Christmas starts tonight in Martin City

Santa appears at the Martin City Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 15. Photo Heartland Imaging KC

Martin City Kicks Off Holiday Season with Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Kathy Feist

The Martin City Holiday Lighting Celebration will be held on Friday, November 15, starting at 6 p.m. at the Bailey Bros. Savings & Loan Association building, a.k.a Heartland Imaging, 310 E. 135 St. 

Besides Santa Claus’ appearance, the St. Thomas More Elementary School Choir will headline the evening activities. After the concert, Santa will switch on the lights, then listen to the children’s wishes and pose for professional photos courtesy Hearland Imaging. Professional DJ  Bobby Eddy will continue to bring music to the lit-up night. Martin City Coffee will be on hand to sell hot beverages, including coffee and hot cider. 

This year the Ugly Sweater Group Fun Run returns. Runners, whether dressed in ugly Christmas sweaters or  not, will meet at KC Running Company, 200 E. 135 St., at 6 pm and begin the run after the lighting ceremony, between 6:45 and 7 pm. Winners of the sweater contest will get free entry to a race of their choice. For more information, email brad@kcrunningcompany.com. 

Heartland Imaging, a photography/gift store will have its Holiday Open House during the event. The historic building has been replicated to its former 1911 bank glory, complete with potbelly stove, hardwood floors, bank vault and red brick walls, and with an additional dash of traditional Christmas throughout.  

To keep participants safe, much of the concert will be held in the Heartland Imaging parking lot and off the streets.An off-duty police officer will be on hand to direct Friday night traffic. 

The Martin City Holiday Lighting Celebration is organized by the Martin City Business and Community Association.