Get in the Christmas Spirit this weekend in downtown Lincoln
Winter Wonderland, carriage rides, and the Christmas Express return

 

[November 24, 2021] 

Once again this year, the downtown merchants in Lincoln are all geared up to provide you with a wonderful start to the Christmas season.

On Friday evening there will be The Winter Wonderland tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. with free horse drawn carriage rides starting at 6 p.m.

This year, the lawn of the Logan County Courthouse is skirted with 100 decorated Christmas Trees. The trees are purchased each year by local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Each tree is uniquely decorated with many reflecting a theme. Several trees are done in memory of lives lost, while others are a reflection of the business or organization that sponsored the tree. All are beautiful and interesting with themes that run from spiritual to whimsical.

After the lighting ceremony, be sure to take time to walk around the square and admire all the beautiful and hard work that has been put into each tree.

Then, grab a carriage ride and take in the trees from a different perspective.

Carriage rides will be offered throughout the holiday season from this weekend through Saturday, December 18th. Rides will be given on Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the exception of this Friday when the rides begin at 6 p.m.

Saturday rides will be given each week, with the exception of Saturday, December 11th. On November 27th, December 4th, and December 18th, the Saturday rides will be offered from noon to 3 p.m.

The Christmas Express will kick off on Small Business Saturday. The express will also run through December 18th. During this time, shoppers can get their ticket stamped in each of the participating stores when they make a purchase. Follow the instructions given to turn in the ticket and be eligible for a drawing after the 18th.

Shoppers do not have to visit every business, though they might want to anyway. By December 18th, they need only have had their ticket stamped at 10 Lincoln Businesses to be eligible for the drawing for some terrific gifts.

This year the first ticket drawn will receive $650 in gift cards. The second ticket will win $375 and the third will get $250.

On Saturday, there will also be some other great activities going on around town. Look for Mrs. Claus who will be reading storybooks to children at the Lincoln Arts Institute. There will also be children activities at the Arts Institute during that time.

Also this Saturday, enjoy carolers taking a stroll around the square.
 

Starting December 10th, there will be a gingerbread contest taking place at the Lincoln Arts Institute. Guests can come in and view the creations through December 18th. There will also be an opportunity to vote for a favorite.

To see what businesses are participating in this year’s see the ad in today’s edition of Lincoln Daily News.

Click to enlarge

With rumors of shortages this year, rest assured, the downtown merchants have a large volume of inventory for the Christmas season and you will surely be able to find something for everyone on your Christmas list, and maybe even a little something for yourself!

[Nila Smith]