Fairfield to host holiday-themed events

Fairfield will offer residents a plethora of holiday-themed events to attend from late November through Christmas this year.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

See the town square light up the night at the Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Fairfield on Friday, Nov. 26 in Fairfield’s Central Park. This event is sponsored by Everybody’s Whole Foods. Festivities start in the dark at 5:30 p.m. with the talented singers from the Fairfield High School Choirs leading the community in a sing-a-long of holiday favorites.

At 5:55 p.m. the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Darien Sloat will announce the person named by the Chamber’s Christmas Committee as a citizen who exemplifies the Christmas season, and that person will get to throw the switch that will light up the entire square in the blink of an eye, turning the darkness into a holiday wonderland.

Shortly thereafter, Santa will arrive by escort to open the Santa House on the northeast corner of the square where he will listen to children’s hopes and dreams for the best Christmas ever. There will also be free horse drawn wagon rides around the square.

“This is an evening not to be missed!” Sloat said.

Santa House

The new Santa House was built by Teresa & Jim Huffman, and their staff at JC Huffman Cabinetry, in 2019.

“This beautiful house will make Santa smile, and the kids too as they sit next to him enjoying the fireplace that will keep the house warm,” Sloat said.

While you’re waiting, grab some free hot chocolate at the Cocoa Hut. Kids can have their picture taken by one of Santa’s elves and then have it magically transported to Santa’s Workshop next door where more elves will help children pick out a free ornament that will hold the picture. Kids can even help decorate these keepsakes.

Children will have many opportunities to see Santa in his house and workshop on Friday and Saturday nights in the days leading up to Christmas. He will be there from 6-8:30 p.m. on the following days:

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26-27

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10-11

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 17-18

And one final time on Thursday, Dec. 23.

Chamber bucks

Once again, the Chamber will be giving away five $50 Chamber Bucks gift certificates during the holiday season as an incentive for residents to shop local. Look at the Chamber website to find out which merchants will be having sign up containers in their store. Sign up will begin on Nov. 18 and run through Dec. 19.

Tree of Lights

The Fairfield Chamber’s Tree of Lights program accepts donations for the purchase of new, and maintenance of existing decorations on the square and around the community. All funds donated go into an account used exclusively for these decorations. Donations may be directed to the “Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce – Tree of Lights Program.”

Maasdam Barns

Fairfield’s historic Maasdam Barns will host Christmas at the Barns on three days, Saturday, Nov. 27 and the following weekend Friday-Saturday, Dec. 3-4.

“Our historic Maasdam Barns have their own unique charm, history, and experience. But wait til you see them decked out for the holidays,” stated a flyer from Visit Fairfield Iowa. “We’ll be building on our Dutch heritage and country charm to offer a unique holiday experience, from holiday trees to a vintage St. Nicholas riding in on a horse-drawn sleigh.”

The public is invited to wagon rides, marshmallow roasting and photos with Santa.

The event lasts from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 27 and Dec. 3, and from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 4.

St. Nicholas will make a few special appearances during Christmas at the Barns at Maasdam Barns in Fairfield. He will be there on:

Saturday, Nov. 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Carnegie Holiday Corner

Festive holiday trees will line the east and south sides of the Carnegie Historical Museum in Fairfield. Each tree will be in honor of a family member or friend. The trees will be up from Nov. 26-Dec. 31.

Shop & Be Merry

Join Fairfield shops for festive sales and events on Dec. 3-4.

“From gifts for home, grandmas, babies, and even those hard to buy for people in your life, Fairfield shops are ready to help make this holiday one of your best,” stated Visit Fairfield Iowa.

Holiday Trade Fair

Vendors will fill the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center for the Holiday Trade Fair Dec. 3-4.

Wine Holiday Open House

Cedar Valley Winery hosting an open house with wine tastings and custom gift baskets on Dec. 4.

Million Dollar Christmas

The Fairfield Arts & Convention Center will host the show “Million Dollar Christmas” featuring four great rock ‘n’ rollers (Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash) for a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

Christmas Craft & Vendor Show

Even if time is running out to buy those Christmas gifts, you’ve got a great opportunity to shop for their whole family at the Christmas Craft & Vendor Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center.

Chamber Singers Holiday Concert

The Chamber Singers of Southeast Iowa have been rehearsing for months for their Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 (location to be determined). The Chamber Singers last performed during a mini-concert on May 27.

Christmas Eve Parade

Fairfield Rotary Club is planning to hold its 99th Annual Christmas Eve Parade on Dec. 24. In past years, parade participants assembled at the National Guard Armory, where they began their trek around town before finishing in Fairfield’s Central Park. The parade normally includes Santa and Mrs. Claus in the sleigh, their elves, and a team of carolers. After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children in their sleigh, providing them with goodie bags and hearing what they want for Christmas.