Oelwein Olde Tyme Christmas Activities Dec. 4th Through The 14th

All of our favorite Christmas traditions will look a little bit different this year as continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of northeast Iowa's favorite traditions is still on for this year, but with many modifications. The 18th annual “Olde Tyme Christmas” in Oelwein will on-going this year over an extended period. The fun activities have been adjusted to adhere to safety guidelines. This year, there will be none of the usual live activities on Friday evening, except for the fireworks display.

All the activities will be available to participate in from Friday, December 4th through Monday, December 14th. You are your family can do the activities at your leisure, anytime during those 10 days. Many of the trees and displays will remain up through Christmas, but voting will end on Monday, Dec. 14th at noon. Organizers are asking that you do not gather extra friends and family and social distancing is requested to keep everyone safe.

Christmas Tree Walk
Take a walk or drive-by downtown Oelwein businesses and check out the trees in their windows. The lights will remain on each evening. Choose your favorite, then send your vote to Oelwein Chamber and Area Development (OCAD) on their Facebook page, email, phone, or stop into their office on South Frederick Avenue. Prizes will be awarded to the top three vote-getters. Make sure to check out the "Christmas Village" display at the OCAD office, while you're on your walk or from your vehicle.

Elf on the Shelf
Keep a sharp eye on your Christmas tree walk for the six "Elf's on a shelf" hiding in the store windows. Make a list of where you find them, then children can submit their list at Tindell Shoes. Prizes will be awarded to the children that complete the hunt.

Grinch Contest
Nothing can stop this Christmas from happening, neither COVID-19 or the Grinch! The Grinch winner will be announced on Saturday, December 5th. You can continue to vote for your favorite candidate until Thursday, December 3rd. Votes can be placed at the businesses of the candidates, at the OCAD office or at the Oelwein Kitchen Cupboard.

Letters To Santa
Make sure your child's letters are dropped off or mailed to OCAD by December 14th. The letters will then be forwarded to the North Pole, make sure to include a return address so Santa can reply to your child if they've been "naughty or nice".

Fireworks display
The annual fireworks show will be held on Friday, December 4th beginning at 7pm. Everyone is asked to not congregate and you MUST stay in your vehicles. All fireworks will be aerial displays with no ground displays scheduled.

12 Days of Christmas
Watch the Oelwein Daily Register and the two OCAD Facebook pages for a daily activity page. Puzzles, activities, craft ideas and more will be provided.

This year, you can create the "magic of Christmas" during the "Olde Tyme Christmas" sponsored by Oelwein businesses that remind you to shop local this holiday season.