KALONA

Arrive early.

If early indicators prove correct, this year’s Christmas in Kalona crowds are going to be bustling.

It takes a committee to organize and produce Christmas in Kalona, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, and this year’s committee members worked hard to bring locals and visitors alike a fun and festive experience.

Head organizer Tonia Poole, director at the Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce, is reluctant to name a favorite event in this year’s lineup of activities, but she will reveal what’s new: a live nativity, to be held on the grounds of the Kalona Public Library from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The work of Gospel Light Fellowship, the nativity will include a manger scene, complete with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, a host of animals, and shepherds and angels.

Animal petting and photography will be permitted, so prepare for an interactive experience.

Activities are spread out over three locations in Kalona over the course of the day: downtown, the YMCA, and the Historical Village. To make travel between the locations convenient, the Kalona Chamber’s tour bus will provide shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shuttle will make stops every 30 minutes, with pickup/dropoff at Kalona Brewing Co. downtown, the YMCA, and the Historical Village.

The wise will also leave some time in their day for a gravel-road adventure, as businesses in the countryside, such as Golden Delight Bakery, JK Creative Wood, and many others, are worth visiting.

When downtown, pick up a walking stocking at the Kalona Chamber; local shops will help kids fill it with complimentary treats. Also at the Chamber are Holiday Shopping bags, $5 each, which entitle you to 10% off items in the bag at participating shops (some exclusions apply).

“I love the live music,” Poole says, which will be performed downtown for most of the day. “Lee Klett came for the first time during our farmers markets, and he’s been down at Bunker Mill Bridge, and we had great feedback. We’re really excited to welcome him to Christmas in Kalona.”

Local favorites Pennies on the Rail and Banjoy will also be performing.

Poured painting at Kalona Brewing Company debuted last year and was such a hit, it will return this year. The activity, fun for both adults and kids, is available from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.; you may pre-register or walk-in to participate ($5).

At the Kalona YMCA, don’t miss the Christmas Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gymnasium. “We’ve got more vendors than ever,” Poole says; more than 40 booths will be set up, a mix of new folks and local favorites. This is also where you’ll find some tasty nibbles: Kalona Coffee House drinks, Hearth-N-Home baked goods, and Buen Provecho breakfast and lunch items will all be on the menu.

Santa will be onsite from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and digital photos will once again be provided. Kids can enjoy plenty of fun activities during those same hours, including face painting, cookie decorating, and ornament making. Be sure to hang around for the cookie walk from 1-2 p.m. and take home some delicious sweets.

As darkness falls, the Kalona Historical Village is where you’ll want to be. Enjoy hot drinks, treats, Christmas trees decorated by area businesses and wagon rides from 4-7 p.m. At 5 p.m. the lighted golf cart parade will travel to the Village from the KCTC lot; if you enjoyed this last year, expect to see some new carts. Pre-registration is not required for those who would like to participate, but “we will give you a shout-out online if you do,” Poole says.

Finally, make sure you are present to win one of the snow toys to be given away by the Kalona Optimist Club at 5:30 p.m.

“We are increasing our sled giveaway,” Poole says. “Last year the Optimists donated two sleds; this year we’re going to give away two sleds and two saucers.”

Enter to win at the Kalona Chamber during the day or at the Historical Village in the evening.