01 WEEKLY 2025
DECEMBER
VOL 3 • NO. 41
A
B A L D W I N
C I T Y
N E W S P A P E R
BALDWIN CITY GEARS UP FOR A FULL DAY OF HOLIDAY MAGIC AT THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Baldwin City is set to shine bright on Saturday, December 6, as the annual Festival of Lights returns with a full day of festive events for families, shoppers, and holiday-lovers of all ages. From breakfast with Santa to the evening parade and open houses across the city, this beloved community celebration promises a cheerful kickoff to the holiday season. A Morning of Merriment The day begins early with the always-popular Breakfast with Santa at the Community Center (712 Chapel St.). Three seatings are available—7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., and 10 a.m.—and families are encouraged to preregister to secure their preferred time. Shopping Opportunities • The Holiday Bazaar at New Life Assembly of God (118 5th St.), featuring local vendors and handmade treasures. • The 12th Annual Xtreme Gingerbread House Party at the Lumberyard Arts Center (718 High St.), where families can decorate gingerbread creations from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. • Shoppers can continue the fun at the Holiday Shopping Bazaar at Vintage Park (321 Crimson Ave.) beginning at 10 a.m. Festive Fun Through the Afternoon The Baldwin City Library invites families to its cheerful Holiday Crafternoon from 12–2 p.m., offering festive crafts for children. A new tradition as of last year—the Santa Rocket Train—departs from the Holiday Platform along the tracks at 1515 ½ High St.. Train rides leave at 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., giving families multiple chances to hop aboard for some holiday magic. NEW This Year: Market & Movers at 4 p.m. A brand-new event joins the lineup this year: Market & Movers, running from 4–7:30 p.m. in Sullivan Square and inside Baldwin City Creative Arts. This festive market features: • Fresh-cut Christmas trees and wreaths • Local gift vendors for last-minute holiday shopping • Ornament crafts for kids
• A special holiday obstacle course, including a toddlerfriendly climbing area • DIY photos with Santa on the Sullivan Square stage from 4–5:30 p.m. • Photo opportunities with the Sugar Plum Fairy after the parade Guests can warm up with free hot drinks and cookies, provided by community partners including the Baldwin City Library, Baldwin Education Foundation, South Baldwin Farms, and The Lovely Flower Co. Community Dinners, Open Houses & Entertainment At 4:30 p.m., Baldwin First United Methodist Church (704 8th St.) hosts their annual Soup Supper and Live Nativity, with supper served from 4:30–6 p.m. and the Live Nativity on display from 5–6 p.m. The Lumberyard Arts Center will hold its Holiday Open House beginning at 5 p.m., featuring gingerbread viewing, Christmas trees, artists, and Lucy’s Corner gift shop. At 5:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy a BHS Brass Band pre-show downtown before the parade begins. Festival of Lights Parade at 6 p.m. The highlight of the evening—the Festival of Lights Parade—rolls through downtown Baldwin City at 6 p.m. Featuring illuminated floats, local groups, marching performers, and appearances from Santa and the Grinch, the parade brings the community together in a glowing, joyful celebration. After the parade, families can head back to Baldwin City Creative Arts for photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy and more Market & Movers activities. Sunday Finale The weekend concludes with the Christmas Candlelight Vespers on Sunday, December 7, at 1:30-4 p.m. in Rice Auditorium (404 8th St.), offering a peaceful, music-filled end to the festivities. The Festival of Lights is sponsored by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and One Choice, with additional support from numerous community partners. With activities from morning through night, December 6 promises to be one of the brightest and most joyful days of the year in Baldwin City.
SAVE YOUR TREE SHOPPING FOR DECEMBER 6! CONSIDER PURCHASING LOCALLY AT THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – MARKET & MOVERS EVENT. VINLAND VALLEY NURSERY WILL BE ON-SITE WITH A BEAUTIFUL SELECTION OF FRESH-CUT CHRISTMAS TREES AND WREATHS.
shop small BINGO B i n g o Baldwin City
Get ready to Shop Small and Give Big! Grab your bingo card, pop into your favorite local spots, and mark off squares as you go. Every sticker brings you closer to winning big holiday prizes — all while boosting the small businesses that make our community shine!
BA
LD
WIN C I
TY
Make a donation to the Food Drive.
EARN THE CHANCE TO WIN WITH EVERY LOCATION YOU VISIT! How to play: 1) Receive a sticker from participating locations to place on each BINGO square you complete. 2) Earn raffle tickets for your chance to win 1 of 2 prizes! 3) Enter the raffle by returning your BINGO card to the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce by December 16 in order to win prizes.
free space
Don’t worry about clumsy raffle tickets! They will be digitally generated. Winners will be announced on social media and receive a phone call.
1
Ticket for the first location you visit!
5
Tickets for every Bingo!
WIN LOCAL PRIZES! The Bullpen - 811 11th St. Ad Astra Alpaca - 168 E 1700th Rd. Om Grown Yoga Collective - 816 High St. Gambino’s Pizza - 721 8th St. Uplift Coffee Baldwin - 112 6th St. Arrowhead Hardware - 318 Crimson Ave. EVRY’TANG & More - 215 suite B US 56 hwy Baldwin City Library - 800 7th St. The Town Galleria - 715 8th St. Quilters’ Paradise - 713 8th St. Pizza Hut - 130 US 56 hwy
10
BALDWIN CITY BEER COMPANY
Shop at a Holiday Market in Baldwin City
Tickets for BLACKOUT!
THE WOODEN SPOKE
TURN IN GAME CARD TO: THE BALDWIN CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 719 High Street
Lovely Flower Co. - 601 Ames St. Vinland Valley Nursery - 1606 N. 600 Rd. El Patron - 711 8th St. Standard Grooming Supply - 711 8th St. Baldwin City Beer Company - 520 High St. Baldwin City Distillery and Orchard Jitters - 822 Ames St. Homestead Kitchen + Bakery - 717 8th St. Lucy’s Corner - 718 High St. The Wooden Spoke - 912 Ames St. Baldwin City Made - 707 8th St.
Please tear out this page and return to The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce (719 High St.) by December 16.
Name: Email Address: Phone Number: See game rules
BINGO IS BACK!
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR BINGO GAMES TO WIN PRIZES THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON!