If you are looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit, look no more! Main Street Columbus is working hard to create lots of opportunities to enjoy the season. Make plans now to attend these family-friendly activities.

Downtown merchants will be observing Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, the Saturday following Thanksgiving. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown small businesses will be open with store discounts, promotions and items that make perfect Christmas gifts.

“A festive spirit will be in the air as downtown merchants will have their windows and stores decorated for the holidays,” Barbara Bigelow, executive director of Main Street Columbus, said. “This is a perfect time to  show your support for small, local businesses, which in turn helps to boost our local economy. I encourage everyone to shop local not only during the holidays, but throughout the year.”

Christmas Parade

A team of community volunteers is also working diligently to make this year’s Christmas Parade one to remember. The parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 3. All area churches, children’s groups, individuals, bands, and community organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate. Applications can be submitted to Main Street Columbus.

This year’s theme is “A Merry Musical Christmas” and Dawn Barham, MSMS Music Educator, will serve as the Grand Marshal. Edward Jones Investments – Josh Read is the presenting sponsor for this year’s parade.

Wassail Fest and more

The evening of Dec. 6 will also be a night filled with tons of holiday cheer, with Wassail Fest, the lighting of the Christmas tree and pictures with Santa and Miz Claus.

“We are excited to celebrate 20 years of Wassail Fest,” Bigelow said. “Streets will be blocked this year so make plans to come early and enjoy the evening. There are new, added activities this year to make the evening even more fun.”

The Lighting of the Christmas Tree will take place on the lawn adjacent to the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center at the corner of Main and Third Street. Caroling will begin at 5:30 with Dawn Barham. The MSMS Singers and Mayor Keith Gaskin will “flip the switch” around 6 p.m. The Mayor’s Youth Council will be on hand with cookies and hot chocolate.

Then, head downtown for the 20th annual Wassail Fest, set for 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6. Wassail, a medieval beverage consisting of hot cider and various spices, will be served at various businesses  and restaurants within the historic downtown district. Pick up a ballot at a participating store and be the judge by casting votes for the best wassail, selecting the People’s Choice award, better known as “Wassail Meister.” Those who turn in completed ballots will be eligible for fabulous door prizes. In addition to great wassail tasting and judging, enjoy shopping and dining in downtown businesses, as well as musicians and choral groups.

Santa and Miz Claus will also be at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center for photos. There will also be more fun on Main Street with Frosty, Columbus’ tallest snowman, sponsored by Columbus Light & Water, along with a giant snow globe and one of Columbus Fire and Rescue’s awesome ladder trucks. There will also be two 360-degree panoramic photo booths on Main Street provided at no charge by Instant Charm Prop & Snap.

Also, to enter the “Ugly Sweater Showdown,” wear an ugly sweater, stop in for a photo at the Main Street Columbus office, 107 Fifth Street North, and that’s it! Photos will be judged by “professional ugly sweater judges” and the winner will be announced on Facebook the following  week. Prizes will be awarded for most creative, funniest, and most original ugly sweater.

There will also be a performance by The Ornaments, at the newly-revitalized Leadership Plaza, sponsored by The New Princess and Allegro Med Spa.

Presenting sponsors will be Edward Jones Investments – Josh Read and Coffee House on 5th.

“Wassail Fest brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season in our beautiful, historic  downtown,” Bigelow said. “We hope residents and visitors find their way downtown for one of our community’s favorite events.”

Cookie Walk

Main Street Columbus is also hosting a Cookie Walk on Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center.

For a $10 or $20 donation to Main Street Columbus, participants will receive an empty, festive, holiday box and a pair of gloves. Take a walk through a delectable array of holiday cookies prepared by Main Street Columbus friends and partners. Fill a box with cookies and keep the box of treats for yourself or share it with friends. All donations will help Main Street continue to provide beauty and vibrancy downtown.