Celebrate the holiday season in Humboldt/Dakota City
After a change of heart, Merlin Fort’s Hillside Spectacular is again filling the skies of Dakota City and Humboldt this Christmas season. Here is a front view of his home along 2nd Street South in Dakota City. The attraction is open nightly through the holiday season. Independent photo by Phil Monson.
There is still time to see holiday displays in Humboldt. Here is a list of ongoing attractions.
UMC trees of Christmas
The ever-popular Christmas Tree Walk at Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt is now open for its 33rd year through Jan. 1
The display of trees is the result of many ideas from groups, families and individuals from within the church and community as well as from other towns in Humboldt County. There will be many trees on display, each beautifully decorated. Bus tours, school children and thousands of visitors tour the Trees of Christmas each year.
Faith United Methodist Church is located on 4th Street between 1st Avenue North and 2nd Avenue North in Humboldt. The walk is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. during the week and the weekend hours are from noon to 8:30 p.m. It is recommended people arrive no later than 7 p.m. so they can take their time and thoroughly enjoy a peaceful walk among the Trees of Christmas.
People coming from a distance and large groups should call the church office at (515) 332-2083 to make sure they will be coming at a time when they will be able to see the entire display.
Kiwanis Christmasland
Kiwanis Christmasland in Humboldt is a free attraction during the holiday season that young and old alike can enjoy. Sponsored by the Humboldt/Dakota City Noon Kiwanis Club, the attraction annually draws thousands of visitors from all over.
Some big changes are in store for 2019. There will be new trains and track, along with lots of new changes to Santa’s visiting area and the front of the attraction. Come see the new improvements and enjoy the spirit of the season.
Christmasland will be open and as listed below for the 2019 holiday season.
Open Thursday and Friday, Dec. 19-20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Open Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22, 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 23, 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 24, last day, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
The attraction is free. Donations to Christmasland are appreciated as they help the exhibit grow. Christmasland is located on 1st Avenue South, directly south of Humboldt City Hall. The season greetings sign will be lit when the attraction is open.
Fort’s Hillside Spectacular
Merlin Fort has decided to put up his Christmas lights one more time. This will be the 35th year for the Christmas light display located on 2nd Street South in Dakota City.
Fort, 90, said 2018 was going to be the final year for the 100,000-plus lighted display, but he received some help from friends Tim Greene and Don Stowell to get set up for one last time. The display normally runs through New Year’s Eve, depending on attendance.
Dream Carriage Rides
Jim Kellner offers horse drawn sleigh rides through Humboldt-Dakota City during the holiday season called Dream Carriage Rides. Call (515) 890-1661 for more information or go to www.dreamcarriagerides.com.
