Christmas activities begin this weekend

With the Thanksgiving season coming to a close, thoughts begin to turn — if they haven’s already — to the holiday celebrations in late November and through December. There’s plenty happening around town to keep you in a festive mood, beginning this week.

Businesses are encouraged to help make Thermopolis look festive for the holiday season with a decorating contest. Participating businesses should have their windows or storefronts decorated by Saturday, Nov. 24, and the community will vote on them by Dec. 17. Contact Meri Ann Rush, 921-8464, or Lara Shook, 307-630-9058, to participate.

November 24 also marks Shop Small Saturday. The event emphasizes the importance of shopping local, and stores will open at 8 a.m. for early birds. Later in the day, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be downtown at Hazel-n-Pearls at 4 p.m., and there will be the crowning of the Snow King and Queen.

Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 will have the second annual Celebration of the Creches at the Community Hall, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Tuesday, Dec. 4 will see the annual festival of the trees at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. The event is a fundraiser for the Thermopolis Community Fund.

Friday, Dec. 7 is the date for the winter performance by Hot Springs Dance, LLC, 6 p.m. at the high school auditorium.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will return to town on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Thermopolis Hardware.

Monday, Dec. 10 is for the annual Tour of Homes. This event invites people to travel around town and view the homes and businesses that keep the holiday spirit alive. Tickets are required for the tour, which is 5-8 p.m. with a reception to follow at Thermopolis Middle School. The event is also a fundraiser for the People for People program.

Tuesday, Dec. 11 will feature the Merry Christmas Market game. Shoppers can play a type of Bingo game for a chance to win a basket of gifts from participating businesses. It’s also a chance to shop late, as many businesses will be open until 8 p.m.