Jingle Bell Holiday offers festive family fun, merry shopping and more

GRINNELL — Grinnell’s annual downtown holiday shopping kick-off event, Jingle Bell Holiday, will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Guests are invited to enjoy festive activities and promotions at a variety of businesses, and receive double punches on holiday punch cards on all purchases made throughout the event.

Santa Claus will be visiting with children at Grinnell State Bank; photos taken by Cory Hall Photography. Carriage rides will be available downtown free of charge, with pick up and drop off at the northwest corner of Central Park. Dancers from Michelle’s Dance Academy will perform a dance routine shortly after 5 p.m. in Central Park with the Central Park Lighting to follow.

A team of volunteers has worked to develop a holiday plan for Central Park that will be debuted during Jingle Bell Holiday, and will include lighted and static displays which will remain visible through the end of the year.

The Winter Farmers Market will be back for a third year, with a variety of food and craft vendors setting up shop at the former St. Mary's Education Center, 1013 Broad St. from 5 to 8 p.m.
More than 20 businesses and organizations will be hosting kid activities and crafts, refreshments, open houses and other activities during the evening.