cards or keepsakes. A schedule of live music will be announced at a later date.
This year, the exhibit will be open at no cost to visitors, although free will donations will be accepted.
“ We just want people there because it’ s going to be beautiful,” said Erica.
The exhibit will be operated by volunteers on Fridays and Saturdays from 12-7 p. m. and Sundays from 12-5 p. m., running through Dec. 20.
Nov. 21 also features the Light Up Hill City Town Lighting Ceremony at the Old World Plaza at 6 p. m. Presiding over the ceremony will be Hill City Mayor Tana Nichols.
Erica said the hope of the lighting ceremony is“ to urge people to get out and see all the work that the volunteers did and really get into the Christmas spirit. It’ s nice to have a starting point. This is our kickoff for our beautiful holiday season here in Hill City. It’ s a good way to bring everybody together for a common goal.”
At 6:30 p. m. that evening, attendees can head to Chute Rooster for an after party.
From there, experience the magic of a one-hour train ride from Hill City all the way to the North Pole aboard the 1880 Train. Upon arrival, Santa will board the train for the return journey, taking time to visit with each child on the way. Passengers will enjoy hot cocoa, sugar cookies, candy canes and Christmas fun along the way.
The Holiday Express is available on select dates and times from Nov. 25 through Jan. 2. Passengers can also upgrade their ride to first class to enjoy unlimited hot chocolate in a commemorative mug with their choice of whipped cream or marshmallows, a holiday bell and extra time with Santa and
Mrs. Claus. To make it spiked, passengers ages 21 and up can enjoy hot chocolate spiked with alcohol in a keepsake mug, plus designated seating in an adults-only passenger car, perfect for celebrating with friends, family or coworkers. To learn more, go to 1880train. com / schedule-tickets. In hopes of driving foot traffic to local bars and restaurants, there will also be a Hill City Spirit Walk. Local establishments have been asked to create a signature holiday-themed mocktail and cocktail. When a patron tries one of the holiday drinks, they will receive a different colored jingle bell to thread on a spirit walk necklace. Participants who fill their necklaces will receive a commemorative glass.
“ We thought that would be something different,” said Erica.“ I’ m hoping this will bring the 20-ish and 30-ish crowd some excitement.”
The walk will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 12-7 p. m., starting Nov. 27 and running through Dec. 19.
Friday, Nov. 27 will be packed with holiday cheer from morning to night.
The Kris Kringle Craft Fair will be open at Hill City Middle School in the Bob Burden Gym and Cafeteria Gym Nov. 27 from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. and Nov. 28 from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m., which is Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
This has been a Hill City tradition for more than 15 years, starting out with a handful of local crafters that wanted to display their talents.
“ This is a great way for crafters all over the area to display their talents, bakers to display their delicious food and over the last couple of years, third party vendors have been allowed to participate, such as Mary Kay, Norwex, etc.,” said organizer Stefanie Doaty.
The Hill City Rick Mills Trees and Trains Exhibit will return this holiday season at the Harley-Davidson Shop, starting Nov. 21. The exhibit is free to the public and will feature displays of festive trees and model trains.
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