OISINGTON —The Hoisington Chamber of Commerce and Hoisington Main Street present the 3rd annual Christmas Gala and business After Hours at 5 p.m. on Nov. 15 at HMSI Welcome Center, 115 N. Main St.

Enjoy food and beverages with a live auction of decorated Christmas wreaths and centerpieces.

Early silent bids will be taken if unable to attend After Hours will begin at 5 p.m.- Auction will begin at approximately 7 p.m. The proceeds will be used to benefit the Hoisington Community Christmas light Fund and Hoisington Main Street Enhancements.

The chamber has other events scheduled for the season. They are:

Come to Hoisington Friday evening, Nov. 25 as we start the Christmas season off right. The Hoisington annual Christmas Lighting is scheduled for Friday after Thanksgiving 5:30 p.m. at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce 123 N. Main.

Children are encouraged to make an outdoor Christmas ornament to hang on the lighted Christmas tree that will be in the chamber yard.

Listen to Christmas carols as we wait for Santa’s arrival. Santa is slated to arrive at 5:45 p.m. ready to visit with the youngsters. Each child will receive a gift from Santa, a chance to tell Santa their secret wish, give him a hug and register for a chance to win Chamber Gift Certificates.

Adults will also have a chance to win Chamber Gift Certificates. A shopping guide with participating businesses will be handed out. Simply visit the participating businesses the evening of the Christmas Lighting, on business day’s Saturday, Nov. 26 or Monday, Nov. 28, have the guide stamped and then bring or mail the guide to the Chamber office by Thursday, Dec. 1.

In conjunction with Santa’s arrival the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce will be offering free hayrack rides as children wait for their turn to visit with Santa.

The 2011 Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Promotion Committee invites everyone to come down and join in singing Christmas carols enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies and cheer in the 2011 Christmas Season.

A caroling choir is being formed to sing during the annual Christmas Lighting on Main Street Friday, Nov. 25. Let the chamber know if you want to participate! Rehearsals are set for Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. and on Sunday Nov. 20 from 4 –5 p.m. at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce meeting room. You can come to one or both! They will be singing both sacred and secular carols.

THE Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Promotion Committee will once again sponsor the Home Decorating Contest. This year there will be three Hoisington Gift Certificates given to the Best Decorated Residences for the 2011 Christmas Season. To be eligible for the contest, residents must register with the Chamber of Commerce by Monday, December 12. First Place will be awarded a $75 Certificate, second place, $60 and $40 for third place. Gift Certificates can be redeemed at participating Hoisington Businesses. Residences will be judged between 7 AND 9 P.M. on Monday, December 12. Call the Chamber office at 653-4311 to register your entry.

Santa’s House will be open Saturday afternoons from 1 – 3 p.m. Dec. 3, and Dec. 10 and on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Santa’s House will be located in front of the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce, 123 N. Main Street.