BY: RACHEL WUMKES
The magic of Christmas is really something to behold. The crisp chill in the air. The excitement of children as they tediously write their lists and letter to Santa. The beauty of our frozen lake as our Main Street comes alive with the sights and sounds of the Holiday season.
For the past 25 years, Clear Lake has hosted the event of all events… Christmas by the Lake. It’s a weekend of food, fun, and community. A day to bring the family uptown to relish in the beauty of our incredible Main Street, decorated for the season and bursting with holiday cheer. As always, the event committee has knocked it out of the park, planning a day filled with activity for everyone, young and old, to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Below is a rundown of events. A comprehensive list of everything you need to know for maximizing your Christmas by the Lake experience!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7th
8:30AM – Cookie Walk/Coffee/Cinnamon Rolls
United Methodist Church
9AM – 4PM – Holiday Bazaar & Face Painting
Maid Rite Lunch with proceeds going to Toys for Tots
Senior Citizens Center
10:30AM & 11:30AM – Storytime & Craft
CL Public Library (ages 3-6)
10AM – 3PM – Indoor Nativity Scene Displays
CL Regular Baptist Church – Free coffee, Cider & Cookies
11AM – 1:30PM – Soup & Sandwich Lunch w/ Pie
United Methodist Church
11AM – Crowning of Prince & Princess
Clear Lake Bank & Trust
11AM – Matinee at Lake Theatre
Free admission WITH a donation to local food bank
Abominable – PG (title could change)
Sponsored by Shelter Insurance
11AM – 3PM – Simply Nourished European-Style Outdoor Market – Featuring local artisans, entertainment, traditional food, and drink
North 3rd Street along City Park
11:30AM – 3:30PM – Pony Rides & Petting Zoo
Sponsored by Fareway & CL Evening Lions
1PM – Wood Sculptor
City Park – Under the Gazebo
1PM – 4PM – Free S’mores & Christmas Karaoke
400 block of Main
1PM – 4PM & 6PM-7PM – Visit with Santa
City Park
1PM – 4PM – Free Main Street Trolley Rides
1:30PM – 4PM – Santa’s Workshop Festival
Blackbox Theatre at The Hub (North 5th Street)
2PM – 4:30PM – Warming House
Popcorn & hot drinks at Farmers State Bank
(210 1st Ave N)
2PM – 4:30PM – Horse Drawn Sleigh/Carriage Rides
(Boarding at Wilcox Furniture & Ge-Jo’s)
Sponsored by Farmer’s State Bank & Dean Snyder Construction
2PM – 5PM – Strolling Dickens Characters
Sponsored by the Globe Gazette
5:07PM – Lighted Christmas by the Lake Parade & Spectacular Fireworks Finale
Off Seawall following the parade
7PM – Christmas with the Holy Rocka Rollaz
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8th
11AM – Matinee at the Lake Theatre
Free admission WITH a donation to local Food Bank
Abominable – PG (title could change)
Sponsored by Sheltered Insurance
12:30PM – Polar Bear Dip
City Beach
1PM – 4PM – Visit with Santa
City Park
1PM – Treasure Hunt
Lakeview Room
Sponsored by The Other Place
There you have it, folks, a complete listing of all the fun planned for our fabulous Christmas by the Lake Celebration. Thanks for a great 25 years of this celebration, and here’s hoping for 25 more, just as magical as always!
See you at the Lake!