Santa is a big hit in Galva’s Ol’ Fashioned Light Parade. He is joined by a great display of other floats and starts the season off for the community. [Acquired photo]

The Saturday after Thanksgiving will be a busy time in Galva when the city rolls out its Ol’ Fashioned Christmas. An annual event, the festivities are arranged this year by the Galva Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Galva.

A host of things for young and old to enjoy are on tap, all designed to get everyone into the holiday spirit.

The schedule is as follows:

9 to 11 a.m. – Make and Take Crafts for kids at the Galva Arts Council on Exchange Street

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Festival of Wreaths and Mini Trees at the Galva Arts Council

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Chili and Soup luncheon at the Galva Arts Council

12:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Free Pony Rides on Market St. sponsored by the City of Galva and Community State Bank (CSB)

1 to 4 p.m. – Santa will be in Veterans Park Gingerbread House sponsored by CSB

Galva Boy Scouts will hang their bird food ornaments in Veterans Park Trees, sponsored by the State Bank of Toulon (SBT)

Free horse drawn carriage rides sponsored by SBT

2 to 4 p.m. – Galva Girl Scouts Love Tree Toy Drive at Crescent City Tap on Front Street

4 to 7 p.m. – Jeweled by Jen – Permanent Jewelry with refreshments and live music by Patrick Sloan on South Exchange Street

4:30 p.m. – Parade line up at Stackhouse Moore on East Division Street

5 p.m. – Lighted Christmas parade around the downtown square

5:30 p.m. – Lighting of Veterans Park – join Santa as he leads the countdown

7 to 8:30 p.m. – Christmas carols at the Galva Arts Council (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Galva business will be open and celebrating in the following ways:

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Allenia Space on Front Street will be featuring holiday and winter garden décor, along with free photo sessions and refreshments. Go to Facebook.com/Allenia Space to reserve a photo session

The festival of wreaths and trees has been a favorite offering of the Galva Arts Council for nearly 3 decades. All the entries vary in size and design and proceeds from the raffle help support the Arts Council’s activities. [Acquired photo]

4 to 6 p.m. – Hathaway’s Ace Hardware and Fresh Market is hosting a free beer and wine tasting event

4 to 7 p.m. – Midwest Carpets on Exchange Street  is hosting an open house and refreshments

10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Nightshade on the east end of Front Street  is offering free refreshments and a gift with every purchase

7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – The Old Bank and Coffee is having hot cocoa specials

9 a.m. to Noon – The Rambling Rose on Commercial (north of the motel parking lot) will host an open house featuring a Bloom and Brew Biscotti Bar and a raffle entry with every purchase

4 to 7 p.m. – Road Trip Food and Spirits on Market Street  is offering drink specials to keep you warm

9 a.m. – Noon and 4 to 7 p.m. – Special Kneads Bakery on Front Street will be open extended hours and serving refreshments

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Uncle Nolan’s on Main Street will be open extended hours

The Chamber and the City invite everyone to come to Galva and experience a real Ol’ Fashioned Christmas. See what a small town holiday welcome can do for your spirits and make this year’s celebration very special.