November and December brought Fremont’s community groups together for their annual holiday celebrations, continuing a tradition of bringing neighbors together to mark another year in the Center of the Universe.
Neighborhood Council November Potluck
The Fremont Neighborhood Council kicked off the holiday season early with its November potluck on Nov. 18 at the Doric Lodge. Neighbors gathered to share their favorite dips and celebrate the community. The potluck doubled as a food drive, with members bringing donations that were later delivered to the Union Gospel Mission Downtown Shelter by the Fremont Baptist Church. Since the FNC doesn’t meet in December, this gathering served as the group’s holiday celebration before they reconvene Jan. 27, 2026.
Creative District First Annual Party
The Fremont Creative District celebrated its first annual party on Dec. 4 at Triangle Spirits, marking a milestone as the organization elected its board for their first full terms. President Lizz Slabaugh reflected on neighbors sitting with strangers and talking with a sense of belonging, conversations woven with laughter that felt symbolic of what the FCD wants to cultivate across the neighborhood.
The festivities included fried chicken, watercolor portraits, and raffle prizes. Looking ahead to 2026, the FCD announced plans for a reimagined Art Walk as its first major project, along with a Sunday Market Pop-Up slated for February or March.
Mingle & Jingle
The neighborhood’s holiday spirit came together for the Fremont Chamber of Commerce’s Mingle & Jingle Holiday Party on Dec. 9 at Hidden Hall. The event featured Black Santa (Matt McAlman) for photo ops, DJ Marshall Hugh spinning tunes, and a Makers & Craft Market showcasing local treasures.
The Fremont Neighborhood Council sponsored an ugly sweater drawing contest that brought out some creative holiday fashion. The winning design will soon be available on the FNC merch shop. All proceeds from the party went to the Keep the Rocket Lit campaign, supporting efforts to preserve Fremont’s beloved 53-foot Rocket.
Rocket Lighting ceremony Dec. 18
The celebrations will continue on Dec. 18 with the Fremont Evening Market and Fremont Chamber Rocket Lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on North 35th Street. The event will bring more light to the neighborhood with hot chocolate courtesy of Triangle Spirits at the info booth. The rocket – originally salvaged from an Army surplus store in 1991 and erected atop a building at North 36th Street and Evanston Avenue North in 1993 – includes the Fremont crest and motto: “De Libertas Quirkas” (Freedom to be Peculiar).
Disclosure: The author is Vice President of the Fremont Neighborhood Council.