Decorah Area Chamber Announces 2023 Holiday Theme and Event Schedule

The Chamber is excited to announce the 2023 Holiday theme is LET IT SNOW. This theme will be used collaboratively for the general Buy Local shopping promotions during the Holiday shopping season, the Countdown to Christmas promotion, and the Water Street Lighted Parade. Following last weekend's, Peppermint Walk holiday preview, the Let It Snow holiday season kicks off in-earnest with the Holiday Open House this weekend November 17-19. The Holiday Open House features in-store specials and is often the showcase for many Decorah retailers holiday product lines. The Chamber's Buy Local promotion - Countdown to Christmas - starts on Small Business Saturday, November 25 and runs through Friday, December 22. For every $25 spent at participating retail locations, shoppers get to enter for a chance to win 1 of 16 gift bags. Four winners will be drawn each of Friday afternoons in December. The Chamber also hosts the Water Street Lighted Parade, which will be held on Friday, December 8th. Like in past years, the parade will be held at 6 pm and travel from the East side of Water Street near Decorah Bank to the intersection of Water and Mill Street. Businesses and organizations are invited to participate in the parade. Registration is open until December 7th and available through the Chamber website https://www.decorahareachamber.com/event/lighted-holiday-parade. Parade entrants are encouraged to use the 2023 theme. First and second place floats will be selected based on those that best utilize lights and the theme. Santa will be the Grand Finale of the parade and afterward, the Chamber, in partnership with T-Bock's Sports Bar & Grill, will host Santa in the restaurant's 2nd floor space for photos and festivities. Warm drinks and refreshments will be available for both children and adults. Photographs by Nick Chill will be available free of charge for download after the event. "We are proud to promote local shopping and area events. The parade, the street decor and rooftop lights, and festive storefronts are just a few of the things that make this time of year in Decorah extra special," shared DACC Executive Director Jessica Rilling. "Our area businesses work hard to provide a magical experience for shoppers of all ages." For a full list of Decorah's holiday schedule and to watch for weekly events follow the Chamber and Visit Decorah Facebook pages.