Get ready to usher in the festive season with the annual Cuyuna Christmas event, taking place the first weekend in December in the Cuyuna Lakes Area. The community is invited to join in the holiday merriment with a weekend filled with signature events, glowing lights, and jolly décor for the entire family.

The heart of the festivities will be Snow Many Smiles in Crosby’s Memorial Park, transformed into a dazzling holiday wonderland straight out of a storybook on Saturday afternoon, December 2. The air will be filled with the aroma of campfires, harmonizing with the sound of carolers spreading good old-fashioned holiday cheer.

The highlight of the free event is a concert by The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band, performing in a heated tent at 4 p.m. Various activities and entertainment for all ages will be available from 3 – 6 p.m., including hayrides, “Santa’s Stable” petting zoo, carolers, fire dancers, crafts at Candy Cane Lane, games with prizes, letters to Santa, cookie decorating, a human snow globe, face painting, and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present to spread Christmas cheer, and free yuletide snacks will be served. The grand finale of fireworks will illuminate the sky over Serpent Lake at 6 p.m.

Earlier on Saturday, the celebration kicks off with a group bicycle ride in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area for Global Fat Bike Day. Riders will meet at the Sagamore Unit Trailhead parking area off Highway 59 at 10 a.m. with a Sunset Ride at 4 p.m. from the Hudson in Ironton to Snow Many Smiles. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights and holiday decorations. 

Lunch with Santa, sponsored by the Garrison Bay Lake Area Lions and The Deerstand, will take place at the Deerwood Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children 12 years and younger, as well as special needs youth, are invited to register online at cuyunachristmas.com by Monday, November 27. Each child will receive lunch donated by the Deerstand, visit Santa, and receive a treat bag and gift appropriate to their age, along with entertainment, and ingredients for a holiday dinner.

The festivities kick off on Friday, Dec. 2, with a Community Tree Lighting in Main Street Marketplace Plaza at 5 p.m. featuring heartwarming carols, hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn. Take a stroll down Crosby’s enchanting Main Street and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Numerous businesses will have specially decorated storefronts and offer special sales throughout the weekend. Later Friday, a Jingle Bell Jam with live music from the Mark Peterson Band and a holiday attire contest will take place at 7 p.m. at the Ironton American Legion. The Legion will also host a Reindeer Rump Meat Raffle beginning at 5:30 p.m.

A Cuyuna Christmas Medallion Hunt is also scheduled with clues posted on the Crosby-Ironton Courier’s website, Facebook® page, and on the front window at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. starting Friday, Dec. 1 until the medallion is found.

Cuyuna Christmas is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and donors, including Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Smiles for Jake, and various area businesses, organizations, and volunteers. Event sponsors include AutoSmith Service Group, BLADEC/CREDI, Crosby Fire Relief Association, CTC, Cuyuna Fire Relief Association, Deerwood Bank, Deerwood Firemen’s Relief Association, Graphic Packaging International, Great River Eye Clinic, Jamie Koop Insurance, Koop Funeral Home, Love, Tito’s, Magnum Machining, Nor-Son Construction, Oberg Fence, Range Disposal Services, Renewal by Anderson, Rice Lake Construction, and River Oaks Dental. In-kind donors include Anderson Brothers Construction, Crosby-Ironton Courier, Hubbard Radio, Ironton American Legion, Lamar Advertising, Peace Trees, Red Rider Resort, Super One Foods of Crosby, and Vision Electric.

For a full schedule, details, a list of sponsors, and current information about all the activities visit www.cuyunachristmas.com.

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