Plans for the 2016 Christmas in Atlantic events are set. Atlantic Chamber Director Ouida Hargens outlined the plans for the City Council during her 4^th Quarter Chamber report at the Council’s meeting Wednesday evening. Hargens said there are some new events scheduled to take place this year.

She says a Holiday Open House will be held November 12th beginning at 9-a.m. It’s a chance for you to explore what area businesses have to offer for the holiday season, get a jump start on holiday shopping, and more.  Several retail businesses will be use the opportunity for their Christmas Customer Appreciation. Hargens said also, the location of the Grand Lighting Ceremony has been changed to the Historic Rock Island Depot on the north end of Main Street, because [weather permitting], “Santa Claus will be landing in Atlantic in a Helicopter.”The Grand Lighting Ceremony is November 17th, beginning at 5-p.m., with free entertainment and hot dogs.

In addition, Hargens says a Holiday Skating Rink will be available during the Thanksgiving weekend only (Nov. 26th and 27th), from 11-a.m. to 7-p.m. on the 26th, and 11-a.m. to 3-p.m. on the 27th, in front of the Rock Island Depot. The skating rink is actually synthetic, but you will be able to use figure, ice or hockey skates to participate. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for kids 14 & under, and free for those age 2 and under. The Skating Rink, she said, is made possible thanks to T.S. Bank being a huge sponsor this year, for Christmas in Atlantic.

Hargens also announced Atlantic was featured in the latest Iowa Magazine in their “Small Town Holiday” edition. She says Atlantic was listed as one of the top ten destinations to celebrate Christmas. It’s the second year the City has been recognized in a statewide publication.

Other upcoming holiday events in Atlantic include:

• A Harvest Market Nov. 21^st from 3:30-to 7:30-pm at the Cass County Community Building.
• The Festival of Trees at the SS Peter & Paul Catholic Parish Center, Dec. 1^st through the 4^th.
• Fireworks and a lighted parade, 6-p.m. Dec. 3
• A Holiday Concert at the 1^st United Methodist Church on Dec. 4^th, beginning at 3-p.m.
• Carriage rides and Santa’s Cabin at the Atlantic City Park. And much more.

For more information, go to atlanticiowa.com or call 1-877-283-2124.