‘The Night Before Christmas’

Snow is already on the ground, giving the perfect backdrop for the annual courthouse lighting event in downtown Newton. With a theme of “The Night Before Christmas,” the stage is set to kick off the holiday season.

“Enjoy this family-friendly tradition in our downtown, enjoy the lighted storefronts, do some shopping and kick off your holidays with us,” the chamber said on Facebook.

The evening begins with Kiki’s Food Truck opening at 4 p.m. in Legacy Plaza. Complimentary horse and wagonrides will start at 5:30 p.m. and run through 8 p.m. adding in an additional stop at Legacy Plaza on this year’s route.

The downtown shops will be open full of holiday bits and bobbles and maybe the perfect gifts friends and family. While strolling the square, people are invited to sing carols and enjoy hot cocoa with Community Heights Church, too.

The main event, the courthouse will come to life with thousands of twinkling lights at 6 p.m. The strings of lights reach from the top of the building to each decorated corner making the county seat a destination location for all during the holiday season.

Not to be out-shined, right after the lights go on, Santa Claus will be inside the courthouse ready to hear Christmas wishes and hand out a little treat until 8 p.m.

Also while in the courthouse, visitors can take in the 4-H Festival of Trees, Christmas trees decorated by local clubs in unique themes full of items that will be donated to help different organizations throughout the county.

What is a family tradition for many or a first-time experience for some, the night is one to be seen in person to truly understand the holiday magic. And for many nights after, as the courthouse shines, it is a place to get filled with the spirit of the festivities throughout the season.