Fairfield’s Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony kicks off the season with family fun

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to gather in Central Park on Friday, Nov. 29, for the Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, a magical start to the season made possible by presenting sponsor Everybody’s Whole Foods. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature an array of holiday treats, activities, and cherished traditions.

The celebration will open with caroling led by the Fairfield High School chorus, filling the square with holiday cheer. Just before 6 p.m., Executive Director Mendy McAdam will introduce the Citizens of the Year, who will press the button to illuminate the square, officially welcoming the holiday season. As the lights glow, Santa Claus will make his grand entrance, arriving by horse-drawn wagon to open his house and workshop.

Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, everyone will enjoy complimentary hot cocoa compliments of ReHab Visions and Washington State Bank and cookies throughout the evening. Families can also delight in free horse-drawn wagon rides thanks to our friends at Dexter Laundry, adding to the evening’s festive charm. Santa’s House will remain open every Friday and Saturday until Christmas, welcoming children to share their holiday wishes.

Each child who visits Santa will receive a free book and candy cane, along with a photo to commemorate the moment. Candy Canes were made possible thanks to Hy-Vee and McDonalds. Books are thanks to AERON Lifestyle Technology, Smith Auto Parts and Sales Inc. and First MainStreet Insurance. They’ll also visit Santa’s Workshop, where they’ll receive a handmade ornament created by the high school Skills USA club. Children will have the opportunity to personalize their ornament with a photo and decorations, creating a lasting holiday keepsake.

“We are so grateful to our sponsors for helping us make this event free and memorable for our community,” said McAdams. “The lighting ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate the season together, and we can’t wait to see the square lit up with joy.”

It takes lots of great organizations to make sure this event remains free to our community. Cups and napkins were donated by Washington State Bank. Hot cocoa and marshmallows came from our friends at MidWestOne Bank.

The Fairfield Streets Department have worked for weeks making sure that everything is set up and our Christmas City has come to life for this event. Drish Construction safely delivered Santa’s House and Workshop to their resting spots on the square. June Lowenberg led the charge of upcycling all the wreaths that hang from the light poles. They now all have functioning LED lights and beautiful red bows. Her team of volunteers did all of them in just a few hours and for this we are grateful.

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! Stop in Santa’s Workshop to enter the Holiday Chamber Bucks Giveaway. Also look for area retailers with the Fairfield Festive Fridays sign. Make a purchase and enter to win Chamber Bucks. We will draw the first two winners on Monday, Dec. 2. The last three will be selected on Thursday, Dec. 19. Area retailers can sign up to be a stop for Fairfield Festive Fridays by emailing the Chamber at Info@FairfieldIowa.com.

Don’t forget the Chamber’s Trees of Lights Campaign. This Campaign accepts donations for the purchase of new, and maintenance of existing decorations on the square and around the community. One hundred percent of funds donated go into an account used exclusively for these decorations. Donations may be directed to the “Trees of Lights Campaign.”

If you would like more information about this event or want to help with a sponsorship, please contact the Chamber at 641-472-2111 or email Info@FairfieldIowa.com.

Santa House and Workshop Hours are from 6-8:30 p.m. on the following dates and volunteers will be from the local organizations listed (THANK YOU):

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