Midwestern States Section

This half-mile walk-through display will feature more than a million sparkling lights and a 15-block drive-through display showing off 650 wooden Christmas figurines. New this year are 30 more figurines added to the display. And don’t miss all the animated characters. Festive music will set the mood as well as offering free admission for all. Starting Dec. 3, the attraction will be open nightly through Dec. 26 with refreshments and activities every weekend. Come see Santa and all his elves’ at work creating Christmas Magic. His live reindeer will even be on hand to visit on Dec. 10 from 4-8 p.m. Be sure to bring your cameras for photos. Santa’s Playland – Celebrate completing your walk through of “Candyland” by enjoying the sights and views at Santa’s Playland. From our ferris wheel to our all new “Merry Go Round” you are sure to enjoy your journey though Santa’s Playland. After you have completed your journey be sure to check out the Miniature Ceramic Christmas Village ( over 300 pieces). Grab a snack or make a craft at the North Pole, and enjoy Free refreshments around the bonfire. What makes this display unique is that this display isn’t created by a single individual or a single organization. It is truly a community display. Hundreds of volunteers from all over Southern Illinois come together each year to make this lights attraction a success. “Our display reflects the true meaning of community and Christmas and shows what amazing things can happen when people work together.” explains volunteer, Scott Rust. “Each year we recognize an individual or family who help make our display possible and demonstrate the true meaning of community.” This year Sonny and Carol Smith have been honored for their years of dedication to the display and community. For the past 11 years The Smith’s have spent hours of their holiday season setting up the display and donating lights and other goodies to the cause. Their support has been greatly appreciated as they have became like family with everyone .

This is definately the place to take the kids! Plan a minimum of 2-3 hours for your visit as they have all sorts of things for the kids. Check it out on Facebook and ad at right...

By Sarah Miller Travel Writer

Blame your high expectations for holiday destinations on the movies. White Christmas, Holiday Inn, and many other classic films make you dream of visiting their postcard-worthy Christmas inns. No matter the hustle and bustle, holiday magic and peace prevail. That’s how things happen at The Whittaker Inn in West Lafayette, Indiana. Freshbaked cookies and a colorful plate that says, “Celebrate Everything,” greet guests. Being five miles from Purdue University, the Whittakers have hosted many celebrations from Boilermakers team games to graduations. But when the crowds of college students have left for the holiday season, The Whittaker Inn takes on a distinctly warm, festive atmosphere.

Winding down a long drive, the newly-built yellow Midwest farmhouse with a red roof sits on acres of meadow and woodlands. Inside, a fire crackles and touches of home both regionally and globally seem to sing “Joy to the World.” Andrew and Elizabeth Whittaker, both Purdue grads and college sweethearts, opened the inn with nods to the local university and Indiana. The global touches come from their travels around the world with each room themed for a different country. Spain, for example, has warm golds while Greece is awash in deepblue seas decor mixed with summer whites. Elizabeth’s father has a Greek heritage, and her mother made a tapestry quilt mural that brightens the walls and framed an old-family photo. Andrew’s home country, England, is found throughout the inn as well. Elizabeth’s mom displays parts of her Dickens Village in the Gathering Room, a fun tribute to Andrew’s English roots. And since Andrew prepares the meals at the inn, he incorporates some childhood favorites into the menu. “We offer a special Christmas Eve and Day menu. We always include bacon wrapped turkey which is the traditional Christmas meal in the UK. On occasion we will also offer an English trifle with whipped cream, fruit, traditional English custard and sponge cake,” says Andrew Whittaker. “If you are not going to be with us on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, another traditional English fare that we offer year round to our guests is traditional English Fish & Chips.” What would Christmas be without cookies?

At The Whittaker Inn, Elizabeth’s mom has fresh-baked cookies waiting for you when you arrive. During the holidays, she introduces the 12 Cookies of Christmas. These festive desserts can be enjoyed inside, to go, and even shipped to bring delicious memories of The Whittaker Inn. The Whittaker Christmas tree is brimming with homemade ornaments crafted by Elizabeth and her mom. Elizabeth’s dad adds to the trimmings with family ornaments he’s given every year to reflect something special about the person or the year. “We always put out our nativity so we don’t lose sight of the true meaning behind Christmas amidst all of the hustle and bustle of the season. The rest of the decorations change a little each year but are always meant to evoke Christmas cheer!” says Elizabeth Whittaker. On-site dining and entertainment mean guests never have to venture from the inn. Guests can gather at the inn’s restaurant with soaring ceilings and large windows, or have food delivered. One charming tradition is the individual breakfast menus tucked in handstitched fabric pockets hung from the door knob. Each person can select from dozens of choices, and can have their personalized dream breakfast–french toast, omelets, breads, and more–served in the room. On-site nature trails, a pool table, and game room offer plenty of cozy diversions. So whether you love the song “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” or find yourself wrapped into another White Christmas rerun, The Whittaker Inn seems to offer home and a world away– all wrapped in a glorious, festive package.

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By Nathan Wagner

Since 2016, Christkindlmarket Des Moines has brought a bit of European culture to Central Iowa. Happening annually the first weekend in December at Principal Park in downtown Des Moines, the market boasts European cultural craft vendors from all over the Midwest. At the free, volunteer-lead festival, you’ll find delicious food, warm mugs of Glühwein, and plenty of live, musical performances. There’s something for all ages and you may find yourself wanting to come multiple times. Here’s three things to know.

Christkindlmarket Des Moines has something for all ages. Bring the kids and checkout the kid’s crafts in theKinderKorner presented by MidAmerican Energy Company. Have a date night (or day) with some craft beer in the Biergarten, where you’ll find a curated selection of brews, including some specially brewed for the festival from Iowa breweries. Or kick back and relax with live music and a warm cup or festive mug of Glühwein (mulled, spiced wine) in Yuletide Hall.

Besides plenty of food and drinks, there are many arts and specialty gift vendors at the market! Vendors come from all over the Midwest to sell traditional European-style goods. A full list of the craft vendors can be found on the website. Specialty gift vendors also do demonstrations of how their wares

are created; you can find schedule of the demonstrations on the website. Pre-order uniquely made items and pick them up while at the market. 3. You can participate! Thought-out the weekend there are several opportunities to get involved with the festivities. At 6pm on Friday evening the opening ceremony features a parade around the venue with St. Nicholas and the Christkind. Kids of all ages are invited to join the procession and see the lighting of the tree! At 6:30pm on Saturday watch or join in the Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampuses). All weekend long cut loose in Yuletide Hall as you enjoy the many musical performances.

Come experience the magic of Christkindlmarket Des Moines, December 1 - 4. See the full schedule on the website. For more information about Christkindlmarket Des Moines organized by the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) or to volunteer check out the website and get a full list of vendors, events and more! Ps. There’s Reindeer!

Photos by - Leaps & Bounds Photography and Kirstin Baer-Harding

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SIOUX CITY - The Betty Strong Encounter Center will host “Merry TUBACHRISTMAS,” a concert featuring the Siouxland area tuba and euphonium players. The concert is set for Saturday, Dec. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. It will be directed by Conductor Dr. Josh Calkin. Dr. Calkin is Director of Bands at Wayne State College. He is an associate professor in the Music Department whose duties include directing the Wildcat Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble, and Mariachi Oro y Negro. He also teaches all applied low brass and low brass methods, world music, and instrumental conducting. New for 2022 is an optional performance at 6 p.m. as the grup will perform the National Anthem at the Tyon Events Center. Admission will be free and a reception will follow. The audience will hear traditional Christmas carols arranged by composer Alec Wilder who died on Christmas Eve in 1980. In addition to composing music for the tuba and euphonium, Wilder was a loyal supporter of the efforts to improve the literature and public image of these instruments. Located next door to the Sioux City Interpretive Center and joined by the symbolic Crossroads, the two have created a Missouri Riverfront home for exhibits, programs and activities that explore how we live together as diverse people; and how we care for our land, our great river and other natural resources. On Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., harpist Mary Watts and Yvonne Hazlett will present “A Grateful Feel.” This program is also free and a reception will follow. For more information, visit online at https:// www.facebook.com/sctubachristmas/

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WICHITA - Drive just west of Wichita and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the holidays from the comfort of your own vehicle as you take in the vibrant lights. Make your season bright with Safari of Lights here at Tanganyika through January 1st. With a drive-thru light display that is synced to your favorite tunes, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Viewers also have the option to purchase popcorn and hot chocolate. Admission is $20 per car on Sunday through Thursday and $25 per car Friday and Saturday. All proceeds go towards keeping the animals warm and fed at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. You can reserve your tickets online at https://bit.ly/SafariOfLights Reservations are required and time slots begin each event at 6 p.m. With nearly an entire mile of illumination, this show will certainly need to be on your list for this year. Be sure to bring your cameras so you can take photos of the tallest illuminated Christmas tree in town.