Marion’s Home for The Holidays Kicks off December 4

Here's something to get you in the holiday spirit.

Marion's Christmas in the Park festivities are still on, and safe amidst the pandemic with a few slight pivots.

Best of all, Santa and Mrs. Claus are still coming to town to entertain Marion families and bring kids joy and happiness. They deserve it, maybe more than most, after the year this has been. The kickoff event is Friday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. when Santa jumps into his sleigh (as seen above and provided by the Marion Fire Department) for three routes on the "Santa Wave". Along these wave routes will be opportunities to donate hats, mittens, and blankets to be distributed through the "Keep Your Neighbors Warm" initiative.

At the conclusion of his second route, the big guy will stop to light the peace tree at 6:30 followed by the final wave route. The peace tree lighting will be shared on the Marion Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and his route map can be followed here.

Shopping and fun for families through the Uptown Marion District will be open throughout the month of December. Visit "Santa's House" north of 7^th Avenue at 11^th St for festive photo-ops with your loved ones. Bring your letter to Santa, with a return address included, by December 18 to receive a personal response!

Something always fun and safe that continues this holiday season is to take a stroll through the Uptown Marion District and vote for your favorite storefront light display. Shoppers have the chance to win "Uptown Dollars" by visiting participating businesses and using the touch-free QR codes in-store to register. Prizes will be given away each Monday in December.

There's so much more fun to be had, while social distancing, in Uptown Marion throughout the month of December. Check out more about the "Home for the Holidays" festivities at their website. You're also invited to help Marion Chamber "Light Up the Night" and win a piece of $1,000 in cash prizes by submitting your Christmas decoration display photos here.