If the smell of pine gets you in the Christmas spirit, a visit to Ground Effects to pick out a tree or browse their evergreen arrangements and Christmas décor is in order – and they often have hot cider to sip while you do.

When it’s time to check off people on your Christmas list, you’ll find great surprises and delights at Centre Mall stores like Evie’s Hallmark, Pat’s Jewelry, Casey’s Bakery, and the clothing shops. On weekends leading up to Christmas, Centre Mall even offers free mini train rides for children and free holiday movie matinees for kids of all ages. Bomgaars has a surprising variety for outdoor, tools and adventures, while Vi Bella specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories. For home gifts, Vander Berg Furniture and Furniture Mart are a great place to start. Give the gift of fun with local gift cards, or the gift of food… including platters and baskets from Fareway, HyVee, and Member’s Cut. Find unique treasures at local vendor fairs like Christmas at the Village.

All that shopping might make you thirsty, so be sure to stop in for festive coffees or teas at New Grounds, Scooters, 712 Nutrition, or The Fruited Plain Café.  Or maybe a yuletide cocktail like a Stroepwaffle White Russian from Sidebar.

Lace up your skates (or rent some) at the Vernon Arena’s indoor ice rink and glide around the ice with your friends. Or if you’re up for some energy, catch a Dordt hockey game – the hype is unmatched. Check the Dordt music schedule for Christmas concerts that will make you want to sing along. You’ll find local churches are aglow with lights and candles, offering a host of Christmas-time services and special events.

Want to feel the frosty air? Cue up “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” and take a stroll along a snowy recreation trail through Sioux Center. And don’t miss the spectacle of lights at Christmas for a Cause, which lights up Heritage Village in a magical way for the whole holiday season (freewill offering) and check the schedule for nights when they serve hot cocoa too.

Then, to warm up, grab a big bucket of buttery popcorn and settle in to enjoy a new Christmas movie at Cinema 5.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Sioux Center’s special Christmas weekend, Hometown Holidays, usually the first weekend in December. Bundle up to enjoy the Lighted Parade – it is Hallmark-movie-worthy, especially if you snag a cup of hot cider or hot cocoa at a booth before it starts. Afterward, break out the Fa-la-las with some caroling. Don’t hold the sprinkles when you stop in for Casey’s Bakery Cookie Decorating. Then pack the crew in the car to cast your vote in the House Lighting Contest… and maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse a reindeer on a rooftop.