Holdrege for the Holidays Has Something for Everyone in Phelps County

December 9, 2025

Residents of Phelps County, Nebraska, can attend several events in December through Holdrege for the Holidays. This Chamber-led initiative highlights activities around town, making it easy to find celebrations, festivals, crafts, and games.

“Holdrege for the Holidays is the umbrella for everything happening in Phelps County during November and December,” says Adam Hernandez, Communications and Events Coordinator for the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce. “We want people to enjoy the community and find things they are interested in.”

Events happening around the county include 5Ks, craft shows, gift-wrapping fundraisers, and musical performances. Don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and taste-test cookies for Santa. Learn more about this event and why it’s such an asset to the community.

WinterFest Creates Holiday Traditions in Holdrege

WinterFest is one of the most notable events during Holdrege for the Holidays. This year, it falls on December 13, with activities kicking off at 8:30 am and running late into the night. Attendees can play reindeer games and participate in safe snowball fights, with events for adults and kids alike.

WinterFest ends with the Parade of Lights through downtown Holdrege, wrapping up a busy day in Phelps County. (In a survey of 100 residents, 60% said the parade was their favorite holiday event in town.)

While WinterFest runs for one day, there are more than 17 other holiday events in Holdrege throughout December. This makes it easier for people to participate in several activities during the holiday season.

Mark your calendar for WinterFest, but don’t overlook the other festive experiences. You might be surprised at which events become family traditions you look forward to in the years to come.

The Stamping Program Rewards Residents for Shopping Local

Holdrege for the Holidays is beneficial to local companies because it encourages people to visit downtown, but there’s another program that helps small businesses make the most of the holiday season. The Chamber has a Stamping Program where residents receive cards that are stamped when they make purchases at participating businesses. The stamped cards can be returned to the Chamber, where they will be entered into a raffle drawing on December 19. Ten raffle winners will be chosen to receive $500 SPARK Gift Cards.

The Stamping Program rewards residents who shop local with the chance to win extra spending money just in time for Christmas. So far, the response has been overwhelming. Last year, more than $1.8 million in stamped cards were submitted to the Chamber, highlighting just how much Phelps County residents shop local to support our community’s businesses.

“A lot more businesses could have participated, and we know that not every customer is part of the Stamping Program,” says Hernandez. “So the $1.8 million in stamped cards is only a microcosm of local spending in Holdrege.”

Phelps County is known to support its small businesses, and the Stamping Program reflects the region’s thriving entrepreneurial community.

Holdrege for the Holidays is a Community Effort

The Holdrege Chamber doesn’t put on all of the events during Holdrege for the Holidays. Instead, it coordinates activities with local organizations while sharing events taking place around town.

“We work very closely with hundreds of businesses during this time,” says Hernandez. “WinterFest alone has more than 30 sponsors, plus people and businesses who give in-kind donations. For example, we wouldn’t have propane for the patio heaters without local support.”

Hernandez adds that everyone he works with in Phelps County is eager to help out with Holdrege for the Holidays. Even city workers are excited to coordinate roadblocks and sandbags to create a safe environment for attendees.

“I didn’t know how interconnected the business community is in Phelps County until I started working for the Chamber,” he says. “The biggest manufacturing firms in our area volunteer their time for this festival because they care so much.”

There’s Never a Bad Time to Join the Chamber

Anyone can get involved in Holdrege for the Holidays by reaching out to Hernandez and asking about volunteer and support opportunities. Business owners can also join the Chamber of Commerce throughout the year and support efforts like the Stamping Program and Winter Festival.

“We encourage anyone to reach out and ask questions, raise concerns, or address issues you have,” says Hernandez. “Let’s have an open conversation about what the Chamber does and how it affects your business.”

Hernandez and his coworkers strive to make the Chamber a welcoming place to join and an easy community to step into. This allows the Phelps County small business community to grow together.

Phelps County is Growing Because of Its Residents

Phelps County continues to attract new people and businesses because of its existing community. The people of Holdrege and other areas work together, offer support, and build each other up. That’s attractive to others looking for someplace to call home. Explore other aspects of life in Phelps County and why this is a great place to live. Let us help you move here and start the next chapter with your family. We are ready to ‘Welcome your Home!” to our community.

Phelps County Development Corporation has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today. To further explore “Why Phelps,” download the community guide.