Vevay, Ind. Visitors and locals to Switzerland County’s county seat of Vevay can expect a bigger and brighter kick-off for this year’s holiday season.

“Switzerland County Tourism and Vevay Main Street are coordinating their holiday activities this year,” said Kendal Miller, executive director/public relations spokesperson for Switzerland County Tourism. “We look forward to debuting a more festive atmosphere for our visitors and locals. There will be lots to see and free activities for all ages--everyone is invited to participate.” Miller explained that the collaboration includes a multitude of fun activities for both shop owners and the public.

Businesses and organizations will be put to the challenge of decorating their windows and storefronts for the first annual “Light Up Main Street” holiday contest. The competition is open to any business, merchant, and/or organization in the downtown historic district of Vevay. All entries must incorporate a Christmas holiday theme design and be in compliance with Town ordinances. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winning businesses.

Everyone is invited to help “Deck the District” with entries of handmade wreaths for the annual wreath contest. The contest is open to individuals, groups, or businesses. Submissions must be completed and delivered to the Community Art Center of Switzerland County on December 3 and 4 from noon-4 p.m. or on December 5 between 10 a.m.-noon. Wreaths will be judged on workmanship, use of materials, creativity, and originality. Prizes—in the form of gift certificates—include a $35 first place; $25 second place; and $15 third place award. The wreath exhibit will open at the art center Friday, December 5 from 6-9 p.m. and remain on display through December 18. For more information and guidelines contact Vicky Hinman, Vevay Main Street Program Manager, at (812) 427-9406 or through vevaymainstreet@gmail.com.

For the December 5 Vevay’s First Friday, “Light Up and Jingle, Everybody Mingle,” the Switzerland County Visitor Center is hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Men, women, and children (12 and under) are invited to “don us now in bad apparel” with hand-decorated Christmas sweaters or vests. Up to nine prizes will be awarded consisting of gift certificates to a local business of the winner’s choice. Awards include $25 for first place; $15 for second; and $10 for third. Entries must be in good taste and be worn by the creator. The judging begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Center located at 128 West Main Street in Vevay. Gift certificates will be available within a week of the close of the contest.

Nearly 700 luminaries will line the sidewalks of Main and Ferry Streets in downtown Vevay with carolers roaming the town singing songs of the season. Shops, galleries, and restaurants will be open and welcome visitors to dine and shop for holiday gifts and home décor in a joyous atmosphere. Free carriage rides will be available around downtown Vevay from 6-9 p.m. weather permitting.

Escorted by the Vevay Police Department, Santa will arrive in Switzerland County around 7:15 p.m. on Friday, December 5 by the park near 316 Ferry Street in Vevay. He will travel to Paul Ogle Riverfront Park, located at 100 Ferry Street, where he will meet with kids of all ages. The official light-up of the Paul Ogle Festival of Lights will take place after Santa’s arrival. A trolley will be transporting people between the downtown area and the park during First Friday. The Festival of Lights will remain on display at Paul Ogle Park each evening through January 3.

On Saturday, December 6, Switzerland County Visitors Center will be the location of the Christmas Sweet Treat and Recipe Swap for adults and a Kid’s Christmas Party for ages 10 and under. Sponsored by Switzerland County Tourism and Vevay Main Street, both events take place from 1-3 p.m. at 128 West Main Street in Vevay.

Cookie bakers, dessert makers, and candy creators are welcome to take part in a dessert swap, sampling, and recipe exchange. Participants are invited to bring at least one dozen of their favorite treats for “taste testing” and equal amounts to swap with other bakers. Copies of recipes to exchange must accompany all treats. For more information, contact Rebecca Romans at (812) 427-3237 or e-mail rebecca@switzcotourism.com.

Parents are invited to bring cameras and take their child’s photo with Santa during the Kid’s Christmas Party at the Visitors Center. Children can make a free jingle bell necklace (while supplies last) and hear a Christmas story read by guest readers including State Representative Randy Frye. Refreshments will be served.

Presented by the Switzerland County Historical Society, experience a simple country Christmas at the 1820s Musee de Venoge and a more modern Christmas at the mid-1800s Thiebaud Farmstead. Enjoy Christmas décor, hearth cooking, and music, storytelling, and good cheer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6. Both historical sites are located in Vevay. Contact (812) 427-3560 for more information or log on to www.switzcomuseums.org.

For more information on Switzerland County and holiday events, telephone (812) 427-3237 or e-mail rebecca@switzcotourism.com or visitsc@switzcotourism.com. Information on lodging, county events, and local businesses be found on the Switzerland County Tourism website at switzcotourism.com or join their Facebook fan page at Switzerland County Tourism-Vevay, IN. For information on Vevay Main Street contact Vicky Hinman, Program Manager, at (812) 427-9406 or vevaymainstreet@gmail.com. Vevay Main Street and Vevay’s First Friday is on Facebook.