It’s time for Clear Lake to shine in all it’s winter, magical splendor at the annual Christmas By The Lake festivities. This celebration has won several regional and statewide awards and is sure to bring holiday joy to all attending.
The fun begins on Thursday, Nov. 30, with One Vision’s annual Lights on 5K, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at One Vision’s Main Campus, 1200 N. 9th St. W., Clear Lake. All proceeds will be used to buy holiday gifts for individuals with disabilities supported by One Vision.
Lights on 5K Run/Walk will have runners following streets through the One Vision neighborhood. Holiday gifts and clip-on lights will be available for the first 100 registrants. Participants are encouraged to dress in holiday lights and costumes. Prizes will be awarded. Cost is $30 per person.
A Candy Cane Fun Run will be held for kids to shine their own lights. This run begins at 5:45 p.m. Cost is $10 and each child receives a commemorative finishing medal. Other fun activities include a crafts in Santa’s Workshop located in the gym; a bake sale and Smokee Heights Food Truck will be available. Register or donate at www.lightson5k.org.
A Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will be held on Fri., Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m., at the Clear Lake City Park Bandshell. Bring toys to the lighting ceremony for Adeline’s Army Christmas Toy Drive.
The Surf Ballroom will present Christmas With The Nelsons on Friday at 7 p.m. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, America’s First Family of Entertainment, bring their award winning talent to the Surf stage. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and can be purchased at surfballroom.com.
Saturday, Dec. 2, has a full docket of special activities that are sure to bring holiday cheer.
Looking for a Holiday photo opportunity? Visit the City Park Bandshell for a perfect Christmas backdrop. Santa’s House is open in City Park, from 1-4 p.m. and again from 6-7 p.m. for little ones to tell Santa what’s on their Christmas list and to capture a photo with Santa himself. Get a photo taken with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Lakeview Room, 10 N. Lakeview Dr. Pizza will also be available.
Breakfast with Santa will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1101 9th Ave. S., from 7:30-10 a.m. The cost is $5 per person at the door. Santa will be available from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Clear Lake Christian Church, 302 Highway 18 W., will host a Christmas Share Event Saturday, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. This is a large giveaway of new and gently-used items including clothing, toys, household items, Christmas décor, food pantry items and more. Everyone is invited and donations are not accepted. This is also a great event for the kids to choose gifts for family members. A gift-wrapping station is available. A free continental breakfast and sloppy Joe luncheon is served during the event.
The United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave. N., is holding a Holiday Bake Sale and Crafts from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Vendors, donuts, coffee and a sloppy Joe meal are part of the fun at the Holiday Bazaar & Vendor Market at the Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Ave. N., from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Don’t miss the bake sale and door prizes.
“The Christmas Story” Indoor Nativity Scene Displays will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Clear Lake Regular Baptist Church, 314 N. 6th St. Hundreds of nativity scenes will be on display. Enjoy free cookies, cider, and coffee.
The Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St., will hold a Holiday Mini Art Market, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., showcasing local artists. Open studio for art making will be held from 10-2 p.m. Roger Lasley, acoustic guitar artist will perform from 12-2 p.m.
The Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St., will have a hot chocolate bar in the lobby, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A Teen and Adult Ornament Crafting Station will be held upstairs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Story Time for Ages 3-6 will be held at 10:30 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. Christmas Around the World Program will be held at 1 p.m. Learn how other countries celebration Christmas and get a taste of their traditions. The library will also have grab and go craft packets available for elementary-aged children, from 1-5 p.m.
The Prince and Princess Crowning ceremony will be held at 10:15 p.m. at Clear Lake Bank and Trust, 322 Main Ave.
The Lake Theatre, 4 N. 4th St., will show the movie, “Elf,” at 11 a.m. Make a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the food bank for free admission.
Live Cello and Piano will be presented from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Holistic Harmony, 313 N. 8th St.
C.A.R.E.S. Christmas by the Lake Bingo will be held at the VFW, 219 Main Ave., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Christmas Karaoke and S’mores will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the Zion Dock overhang, 500 Main Ave.
The FSB Warming House will be open to enjoy warm drinks and popcorn inside Farmers State Bank, 210 1st Ave. N.
The CLHS Choir Carolers will sharing their festive music from 1-4 p.m.
Horse Drawn Carriage rides will board at Wilcox Furniture, 418 Main Ave. and at Ge-Jo’s, 12 N. 3rd St.
A Petting Zoo and Pony Rides will be held in City Park from 1-4 p.m.
Zion on Main, 500 Main Ave. is the place to be for a wide variety of activities. The North Iowa Children’s Museum will be debuting a new mobile exhibit. Hang out in the gym for some 9 Square and Gaga Ball. There will be entertainment in The Blackbox and inflatables will be set up inside. There will also be popular cartoon characters available for photo opportunities. Stop by for a hot beverage and cookies. Professor Von Air Balloon Artist will be available from 1-4 p.m. to make the perfect balloon creation.
The day ends with the Lighted Parade and Spectacular Fireworks Finale beginning at 5:07 p.m. The parade begins at 8th St. and Main Ave. and will travel toward the lake, turning north along N. Lakeview Dr. The evening commences with the fireworks display at the seawall.
More fun is to be had on Sunday, Dec. 3.
The Lake Theatre, 4 N. 4th St. will show a family matinee at 11 a.m. Make a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the food bank for free admission.
The Polar Bear Plunge will be held from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at City Beach. Check-in/registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the VFW. Check-in/registration moves to the Yacht Club at noon. Plungers take the plunge at 12:30 p.m. A warming party will be held at Tap’d at 1 p.m. featuring a live band. Fun costumes and outfits are encouraged. Registration is a donation to the local Toys for Tots and/or Clear Lake Kids and Families in Need Fund.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be back in their house in City Park from 1-4 p.m.
