Washington County events

The city of Brighton, Junk Yard Dogs, Tommy’s Helping Hands and the Churches of the Brighton Ministerial Association will hold a free Thanksgiving Dinner at Brighton City Hall Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Doors open at 10:45.

Those interested can call 815-441-1512 to make reservations for dine-in or carryout. Delivery will not be available this year.

Nov. 25-26 Washington SNOW Events

Breakfast with Santa 8-10 am: Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for children 3+ and over. They are available at the door or in advance from Main Street Washington in office or online. The event is at the United Presbyterian Church, located at 209 E. Main Street

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Jingle Bell 5k/ Fun Run, 9 a.m.: those who register in advance with money and canned food items can run (or walk) the festive Jingle Bell Run, which goes through much of the city as participants don festive, sometimes noisy costumes.

5 p.m., Live Radio Play at the Washington Public Library. 30 min — Sherlock Christmas Story; 30 min — Father Knows Best.

6 p.m. Downtown Lighting Ceremony

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6:30 p.m. 28th Annual Lighted Parade, After the parade, stick around for horse-drawn carriage rides thanks to Mama Llama's Barn and see Santa at the Library until 8 p.m.!

Nov. 25 Wellman Shopping Extravaganza Craft and Vendor Fair

Over 20 local vendors will participate at the Wellman Banquet Hall, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nov. 25 “Reason for the Season” performing arts show

“The Reason for the Season: A Few of Our Favorite Things” is a holiday variety show which will run 1-3 p.m. at the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center Nov. 25. You will hear songs about Ugly Christmas Sweaters, Shopping, Snow, Santa, and Family.

Organizers plan to donate a portion of ticket sales to HACAP, “to enhance the holiday season for those in our community.”

Nov. 26 & Dec. 2: Santa’s House in Washington:

From 1-4 p.m. at the Washington Public Library, kids can come deliver their lists & chat with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Santa’s House is brought to you by Washington State Bank and will be at the Washington Public Library on Sunday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1-4 p.m.

DEC. 2 Christmas in Kalona

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Downtown:

All day: kids’ walking stocking and shopping

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Live music and sidewalk campfires, live Nativity at Kalona Library

1 p.m.: Christmas movie at Kalona Public Library

Kalona YMCA:

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kalona Christmas Market

10 a.m.: Santa arrives!

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Kids’ activities, including face painting, cookie decorating, ornaments

1-2 p.m.: Cookie walk

Kalona Historical Village:

4-7 p.m. Christmas Tree Walk, wagon rides

5 p.m. Lighted Golf Cart Parade

5:30 p.m. Optimist sled giveaway

Dec. 2: Proximus 5 Holiday Show

A Cappella group Proximus 5 will perform a show of “restorative a cappella music that celebrates human connection, sung by a core group of five seasoned vocalists,” according to a news release from the group, at 7 p.m. at the Celebration Hall, on the campus of Hillcrest Academy.

Dec. 2 and 3: Candlelight Tour of Homes

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The 32nd annual Candlelight Tour of Homes from the Washington Chamber of Commerce will happen Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4-8 p.m., and Dec. 3 from 1-5 p.m.

“During this event, several homes in the area are decorated for Christmas, and the public is invited to tour them,” said a Chamber newsletter about the event. “This is a great opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and see some beautiful homes.”

Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. This year’s tour will feature the homes of Karissa Hackert, Darwin “Pete” and Teresa Peterson, and Rachel Fishback, as well as Grace Community Church, Purposefully You, and the new Koller + Plus apartment.

Dec. 2 Brighton tree lighting and cookies with Santa

The lighting at the park begins at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., Santa will arrive at city hall for cookies and cocoa.

Dec. 9 Christmas Bazaar at Washington Y.

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This community event allows children 12 years and under to come and purchase up to 10 gifts for their family and friends.

Items are priced from $0.50-$5. Santa’s Elves will be available to take the children shopping while the parents relax with coffee and snacks. Items will be gift wrapped on site and ready to take home to put under the tree! You do not need to be a YMCA member to participate in this event, but preregistration is required for all shoppers by calling the Y.

The event at the Washington Y runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Dec. 14: Ugly Sweater Crawl

Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day! Get your ticket for $5 to shop, sip and stroll around the square in your Ugliest Sweater!

Dec. 16: meal kit giveaway

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Washington For Justice and Latinos for Washington will start their annual holiday meal kit giveaway at 11 a.m. Dec. 16 at the Mills Seed Building. Those interested in donating can write a check to Washington For Justice delivered to 110 West Main Street, #4, or by sending PayPal or Venmo payments to @WashingtonForJustice.

Dec. 16: Nutcracker

The Washington Community Theater will host a free performance of The Nutcracker Saturday, Dec. 16 starting at 6:30 p.m.

For questions, contact Elizabeth Billups at 319-548-0236.

Dec. 23 Community Christmas Dinner in Brighton

Tommy’s Helping Hands, JYD, and the churches of the Brighton Ministerial Association are providing free takeout dinners Saturday, Dec. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., from the food truck which will park across the street from Brighton City Hall.

Meals are takeout only. Reservations can be made by emailing tommyshelpinghands1@gmail.com or calling 815-441-1512.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com