Very Merry Marion

Start your holiday with the Very Merry Holiday Parade on November 30th. Close to 100 entries with a special surprise at the end with the Budweiser Clydesdales making their parade debut!

Ice Skating on the square begins November 30th and runs through January. Sessions are one hour on the hour from Thursday- Sunday. Thurs and Fri are 5-9 and Sat and Sun 1-9.

Come shop with local vendors and check out their unique handcrafted items at the Very Merry Holiday Market. The Very Merry Holiday Market is located in the parking lot south of Market Street Conservatory.

Get that ugly Christmas sweater, Santa hat, Elf suit, etc. ready, and let’s show our city some fun holiday spirit! Runners and walkers, families, and friends are welcome to participate in this short (1.5 mile), fun event. There will be a costume contest, hot chocolate, and a surprise at the end of the route! Most Spirited Winner will enjoy a free Christmas Carriage Ride!

Enjoy a nostalgic carriage ride in downtown Marion to get you in the holiday spirit. Carriage rides will be available from November 30 through December 10. The cost is $40 per reservation. Each reservation can accommodate up to 8 riders and is approximately 15 minutes long.

Put your pajamas on and eat pancakes with family and friends at Marion Senior Citizens. Reservations are required. You can make your reservation by calling 618-997-9019. In addition to a yummy breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis, there will be a shopping area for children to buy gifts for their families with their Santa bucks that will be provided, a chance to make magical reindeer food and to write Santa a letter that you can drop off in the Santa Mailbox located at Marion City Hall on the square. Oh, and one last thing...we hear Santa will be there!

Santa will also be on the square in his house each weekend in December through the 22nd.