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.

2024 Christmas in Atlantic Brochure HERE

Holiday Open House

November 9th — 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 9th – 9 AM – Get a kick start to your holiday shopping and purchase discounted AtlantiCash Saturday, November 9th 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:

Rush CPA & Associates

Property Connections

Grand Lighting 

November 21st – 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 29th & November 30th – Be sure to shop Atlantic for small promotions and discounts!

Participating Locations:

Scrooge Contest

2024 Candidates: From Left to Right

Graydon Schmidt (Schmidt Family Funeral Home)

Randy & Michelle Roy (Randy’s Computer)

Jeremiah Thompson (Landus/ Atlantic Fire Department)

Ben Winford (New Life Church)

Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees is an annual holiday event to thank the local residents and businesses for the support given to the Cass County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. The Festival is located in Downtown Atlkantic at 325 Chestnust Street. Free cookies/coffee/hot apple cider for guests!

The Festival is open to the public on:
Thursday December 5th – 10am to 7pm
Friday, December 6th – 10am to 6pm
Saturday, December 7th – 10am to 7pm
Sunday, December 8th – 10am to 3pm

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 29th.

Angel of Christmas Nomination Form: Angel of Christmas Nomination Form

Thank you to our Angel of Christmas Sponsor:

 

Pancakes & Santa

December 7th – 9 AM –  Fuel up for a fun-filled day staring with pancakes with the big man himself, SANTA! Enjoy the thrills of the Pancake Man, all-you-can-eat pancakes, cookie decorating, and holiday crafts. This is a free community event, thanks to or sponsors:

         

  

Lighted Parade

December 7th – 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.

Registration Form: 2024 ParadeEntryForm

Thank you to our Lighted Parade Sponsor:

     

Santa’s Cabin

Santa will be in his cabin in City Park on November 21st for Grand Lighting and then Thursdays and Saturdays the month of December. 

Santa’s Cabin Dates & Times: 

Thursday, November 21st: 6-7:30PM

Saturday, November 30th: 1:30-3:30PM

Thursday, December 5th: 5:30-7PM

Saturday, December 7th: 3-5:30PM

Thursday, December 12th: 5:30-7PM

Saturday, December 14th: 1:30-3:30PM

Thursday, December 19th: 5:30-7PM

Saturday, December 21st: 1:30-3:30PM

Thank you to our Santa’s Cabin sponsors:

        

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides 

Thursday, December 12th: 5-7PM  &  Thursday, December 19th: 5-7PM

Thank you to our Carriage Ride sponsors: