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DECORAH — The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Water Street Lighted Parade on Friday, December 13, in downtown Decorah. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at the 200 block of East Water Street and travels seven blocks west to the intersection of Mill Street. The parade is free to enter and encourages floats to embrace the 2024 "vintage Christmas" theme. Santa will lead the parade in Dotzenrod's Carriage together with the Chamber board directors, staff and ambassadors. Following the conclusion of the parade, the Chamber will select a "Large Float Winner" and a "Small Float Winner." Winners will be chosen based on their integration of lights and the ways they embrace the Vintage Christmas theme. To register for the parade, businesses should fill out the form on the Chamber website (www.decorahareachamber.com) or call and talk to Chamber staff directly. This year the Chamber won't host Photos with Santa at T-Bocks Sports Bar & Grill following the parade but encourages families to take advantage of the other Decorah area locations where Santa will be featured, including at the new Sunflower Child Development & Discovery Center. Where will Santa be? Helping Services hosts Santa every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Pancake Breakfast with Santa, including Santa photo op. hosted by Nisse Preschool on December 8. Professional photos with Santa and hot cocoa bar at Sunflower Child Development & Discovery on December 13 (before, during, and after the parade). Santa on the Farm at The Northeast Iowa Dairy Center on December 13. Holiday Craft & Vendor expo including professional photos w/ Santa at the Fairgrounds on December 14. "Breakfast with Santa" for Families including professional photos w/ Santa at The Landing Market on December 14. "Everyone is a Kid at Christmas" Santa event (a special event for Ages 75+) on December 14. "The Real Santa & Live Music" at Toppling Goliath on December 21. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.

Support your local businesses

A Vintage Christmas Parade: Santa Leads the Way in Decorah's Lighted Holiday Extravaganza