Holiday Tradition on the Square Gets a Little Extra Sparkle This Christmas!
The holiday magic is returning to downtown Fairfield, and this year, Holiday Tradition on the Square is getting a few exciting upgrades! While some of the familiar sights will remain, visitors can look forward to new photo opportunities, a little extra sparkle, and continued efforts to keep one of Fairfield's most cherished holiday traditions shining for generations to come.
For decades, Holiday Tradition on the Square has helped make Fairfield known as the Christmas City. Generations of families have enjoyed strolling around the Square, admiring the lights, sharing holiday memories, and taking photos with the beloved displays. Some of these decorations have been part of the tradition for more than 50 years, and while we love their history, even Christmas decorations need a little TLC now and then!
“Holiday Tradition on the Square is about so much more than decorations and lights. It’s about memories, traditions, and the excitement of bringing families downtown year after year,” said Jessica Anderson, Co-chair of the Christmas Committee.“ We know how much these displays mean to our community, and while some need a little extra attention, we also want to keep adding new touches that give families something fresh to enjoy while preserving the traditions they have grown to love.”
This year, visitors will notice a few changes. The familiar carolers will remain indoors this season. One of the female carolers has once again lost her head (apparently, she has had a rough few Christmases!), and the display needs additional repairs. Rather than rush a repair, the decision was made to keep the carolers safely inside while plans for future improvements are considered.
But don't worry, there is plenty of new holiday magic to enjoy!
Much like last year's replacement of the aging sidewalk candles with beautiful new lamppost displays, two new additions are sure to become family favorites and provide wonderful opportunities for holiday photos.
New this year – Two Festive Photo Opportunities!
9.5-Foot Star Arch with LED Twinkle Lights
A show-stopping star-shaped archway featuring brilliant LED twinkle lights will create a little winter wonderland right here in Fairfield! Perfect for family photos, the sparkling arch adds a touch of holiday magic and invites visitors to step right into the Christmas spirit.
7.5-Foot LED Candy Photo Op
Sweeten up your holiday photos with this festive candy-themed display! Featuring warm white LED lights and colorful candy-cane-striped accents, this oversized photo opportunity is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It's sure to bring smiles to children and adults alike!
These new additions are made possible through the generosity of community donors and support for Holiday Tradition on the Square by the City of Fairfield through a LOST grant. We hope families will make a stop at the Square, snap a few pictures, and make new memories with these displays!
Santa Is Coming Back to the Square!
Of course, no Christmas in Fairfield would be complete without a visit from Santa! Santa will once again make his home on the Square, welcoming families every Friday and Saturday evening beginning Black Friday, November 27, through Saturday, December 19.
Santa's House will be open from 6:00–8:00 PM each evening. Families can stop by, share their Christmas wishes, take photos, and enjoy a little holiday magic. It's a wonderful opportunity to make memories and continue a tradition that Fairfield families look forward to every year!
Help Keep the Christmas Magic Alive!
As much as we enjoy adding new displays, maintaining a holiday tradition of this size takes ongoing community support. Lights need replacing, displays need repairs, and decorations eventually reach the end of their useful lives. Next year, plans include replacing the large wreaths hanging from the downtown street poles, as many are showing their age and are ready for a fresh look.
The annual Tree of Lights campaign is an important part of making these improvements possible. The campaign insert will appear in the Southeast Iowa Union around Thanksgiving, or donations can be dropped off at the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce office. Contributions are tax-deductible through the Fairfield Area Development Foundation.
“This is truly a community tradition, and it takes a community to keep it going,” Kayla Stanley, co-chair of the Christmas Committee said. “Every donation helps us maintain the displays, make needed repairs, and invest in new additions. Whether someone has been enjoying the Square at Christmas for 50 years or is making their very first visit, we want that magic to be here for them.”
Every donation, large or small, helps keep this tradition alive. Whether it's a new display, a repaired decoration, or thousands of twinkling lights, these are the little things that make Fairfield special during the holiday season.
We want to send a special thank you to AERON Lifestyle Technology for helping make part of a reindeer leg for one that was stolen. Also we appreciate Everybody’s Whole Foods for being the presenting sponsor for the Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Your support helps make the magic happen.
Holiday Tradition on the Square belongs to our entire community. Your generosity helps ensure that children today and generations to come can experience the same Christmas magic that has made Fairfield special for so many years.
Let's keep Fairfield shining bright and keep the Christmas spirit alive!
For more information or to make a donation, contact the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-472-2111 or visit FairfieldIowa.com.
