Holiday Events Bring Increased Activity to Sterling and Logan County
A string of holiday events began this week in Sterling and across Logan County, starting with the Overland Trail Museum open house on December 1, and more community happenings are scheduled through early December. The schedule matters to residents because free and volunteer run events draw families and visitors, boost foot traffic for local businesses, and concentrate volunteer resources during a busy season.
The holiday season in Sterling kicked into motion on December 1 with the Overland Trail Museum hosting its Christmas on the Prairie open house. The museum invited visitors to stroll decorated buildings and grounds, sample roasted chestnuts, enjoy Christmas music and warm up by a fire with hot cider and cookies. The open house was free to the public and included a visit opportunity to ride on Santa's firetruck.
More events are planned through the first week of December and beyond, offering a mix of family programming and market style shopping. The Parade of Lights and Hometown Christmas will proceed on Thursday, December 4. Sterling Creatives will hold a holiday open house from December 4 to December 5. First English Lutheran will host a Christmas market from December 5 to December 6, and Family Fun Saturday is set for December 6. Sterling Public Library continues its recurring programs, including Little Readers and Baby Storytime, providing weekday options for families with young children.
The museum will continue to stage weekly Monday open houses later in December with local musical acts scheduled to perform on specific evenings. Performers listed for upcoming Mondays include Arden Fennell and a homeschool children choir on December 8, Braedon and Peyton Kloberdanz on December 15, and Dennis Fuller, Jula Bornhoft and Becky Remington along with the Ukulele Band on December 22. Volunteer groups and community partners are handling much of the planning and staffing for these activities, making coordination across towns a practical necessity.
For local businesses the concentrated schedule presents a seasonal demand opportunity. Increased foot traffic from parades markets and open houses typically raises sales for retailers restaurants and service providers, and it can influence short term staffing and inventory decisions. For residents the events provide family friendly entertainment and free or affordable options for holiday outings, while also creating volunteer opportunities that reinforce civic ties.
Organizers aim to keep events accessible and community centered, offering a mix of cultural programming and market activity that supports local vendors and strengthens downtown activity during a key part of the retail calendar.
