EAST PALESTINE — East Palestine is gearing up for a full month of holiday events as community groups, local businesses and residents prepare for long-standing traditions, new activities and a major fundraising announcement tied to the village’s revitalization efforts.

Holiday shopping gets an early start on Nov. 29 with a Shop Small Saturday Passport Event hosted by Kat’s Krystals, Perk Avenue Mobile Sip Shop, Elite Pharmacy, Sew Be It Embroidery and Donkey Papas Food Truck. Shoppers can pick up a passport at any participating business and collect stamps at local stops. Completing half the passport earns a guaranteed prize, and fully stamped booklets enter participants into a drawing for a winter-themed grand prize.

The village’s largest celebration, the Snowflake Festival, returns Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Presented by the East Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, the festival features Breakfast with Santa, a Snow Maze, the Snowflake Trail, a craft show, Christmas Tree Lane, a snow-machine party, food and drink vendors, a window-decorating contest and the town’s annual tree lighting. Organizers said this year’s festival may be the most activity-filled yet.

“We try to create something magical for families all day long,” organizers said. “This festival brings everyone together to celebrate the season.”

The Snowflake Festival will also include the annual Christmas parade, presented by East Palestine Moose Lodge #467. This year’s theme is The Grinch.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will travel from Methodist Church to Huntington Bank. Bands, floats and walkers are invited to participate. For more information, residents can contact Doug at 330-301-701.

One of the community’s favorite traditions — the Friends of the Library Gingerbread House Contest — returns this year as well. Completed gingerbread creations will be displayed inside the library from Dec. 4- 6 and during the Snowflake Festival. Visitors can vote during normal library hours, and four $25 prizes will be awarded. Participants can drop off entries on December 3 after 9 a.m.

Families looking for a unique experience can visit Cuttin’ Loose / Hammer N Ink on Dec. 7 from noon to 3 p.m., where Santa will greet visitors next to a motorcycle provided by 74 Cycles. The event includes professional photos by Harley Joy Photography, a hot cocoa bar, kids’ crafts, cookies and a gift from Santa. Photo packages are $25 per family, with reservations available by calling or texting 330-509-5698.

Beyond the holiday celebrations, the season also marks the return of the Brighten Our Future Campaign, spearheaded by the East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC). The initiative raised $161,500 in its inaugural year — funds used to purchase a former drive-through lot on North Market Street. The site is being transformed into a future community plaza and retail space intended to serve as a central gathering spot and economic driver downtown.

This year’s fundraising results will be announced during the Snowflake Festival on December 6. Sponsorship levels range from Supporter to Platinum, offering businesses promotional opportunities during one of the village’s highest-attended events.

EPCIC leaders say the campaign is about more than raising money — it’s about building a stronger and more vibrant future for East Palestine. “With continued support, East Palestine is not just rebuilding, it’s growing stronger and looking ahead,” the organization stated.

Contributions to the initiative can be made online at epohio.org/fundraising/give or by mailing a check to East Palestine CIC, 50 N. Sumner St., East Palestine, OH 44413.