The holidays are here, and Appanoose County is embracing the season with open arms, sparkling lights, and plenty of local charm. Our “Welcome to Tinseltown” theme is inspired by vintage glamour, promising a joyful and whimsical holiday experience for all ages. From locals who call this county home to visitors looking for a festive escape, everyone is invited to join in the magic. With family-friendly events, holiday shopping, and a warm community atmosphere, we’re excited to share our holiday traditions with everyone near and far. There’s truly something for everyone, and we can’t wait to celebrate together! Read on for our 2024 Holiday Guide to all things Appanoose County.
Check out our countywide events calendar here
For more details on all of the holiday activities and promotions coming up, be sure to follow PACT on Facebook
Pink Friday: #ShopSmallFirst – November 22nd
Kick off your holiday shopping with Pink Friday, our local version of a national campaign encouraging shopping local before going to the big box stores. Pink Friday encourages everyone to shop small and enjoy the unique experience only local businesses can offer. With special deals, festive displays, and a warm holiday spirit, this is the ideal opportunity to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal décor, and treats—all while supporting the heart of our community. Grab a punch card from participating businesses and gather punches as you shop local for a chance to win Chamber Bucks, eligible to be spent at nearly 100 Appanoose County businesses.
Shop Small Business Saturday & Santa’s Arrival to the Square – November 30th
On November 30th, join us for Shop Small Business Saturday and Santa’s highly anticipated arrival to the Centerville Square! When shopping, be sure to stop by our office first to grab your Shop Small Business Saturday bag that’s filled with one day only coupons, bounce back coupons and fun giveaways.
Then, as evening approaches, head to the Square to welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus! They’ll be arriving in true holiday style, bringing plenty of holiday cheer (and maybe a few candy canes) for all the little ones to help us light our tree on the Southwest Corner of the Square. Following the lighting of the tree, head over to The Ritz for FREE photos & crafts with Santa!
Appanoose County Christmas Tour of Homes – December 6th & 7th, 4-8 pm
Reindeer Games – December 7th
Bring the family for a day of merry competition with Reindeer Games! This festive event is packed with holiday-themed activities for all ages including a holiday themed scavenger hunt & curling on the lawn!. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids (and the young at heart) to enjoy a day of wintery fun in the heart of Centerville. Santa will also be at The Ritz 1-3pm for pictures and crafts!
Shop 2nd Saturday: Welcome to Tinseltown – December 14th
Our holiday season reaches a grand and festive finale with Shop 2nd Saturday: Welcome to Tinseltown on December 14th! This day-long celebration transforms downtown Centerville into a holiday wonderland filled with activities, perfect for making lasting memories with family and friends. Designed as a full day of holiday cheer, this event truly captures the magic of the season and embodies our vintage Tinseltown theme with glamour and community charm.
The day begins with Breakfast with Santa at Lucile’s, where kids can enjoy a special morning meal and share their wish lists with Santa himself. It’s a magical way to start the day, with holiday music, festive décor, and delicious food. Santa will be making appearances throughout the day, so don’t miss out on additional opportunities for crafts and photos with him later!
Adding to the enchanting atmosphere, we’ll have live Christmas alpacas on the courthouse lawn! These adorable alpacas, decked out for the season, are a hit with kids and adults alike and make for fantastic holiday photos. As you explore the decorated downtown, hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride to tour the holiday lights and decorations around the square. The clopping hooves bring an old-fashioned holiday feel that perfectly complements the Tinseltown theme.
One of the highlights of the day is our Living Windows display, where storefronts come alive with scenes that capture the magic of the holiday season. From costumed performers to festive vignettes, these windows are a favorite for everyone strolling through downtown. Each display has its own unique charm and is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy shopping local businesses and finding those last-minute gifts, special keepsakes, and unique treasures. Our downtown shops are filled with one-of-a-kind finds and are ready to welcome you with holiday treats and seasonal displays that add to the festive ambiance.
Shop 2nd Saturday: Welcome to Tinseltown is more than just a shopping event—it’s a full day of experiences designed to celebrate the season, bring our community together, and share the joy of the holidays with everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this grand finale event is the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season in Appanoose County. Mark your calendar and join us for this unforgettable day of holiday cheer!
Why Shop Local This Holiday Season?
Shopping local isn’t just about finding unique gifts; it’s about investing in our community. Every purchase made here in Appanoose County supports local business owners, creates jobs, and strengthens our town. Small businesses are what make our county unique, and by choosing to shop small, we’re ensuring that these businesses can continue to thrive and serve our community for years to come.
So, as you make your holiday plans, we invite you to experience all the joy, warmth, and magic that Appanoose County has to offer. With plenty of events, activities, and local shopping opportunities, this holiday season is sure to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. From the team at PACT, we wish you a holiday season filled with joy, togetherness, and a bit of sparkle. Welcome to Tinseltown, where the holiday spirit is alive and well in the heart of Iowa.