Manhattan Set To Sparkle In Christmas On State Weekend

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan is ready to shine this holiday season, kicking things off with a weekend of Christmas on State festivities.

Christmas on State activities begin at 4 p.m. Dec. 2, with activities and fun slotted for the hours leading up to a Christmas parade and tree lighting that day. But Round Barn's Winter Fest opens the weekend the evening of Friday, Dec. 1.

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

"The village board and I are committed to enhancing Christmas on State each year with the help of our community," said Mayor Mike Adrieansen.

Opening at 5 p.m. Dec. 1 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. Choirs from Anna Mac and Wilson Creek schools will perform. The fest is free to attend.

Starting at 4 p.m. Dec. 2, the Wabash Market held at the Wabash Parking Lot/Township Garage, will include food trucks from Chick-fil-A, Drew's Dog, and The Creamery. Children can make reindeer food, decorate ornaments and write letters to Santa, courtesy of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

Holiday crafts and a story time will also be offered, thanks to the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library. New this year, the market also features an ice sculpture demonstration, sponsored by Earthrise Energy. Artists will chip away at two ice blocks from 4 to 6 p.m., Village officials said. "Frozen" character Olaf, and the Grinch will both be on-site for photo ops, too.

The Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m., capped with the town's tree lighting. Following the parade, attendees will enjoy cookies donated by Kirby's Korner Bakery, to munch on with their hot cocoa. Manhattan's tree is donated by the Paul Kestel Family Farm, officials said. A. Township crew handpicks and cuts down the tree, erecting it in the center of town at Times Square, with the help of the Mahattan's Public Works Department. A local student will help flip the switch on the tree.

"Art & Skip Kraus allow this to take place on their property, and we appreciate that," officials said in a release.

Other festive fun planned for the weekend

DEC. 2

Holiday Bazaar (Manhattan 114 PTO)

• Dec. 2 and Dec. 3
• Manhattan Junior High, 15606 Smith Rd.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
• Admission is free.

Breakfast with Santa (Manhattan Park Foundation)

• 8:30 and 10 a.m. seatings
• Hansen Community Center, 397 S. State St.
• $10 a person
• Registration required

Manhattan Township Historical Society Open To Guests

• 255 S. State St.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  

Photos with Santa (Village Realty)

• 215 S. State St.
• 12 to 3 p.m.
• Photos are free.
• Hot chocolate, snacks provided

SUNDAY, DEC. 3

Pictures with the Grinch (Manhattan Girl Scout Troop 75915)

• Manhattan Township, 230 S. Wabash St.
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• For a free picture with or without the Grinch, bring non-perishable, not expired food items to be donated to the Manhattan Food Pantry. Photos by Wild Rose Photography.
• Crafts and hot chocolate provided.