ICE CARVING … An ice sculptor shapes a festive holiday design outside the Archbold Village Offices during ChristmasFEST.
ICE RINK FUN … Children glide across the temporary ice rink set up downtown as part of Archbold’s ChristmasFEST activities.
BAND … Members of the Archbold High School Marching Band during the city’s annual Parade of Lights.
POPPY RUN … A vintage inspired Poppy Run vehicle moves through the Parade of Lights, accompanied by children dressed in World War I era uniforms.
PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILAGE REPORTER
SANTA … Santa delivers festive excitement as he waves to the crowd from the platform of Archbold’s Aerial Ladder Truck.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Downtown Archbold came alive on Friday, November 28th as families, friends, and returning visitors gathered for the community’s second annual ChristmasFEST celebration.
Beginning at 3:00 p.m. and continuing through the evening, the event offered a full lineup of activities spread throughout East Holland Street, the Village Complex, and participating downtown businesses, all leading into the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m.
ChristmasFEST, coordinated through the Village of Archbold, has grown notably since its inaugural year. Event coordinator Jen Kidder explained that this year’s focus was on broadening downtown involvement.
Multiple local establishments hosted hands on attractions, each serving as a stop on a community “passport” card. Visitors collected stamps throughout the evening and had the chance to enter a raffle featuring gift certificates to local businesses.
“We tried to get a lot more of the businesses downtown involved,” Kidder said. “There is something happening in quite a few places this year. The passport was just a fun way to make sure everyone could see everything that was part of the event.”
Throughout the afternoon, families enjoyed a wide mix of indoor and outdoor entertainment. Behind Town Hall, children lined up for inflatable slides and bounce attractions, placed there intentionally this year to shield them from the wind.
Nearby, the event’s makeshift ice rink hosted ice skating and curling, drawing steady crowds. Ice sculpting demonstrations, performed between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., added to the festive atmosphere.
Crafts and cookie decorating were offered at several locations, including The Home Restaurant, the Downtown Restaurant’s back room, and the Black Swamp Arts Center.
Other downtown shops such as Pennycrest Floral, Bella Rae Boutique and the Scrapbook Korner joined in, each providing surprises for visitors. The Holiday Art Market operated from 10:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m., contributing to the day’s steady foot traffic.
Kidder noted that ChristmasFEST was designed to align naturally with the parade, making the full day an opportunity for families and visiting relatives to enjoy Archbold’s shops, restaurants, and seasonal attractions. “It’s great to see people coming back to Archbold and seeing all that we have to offer,” she said.
The evening concluded with the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m., presented by the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce. Crowds lined Defiance Street and nearby sidewalks as illuminated floats, marching groups, and decorated vehicles made their way through town.
The highlight for many was Santa Claus himself, who brought high energy and holiday cheer while riding proudly on the back of Archbold’s aerial fire truck.
His enthusiastic waves and spirited appearance delighted children and adults alike, closing out the night with unmistakable Christmas magic.
With strong attendance and positive feedback, Kidder shared optimism about the event’s future. “I think it’s been pretty successful. We have heard great things today,” she said.
A hope for slightly warmer weather was her only wish for next year, though she acknowledged the wintry conditions added to the seasonal charm.
ChristmasFEST once again showcased Archbold’s community spirit, its collaborative downtown businesses, and its commitment to offering memorable experiences for families during the holiday season.