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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Washington County Holiday events
Washington SNOW Blitz (Nov. 27)
Main Street Washington will host the SNOW Blitz Saturday, Nov. 27, which will combining a number of events into one day.
From 8-10 a.m., the United Presbyterian Church will host Breakfast with Santa, Sponsored by Community 1st Credit Union. The Washington Lions Club will prepare a pancake breakfast and Santa will be on-site to visit with children.
The Lions will be available to take photos of kids meeting Santa, but guests are welcome to take their own.
Tickets are available at the door and cost $6 for adults or $3 for children 3 and over.
At 9 a.m., The Jingle Bell Run kicks off in downtown Washington. There’s a 5k run (or walk) around the square and a 1-mile fun run (or walk) in Central Park. Registration is $25 for ages 10 and up, or $10 dollars for anyone younger, plus one canned good donated to HACAP. Sign up begins at 8 a.m. that day at JP’s 207.
Costumes and themes are highly encouraged. Proceeds go to Lights Around the Square and Paws & More.
10 a.m.-3 p.m., several small business downtown will be open for Small Business Saturday.
5 p.m. is the Lighting Ceremony, where a special visitor from the North Pole will light the square & the Lights of Love Memorial trees.
5:30 p.m. is the start time for the 26th Annual Lighted Holiday Parade. Entrants are encouraged to use their imagination and be creative with their floats: awards will be given for first, second and third place prizes to the most festive parade entries. Please arrive at 4:30 p.m. for parade entry registration and judging at the corner of W. Washington Street and B Avenue.
Main Street Washington asked parade participants to follow a few guidelines for the event:
- Please do not throw candy or handouts. Distribution is allowed, but must be handed to parade watchers.
- DO NOT use a representation of Santa or Mrs. Claus, in parade floats, although elves and other holiday characters are acceptable. This will help to avoid duplication and confusion for young spectators as the final entry of the parade is designated for Santa Claus.
- All entries/floats MUST BE Lighted in some way.
Washington Wonderland (Nov. 27- Jan. 1)
The dates are set for this year’s Holiday lights & decorating contest for Washington businesses and homeowners.
Maps will be available before the start date, letting you take a tour and vote for your favorite decorated Washington business or home.
If you want to be on the map, contact Alisha at alisha@washingtoniowa.org or call at 319-653-3272.
YMCA of Washington County Annual Dinner (Dec. 1)
The Y’s annual dinner will be held at JP’s 207 this year, with Social Hour from 5-6 p.m., and dinner and a program from 6-7 p.m.
Guests must RSVP by Nov. 24, so call 319-653-2131 today!
Cookies and Canvas (Dec. 1)
The Kirkwood regional center will host an annual fun and family-friendly painting class for ages 5 and up, from 6-7:30 p.m.
The instructor has chosen a Christmas painting and will make it easy for you to create your very own art master piece. Step-by-step instructions will be provided so even little hands will have no problem creating a work of art.
It’s about having fun, socializing, and -of course- eating cookies!
Parents can choose if they’d like to paint alongside their students.
Registrations must be made by calling 319-653-4655 or in person at the Washington County Regional Center. To register please call 319-653-4655
Christmas in Kalona (Dec. 4)
On the first Saturday of every December, Kalona is filled with holiday cheer! Shopping experiences, kids activities, photos with Santa, music, an evening Christmas tree Walk, and more.
SCHEDULE
All day: Kids’ Walking Stocking — pick up a stocking at the Kalona Chamber or YMCA and visit participating businesses to fill your stocking with complimentary festive goodies.
9 a.m. — 1 p.m. in Downtown Kalona:
- Live Music
- Campfires along the Sidewalks
- Several Downtown Businesses open for shopping and eating
9 a.m. — 1 p.m. at the Kalona YMCA
- Kalona Christmas Market
- Kids’ Activities — face painting, cookie decorating, ornament making, etc.
- Santa arrives at 10 a.m. for photos
6-8:30 p.m., Kalona Historical Village
- Christmas tree Walk — enjoy and vote on your favorite Christmas trees, decorated by community businesses and organizations.
- Caroling
- Warm Drinks & Treats
Candlelight tour of homes (Dec. 4-5)
The Washington Tour of Homes highlights a number of beautifully decorated homes for the holidays. The Washington Chamber of Commerce aims to find a variety of homes from newer construction to historical buildings and everything in between.
On top of being sure to put you in the holiday spirit, proceeds from this event fund the Lights Around the Square event. While the event will feature several locations, some items on the list include the homes of:
- Scott & Cassie Goodwin, 2266 Hwy 1 & 92
- Bob & Diane Gallagher, 2511 190th St.
- Craig & Tina Montz, 2351 190th St.
- Repurpose It (Ornament Craft & Appetizers), 107 W Second St.
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
Santa reads stories to children at a previous year’s Breakfast with Santa. (David Hotle/The Union)
Main Street Washington's Lights of Love trees will illuminate Central Park until Jan. 4. (James Jennings/The Union)
Four houses in a row on Washington Boulevard show holiday joy with a variety of lights. (Caitlin Yamada/ The Union)
Last year’s Cookies and Canvas event was virtual, and hosted by UnityPoint Health Hospice and Cedar Memorial (photo submitted)
Union file photo Guests to the Christmas in Kalona, enjoying a day full of cookies, ornament decorating and other free activities all around the downtown area.
Union photo by Jacob Chung Horse drawn carriages offer rides to guests at the Christmas in Kalona event, Dec. 7.
Submitted photo from Joel and Darci Witthoft, whose their family was featured in 2019’s candlelit tour of homes.
