The Town Of David City, Nebraska Was Transformed Into A Real-Life Hallmark Movie This Christmas Season
This is the time of year when certain people love to put on warm pajamas, snuggle under a blanket, and watch some tear-jerking Hallmark movies. The residents of David City, Nebraska had the unique experience of living inside a Hallmark movie earlier this year, and by all accounts, it was a completely magical time.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
David City, Nebraska was the home of Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark. It's always been a sweet hometown sort of environment, but in recent years it's seen some hard times.
Traffic to the town - and, in turn, local businesses - had been drastically cut down by some highway construction issues. With a population of just 2,900, David City needed a boost.
The town seemed to have lost a bit of Christmas spirit following the death of Jolene Fichtl, a local flower shop owner. Fichtl was the one who arranged most of the town's Christmas attractions every year, and the holiday spirit had waned in the years since her passing.
These challenges were part of the reason David City was chosen as the first "Hometown Christmas" location (the other being, of course, its ties to Joyce Hall). Hallmark began the Hometown Christmas initiative as a way to give a boost to towns in need of a little love.
Hallmark contacted David City not long before the event was to happen. A committee of local business people was tasked with putting up the new decorations that were donated by Hallmark. It seemed an almost impossible task, but by the time Santa and the Hallmark crew came around on October 30, 2019, David City was looking cheerful and bright.
The event brought Christmas to David City quite early. Santa rode into town in a 1910 Ford Model T and spent some time visiting with folks all over town. A Hallmark film crew was there, following Santa's movements and talking to David City residents.
The day culminated in a big, cheerful tree lighting with Santa at the helm. A crowd of 5,000 turned out to see the special moment, and they've kept coming ever since. David City residents call it a "Christmas miracle" - the Hallmark event has brought not only Christmas cheer back to the town, but has begun to attract a bit of tourism as well.
Even the Grinch couldn't dampen the holiday spirit in this little Butler County city! Hallmark has donated the Candy Cane Lane set they used in the video to the town; you can see it on December 11th and December 18th at the Ford/Goodyear Building at 312 Fifth St.
Take a look at the touching official video of this event at this link. Head to David City during the holiday season this year to check out their beautiful Christmas transformation.
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Love Nebraska?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
