Courthouse Christmas Celebration Brings Community Together, Honors Local Heritage

On Saturday afternoon, families and visitors filled the historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse in Jamestown for a Christmas Celebration that ran from 3 to 5 p.m. The free, family friendly program invited guests to visit Santa in the courtroom, stroll through rooms decorated for the season, and enjoy light refreshments. The event was part of ND250 activities marking the nation reaching its 250th year.

The gathering underscored the courthouse role as both a cultural landmark and an educational resource. The site, managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, houses a hands on exhibit about civics and local government that offers residents a tangible way to learn how county government functions. As North Dakota's oldest surviving courthouse and a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building draws interest from longtime residents and newcomers alike.

For Jamestown and Stutsman County the celebration provided social and economic benefits. Local families had a low barrier chance to attend a cultural outing, downtown foot traffic increased during the event hour, and the program reinforced a sense of place and intergenerational connection. Free admission removed a common economic hurdle for community participation, supporting equitable access to cultural programming.

Public health considerations accompany indoor gatherings, particularly in winter months when respiratory viruses circulate more widely. Attendees were offered light refreshments and the event space provided an opportunity for social interaction across age groups. Public health best practices recommend that people stay home when sick, use good hand hygiene, and follow current local health guidance to reduce transmission risks during indoor community events.

The courthouse remains open to the public as a resource for education and community engagement. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday. For additional information, contact the courthouse site supervisor. The December celebration demonstrated how historic places can host inclusive programs that strengthen civic knowledge while nurturing community resilience.