The 2021 Festival of Trees at the Gladbrook City Centre. This year’s festival takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 4. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRUDI SCOTT

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook community will kick-off the holiday season with the 27th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities, which will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It will also be the lighting of the 19th Festival of Trees in the City Center. The theme is “Barnyard Christmas.”  

Beautifully decorated Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes may be viewed at the Festival of Trees. You will walk past some very unique and colorfully decorated trees. Besides the trees, “watch your step” as you walk through the barnyard!! The trees are sponsored by area businesses, churches, individuals, and organizations.

Santa Claus will make his annual appearance in Gladbrook on Dec. 4. He will be upstairs in the City Center on the stage passing out the Santa sacks starting at 5:30 p.m. Jolly Old St. Nick will be seated on the brightly decorated stage, where you can take your own Santa pictures. The elves will be helping Santa if you just want to pick up your Santa Sack. You are never too old to get a sack!

A Farmers Market is planned for inside the City Center.

Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street the Commercial Club will be serving free hot dogs and hot apple cider. Kids and adults remember to sign up for all the prizes. Young and old alike can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. 

At 7 p.m. the G-R Chorus will be singing Christmas carols around the Christmas tree. The lighting of the tree will be at 7:15 p.m. followed by the drawing for the prizes, which includes four $25 Gladbrook Trade Dollars. You must be present to win.

The Gladbrook Tree Lighting and Festival of Trees is sponsored by the Gladbrook Commercial Club and the area businesses and individuals.