When you think of bustling events in Valentine, your brain may wrack thoughts of the summer heat, long days, and the great outdoors.
While it’s true that Valentine’s tourism thrives in the summer season, there are plenty of events happening around the holidays to gear families up for Christmastime.
The trees are collecting snow, homes are lit up with decorations, and the air is filled with notes of Bing Crosby’s voice. ‘Tis the season!
Here are a few festive events in Valentine to go alongside your customary holiday traditions.
Holiday Preview
November 24
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the Holiday Preview officially kicks off the holiday season.
From 1pm-5pm, merchants will open their stores full with holiday specials. Contests will be held throughout the day, including a punch card contest where holiday shoppers will receive a punch card filled with local stores, receive stamps by entering each store, and enter a completed card for a chance to win $500.
This punch-card contest will take place through the remainder of the week, and will conclude at the Parade of Lights on November 30.
In addition to the shopping buzz on the 24th, Santa Claus will make his first appearance in the town of Valentine.
Stop by to get ahead on your holiday shopping, enjoy some fellowship, and say “Hello” to the man in the red suit!
Parade of Lights
November 30
The annual Parade of Lights on Main Street will take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
To see a host of lighted floats, along with an appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, head to Main Street on the evening of November 30th.
For those participating in the Holiday Preview’s punch-card contest, the $500 winner will also be selected at the parade. Plus — if the winner is in attendance — the grand prize will increase to $600!
Winterfest Craft Show
December 7
This annual craft and gift show is the perfect occassion to shop special, handmade gifts for those on your Christmas list.
The event takes place on Saturday, December 7, and will be held at the Cherry County Fairgrounds.
Customarily, attendees will enjoy a homemade bake sale, book fair, delicious concessions, and pleasant fellowship while shopping from a sizable selection of vendors.
Visit Winterfest’s Facebook page for updates and details on the event.
Visit Santa & His Reindeer
At various times throughout the holiday season, Mr. Claus and his reindeer will stop by the Valentine community for greetings and photos.
During the Holiday Preview on November 24, Santa will make his first appearance. Then, Santa will float down the Parade of Lights again on November 30.
On Saturday, December 14, Santa’s reindeer will be downtown for a special visit.
Saint Nick’s final appearance will be on Saturday, December 21.
Make sure to give your greetings on one of these dates before his return to the North Pole!
More holiday events are sure to fill up in the town of Valentine, but these are a few important ones to mark in your end-of-the-year calendar.
The significance of the season — however you choose to celebrate — is expressed in bringing friends and family together.
From all of us at The Niobrara Lodge, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!