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.

Holiday Open House

November 13th — 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: To Be Announced

Discount AtlantiCash

November 13th – 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.

Grand Lighting

November 18th – 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.

Small Business Saturday

November 27th – Be sure to shop Atlantic on Small Business Saturday, November 27th, for small promotions and discounts. Return your receipt from any participating business to the Chamber, Monday, December 2nd for your chance to win $250 in AtlantiCash.

Participating Locations: To Be Announced

Scrooge Contest

The Atlantic Area Chamber’s 19th 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.

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 22nd. This year’s angel will be announced at the Holiday Concert on December 5th at 3 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. You can find a nomination form below:

Lighted Parade

December 4th – 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 to come.

Holiday Concert & Angels of Christmas

December 5th – 3 PM – Enjoy a FREE Holiday Concert with the entire family featuring local talent of all ages. The Christmas Angel and Scrooge winner will be announced at the concert. The Holiday Concert is held at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic at 3 PM. Performances include:

Santa & Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Santa will be in his cabin November 18th 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.