Know Before You Go: Manhattan Set To Shine In Christmas On State

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan is set to welcome the holiday season, kicking things off with a weekend of Christmas on State festivities.

Christmas on State fun begins at 4 p.m. Dec. 7, with activities leading up to a Christmas parade and tree lighting that day. But Round Barn's Winter Fest is set for the evening of Friday, Dec. 6.

Activities are planned throughout the weekend around town, including ice sculpture demonstrations, Highland cow appearances, food trucks, ornament decorating and more. The weekend includes a little something sweet and festive for all.

New this year is a commemorative Christmas On State mug, going for $15 and available for purchase at Village Hall and Posh West Boutique. Each mug comes with exclusive coupons for discounted signature drinks on December 7 at @blended_manhattan, Gallagher's Pub, Midtown Bar and Grill, and Fritz's Saloon.

Round Barn's Winter Fest

Opening at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and organized by the Manhattan Park District, Round Barn Farm's Winter Fest features a DJ Grinch dance party, crafts, holiday lights, hayrack rides, and more. Beer, wine, cocoa and snacks will be available for purchase. Manhattan Intermediate School and Manhattan Jr. High choirs will perform, followed by the Canterbury Carolers. Manhattan-Elwood Library will host a storytime, followed by a DJ Grinch dance party pumping up the crowd. The fest is free to attend.

Wabash Market

Starting at 4 p.m. Dec. 7, the Wabash Market held at the Wabash Parking Lot/Township Garage, will include food trucks from Chick-fil-A, Drew's Dogs, Auntie Anne's, and Coffee-N-Repeat. Children can make reindeer food and decorate paper lanterns, with a chance to visit with Highland cows from Remnant Ranch. Kids can also decorate an ornament and write letters to Santa, courtesy of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Give the Holiday Prize Wheel a spin, and color posters, courtesy of Manhattan-Elwood Public Library.

Holiday Bazaar

(Manhattan Chamber of Commerce)

• Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Manhattan Jr. High, 15414 W. Smith Rd.
• Local vendors, crafts, basket raffles, holiday gifts, letters to Santa.
• Admission is free.

Parade Of Lights

The Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m., capped with the town's tree lighting. Donated by resident Justin Parker, a Township crew cuts down the tree, erecting it in the center of town at Times Square. A local child is selected to lead the parade, and flip the switch to light the tree.

Also new this year, don't miss the Snowman Stroll, with 13 wooden snowmen decked out for the season and on display in the Wabash lot!