In a previous blog, we came to the startling realization that not only is it already November, it is practically December! We’re going to have to light a fire in the hearth and under our tails to accomplish all that the season demands. 

However, you needn’t fret much because How to Christmas in Marion outlines all the typical holiday chores and how to get them done easily in Marion. As you complete the list, don’t forget actually to enjoy it all! This season isn’t about drudgery; it’s about…

• Wonderland

It may not be real ice, but it certainly is real fun. East Marion Park is hosting a free iceless ice skating rink with free skate rentals. Don’t miss the magic!

As opposed to the ice skating rink, these are real lights. The Celebration of Lights is a lovely luminescent mile of holiday cheer and Christmas spirit. So many options on how to see this traditional celebration! Walk through, drive through, run through, or play through. 

The Reindeer Run is a 5K race to see who the fastest cheermeister is! Run through the lighted scenes of Santa flying in his sleigh; elves making toys, and families ice skating. 

Try your hand at the Holiday Glow Bowl. This disc golf tournament takes place on the course of Morris Park, which just so happens to be throughout the Celebration of Lights!

And the best part? All the proceeds from driving, walking, running, and playing go to the United Way of Marion & Taylor Counties!

• Food

Food is important to an Italian and Appalachian community. So enjoy the traditional foods of our great-grandparents at Festival Cucina, where you’ll learn how to make it all. Continue the Italian Christmas Spirit the next day at the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival! Live music, honey wine, frittis, and plenty of fish await you!

• Family

Friends, family, community – all good stuff. Sometimes the holidays might get a little stressful. And for that, I’ve put together a short list of how to survive it all.

Take a holiday respite: 

• Float in a magnesium-filled salt pod and allow the tension to release from every muscle on your body at SpaOasis. Plus, you can get a Himalayan salt lamp here, too. It could be like a focal point for you to use to relax amidst the aunts, uncles, cousins, and tiny tots everywhere. 
• Main Street Yoga is always a calm, serene, tranquil space – you know, precisely the opposite of homes during the holidays. Find some rest from the relatives and ruckus here.
• Tuscan Sun Spa is a great place to de-stress under the guise of finishing up some last-minute Christmas shopping. Get a body wrap, a facial, a pedicure – anything to escape and/or prepare yourself for more social events!
• Sneak away from the crowds and take a couple of deep breaths and big swigs at The Rambling Root or Short Story Brewing. Dessert couldn’t hurt, either.  
• Or bring something back for all age-appropriate family members to relax. Mountain Dragon Mazery’s honey wine is a local treat that will take the conversation from nonexistent grandchildren and impending weddings to those good ol’ country roads.

• Tradition

Christmas in Our Town is the Barrackville community Christmas celebration! It’s about spreading Christmas cheer for all to see. Lights, crafts, food, a parade, and entertainment. 

Pricketts Fort is a Christmas destination! How could a beautiful and historic fort be any more incredible to see? When it’s decked with boughs of holly and fa-lalala! Enjoy this magnificent fort at Christmastime!

Christmas High Tea isn’t just tea and cookies, but a chance to explore a historic home in Marion, complete with all the necessary Christmas decor, music and refreshments.

Keep exploring with the Marion County Historical Society’s annual Holiday Historic Homes Tour. Discover old homes, historic homes, beautiful homes, and – more than likely – beautiful, old, historic homes decked with all the boughs and all the holly!

• Fun

Marion’s new event center is in the holiday spirit! Enjoy performances at the Crystalline Christmas Spectacular.

There’s more Christmas music where that came from! Have a Merry Country Christmas at Sagebrush Round-Up with country bands, comedy, solo artists, and dance troupes!

What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?