Manhattan's Christmas on State Set for this Weekend

The cold crisp air reminds us that Santa will soon be here. Come celebrate with the town. Beautiful music will pour out of the Park District Program Center on Friday Dec. 2 at 7:30 pm with a performance by the Lincoln-Way Central Madrigal Singers. Register for this free event by calling 815-478-3324.

On Saturday Dec. 3 head over to the Historical Museum at 255 State St. between 10 am and 5:45 pm to revisit favorite toys from each decade while sharing your favorite stories of Manhattan at Christmas time. Children can obtain a signature for the Chamber’s Scavenger Hunt there while viewing this free event. The historical caboose will be open from 3 pm to 5:45 pm.

Scavenger Hunt Cards are given to children in each of the schools or found in their virtual backpack on the school’s website. The more signatures from the list of businesses on the card that one obtains, the more chances one gets to win. Cards need to be turned in between 2:30 and 4:00 pm at the Program Center for an opportunity to win one of two $50 gift certificates. The drawing will be at 4:30.

While inside the Program Center visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause from 3:00-5:00 pm. Snap a photo with your favorite duo and enjoy games and refreshments. Sign up at the Park District Program Center or by calling 815-478-3324 to register for this free event.

Then head outside the Program Center from 3:00-5:00 pm to see live reindeers on Gustafson St. sponsored by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and Ardan Autobody, Berkots, Crosswind Farms, Emmy’s Cafe, First Bank of Manhattan, HomeStar Bank, Lee Hanson of Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell, Grand Prairie Animal Hospital, Illinois Eye Associates, Image 360, Kid Country, Manhattan Collision Center, Manhattan Elwood Public Library, Manhattan Dental Care, Manhattan Park District, Manhattan Medical and Riverside. Check out the large banner with the names of the reindeer sponsors. Bring your camera to take a photo with one of Santa’s team.

Children are invited to stop in at the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library from 10:30 am-3:00 pm for drop in crafts.

Children and adults bring your Gingerbread house to the Park District Program Center between 2:15-2:45 pm on Dec. 3. Public voting on the uniquely decorated houses will proceed between 3:00-4:00 pm with the winner announced at 4:15, and houses taken home at 4:30. This Chamber sponsored event is open to Kindergarten through high school students and adults. Entries will be divided into four age groupings with the top vote getter in each group winning a prize.

Delight in the sounds of three and four year old children singing songs of the season! Kid Country Christmas Program will be at 3 pm at Wilson Creek School. A cookie and punch reception will be provided immediately following the performance, along with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. This musical show is free and open to the public.

Cap off the day by experiencing the Chamber’s Parade of Lights down State Street starting at Second Street at 5:45 pm and ending at Time Square where the huge tree will be lite. Hot chocolate and cookies provided by Country Flooring and Kirby’s Korner Bakery will be served under the township’s beautifully decorated tree.

A fun family day is awaiting you at Manhattan’s Christmas on State.