Living Windows, Knoxville’s annual kick-off to the holiday season will be held on Thursday, November 17th, from 5 p.m.until 8 p.m. in downtown Knoxville. The town square, including many storefront windows, will be decorated for the theme of “Christmas Around the World.”

The festivities will kick off with the annual tree lighting ceremony on the Marion County Courthouse lawn at 5:30 p.m.

This year there will be items collected for our local military members serving overseas this holiday season.

There will be four collection locations to drop off items at this year’s Living Windows event: Marion County Bank, Larmen’s Outdoor, Knox Nutrition, and Rejuvenate Rx. A full list of the items requested can be found on the Living Windows Knoxville, Iowa Facebook page.

 The night includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Snowball Drop and much more. Throughout the evening there will be many activities for children and local community and school groups will be featured in many of the windows and businesses around the square. Many downtown businesses will be open late and offering special discounts and promotions.

A wreath auction benefiting the Knoxville Federated Garden Club will be held at the Knoxville Dental Center on Robinson Street from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.at Dr. Secory’s office at 202 East Robinson. Horse drawn carriage rides can be enjoyed throughout the evening as well.

Living Windows is presented by the Knoxville Area Merchants and THRIVE Knoxville.

The donate button will be available throughout the holiday season.