Merry Christmas from Marion County! From parades to festivals, there’s plenty of holiday spirit to share.

All that’s merry and bright

The enchanting 18th-Century Christmas Tour at Pricketts Fort is back! Period costumes, scenery, and decor add a touch of elegance to this mesmerizing event. The magic lasts Dec. 1-2.

There’s also the Reindeer Run 5k on Dec. 14. Prance your way through the Morris Park course.  You’ll probably want to come back at weekend nights, too, for the spectacular Celebration of Lights. There’ll be 1.3 miles of sparkly Christmas displays on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights until Dec. 29.

If you want bright, be sure to head to Barrackville on Dec. 2 for their 15th annual Christmas in Our Town. After a full day of a craft show, horse & carriage rides and a parade, it all ends with a holiday firework display.

 

 

No Christmas should go without Festival Cucina, either. The richness of Italian-American heritage comes to the fore with cooking lessons. Learn authentic recipes and techniques … and get lots of samples, too! Tickets go quickly, so order yours soon. Festival Cucina is Dec. 8.

Then, come back on Dec. 9 for the beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes. It’s a festive street festival with robust meals, music, crafts, and the Fairmont Christmas Parade.

Strap on those skates

Palatine Park’s “iceless” rink is back! Skating begins Dec. 9 after the Fairmont Christmas Parade. Admission and rentals are free.

Holiday Glow Bowl

Marion County is known for its disc golf, and Christmas provides an excellent excuse for merrymaking on the course. If you’re into this sport, register for or watch the Dec. 6 Holiday Glow Bowl, which will “tee off” at Morris Park.

A classical concert

It’s not often that you hear the likes of the Shtrykov-Tanaka Duo. Their virtuosic clarinet and piano playing is simply dazzling. Join the nationally acclaimed pair at St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Fairmont on Dec. 10!

 

 

Digging for treasure

The annual Coal Miner Appreciation Day Swap Meet is a collector’s motherlode. Search for vintage mining gear and memorabilia and meet fellow enthusiasts. Refreshments and a cash bar will also be available. This free event will be at the Knights of Columbus center in Fairmont on Dec. 2.

Advent Calendar

Discover the best deals in Marion County. All it takes is a daily peek at our advent calendar, where we’ll post irresistible discounts as we count down to Christmas.

Happy New Year!

Celebrate 2018 with country music at the Sagebrush Round-Up in Fairmont! Their New Year’s Eve party will feature multiple musicians and a scrumptious dinner. Look forward to a feast of baked steak and pork with classic side-dishes, dessert, and punch. If that sounds good to you, order a dinner ticket by Dec. 28.

 

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?