experience a
Hallmark Christmas
story by ESTHER NOE • photos by CARL HANSEN
tep into a Hallmark movie in Hill City this holiday season. Between volunteer opportunities, business events and chamber organized festivities, visitors can embrace the holiday spirit every weekend leading up to Christmas.“ We have something special here,” said Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Erica Layton.“ There’ s no other place like us in the area. If people want to get that Christmas magic and elevate their Christmas spirit, this is going to be the place to do it this year.”
Starting off the season, Hill City’ s Main Street Volunteer Day is Saturday, Nov. 14, at 9 a. m. Organized by local Pete Stach, volunteers will gather downtown to help decorate and spread holiday cheer. Main Street will be broken into different quadrants with a supervisor over each.
“ We want to bling it out and make it look really nice,” said Erica.“ It should be a busy, fun day. We’ ll also have hot chocolate, cookies and refreshments.”
Last year around 50 volunteers turned out to help, and the hope is to double that number this year. The more volunteers, the faster the decorations will go up. Businesses will also have their own lights and decorations to put up, including the traditional nativity scene beside Jon Crane Gallery and Custom Framing.
City employees will be hanging the traditional wreaths on the street lights. These were recently refurbished through the efforts of Light Up Hill City volunteers to make sure the wreaths were vibrant, the lights on the three candle centerpieces had fresh bulbs and brand new bows were added.“ They’ re looking pretty spiffy,” said Erica. Light Up Hill City is a local organization made possible through generous donations from fundraisers and anonymous donors, as well as the Hill City Seniors and Wally Matush, owner of the Alpine Inn. Donations since July 1 totaled $ 22,000 to create an unforgettable holiday experience in Hill City where visitors are encouraged to come for the lights and stay for the magic.
14 Down Country Roads November / December 2026