The Marshalltown Central Business District is preparing to host the highly anticipated 32nd Annual Holiday Stroll this Saturday, bringing festive cheer to the downtown area from 4 to 8 p.m. With a theme of “All is Bright,” the event promises a dazzling array of activities, food, entertainment, and holiday shopping opportunities.
Stretching from Second Avenue to Third Street along Main Street, the Holiday Stroll will feature a variety of attractions for all ages. Attendees can enjoy caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, a lit parade, cookie decorating, and more. Local businesses will stay open late, offering special discounts and promotions for holiday shoppers.
Promotions Chair Alushia Fitzgerald highlighted the event’s theme, noting that it aligns with the community’s optimism about the future. “Looking at what’s coming for Main Street and the improvements happening, everything’s looking bright for our future—‘All is Bright,’” Fitzgerald said.
A major highlight of the event is the return of the Holiday Window Competition, now in its sixth year. Local businesses, including 7 Rayos Liquor Store, Hellberg’s Jewelers, Nied’s Pharmacy, and Oliver Beene Designs, are participating in the competition. Local artists will judge the displays, with winners announced on the Tuesday following the Holiday Stroll.
At the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (20 W. State St.), the Christmas Craft Village will feature handmade crafts and goods from local vendors, alongside the Festival of Trees. Local businesses and organizations have decorated trees and wreaths for auction, with proceeds benefiting local causes. KDAO will be broadcasting live from the Coliseum, where food and beverages will also be available.
For those looking for more holiday shopping, the Marshalltown Senior Citizens Center (207 E. Church St.) will host its annual Holiday Craft Bazaar, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Director April Long explained that the center’s Sew & Sews group creates items for the bazaar, with all proceeds benefiting the center. A raffle for a holiday-themed quilt will also take place, with each $10 spent earning a raffle ticket.
Children’s activities will include cookie decorating at the Tallcorn Ballroom (2 N. Second Ave.) and a Kids Carnival at Vineyard Christian Fellowship (214 W. Main St.). The carnival will feature games, face painting, popcorn, hot chocolate, and cookies, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The event’s signature attraction, the Lit Holiday Parade, will take place along Main Street, from Third Street to Second Avenue. Santa’s Workshop will be set up at 1st Interstate Bank (11 N. First Ave.), where children can meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and enjoy cookies and drinks. Carriage rides will also be available from 6 to 8 p.m., with pick-up in front of the courthouse.
Dining options include a pasta dinner at Central Christian Church (300 W. Main St.), with proceeds benefiting the Salvation Army’s Christmas Dinner program, and a hotdog supper at First Methodist Church (202 W. Main St.) in support of the House of Compassion and Salvation Army. Food trucks Dave’s Mini Donuts and Pho Wheels & Sushi will also be serving up treats during the stroll.
Live performances will be scattered throughout the evening, with caroling by Marshalltown High School students, cast members from “Elf Jr.” the musical, and performances from Remix Dance Academy, the Marshalltown Men’s Chorus, and more.
As the holiday season ramps up, the Holiday Stroll offers a perfect opportunity to complete your shopping and enjoy festive entertainment. Brittany Tow, MCBD Retail Promotions Chair, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, especially with initiatives like Pink Friday on November 22, aimed at encouraging shoppers to #shopsmallfirst.
For those still searching for gifts, Men’s Night on December 19 will offer special deals and pop-up events aimed at last-minute shoppers.
Deb Millizer, executive director of the MCBD, stressed that the Holiday Stroll is more than just a shopping event—it’s a celebration of community. “It’s about the relationships, families coming together, and fostering community spirit,” Millizer said. “These events help tie us to our community and create lasting memories.”
Related topics:
China Extends Spring Festival and Labor Day Holidays Starting 2025
Burberry Unveils Heartwarming Holiday Campaign to Lift Spirits
Marketers Tackle Holiday Blues with Real-World Ads Amid Economic Concerns