Christmas in Watford City

The kickoff for the holiday season in Watford City is the annual Parade of Lights, hosted by the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade begins on at 6:30 p.m. CST, and will end on Main Street with a fireworks show. The Chamber is asking local business and non-profits to decorate and enter floats, with the theme of “The Magic of Christmas.” For information regarding entering a float, contact the Chamber at 701-570-5084. Plan to support local business by shopping small at area retailers both before and after the parade. For every $10 spent at area retailers, you’ll receive one ticket to enter the holiday promotion. The Chamber will be drawing for the final grand prize of $500 in Watford City Bucks. The winner need not be present to win.

The following weekend, plan to do a good deed by bringing a canned good for the local food bank to the Watford City High School’s Drama Club presentation of “A Christmas Carol”. The show runs nightly from Thursday, November 29th through Saturday, December 1st. Refreshments are available beginning at 6:00 p.m. CST in the Watford City High School auditorium entrance, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for students, and $15 for adults. Discounted tickets are offered for those who bring a canned good. Tickets are available at the door.

Participate in the “Light Up MCHS” event in the main lobby of the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems Hospital from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 3rd. The Angel Tree will be lit, displaying ornaments purchased in memory of loved ones. Christmas goodies, coffee and apple cider will be offered, and music will be provided by the Watford City High School Band Ensemble. A tour of light through the Good Shepherd Home and Horizon Assisted Living will also be offered. To purchase an ornament, or for more information, contact Leslie Kelly at 701-444-8661.

On December 8th, visit the Rough Rider Center for their Christmas Fest from 12:00 to 5:00PM CST. The event is family oriented and Christmas focused. A vendor show will be set up on the lower concourse, with a special “Maker’s Corner”, for those local artist and vendors who make their own products. Pictures with Santa will be available, with photos available for purchase. Kids can craft their letter to Santa, and deliver it to the big, on-site mailbox. Other activities include bounce houses in the fieldhouse, and swimming and skating. Skate rentals are $4. Concessions will be open, and crafts for kids will be available. There will be a snowman and Christmas tree auction, decorated and donated by local businesses and groups. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Food Pantry to make Christmas meal boxes for families in need. The auction will run from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., with winners announced at 4:45 p.m. To donate a tree or snowman, or to setup a vendor table, contact Elise at 701-842-3665 extension 1132. Entrance to the event is $20 per family, grandparents not included, or $5 per person for families of less than 4.