Grinnell Chamber to host Jingle Bell Holiday Friday, Nov. 22

        A youngster enjoys getting a piece of candy after riding on the horse-drawn carriage during the 2023 Grinnell Jingle Bell Holiday festivities. The horse-drawn carriage was a favorite at the holiday event and is slated to return in 2024. File photo by J.O. Parker

        The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host its annual Jingle Bell Holiday event on Friday, Nov. 22 from 5-8 p.m. This event will again feature activities in Central Park and highlight Grinnell’s small businesses as the holiday shopping season approaches. Jingle Bell Holiday is sponsored by UnityPoint Health - Grinnell, Mahaska Communication Group, Dari Barn, Grinnell College, Grinnell Mutual, Total Choice Shipping & Printing, Community 1st Credit Union, Grinnell Firestone, Luther Floor Covering 236 Inc, DJ Cox and Aircut Studio. 
       Starting at 5 p.m., business open houses begin and the Winter Farmers Market will open in a new location at 914 Main St.. At 5:15 p.m., activities in Central Park begin. Michelle’s Dance Academy and Steppin’ Out Dance Studio will perform, followed by the lighting of the decorations in the park. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Santa will arrive at Grinnell State Bank to meet with kids and photos from Cory Hall Photography will be available to purchase. Carriage rides in Central Park will also start at 5:30 p.m., with riders being picked up and dropped off at the corner of 4th Avenue and Broad Street. DJ Cox will have music in Central Park from 5-8 p.m.
      Many businesses and organizations will be hosting activities, refreshments and open houses that evening. Participating businesses and organizations will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit the Grinnell Chamber website at www.grinnellchamber.org/en/events/jingle.bell holiday/ for more details.
   Community members are also encouraged to save the date for December 2-6 when several retail businesses will be hosting extended holiday hours until 7 PM. A list of participants will be posted to the Chamber’s website, once confirmed. 
     More information about Jingle Bell Holiday, Winter Farmers Market and other holiday activities will be regularly updated and can be found on the chamber website at www.grinnellchamber.org.