Christmas in Atlantic

The Des Moines Register calls Atlantic one of Iowa’s holiday, “…bright spots where Main Street retail is robust.”

From Thanksgiving to New Years, Atlantic is Iowa’s City of Lights! Listed as Travel Iowa’s number one Christmas destination, be dazzled by more than 200,000 LED lights in a stretch of 6 blocks of historic buildings filled with gift shops, clothing stores and boutiques. Check out some of the Atlantic Area Chamber events while enjoying Christmas in Atlantic.

Printable Christmas in Atlantic Brochure-Coming Soon

Holiday Open House

November 11th — Join our area retail businesses for a Holiday Sneak Peek! Take the chance to explore what area businesses have to offer for the holiday season and get a jump start on holiday shopping and more.

Participating Locations: TBD

Discount AtlantiCash

November 11th – 9 AM – Get a kick start to your holiday shopping and purchase discounted AtlantiCash Saturday, November 11th only at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. From 9 AM – 12 PM, AtlantiCash will be available in packs of $100 for $80, a 20% discount. Community members can purchase up to three packs. Payment must be made at time of purchase in the form of cash or check only. There is a first come, first-purchased basis with only a limited amount of AtlantiCash available.

Thank you to our Discount AtlantiCash Sponsors:

Brown’s Shoe Fit

Fareway

Grand Lighting

November 16th – 5 PM – Kick off the Holiday Season with the Grand Lighting ceremony at the Historic Rock Island Depot. Arrive at 5 PM for a FREE hotdog meal, provided by Hy-Vee. Santa Claus will arrive for his first official visit of the year. Walk up historic Chestnut Street and shop your favorite local businesses before visiting Santa in his cabin at City Park from 6 – 7:30 PM.

Thanks to our Grand Lighting Sponsor:

Black Friday & Small Business Saturday

Friday November 24 th & November 25th – Be sure to shop Atlantic for small promotions and discounts!

Participating Locations: TBD

Scrooge Contest

The Atlantic Area Chamber’s 21st Annual Scrooge Contest will be underway during the month of November. The Scrooge contestants raise money and collect non-perishable food items for the Atlantic Food Pantry.

The 2023 Scrooge Contestants: TBD

Cash donations are worth 5 points on the dollar and one non-perishable item earns the contestants one point.

The Atlantic Food Pantry is asking for a specific list of food items, with a focus on monetary donations due to limited storage space. The money will help them purchase food items as needed, including meat and refrigerated items.
The list of needed food items includes:
Cream of Chicken/Mushroom Soup
Tomato/Chicken Noodle Soup
Ramen Noodles
Hamburger Helper
Canned Beef Ravioli/Spaghetti O’s
Instant Sides (Packages) – Pasta, Sauce or Potato
Boxed Cereal
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Saltine Crackers
Canned Fruit
Bar Soap
Canned Tuna/Chicken
Macaroni & Cheese
Canned Vegetables
Toilet Paper
18 oz. Creamy Peanut Butter
Quick Oats (no milk needed)
Pancake/Waffle Mix (no milk needed)
Pancake/Waffle Syrup
Boxed Noodles
Pasta Sauce
Chili Beans
Diced Tomatoes
Canned Manwich or Sloppy Joe

Thank you to our sponsor:

Angel of Christmas

The Angel of Christmas is a tradition in Atlantic recognizing and thanking area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long–putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet. Nominations are due to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce by November 24th.

Click the link for the Angel of Christmas Nomination Form

Lighted Parade

December 3rd – 6 PM – Fireworks over the Historic Rock Island Depot kick off the fun. Snuggle up and see the glow of the holiday floats as they parade down Chestnut Street. Come before the Fireworks & Parade for a horse-drawn Carriage Ride and visit with Santa in his Cabin from 3:30 – 5:30 PM.

Click 2022 ParadeEntryForm to download Registration Form

Thank you to our Lighted Parade Sponsor:

Santa & Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Santa will be in his cabin November 16th for Grand Lighting and then Thursdays and Saturdays the month of December. Carriage rides will be in town as well in December. Click here for a full schedule.

Thank you to our Carriage Ride sponsor: