First Weekend of December to Feature a Variety of Community Festivities

This weekend, there are few different ways you and your family can kick-off the Christmas season with various local holiday events in Culver, North Judson and Knox.

On Friday, December 1st, the Culver Academies Community Service Club, the Cavs Club and the Culver Youth Community Organization will sponsor a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Train Depot in Culver Park. Light refreshments will be served at 6:15 p.m. ET and the tree lighting will be at 6:30 p.m.

Another part of Culver’s Christmas celebration will be the Holiday Hop which will run from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Citizens can visit participating businesses on Lake Shore Drive and Main Street to get in some early Christmas shopping and for a chance to win a $300 shopping spree. Carolers will sing throughout town during the Holiday Hop and will also be at Millers Merry Manor.

The Town of North Judson will also hold their holiday celebration on Friday, with their event taking place in Norwayne Field. Trees have been decorated by local groups and families. The lighting ceremony is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. CT. Santa will be on site, stationed at the top of the hill by the fire place.

Citizens are invited to head over the North Judson United Methodist Church Hall following the tree lighting ceremony. Kids will have chance to chat with Santa and hot cocoa and cookies will be provided.

On Saturday, Santa will head over to Knox to be a part of the 2nd Annual Peppermint Parade. The parade will feature more than 20 other participants who will be in the running to be awarded the title of best in their category or best overall Christmas spirit. The parade line-up starts at 2:30 p.m. CT and the parade will commence at 3 p.m.

After the parade, Santa will be set up in Wythogan Park to meet with families. Parents are encouraged to bring along their own camera to capture their child’s visit. Hot chocolate, cider and s’mores will be served. The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. in the park.

These family-friendly events are free to attend and are open to individuals of all ages.