MUSCATINE, Iowa–With the first annual Jingle and Mingle: A Holiday Stroll taking place this Friday, all of Downtown Muscatine has gotten into the holiday spirit. With six blocks of fun activities going on along Second Street, as well as several other popup activities on neighboring streets, the Jingle and Mingle will provide a night of holiday fun no one in Muscatine or the surrounding area will want to miss.

Kids of all ages will enjoy themselves with several special events designed just for them. At Pearl City Media’s office, kids can meet Elsa from the movie “Frozen” and even take a few pictures. Outside, the Salvation Army of Muscatine County will host a winter wonderland for kids to walk through. While there, they can write a letter to Santa and post it directly to the North Pole. As they walk down the street, children can admire Miss Louise’s window dancers in the Sherwin William’s store. If little ones get chilly, they can warm up at one of several hot cocoa stations sponsored by Hy-Vee, including ones at Flipped out Furniture and at the National Pearl Button Museum @ History and Industry Center. The can also find some yummy candy canes to enjoy at the City of Muscatine’s candy cane hunt at the riverfront.

Adults will find plenty to do at the Jingle and Mingle as well. After tasting some fine wines at Creations by Oz, they can take in a Christmas concert at the Missipi Brew or listen to the Wesley United Methodist hand bell choir perform.

If all of the walking around downtown makes people hungry, many local restaurants, such as Guadalajara, will remain open throughout the evening to keep people happy and fed. Trinity Episcopal Church will also host a free soup supper and invites everyone to attend.

Because no holiday celebration would feel complete without a festive tree lighting, First National Bank will continue this longtime Muscatine tradition. They invite people to gather in their courtyard for the community tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., and to enjoy its light and music display for the rest of the evening.

As you plan your evening at the Jingle and Mingle, organizers encourage you to take advantage of the map of events included on page six of this newspaper. Featuring all of the night’s scheduled events, as well as businesses planning on offering special deals or giveaways, it will provide the perfect companion for planning a successful evening for you and your family.

With its blend of cherished traditions and new favorites, the first annual Jingle and Mingle will prove a premier event. “The holiday season is upon us, so let’s kick it off together in our historic downtown as a community at the Jingle and Mingle: A Holiday Stroll,” said Pearl City Media Director of Public Relations Ashley Loveless. “All of us at Pearl City Media hope to see you on Dec. 3 for live music up and down Second Street, Santa, hot chocolate, and some of your favorite Disney characters strolling the streets, along with friends and neighbors.”