THE RIVERTON HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
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Our Blog

You can add our Calendar to your own!

11/10/2025

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🎄 Stay in the Loop: Add the Riverton Holiday Festival Calendar to Your App
​Make sure you never miss a concert, art market, or community celebration this season!
You can now add the official Riverton Holiday Festival Google Calendar directly into your own app or device.
It automatically updates whenever new events are added — so you’re always up to date.
👉 Click or tap this link to add the calendar:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=cml2ZXJ0b25ob2xpZGF5ZmVzdGl2YWxAZ21haWwuY29t

📱 Step 1: Open the Calendar Link
Click or tap the link above.
If you’re on a computer, it will open in your browser.
If you’re on a mobile device, it may open directly in the Google Calendar app (or prompt you to install it).
Example:

Click “Add” when prompted to subscribe to the Riverton Holiday Festival calendar.​


⭐ Step 2: Add or SubscribeOnce the page opens:
On desktop:
  • Click “Add” or “Subscribe.”
  • You’ll see the calendar appear under “Other Calendars” in your sidebar.
On mobile:
  1. Make sure you’re signed in with your Google account.
  2. Tap the link again — the app will open and show “Add calendar.”
  3. Tap Add.
  4. In your app menu (☰), go to Settings → Other calendars and ensure the Riverton Holiday Festival calendar is toggled ON ✅.

🎨 Step 3: Make It Yours
Once added, you can:
  • Change the calendar color to make festival events stand out.
  • Turn on notifications for reminders and updates.
  • View it alongside your personal calendar for easy planning.
Example:

Customize your calendar color and alerts so you never miss a moment!

💡 Use Another App?
If you use Apple Calendar, Outlook, or another app, you can still subscribe!
Most platforms allow you to Add by URL — simply copy and paste the link above into your app’s “Subscribe” field.

✨ Making Spirits Bright
This year’s theme — “Making Spirits Bright” — celebrates the warmth, creativity, and joy that shine through every Riverton gathering.
Adding the official calendar keeps you connected to each event — from the opening ceremony to the final flicker of holiday lights.
🎄 Add the Riverton Holiday Festival Calendar
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Buy Local Week! You Should Participate!

11/2/2025

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Buy Local Week: December 7–13, 2025Making Spirits Bright in Downtown RivertonThis December, the Riverton Holiday Festival invites local businesses to take part in Buy Local Week, running December 7 through 13, 2025. It’s a community-wide celebration of Riverton’s shops, makers, and entrepreneurs — a time to come together under this year’s Festival theme, “Making Spirits Bright.”

Why ParticipateThe Riverton Holiday Festival is all about connection, celebration, and supporting our local community. During Buy Local Week, we shine an extra spotlight on the businesses that keep Riverton thriving all year long. Participating helps:
  • Boost your visibility during one of the most festive weeks of the year
  • Attract new customers who are exploring local gift ideas and holiday experiences
  • Show your community pride by joining the collective effort to keep holiday spending right here at home
When you participate, your business becomes part of the larger story of how Riverton truly makes spirits bright — together.

How to Add Your EventsIf you’re hosting a sale, open house, performance, tasting, workshop, or other festive activity during Buy Local Week, be sure it’s listed on the Riverton Holiday Festival website. Adding your event is easy:
  1. Go to rivertonholidayfestival.com
  2. Click the banner that says “Click the image above to add your holiday event to our calendar.”
  3. Fill out your event details — name, date, time, location, and a short description.
  4. Submit, and our team will review and add it to the online calendar so it appears alongside all the other Festival happenings.
There’s no cost to participate, and your listing helps visitors plan their holiday outings and discover new places to shop and celebrate.

Making Spirits Bright, TogetherBuy Local Week is one of the best ways to get involved with the Festival — whether you’re a downtown shop, home-based artisan, restaurant, or service business. Your participation helps keep Riverton’s holiday season vibrant, welcoming, and community-centered.
So, light up your storefronts, share your specials, and join us in Making Spirits Bright this holiday season.
Add your event today at rivertonholidayfestival.com and be part of the celebration that brings Riverton together year after year.
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Light Up Riverton with Your Window Display!

10/2/2025

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✨ Shine Bright: Lighting Ideas for Holiday Window DisplaysOne of the most powerful tools in any holiday window display is lighting. It doesn’t just illuminate your decorations — it creates mood, draws focus, and makes your storefront pop on Main Street during Riverton’s long winter evenings. Whether you’re a business or club entering this year’s Window Decorating Contest, choosing the right lighting can transform your design from simple to spectacular.
Here are some of the most popular types of lighting for holiday windows and how you can use them:

🎄 1. String LightsThe classic choice. Wrap them around trees, line your window frame, or drape them across displays for a festive sparkle. Warm white lights create a cozy feel, while multicolored strands bring playful energy.

🌟 2. LED Strip LightingSlim and flexible, LED strips can highlight shelves, backdrops, or window edges. They’re perfect for adding depth and modern flair, and they’re energy-efficient too.

💡 3. Spotlights & UplightsWant to draw attention to a specific prop, product, or focal point? Spotlights and small uplights can make your centerpiece glow while creating dramatic shadows that enhance depth.

🔮 4. Neon & Rope LightsFor a bold and contemporary look, neon-style lights or rope lights can outline shapes or lettering. They’re great for creating words, snowflakes, or festive patterns that stand out from afar.

❄️ 5. Projection LightsSnowflakes drifting across your display? Stars twinkling on your backdrop? Projection lights add motion and magic, making your window interactive and dynamic.

🕯️ 6. Candlelight (Faux)Nothing feels cozier than candlelight. Use flameless LED candles for safety and tuck them into lanterns, windowsills, or snowy vignettes for a soft glow.

🌌 7. Twinkle & Icicle LightsTwinkle lights add subtle motion as they fade in and out, while icicle lights are perfect for framing your storefront. Both create a wintery, sparkling effect that feels especially magical at night.

🔆 8. Backlighting & SilhouettesPlace a light source behind cut-outs or props to create glowing silhouettes. This technique is simple yet striking, especially for stars, trees, or nativity-inspired displays.

🎶 9. Sync-to-Music LightsFor the ambitious decorator, synchronized lighting that moves with music can stop people in their tracks. It’s bold, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

🧊 10. Colored Spot Filters & GelsChange the mood of your whole window with colored filters. A wash of blue can feel icy and serene, while red or gold adds warmth and vibrance.

💡 Lighting Tips for Riverton Displays
  • Test your lights during the day and at night to make sure your window looks good in all conditions.
  • Mix a few types for depth — for example, combine string lights for background sparkle with a spotlight on your centerpiece.
  • Keep safety in mind: secure cords, avoid overloading outlets, and choose weather-safe products if lighting extends outdoors.
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The Business/Club Window Decorating Contest will be here very soon! Here's our top ten ways to pre

10/2/2025

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🎄 Top 10 Ways to Prepare Your Window for the Riverton Holiday Festival 2025The holiday season in Riverton, Wyoming is almost here! Local businesses and clubs are gearing up for the Business/Club Window Decorating Contest, and this year’s theme is “Making Spirits Bright.” To help your display shine on Main Street, here’s a Riverton-specific top 10 list for preparation.

1. Start with a Story
Let your window tell a festive tale that embodies “Making Spirits Bright.” Make your display reflect what it means to you, your business,  and Riverton! Perhaps a cozy scene, joyful interactions, or a whimsical winter tableau that spreads holiday cheer.

2. Sketch Your Window Layout
It's never too early to start planning your design. Use foreground, midground, and background layers to create depth and highlight what makes your store and building special! Do you have open display windows, meaning you can see into the store?  Do you have closed display windows, meaning the windows have a backing? Use the wonderful architecture in your building as inspiration!
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3. Use Light to Create Magic
Lighting is essential. Highlight focal points with spotlights, backlighting, or string lights to make your display glow.

4. Mix Textures and Materials
Layer materials such as greenery, ribbons, wood, metallics, or reflective surfaces. Incorporate your own merchandise, specialized items, local crafts, or small gift ideas to tie your display into the holiday season.

5. Stay True to Your Brand
Your window should reflect your business identity while celebrating the festival theme. Whether elegant, playful, or cozy, ensure your display feels authentic and inviting to you.

6. Incorporate Movable or Interactive Elements
Interactive props or modular setups let you adjust your display, add small surprises, or create a “wow” moment for visitors passing by.

7. Create a Strong Focal Point
Pick one centerpiece—a tree, gift, snow globe, or holiday scene—and surround it with supporting elements that echo the “Making Spirits Bright” theme.

8. Draw Inspiration from Local and Online Resources
Explore past Riverton festival winners, Pinterest boards, and professional merchandising blogs like Unibox and MannequinMadness for ideas as well as our own inspiration page found on the Business/Club Window Section of this very website!

9. Test Your Display Day & NightView your window from outside during daylight and evening. Adjust lighting, props, and color contrasts to ensure it’s eye-catching at all times.

10. Collaborate with Fellow Riverton Residents
​
Local artists, designers, or neighbors can offer fresh ideas. Collaboration can elevate your display from good to unforgettable while reflecting community spirit.

✨ Bonus Tip: Take photos of your final display to share on social media and festival channels. Your window doesn’t just brighten your storefront—it helps make Riverton shine for the holidays.
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The Magic is Coming!

10/2/2025

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✨ The Magic Is Coming: Riverton Holiday Festival 2025There’s something about the holiday season in Riverton that feels different. The lights seem brighter, the air feels warmer (even when it’s snowy), and neighbors suddenly become family. That’s the energy we’re bringing back again this year at the Riverton Holiday Festival.
Every December, our community transforms into something extraordinary — a place where the everyday becomes magical. And while we can’t give away all our secrets just yet, here’s what we can promise:
🌟 Moments of Wonder — Whether it’s through music, art, or unexpected surprises, the festival is full of experiences that make you stop, smile, and remember why this season means so much.
🎁 The Spirit of Giving — More than anything else, this year’s theme reminds us that what makes the holidays shine isn’t what we receive, but what we share. Expect chances to give back, lift others up, and celebrate generosity in all its forms.
🎉 Community Joy — The festival is a reflection of Riverton itself — welcoming, creative, and fun. It’s about traditions we love and new memories waiting to be made, all in the heart of our town.
✨ A Grand Finale — As always, the festival builds toward something truly unforgettable — a celebration that leaves you with that holiday glow long after the lights dim.
This December, we invite you to be part of the story. Come laugh, give, sing, and share in the joy that only Riverton can create. The magic is coming — and it’s better when we experience it together.  Share your ideas in the comments!
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August 26th, 2025

8/26/2025

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It's that time already!

8/19/2025

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✨ Kicking Off the 2025 Riverton Holiday Festival: Making Spirits Bright
Posted on August 18, 2025 · Riverton, WY
​

The holidays are just around the corner, and Riverton is getting ready to shine brighter than ever with this year’s Riverton Holiday Festival! Our 2025 theme, “Making Spirits Bright”, celebrates the warmth of community, the joy of creativity, and the sparkle of the season.

□ What to Expect This Year
  • Window Decorating Contest – Local businesses transform their storefronts into glowing holiday displays. Judging begins December 13, with winners announced December 22.
  • Community Events – From cozy “Mittens & Mugs” cocoa nights to the Ugly Sweater Crawl, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
  • Holiday Shopping – Support local with Small Business Saturday, Buy Local Week, and festive in-store specials all December long.
  • Cultural Celebrations – Join us in honoring traditions from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
□ How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a business owner ready to light up your windows, a family looking for fun holiday traditions, or a neighbor excited to spread cheer, there are countless ways to join the festival magic.
➡️ Register your window display
➡️ Explore upcoming events
➡️ Sign up to volunteer

□ Why It Matters
At its heart, the Riverton Holiday Festival is about more than decorations and shopping. It’s about connection—neighbors gathering, families making memories, and a community coming together to create something joyful and lasting. By “making spirits bright,” we make Riverton shine.
​
        “The glow of the holidays comes not just from the lights we hang, but from the         kindness we share.”

​We can’t wait to celebrate with you this season. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, sneak peeks, and festive fun!

□ Want festival updates delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe here!
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

10/13/2019

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Over a year ago, I was neck deep in the writing and rehearsal process for a new show.  What was being created was a contemporary take on an old-fashioned tradition, one steeped in nostalgia and unbelievable talent from by-gone days, we were creating a Christmas Special.  I was so consumed with the holiday spirit and with recreating wonderful memories for an audience to get carried away on, an idea struck me.

Riverton, Wyoming is a special place.  The town itself has always held a part of my heart and so many wonderful memories have been made here.  This town is inherently festive, filled with volunteerism, and completely engulfed by the holiday season.  Many of the moments I most treasure were experienced here.   As a result, I created the Riverton Holiday Festival and hope that through it, you all can build some incredible memories of your own.

In the next couple of months, some of Riverton's citizens will blog about their favorite Holiday memories and tell us what they are most looking forward too in this festival.  Stay tuned!
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  • Participate
    • Add Your Event
    • Business/Club Window Decorating Contest
    • Home Decorating Contest
    • Volunteer
  • RSVP
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Proudly celebrating community, tradition, and holiday joy in Riverton, WY.