March 29, 2024

There's no place like Creston for the holidays

What has become a family tradition for Crestonians over the past six years will continue to bring holiday cheer to town Thursday through Dec. 21 during ‘There’s No Place Like Creston for the Holidays’ festivities.

“There is a little something for almost everyone,” said Ellen Gerharz, executive director for Creston Chamber of Commerce.

Holiday festivities kickoff 9 a.m. Thursday with Festival of Trees at American Home Design Center, 101 N. Walnut St., and with Comfort and Joy Quilt Show at Quilts and Other Notions Creativity Center, 201N. Elm St.

Gerharz said it was Quilts and Other Notions’ holiday quilt show, now in its 12th year, that inspired the citywide event. The annual quilt show features dozens of meticulously stitched art in the form of quilts created by local quilters and fiber artists.

But, one of the most popular events of the festival starts 4:30 p.m. Thursday when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Creston’s Restored Depot, which is made possible by Friends of the Library. While you wait for your photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, donuts and cider are served inside the depot. A photo with Santa available for a fee.

For those unable to visit with Santa Thursday, he will return to the depot 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 13, courtesy of Creston Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.).

But, it’s the parade itself which draws the largest crowd.

“It’s so neat ... all the entries have to be lighted,” Gerharz said.

Gerharz said some years businesses were unable to participate because of inclement weather. However, this year, no snow is expected with temperatures dropping into the mid-20s by dusk.

Gerharz also encourages everyone to participate.

“Your entry needs to be lighted and needs to be themed,” Gerharz said.

Gerharz said parade participants do not need to preregister. Instead, participants are asked to line up facing east on Mills Street at Walnut Street prior to the parade, which begins at 7 p.m.

New to this year’s festivities is caroling by Southwestern Community College’s men’s and women’s basketball teams 5 p.m. Thursday, followed by Christmas carols by The Union County Ministerial Alliance at 6 p.m.

“I always think music adds to the atmosphere,” Gerharz.

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Dec. 4

Comfort and Joy Quilt Show, 9 a.m. until after the parade, Quilts & Other Notions Creative Center, 201 N. Elm St.
Festival of Trees, 9 a.m. until after the parade, American Home Design Center, 101 N. Walnut St.
Quilt Block Walk in Uptown Creston
Santa & Mrs. Claus at Creston's Restored Depot hosted by Friends of the Library, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Model Railroaders at Creston's Restored Depot, 4:30 p.m. to close.
Creston:Arts Gallery at Creston's Restored Depot, 4:30 p.m. to close.
Dancers in the Snow Globe, Leslie's Dance Emporium, 218 N. Pine St., 4:30 to 6 p.m.
ASP soup supper at Creston's Restored Depot, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
SWCC Men's & Women's Basketball teams caroling in Uptown Creston, 5:15 to 6 p.m.
Union County Ministerial Alliance caroling in Uptown Creston, 6 to 7 p.m.
Handmade Holiday Boutique, 6 p.m., Upper Crust Culinary Creations, 201 W. Adams St.
Lighted Christmas Parade, 7 p.m., Uptown Creston.
Fireworks after the parade.
Iowa State Savings Bank Holiday Open House, following the parade, 401 W. Adams St.

Dec. 5
Comfort and Joy Quilt Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Quilts & Other Notions Creative Center, 201 N. Elm St.
Festival of Trees, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., American Home Design Center, 101 N. Walnut St.

Quilt Block Walk in Uptown Creston
Creston Area Theatre presents "The Regifters," 7 p.m., SWCC Performing Arts Center at YMCA, 1201 W. Townline St.

Dec. 6

Comfort and Joy Quilt Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Quilts & Other Notions Creative Center, 201 N. Elm St.
Festival of Trees, 8 a.m. to noon, American Home Design Center, 101 N. Walnut St.
Quilt Block Walk in Uptown Creston
Creston Area Theatre presents "The Regifters," 7 p.m., SWCC Performing Arts Center at YMCA, 1201 W. Townline St.

Dec. 7 

Creston Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), Santa Pictures at Creston Veterinary Clinic, 509 W. Townline St.
Creston Area Theatre presents "The Regifters," 2 p.m., SWCC Performing Arts Center at YMCA, 1201 W. Townline St.
Joyful Noise Musical Concert, 2 p.m., Creston High School, 601 W. Townline St.

Dec. 10

Creston Chamber of Commerce & Union County Development Association Holiday Open House, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 208 W. Taylor St.

Dec. 11

Java J’s & True Value Ladies Night, 5 to 8 p.m., 801 W. Townline St.

Dec. 13

Santa at the Christmas Castle, 9 a.m. to noon, Creston Restored Depot.
CARE Craft & Goodie Boutique, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Creston Restored Depot.

Dec. 14

SWCC Chamber Choir presents Holiday Carols in Concert, 7:30 p.m., SWCC Performing Arts Center, 1201 W. Townline St.

Dec. 15

Creston Middle School Winter Concert, 7 p.m., 805 Academic Ave.

Dec. 17

Creston Holiday Give Away 2014 Drawing, 10:30 a.m., Chamber office.

Dec. 18

CHS Winter Concert, 7 p.m., 601 W. Townline St.

Dec. 21

St. Malachy All-School Christmas Concert, 2 p.m., SWCC Performing Arts Center, 1201 W. Townline St.