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Mandan Holiday Lights
Official Holiday Lights of Mandan Guide
Holiday Lights of Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln
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Welcome
Mandan is a community that surrounds itself with events that foster wonderful traditions and memories. The Christmas holidays are a time for memories and being together with family, friends, and community.
The 2022 Holiday season is a start of a new era for attractions in Mandan, and this winter season we bring to Mandan the “Mandan Holiday Lights on Main” transforming the newly renovated Dykshoorn Park along with Heritage Park, the Mandan Depot, the Beanery, and the Morton Mandan Public Library. For 40 plus nights, the “Mandan Holiday Lights on Main” will serve as a central, vibrant, and engaging community space which will inspire the holiday senses through a collection of innovative traditional and modern largerthan-life displays.
The holiday lights attraction will engage the traditional spirit of the holiday seasons along with activities that will exemplify Mandan’s unique event creating philosophy. We really hope that the community enjoys creating core moments in the “Mandan Holiday Lights on Main”, like capturing a perfect holiday selfie, a Christmas family picture, or even an engagement. We want to thank the business community for supporting the inaugural season of this attraction and the wonderful ways to give back to the community. Through non-perishable food drives, freewill donations to community groups and the Christmas Trees of Charity found in the Morton Mandan Public Library.
With the spirit of the holidays arriving, we the Mandan Progress Organization board, staff, and community members want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays in Mandan.
Matt Schanandore, Executive Director Mandan Progress Organization
FROM THE
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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Sponsor Nights
Date Sponsors Night Adopt a Night Partner November 25th, 2022 Farmer’s Union Insurance Mandan Morton Community Fund November 26th, 2022 Pizza Ranch Healthy Familes North Dakota November 27th, 2022 BNC Natioanal Bank November 28th, 2022 BNI Coal November 29th, 2022 First Community Credit Union Mandan Moose Lodge November 30th, 2022 I Heart Media MIX 92.9 December 1st, 2022 City of Mandan December 2nd, 2022 MDU Utilities December 3rd, 2022 BNSF Railroad Furry Friends Rockin Rescue December 4th, 2022 Bismarck Larks December 5th, 2022 Gate City Bank December 6th, 2022 KXMB News BPW Women’s Art Project DWAC December 7th, 2022 Bearscat Bakehouse December 8th, 2022 Farmer’s Union Insurance Rebuilding Together Greater BisMan Area December 9th, 2022 Starion Bank Mandan Kachina Dance Team December 10th, 2022 Heritage Electric LLC Mandan Marlins Swim Club December 11th, 2022 Railway Credit Union Leiws and Clark PTO December 12th, 2022 Ideal Image Dentistry and Spa December 13th, 2022 Bravera Bank Central Dakota Humane Society December 14th, 2022 Bismarck Magazine December 15th, 2022 Farmer’s Union Insurance Addilynn’s Bee-lievers December 16th, 2022 Security First Bank Friends of the Morton Mandan Public Library December 17th, 2022 BNSF Railroad Bismarck Cancer Center December 18th, 2022 Plains Commerce Bank December 19th, 2022 I Heart Media MIX 92.9 December 20th, 2022 Edward Jones December 21st, 2022 City of Mandan December 22nd, 2022 Farmer’s Union Insurance December 23rd, 2022 Mandan Progress Organization December 24th, 2022 Mandan Progress Organization December 25th, 2022 Merry Christmas January 1st, 2023 Happy New Year
“Your Soundtrack to the Holiday Season”
"BNSF has supported many organizations and events in Mandan and Bismarck for decades because we strive to be a positive force in communities where we serve customers and our own employees and their families live, work and play. The Mandan Light Show is an exciting new destination for Mandan and we are proud to be able to help make that happen.
BNSF’s presence in Mandan provides good jobs for our employees and allows other businesses to grow. We also want to be part of events that help shape and improve where people live. This Light Show is one of those events that will help bring people together and create community." - BNSF Railway
"Starion Bank is thrilled to be the premier sponsor of Mandan Holiday Lights on Main. What an opportunity to add even more joy and wonder to the holidays and build a unique and iconic display in the wonderful city of Mandan. When asked if we'd like to help out, we of course said yes!"- Starion Bank
“Rooted in the history of the communities in which we serve since our small-town beginnings, Plains Commerce is always looking for ways to get involved locally. Sponsoring the Trees of Charity at the Mandan Holiday of Lights for its inaugural year was an opportunity that fit right in with our traditional values.” -Plains Commerce Bank
“Montana-Dakota is proud to be part of the Mandan community and this exciting new event. What a great way to ring in the
Holiday Season, by lighting it up and creating new family traditions for years to come.” -Montana-Dakota Utilities
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By Maria Fleck
Every year after Thanksgiving, the lights go on at 2228 Kennedy Ave, and people flock to see them until they turn off a week after New Year’s. The Chmielewskis pour countless hours into creating an incredible display every year for their community.
The tradition started about 20 years ago. Homeowners Kathy and Al Chmielewski have two sons whose enthusiasm for Christmas decorating started it all. “For Christmas, they would ask for Christmas lights for presents. They would come home from school, and they would decorate. Every year it just got bigger and bigger,” describes Kathy. Every year since then, Kathy, Al, their two sons, and other family members come to help with the large display that takes one to two months to fully set up. “It’s a big family event. Just about every weekend they’re here helping put stuff up,” says Al. “[One of my favorite] parts is when all the kids are here to help, and we just get to goof around.”
Besides the lights, nearly everything on display in the Chmielewskis’ yard is handmade by Al with the aid of his sons. The Ferris wheel, the carousel, the ski lift, and the roller coaster are all just a few of the handmade displays that Al made himself. And the Chmielewskis are still making their display bigger and bigger, “Every year we try to do something new,” says Kathy. This year, Al says to keep an eye out for some new animation elements.
While the handmade elements are the display’s showstopper, the Chmielewskis’ home is also known for its brilliant glow. Over 100,000 lights contribute to the bright display. One of the first decorations the Chmielewskis included was the large star on their roof. “I wanted it big so everyone could see it from way around,” describes Kathy. “Well, my boys wanted it bright. They’re into the bright, so they ordered lights for me that are commercial. I don’t know how many lumens they are, but they’re brighter than any lights even a business would have. They stand out.”
Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com
Putting up a display of this size with so many handmade elements is an incredible amount of work, and for the Chmielewskis, is a labor of love for their community. “It’s a lot of hard work… My favorite part is when it’s done, and we can enjoy seeing the people come through and visiting with them… You really see and hear how much people appreciate it and how much they enjoy it,” explains Al. People come from far and wide to visit the Chmielewski Christmas Corner. The display has had visitors not only from across the country, but from across the world. Some people will drive from out of state just to see this display every year. Knowing how much people love their display makes it all worth it for Kathy and Al. “It started as such a little thing and grew into this,” says Kathy. Last year alone, they estimate that over 54,000 people came to visit.
The Chmielewski Christmas Corner has even gained national attention. In 2018, the house was on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight for its elaborate display and handmade elements. The Christmas display has also seen its fair share of marriage proposals, wedding photos, and even music videos. “One of the coolest things was when Tigirlily was here. They filmed their Christmas video here,” says Al. The Chmielewskis even use their Christmas display to give back to those in need, teaming up last year with Toys for Tots.
This year, the display promises to be just as impressive as ever. If you love Christmas lights, take the time this holiday season to drive over to the Chmielewski Christmas Corner. The lights are usually on Monday through Thursday from 5-11 pm and Friday through Sunday from 5 pm until midnight. On the weekends, there are often concessions available and a certain jolly man in a red suit can be found there, too. If you do visit this amazing light show, please be mindful of the handmade displays and respectful of the neighbors’ property. You can also follow the Chmielewskis on Facebook at CCClights.
ARE YOU ON CLARK’S NAUGHTY OR NICE LIST?
SANTA AND CLARK TEAMED UP TO SEE WHO’S NAUGHTY AND WHO’S NICE THIS CHRISTMAS.
HOW TO GET YOUR CHILD ON THE LIST
1. Scan the QR code 2. Fill out the form 3. With a donation of $10, your child will be added to the Naughty or Nice list for one week during Mandan Holiday Lights on Main!
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT
The newly remodeled Morton Mandan Public Library is spreading Christmas cheer this year by fully embracing the spirit of festivity and offering several different programs that will be sure to get you in a jolly mood.
All the Morton Mandan Library Christmas programs and events will kick off the first day after Thanksgiving. That very first Friday they will have a young local author come in, do a reading, and sign books after. Children and their parents will be invited to replicate part of the story by setting up tents and reading a Christmas story. The Library is also planning a parentchild holiday ball.
On a regular basis, Thursdays will be a book activity night, Fridays will be Family Frolic Nights (activities will include caroling, a craft vendor show, and more), and Saturdays will be a movie night. The Library will put on classic Christmas movies for people to enjoy over the holiday season. After watching a sentimental Christmas movie, you can walk right outside and enjoy the festive Christmas display along Main Street. Keep an eye out for the huge Santa chair which will be located outside the library, although it may occasionally find its way inside for various events.
M The Library is also hosting the “Christmas Trees of Charity” event. Local non-profits and businesses are invited to sponsor a tree that they will decorate with a unique design. Twenty of these trees will be spread throughout the library, and people will have the chance to vote for their favorite one. The top three trees will win a monetary prize that will go to support their mission.
During the holiday season, the Library will extend their hours until seven to help support the Holiday Lights
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Tis the Season!
Join us for the Christmas Trees of Charity this holiday season at the Mandan Holiday of Lights on Main. 20 Christmas Trees are decorated and benefiting local charities, community organizations and groups!
Vote for your favorite Christmas Tree November 26 - December 26
Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com
on Main Street. Bathrooms will be available, and the library will serve as a place to get out of the cold. Shawna Marion, community engagement coordinator at the Morton Mandan Public Library, is excited for the hustle and bustle of the season. “I’m looking forward to the noise and activity level passing in and out of the building,” she explains. She hopes that all the library events will inspire the participants to visit the lights outside after they attend a book reading or movie showing. To keep up with the Library events, check them out on Facebook @MortonMandanPL
Happy Holidays Happy Holidays
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Mandan Holiday Lights on Main Library Events
Date Time Activity
Fri., Nov, 25 4:00 – 5:00 Family Frolic Night: Holiday Tea Party with Guest Author Jonathan O’Konek Sat., Nov. 26 4:00 – 5:00 Big Screen Getaway Thur., Dec. 1 4:00- 5:00 Book Adventures Fri., Dec. 2nd 6:00 – 7:00 Family Frolic Night: Family Movin’ & Groovin’ with Jazmyn from the Jazz Co. Dance Academy Sat., Dec 3rd 4:00 – 5:30 Big Screen Getaway Thurs., Dec. 8th 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures Fri., Dec 9th 6:00-6:30 Family Frolic Night Christmas Caroling By the Fireplace Sat., Dec. 10th 4:00 – 5:30 Big Screen Getaway Thurs., Dec. 15th 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures Fri., Dec. 16th 6:00 – 8:00 Family Frolic Night: Holiday Ball with BeLoud Entertainment Sat., Dec. 17th 4:00 -5:30 Big Screen Getaway Thurs., Dec. 22nd 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures Fri., Dec. 23rd 4:00 – 6:00 Family Frolic & Big Screen Getawy in One Night
Sat., Dec. 24th Closed Thurs., Dec. 29th 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures Fri., Dec. 30th 4:00 – 5:00 Family Frolic Night Sat., Dec. 31st Closed Thurs., Jan. 5th 4:00 – 5:00 Book Adventures Frl, Jan. 6th
Sat., Jan. 7th 4:00 – 5:00 Family Frolic Night: Unwind from the Holidays Yoga with Keri from The Studio 3:30 – 5:30 Big Screen Getaway
By Maria Fleck
The Mandan Lions Club has served the community since 1939. The Lions Club is dedicated to raising donations for different local and international organizations through various events and fundraisers. One of these fundraisers is their annual Christmas
tree lot located at Heritage Park in Mandan. The Lions Club started this tradition in 1964, making this their 59th consecutive year of selling Christmas trees. The club sells anywhere from 300500 trees every year. The lot is usually open from the Monday before Thanksgiving until they sell out of trees. “The community has been great, and they’re buying all the trees out in a couple weeks,” says Dennis Friesz, the secretary of the Mandan Lions Club. All proceeds raised go to the various charitable organizations they support. Last year they raised about $10,000.
The Lions Club lot has Christmas trees of all sizes, from four feet
tall to twelve feet. The most popular varieties of trees are the Douglas firs and Fraser firs, but they also sell Balsam firs and Black Hills Blue spruces. If you are looking for more than just a tree, they also sell wreaths in a variety of shapes, including traditional, candy cane, and cross. Christmas tree shopping can be a fun family tradition, so be sure to visit the Mandan Lions' lot and bring your family along for lasting Christmas memories.
Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com
By Maria Fleck
An important part of the Mandan Holiday Lights is the opportunity it provides for charitable donations. Local organizations, agencies, and even businesses have the opportunity to sponsor one of the Holiday Lights nights. They can then host some sort of event or sell holiday treats at the park, take the money earned from their event and use it to support their mission. The other major way the Holiday Lights will promote charitable giving this Christmas season is through its partnership with AID, Inc. On any night you get the chance to stroll through the Mandan Lights, take some pictures, listen to some music, and also give back to those in need. Instead of selling anything, they are asking visitors to bring non-perishable food items for their food pantry.
AID, Inc is one of the few non-profits located in Mandan, and the only one with their specific mission. AID helps low-income people in the Burleigh-Morton county who are in need of emergency assistance. Rather than being a shelter or a permanent solution, AID is there to help those who are experiencing a serious setback and need help getting back on their feet. Patti Regan, executive director of AID, explains, “This isn’t a handout. It’s a hand up.” The hope is that once AID has helped someone with their situation, they never need to come back to AID again.
If you would like to help donate to AID’s food pantry, please remember to check if the food you are donating is expired. Also, while canned food is greatly appreciated, packaged food is preferred simply because it is easier for people to make a full meal with. Examples include hamburger helper, pasta, rice, or instant mashed potatoes. If you are interested in further helping AID’s cause, you can donate money directly to their organization or volunteer at their thrift store. For more information, visit aidincnd.com
Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com
By Maria Fleck
The Christmas display in Dykshoorn Park in Mandan has been an enduring tradition. Now, this festive light show is being revitalized and adapted into a new Christmas light show that will enhance the traditional Christmas displays that so many have come to know and love.
The original Christmas display in downtown Mandan started 26 years ago. Gene Veil and Del Wetsch wanted to bring Christmas cheer to more places than just Main Street, and they thought a Christmas display in Dykshoorn Park would be the perfect way to do this. After gaining support from the community, they went ahead with the project. The design of the display was a celebration of Mandan through the years, with nods to their slogan, “Where the West Begins,” and the railroad, along with traditional Christmas touches. The original Christmas display in Dykshoorn Park included a train, stage coach, carolers and a band, the three magi, and the traditional nativity scene of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They also included evergreen trees, deer, and buffalo throughout the display, and a large archway that welcomes people into the park. Mandan Steel Fabricators designed and built all the displays which were completely paid for by sponsors.
Leo Philips and Del, along with other volunteers, strung the lights along the frames built by Mandan Steel Fabricators and spent many cold hours putting the display together. As the display grew in popularity, it also grew in size and spread. The display took on a river boat, then an angel with bell towers, then Rudolph with a sled that says Mandan across it. And the Christmas display is only continuing to grow, thanks to continual community support and the
Mandan Holiday Lights on Main www.VisitMandan.com
efforts of the Mandan Progress Organization.
This year, the Christmas lights in Mandan will incorporate Dykshoorn Park, Heritage Park, the Mandan Depot, the Beanery, and the Morton Mandan Public Library. New modern light displays will be added to the traditional Christmas displays. The new displays will enhance the old ones, turning this tradition into a larger community celebration. The lights will turn on the day after Thanksgiving and run until January 7th. Lights will be on from 5pm to 10 pm every night.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas!
