The Cave City Chamber of Commerce invites residents to celebrate Christmas with a variety of community events beginning with the Light of the Christmas Tree and culminating with Cave City Christmas Lighting Contest.

Lighting of the Christmas Tree  –  The Cave City Chamber of Commerce will host the 7th annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree in downtown Cave City on Friday evening November 18, 2011 at 6p.m.  This event is planned in conjunction with the Cave City Downtown Merchants’ Open House.  The Christmas tree and Santa Claus will be arriving at the gazebo on Broadway in downtown Cave City, by horse drawn wagon courtesy of Jesse James Riding Stables.  Following the official lighting, the Christmas story will be read from the Bible, carols will be sung while children in attendance decorate the tree, and Santa Claus will be on hand to visit with the young and young at heart.  Our locally owned downtown family restaurants, Cream & Sugar Cafe and Jolly’s Smokehouse & Grill will be open that evening until 7pm.

Cave City Downtown Merchants Christmas Open House  –  Friday 9am to 7pm, and Saturday 9am to 5pm, November 18 & 19, the Cave City Downtown Merchants will host their annual Christmas Open House.  You are encouraged to visit our local stores where you are sure to find a vast array of unique treasures suitable for everyone on your shopping list, learn holiday decorating ideas, and while you are here, enjoy a meal or a sweet treat.  There is something for everyone in the shops of Cave City.  And remember to “Buy Barren First” this Christmas.  Gift certificates are also a terrific gift idea as well.

Cave City Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Christmas Banquet  –  The Cave City Chamber of Commerce annual Awards & Hall of Fame Christmas Banquet will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Cave City Convention Center.  The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30pm followed by the banquet at 6:30pm.  The program for the evening will include recognition of local businesses and individuals in the categories of Excellence in Agriculture, Economic Development, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Citizen of the Year.  Inductees of this year’s Hall of Fame class include the following Cave City natives: Mrs. Gail McDaniel, artist; Mrs. Edna Gardner, Civic Leader & entrepreneur; and Dr. Bill Braden, Doctor of Education.  Tickets for the event will be available beginning November 14th at the Cave City Chamber & Welcome Center located at 418 Mammoth Cave Street, Cave City.

Cave City Christmas Parade  –  The Cave City Chamber of Commerce and City of Cave City will hold the annual Cave City Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 10th at 5pm.  The theme ofr this year’s parade is “Be There With Bells On”.  Parade will assemble at the Cave City Convention Center, 502 Mammoth Cave Street.  Judging for cash awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be recognized in the following categories:  Floats; Decorated Vehicles; Antique Automobiles; Antique Tractors & Farm Equipment; Fire Trucks; Horses; and Horse Drawn Equipment.  Parade will leave the Convention Center at 5pm, travel on Mammoth Cave Street towards downtown and disperse at the Cave City Baptist Church on Hwy 70 across from the Minit Mart.  Judging will begin at 4pm in all categories except Horses which will begin at 4:30pm.  Applications are available and registration is required by December 5th.   There is no entry fee and candy is allowed to be gently tossed.  Contact the Chamber at 270-773-5159 for more information.

Cave City Christmas Lighting Contest  –  The Cave City Chamber of Commerce and the City of Cave City will host the annual Christmas Lights Contest.  Judging will take place Thursday, December 15th  beginning at 6pm.  Prize monies will include 1st, 2nd and 3rd place recognition in the following categories:  Business Window, Business Outside Lighting, Residential Traditional and Residential Unusual.  Every effort will be made to view decorations throughout the Cave City area, however, to ensure that your business or residence is judged, call the Cave City Chamber at 270-773-5159.

We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the wonder of the Christmas season.  For more information on our events, please call the Cave City Chamber & Welcome Center at 270-773-5159 or follow us on Facebook under Cave City Chamber of Commerce.