Holiday season kicks off this weekend

Christmas comes but once a year; however, the two months leading up to it are generally filled with spectacular events and plenty of joy.

While Christmas 2020 will probably be unlike any other in recent memory, at least one treasured celebration is set to begin this Sunday, November 8 — the 35th annual Huntingburg Christmas Stroll.

Sunday’s events are more community-focused, with dulcimer playing at Market Street Park from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m., followed by the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Channels 7 and 25 meteorologist Ron Rhodes is scheduled to flip the switch. Stories will be read to the children after that and cocoa and cookies will be distributed to attendees (safely).

Shopping will be the main focus this year, along with sips and bites on Friday evening and several food and wine purveyors vending their wares from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15.

A Country Christmas pop-up shop will also be set up on 4th Street.

In addition, this Saturday, November 7, many Ferdinand Merchants are holding a Christmas Open House. Meanwhile, since Christkindlmarkt cannot be held in person, a virtual Christmkindlmarkt will take place during what would have been Christkindlmarkt weekend (November 20-22). (There is a story in this week’s Ferdinand News.)

Ferdinand Merchants are holding a Mini Markt and some Christkindlmarkt vendors will be set up inside and outside the shops.

Small Business Saturday events are also planned in both Ferdinand and Huntingburg.

No doubt about it, everyone can use a little Christmas this year.