Very Merry Marion

01/30/2026

Don't miss out on your final opportunity to skate under the magical lights of Tower Square Plaza this weekend ✨ Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable experience before our rink takes a break and reopens in November.

Hours:
Friday: 5pm – 8pm
Saturday: 1pm – 8pm
Sunday: 1pm – 8pm
Each session begins at the top of the hour and runs for one hour.

Pricing:
Children (12 and Under): $5
Adults: $10
Skate Rental: F R E E

Whether you're a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, there's fun to be had for everyone! Glide beneath the twinkling lights and make lasting memories on the ice ❄️

Don't worry if you can't make it this weekend—we'll be back in November with even more skating adventures! ⛸️

01/22/2026

Due to the extreme weather forecasted to hit this weekend, The Ice at Tower Square will be closed on Saturday, January 24, 2026 and Sunday, January 25, 2026 ❄

Guests who pre-booked will be issued refunds ⛸

01/08/2026

Due to the unseasonable warm & wet weather in forecast, The ICE at Tower Square will be closed on Thursday, January 8 & Friday, January 9, 2026.

Those who pre-booked will be issued refunds.

The rink is scheduled to be open for the rest of the month! You've still got a few weeks left to get out and enjoy a few laps under the lights ⛸️

12/18/2025

These second graders from Lincoln Elementary School have sure made The City of Marion Illinois Very Merry this week! We loved your carols on 🫶

Thanks for sharing your talent and spreading so much joy throughout our community ❤💚

12/14/2025

BRRR....it's cold out there ❄️

For the safety of our kiddos, families, four-hooved friends, and of course our favorite guy Santa, carriage rides and Santa visits have been cancelled for Sunday, December 14, 2025.

All families who booked carriage rides have been notified and given the opportunity to reschedule.

Santa will be back in his cottage on this Wednesday, December 17, 2025 ready to take photos and hear all of the wishes.

Ice skating is still on for tonight! Add an extra layer or two and enjoy a glide on the ice under the twinkle of the lights ⛸️

Stay warm, 🫶

12/09/2025

Thank you for being a part of the Parade, 💚❤️

12/05/2025

Free popcorn, a movie, and a treat from Lavish Bath Box - Marion Square?! It doesn't get any better 🍿

It's a very merry weekend indeed, and a giveaway is in order. We have collaborated with to give away 1 FREE POPCORN to moviegoers each night, redeemable at concessions. Buy the corresponding bath bomb for a chance to win instantly!

Qualifying bath bombs are as follows: Civic Center - we have extended hours: Friday until 8pm, Saturday until 8PM, and Sunday 12PM to 5PM.

Qualifiying bath bombs are as follows:
Friday - Grinch
Saturday - Jack Skellington
Sunday - Train

See you soon, my cinnephiles! 🎅

12/04/2025

THANK YOU to these stellar volunteers from Marion High School Marion, Illinois ✨

They were a huge help getting things set up and ready for the Very Merry Market. We couldn't do it with out them 🫶

12/04/2025

Woohoo! It's starting to look like the Very Merry Market around in the heart of Marion Illinois ❤️💚

We can't wait to see you this weekend!

Friday, December 5, 2025 | 4-8pm
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 12-8pm
Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 12-6pm

12/04/2025

Deacon and Rider from will be at the Very Merry Market this weekend! Come say hi 👋

Friday, December 5, 2025 | 4-8pm
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 12-8pm
Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 1-6pm

📍 : Downtown in The City of Marion Illinois

🦙🎄 Meet Deacon & Rider at the Very Merry Marion Market!🎄🦙

Look who’s joining the Christmas magic this year… Deacon and Rider! 🦙💛

And guess what? It’s Deacon’s very first Christmas season downtown!

Plus—they're not coming alone… 5 of our alpacas will be there for you to meet, pet, take photos with, and even feed ($1)! 📸💕🦙🦙🦙🦙🦙

Downtown Marion is decorated like a Hallmark movie — twinkle lights, festive storefronts, and all the cozy Christmas charm you can imagine. Trust us… you don’t want to miss this!

Come see us and experience the holiday spirit at the Very Merry Market:

🌟 Presented by: The City of Marion & Vinyl & Threads
Sponsored by:
Ozark Portable Buildings • Fowler Heating and Cooling • Baker and Sons Plumbing • Commercial Janitorial Services • John Bradley Law Firm

✨ 1st Weekend in December ✨
📅 Friday, December 5th: 4 PM – 8 PM
📅 Saturday, December 6th: 12 PM – 8 PM
📅 Sunday, December 7th: 12 PM – 6 PM

Very Merry Marion

🎁 Shop Local Handmade Vendors
🚚 Delicious Food & Treats
🐻‍❄ Polar Bear Hunt
🦙 Visit with Alpacas from Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch — pet them, take photos, and feed them ($1)
🐎 Carriage Rides
🎄 Musical Performances & Carolers
🎅 Visit Santa and all his friends!
⛸️ Ice Skating
🎬 Free Christmas Movies Marion Cultural and Civic Center
🐴 Free Horse & Pony Rides with Hearts with Hooves
🎪 Free Kids Activities with Jack & Josies and Aisin
❄ Explore beautifully decorated Downtown Marion — pure Christmas magic!

For questions, contact Rachel:
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

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