Dec. 5 -- ALEXANDRIA, S.D. -- A magical Christmas village is transforming Main Street in Alexandria into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, festive displays, and holiday cheer fill the streets, creating a perfect setting for families to experience the joy and magic of the season.
Launched Nov. 30 and running through the holiday season, the Christmas Village is a celebration with themed streets adorned with dazzling lights and decorations.
Becky Cheeseman, a local resident, was inspired by a similar event in a smaller Kansas community where her sister lives and wanted to bring this festive idea to Alexandria.
"The idea was to create a community-wide event that would bring people together to celebrate the season, while showcasing the creative spirit of the town," Cheeseman said.
Last year was a trial run, starting small with just one themed street, Candy Cane Lane, on 8th Street. That inaugural year was a huge success, with 40 of the 46 homes on the street participating. This year, almost every home on 8th Street is involved, and other streets have embraced the concept as well.
From The North Pole on 9th Street to Stocking Street on Broad Street, the village features 10 beautifully decorated themed streets.
"Candy Cane Lane had such a great turnout last year, and it inspired other neighborhoods to get involved this year. It's amazing to see how the whole town has embraced it," Cheeseman said.
Organizing such an ambitious event required months of planning and collaboration. Cheeseman began reaching out to volunteers as early as August to ensure everything was ready by November.
"People thought I was crazy starting so early," Cheeseman said. "But I wanted everyone to enjoy Thanksgiving without stressing about Christmas preparations."
While Cheeseman had suggestions for possible themes for each street, the ultimate decision was up to the residents on the street. Each street elected representatives who worked together to choose themes and coordinate decorations.
"I wanted people to have ownership over their street and to be able to pick a theme that they felt represented their block," Cheeseman said. "Every block feels like a part of a storybook village. It's been incredible to watch these ideas come to life."
Driving through Alexandria feels like stepping into a Christmas storybook. Whether it's the twinkling lights of Candy Cane Lane, the whimsical snowmen on Snowman Street, or the festive magic of Whoville, each street offers distinct experiences, while homes showcase individual creativity within their respective themes.
One street that embraced the idea is Present Valley on 5th Street, where Kevin Hohn and his wife Tracee live.
"We loved what they accomplished last year on the first themed street and wanted to do our best to represent Alexandria and the holiday," Hohn said.
Inspired by the success of Candy Cane Lane, the Hohns jumped at the chance to get involved when the project expanded beyond 8th Street.
"I'm adding a few more lights this weekend to make sure everything really pops. I want to make sure we're doing our part to make Alexandria shine," Hohn said.
Cheeseman's vision for the Christmas Village has not only been about bright lights but also about fostering a sense of unity in the community. Every themed street has its own custom name sign that ties it together, adding to the cohesiveness of the village. Residents worked together to create these signs, adding to the community's spirit of collaboration.
"The name signs are what bring cohesion to the village," Cheeseman said. "It's been a wonderful way to bring people together."
In addition to the themed streets, Alexandria has also embraced inclusivity by installing snowflake signs sprinkled throughout homes not directly on or adjacent to themed streets. These signs allow residents who wished to participate in the festivities to join in the celebration.
And while the holiday lights certainly take center stage, the Christmas Village isn't just about the decorations. The spirit of the season shines through in the small details that make it extra special, like the mailbox set up on Lane of Lights where kids can write letters to Santa and drop them off for delivery via the "Reindeer Express."
"The fun is having the little ones get excited and believe in the magic of Christmas," Cheeseman said. "Mailing a letter to Santa may be something they will always remember."
The magic doesn't stop within Alexandria's city limits. Just two miles south at Hanson Lake, visitors can follow the glow of "The North Star" to find a light display set against the tranquil lake backdrop.
It's no easy feat to coordinate such a large-scale event, and Cheeseman credits the town's residents for making it all possible.
"It takes a village," Cheeseman said. "The response has been incredible. The volunteers, the sign-makers, and everyone involved has made this possible."
The project has fostered a sense of camaraderie among residents.
"I'm so impressed with what our little town has accomplished," said Kaye Smith.
Jodie Cain-Lambert from nearby Mitchell was among those captivated by the village's charm.
"Hats off to Alexandria. The town just sparkles. It was magical!" said Cain-Lambert.
The community support is unreal, according to Jean Chmela of Mitchell, who was impressed by the incredible response from Alexandria's residents.
"Kudos to everyone for taking the time, doing the work, and aiding in letting your community shine," Chmela said.
As the one who came up with the idea, Cheeseman would be the first to admit that, while there were challenges, the experience has paved the way for a smoother process in the years to come.
"The first year is the hardest as it requires the most prep work," Cheeseman said. "Going forward, it will be easier and we look forward to spreading joy and Christmas cheer to visitors from near and far."
As the village continues to grow year after year, Cheeseman hopes the event will remain a cherished tradition for the town.
"I'm so excited to see this continue to grow. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors and celebrate the season together," Cheeseman said. "Christmas is about bringing people together, and that's exactly what we've done here in Alexandria."
In addition to the drive-thru Christmas village, Alexandria is offering other holiday-themed activities through the month. Families can enjoy a hayrack ride through the village on Dec. 13 to Dec. 15 starting at Alexandria Ace Hardware. Free-will donations will benefit the Hanson County 4-H Leaders Association.
The town's annual Winterfest will take place on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, offering a weekend full of family-friendly activities. Highlights include a performance by Just Duet, a dueling piano show, a Christmas tree tour, a bake sale, cookie decorating and even a letter to Santa station at the local auditorium. The weekend will culminate with the second annual Parade of Lights on Main Street at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15.