North Iowa communities are decking the halls with a full slate of Christmas events and Santa visits over the next several weeks. Families across the region will find plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season, support local causes, and enjoy time together.
Saturday, December 6
Festivities begin in Buffalo Center with a Cookie Walk at the Heritage Town Center from 9 to 11 a.m. The fundraiser benefits the Buffalo Center Swimming Pool. Visitors can enjoy coffee or cider while selecting from a wide variety of homemade cookies. Small boxes are $12 and large boxes are $15, with freewill donations accepted for beverages.
Also on Saturday, the Thompson Public Library will host its Christmas Open House from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Santa will visit with children from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The event includes refreshments and door prizes for both kids and adults.
Thursday, December 11
Santa returns to Buffalo Center for a visit at BC Hardware from 5 to 7 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring wish lists and cameras for photos with Santa.
Saturday, December 13
Buffalo Lanes will host Walking Around the Cookie Tree at 5 p.m. Participants are invited to bake their favorite holiday treats and exchange them with others to create a mixed cookie platter.
Sunday, December 14
The holiday fun continues in Lakota with a Santa & Bake Sale from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Community Building. The 4H fundraiser offers cookie boxes for $20, and Santa will be on hand with goodie bags provided by the Lakota Community Group. Memory bulbs will also be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting 4H projects and activities.
Following that event, residents can take part in the annual Tour of Lights in and around Buffalo Center from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Drivers can find route details on the event’s dedicated page.
Monday, December 15
The Rake Public Library will hold its Christmas Holiday Open House from 2 to 4 p.m., rounding out a busy stretch of seasonal celebrations in the area.
Organizers encourage anyone aware of additional holiday events to share them so the community can continue to spread Christmas cheer throughout North Iowa.
