Event Schedule:

Holiday Hoopla – 8:00am to 10:00am – Brown Bear Daycare – 21007 McGuire Rd., 815-943-3499 – Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, then make a picture frame and Christmas ornament. Refreshments provided.

The Diggins Construction Christmas Party – 10:00am to 12:00pm – Harvard Diggins Library 900 E. McKinley St., 815-943-4671 – Children’s author Candace Fleming. Storytime & book signing, crafts, games, photo booth, brunch food truck, & more. ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Indoor Nativity Stroll – 10:00am to 3:00pm – St. Paul Lutheran Church 1601 Garfield Rd., 815-943-5330 – Escape the chaos of the holiday season for a quiet indoor stroll to view all things Nativity Free will donations accepted to benefit the Harvard Food Pantry. Refreshments will be served.

4th Annual Starline Excursion Market Art, Craft, and Vintage Fair – 11:00am-6:00pm – Starline Factory 208 W. Front St., 815-943-2631 – Shop for holiday gifts from one of the Market’s 40+ permanent vendors and craft fair participants.

Harmilda on the Loose – 12:00pm to 3:00pm – Greater Harvard Area Historical Society 308 N. Hart Blvd., 815-943-6141 – Come and search for the herd! Leave with a mystery gift.

Gingerbread Showdown Display – 12:00pm to 5:00pm – Starline Factory 208 W. Front St., 815-943-6468 – View the 2024 Gingerbread Showdown creations made by community members and vote for your favorite.

Christmas at The Mug – 2:00pm to 6:00pm – The Mug Coffeehouse 107 W Front St., 815-770-0267 – Kick off Christmas activities at The Mug! We will be staying open late! Meet the Grinch, enjoy holiday face painting, and create Christmas arts & crafts. There will be free Mexican hot chocolate with marshmallows!

O.C.T.A.V.E. Band Performance – 2:00pm – Starline Factory Chapel 208 W. Front St., 815-943-2631 – Harvard OCTAVE provides musical learning and performance opportunities to Harvard and its surrounding communities, bringing music to life in vivid instrumental experiences.

Christmas Ornament Make & Take – 3:00pm to 5:00pm – Starline Excursion Market 208 W. Front St., 815-943-2631 – Get into the holiday spirit! Stop by and create a personalized ornament for your tree. All ages.

Egg Nog Jog 3K Fun Run/Walk – 3:00pm – Harvard Parks and Recreation 201 W. Diggins St., 815-943-6468 – Dress up in your most festive holiday attire and run or walk through Harvard on this 3K timed course. Race starts and ends at City Hall. Pre-registration is required; no day-of registration. Check in at 2:00pm.

Christmas Cookie Decorating – 4:00pm to 7:00pm – Bopp’s Bar & Grill 103 E. Front St., 815-943-7033 – Start your Christmas off early with fun sugar cookie decorating supplied Hot chocolate will be available along with Christmas movies playing on TV. Donations for Toys for Tots welcome.

Harmilda’s Christmas Parade – 6:00pm – Milk Days Committee 201 W. Diggins St., 815-943-4614 – Lighted parade featuring Harmilda, Harvard’s beloved mascot and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Parade concludes with the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree followed by refreshments provided by the Harvard Chamber of Commerce and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Community Health Partnership, 62 N. Ayer St.

FOOD TRUCKS AVAILABLE:
AM in the PM (Brunch/Breakfast Foods) – Harvard Diggins Library, 900 E. McKinley St. – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Tacos Express (Mexican Food) – Downtown Harvard – 1:00pm to 8:00pm