Around the area

DAKOTA CITY — The Humboldt County Historical Museum, 905 First Ave. N., Dakota City, is holding “A Polar Express Christmas” from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. SATURDAY at the Millhouse and Historic Hardy Church. A reading of “The Polar Express” is at 5:30 p.m. Hot cocoa and holiday treats will be served in the church basement as well as a showing of “The Polar Express.” Santa Claus will be the guest of honor. A freewill donation will be accepted.

In Fort Dodge

FORT DODGE — The Fort Museum Trading Post, 1 Museum Road, is holding a Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. TODAY and SATURDAY.

FORT DODGE — The Fort Dodge Public Library Children’s Department is hosting Waiting for Santa from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. SATURDAY. Children and their caregivers can make holiday crafts, write letters to Santa, dot paint and build with Magna Tiles. Children who attend can also make a special cup of Santa Soup to Go. No registration or fee is required.

FORT DODGE — Dungeons and Dodgers presents Winter Wonderland fundraiser for Bikes for Tykes and the Fort Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. SUNDAY at the Fort Museum, 1 Museum Road. There will be ornament making, ugly sweater contest at 2 p.m., gift wrapping station and special holiday guests. Admission is $10 per child. All proceeds benefit the Fort Museum and Bikes for Tykes.

FORT DODGE — Brady O’Brien presents A Very Merry Christmas at 7:30 p.m. TODAY at Decker Auditorium Center for Performing Arts on the Iowa Central Community College campus, One Triton Circle. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be a silent auction. All proceeds go to “Christmas Wish” project. Standard tickets are $10 to $39, VIP tickets are $49. Tickets may be purchased online at www.bradyobrienlive.com.

FORT DODGE — Fort Dodge Choral Society Concert, “The Joys of Christmas,” is 3 p.m. SUNDAY at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 239 N. 11th St. Admission is by season membership or $12 for adults at the door, students are admitted free.

FORT DODGE — Operation Ornament presented by Swingin Fore Soldiers is 1 to 8 p.m. TODAY and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. SATURDAY at the Laramar Ballroom, 710 First Ave. N. There will be an adult happy hour from 6 to 9 p.m. SATURDAY. The event will benefit military families. There will be a hot cocoa bar and Santa. Those attending can make a Christmas bulb in honor of a service member. A freewill donation will be accepted.

FORT DODGE — The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan is making at stop at the Fort Dodge HyVee, 115 S. 29th St., from noon to 4 p.m. SUNDAY. There will be an opportunity to visit Santa and grab a free family photo for the holidays. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Those attending will also have an opportunity to help feed families by donating from a Giving Tree to support the Salvation Army.

FORT DODGE — Lights at Kennedy is 6 to 9 p.m. TODAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY at Kennedy Park Campground, 1417 Nelson Ave. Admission is freewill donation.