Picture this: it’s August, and the local Hobby Lobby store has already started rolling out its Christmas decorations. “It’s not even fall yet,” you think to yourself.
Well, that was me this past August, shopping for last-minute details for my September wedding, when I spotted some Christmas décor. Little did I know that in the blink of an eye, the holiday season would be upon us. While Hobby Lobby may push the holiday décor a little ahead of schedule (in my opinion), I can’t fault them for trying to spark a little early holiday magic.
A Different Kind of Magic
Experiencing Christmas as an adult is undeniably different than experiencing it as a child. But that doesn’t mean there’s no magic to see or experience; it just looks a little different.
Today, the magic looks like folks coming together and providing gifts so all children can have an enjoyable holiday. It looks like communities hosting holiday events that bring people together, year after year. It’s local businesses stepping up and supporting nonprofits so they can make an even bigger impact during one of the most important seasons of the year.
While the end of the year is quickly approaching, there’s still a handful of family-friendly events you can attend! Even better, most of these events are free or have a low cost.
- DEC 18: 3-5 PM | Holiday Survival Grab & Go at Family Resource Center of Wayne County
- DEC 18-21: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Richmond Civic Theatre *cost
- DEC 20: 9 AM-12 PM | Richmond Farmers Market Holiday Market at Starr-Gennett
- DEC 20: 10-11 AM | Legacy in the Pines at Cope Environmental Center *cost
- DEC 20: 1-6 PM | Christmas Box Giveaway at Townsend Community Center
- DEC 20: 3-7 PM | Santa at Two Sisters Bookstore in the Depot District
Where Community Shines Brightest
Wayne County is fortunate to have some incredible people and businesses that make our communities so special, especially during the holidays. From doing something as simple as eating at a local restaurant or shopping at a local boutique to making a generous donation to your favorite nonprofit, when we come together and do good, incredible things happen.
The Depot Festival of Trees is a perfect example of supporting local nonprofits during the holiday season. Local nonprofits decorate and display one-of-a-kind Christmas trees that are auctioned off to attendees. Proceeds from each tree directly support the nonprofit. This incredible event made quite the impact this year, raising over $45,000 for local nonprofits!
Let’s not forget the work that goes on behind the scenes to make the holiday season magical for all of Wayne County. Community volunteers who help organize parades, residents who go all out with their Christmas lights, town employees and volunteers who decorate downtowns with festive displays, and so much more that’s easy to overlook. Without this work, there’s no doubt the holiday season wouldn’t feel the same.
Cambridge City exemplifies volunteers making the holiday season magical. The Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department transforms Creitz Park into a festive Christmas light display, open every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 PM through Christmas. Between Christmas and New Year’s, the light display will take place every evening. Admission is free, with donations welcomed to support the department’s equipment and building needs throughout the year.
Carrying the Spirit Forward
Next time you get to experience some of the Christmas magic in Wayne County, take a moment to say thank you. Whether that looks like dropping off some homemade cookies or writing a simple note of appreciation, acknowledging those who make the season special goes a long way.
As we celebrate this time of year, we’re also carrying its momentum forward. The spirit of generosity, connection, and community pride that defines Christmas in Wayne County doesn’t just end in December.
We’re excited to build on it in 2026 as new initiatives come to life, and we’re grateful to be part of a community where the magic lasts far beyond the holidays.
