Time to light up Alexandria!

When does the Christmas season officially begin in Alexandria?

When Santa Claus turns the holiday lights on along Broadway, of course!

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit Alexandria on Friday, November 23 to share in the fun at the annual Christmas in the Fort event at the Runestone Museum’s Fort Alexandria.

The gates will open for the free event at 3 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by horse and carriage at 3:15 p.m.

They will then spend time visiting local children in “Santa’s Workshop” inside the fort. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras to take photos.

The Zion Lutheran School Children’s Choir will perform at 4 p.m. and the Jefferson High School Carolers will perform at 4:15 p.m.

Carriage rides will be available to the public for a fee from 4 to 6 p.m.

At 5:15 p.m., Santa will pull the switch to light up Broadway, and the holiday season will officially be under way.

Attendees are advised to dress warm for the outdoor event.

The museum will be open during the event, with paid admission.

Fort Alexandria will close at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (320) 763-3160.

Tags: variety, christmas, lights, downtown