christmas markets iowa 2025: best festive events and shopping experiences
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Every winter, Iowa turns into a hub for holiday markets and Christmas festivities.
All over the state, you’ll spot Dutch Christmas markets, German-inspired festivals, and events run by local businesses.
These gatherings bring together vendors selling crafts, ornaments, hot chocolate, seasonal foods, and even fresh produce.
You’ll catch live entertainment, carolers, music, and handmade goods—think woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, and gifts you won’t find at the mall.
When you’re in Iowa for the holidays, you can map out your trip to visit different markets, each with its own vibe and schedule.
From big city events to small-town traditions, these markets are woven into Iowa’s history.
Expect family-friendly activities, festive decorations, and loads of opportunities for Christmas shopping.
You’ll stumble on everything from international-style Christmas markets to the holiday thieves market and the classic winter market scenes.
Table of Contents
- 1 1) Des Moines Christmas Market
- 2 2) Holiday Tree and Light Display in Cedar Rapids
- 3 3) Amana Colonies Traditional German Holiday Market
- 4 4) Sioux City Holiday Market
- 5 5) Davenport Holiday Market
- 6 6) Heritage Farm Holiday Market – Decorah
- 7 7) WinterFest at the Dubuque Arboretum
- 8 8) Christmas at Salisbury House – Des Moines
- 9 9) Holiday Traditions in Kalona
- 10 Kris Kringle Tips
- 11 10) Holiday Festivities at Carroll Town Square
1) Des Moines Christmas Market
Details About Des Moines’ Traditional Holiday Market
You’ll find Christkindlmarket Des Moines at Principal Park.
This holiday event brings the spirit of a German Christmas market right into the heart of Iowa.
As you wander the rows of festive wooden stalls, you can sample classic foods like bratwurst, warm pretzels, and spiced mulled wine.
Vendors line up with hand-painted ornaments and local crafts, so picking out a special holiday keepsake feels pretty effortless.
Live music and performances fill the weekend.
Kids usually love meeting Santa Claus and joining in cultural activities made for families.
The lights and decorations set a cozy winter atmosphere outside, so you’ll want to dress warmly.
Saturdays and Sundays get the biggest crowds, so if you want a quieter stroll, maybe go earlier in the event.
Some vendors only take cash, so don’t forget to bring some just in case.
| Dates | Location | Times | Admission | Nearby Lodging | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 5-8, 2025 | 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309 | Dec 5: 5-9pm; Dec 6-7: 11am-9pm; Dec 8: 11am-5pm | Free | Hotels in Des Moines | Christkindlmarket Des Moines |
You can check out the official Christkindlmarket Des Moines website for more details or to plan your visit.
2) Holiday Tree and Light Display in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids throws its annual holiday event called the Festival of Trees and Lights.
You’ll find it at Lindale Mall, which is pretty easy to reach if you’re in the city.
Local organizations and businesses decorate both large and small trees.
As you walk through the mall, you’ll spot each tree, all decked out in different themes and styles.
The festival runs for two days in mid-November.
Vendors set up booths with gifts, crafts, and seasonal foods.
Performances by local groups—think dance teams and brass bands—bring entertainment throughout the day.
This festival gives Cedar Rapids a way to kick off the holiday season as a community.
If you’re into unique gifts, you’ll find vendors selling things you won’t see at big stores.
Admission is free, so families and travelers can just drop by without worrying about the cost.
Stopping in gives you a real taste of Cedar Rapids’ local holiday vibe.
Event Details Table
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 15-16, 2025 |
| Times | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Location | Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 |
| Cost | Free to attend |
| Where to Stay | Hotels near Lindale Mall on Booking.com |
| Website | Cedar Rapids Festival of Trees |
3) Amana Colonies Traditional German Holiday Market
If you head to the Amana Colonies during Christmas, you’ll find a holiday market tucked inside the historic General Store.
This market stays open all year, offering tons of ornaments, decorated trees, and classic holiday décor.
The aisles are packed with Christmas lights and the scent of pine, which just feels festive.
You can wander through displays while hunting for unique gifts or something new for your home.
Special December events pop up, like the Tannenbaum Forest Festival.
You’ll see a 17-foot German Christmas Pyramid and fun photo spots with Santa’s Sleigh.
The first weekend of December brings the Prelude to Christmas celebration.
You’ll notice fences and doors wrapped in green pine and red ribbons.
Holiday carols float through the streets, creating a cozy vibe.
Admission is free for the market and all its events.
Everything’s right in central Amana, so it’s easy to find.
Hotels and guesthouses are nearby, and you can book them through Booking.com.
For more event info, just visit the 2025 Amana Colonies Christmas Market website.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year-round | Amana General Store, IA | Varies by event | Free Admission | Book nearby hotels | 2025 Amana Colonies Christmas Market |
| Dec 5-7 (Prelude) | 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA | Fri-Sun: 10am-4pm | Free Admission | Book nearby hotels | Prelude to Christmas |
| Dec 12-14 (Children’s) | 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA | Fri-Sun: 10am-4pm | Free Admission | Book nearby hotels | Tannenbaum Forest Festival |
You can easily explore the region in a day.
The location and free entry make it a great stop for families or anyone looking for a classic German-style Christmas market.
4) Sioux City Holiday Market
The Sioux City Holiday Market gathers local vendors and artisans under one roof.
You’ll browse tables stacked with candles, scarf sets, wooden toys, and handmade crafts.
These items are made by people from the region, so you get a chance to find gifts that feel truly special.
Live performances keep things lively.
Musicians play holiday songs while you shop, and choirs or local groups sometimes join in, making the place feel bright and active.
You can grab snacks as you wander—food stalls serve up hot chocolate, baked goods, and other seasonal treats.
There’s no admission fee, so just show up and enjoy.
Here’s a quick table with event info, including dates, times, places to stay, and helpful links for 2025:
| Dates | Time | Address | Price | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7-8, 2025 | 10 AM – 8 PM | Sioux City, IA | Free | Hotels near Sioux City Holiday Market | Holiday Craft Fairs in Sioux City |
| November 29, 2025 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Sioux City, IA | Free | Book nearby stays | Sioux City Market Days |
Whether you’re after handmade goods, local music, or seasonal foods, you’ll get a real taste of holiday traditions all in one spot.
5) Davenport Holiday Market
Check out the Davenport Christkindlmarkt right in the heart of the Quad Cities. This annual event brings German-inspired holidays to life and shines a light on local traditions.
Local vendors fill the market with handcrafted ornaments, jewelry, artwork, and all sorts of festive home décor. You’ll probably spot a meaningful gift or souvenir to take home—there’s plenty to choose from.
As you wander, the smell of German food is everywhere. Warm pretzels, sausages, and specialty drinks fill the booths.
These classic dishes really help capture the European holiday vibe. It’s hard not to get swept up in it.
Live entertainment, musicians, and holiday performers keep the energy up all day. The “Krampus Krawl” event spices things up if you’re after something a little different.
Kids can get hands-on with crafts and activities. Meanwhile, adults have time to relax and soak in the festive atmosphere.
There’s no charge to get in, and everyone’s welcome. Stay for an hour or make a whole day of it if you want.
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2-4, 2025 | Freight House Farmers Market, 421 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA | Dec 2: 4–9 p.m. Dec 3: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Dec 4: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Free entry | Nearby hotels | Learn about activities |
6) Heritage Farm Holiday Market – Decorah
The Heritage Farm Holiday Market in Decorah sits among rolling hills and wide-open country. The grounds are known for their scenic views and ties to local history.
Once you arrive, you’ll notice the quiet, friendly vibe. Local vendors set up stalls with handmade holiday goods—jewelry, home items, and small-batch foods.
Many folks come searching for unique presents like ornaments or artisan jams. Decorations and festive touches bring in winter charm, but the whole thing feels laid-back and simple.
Besides shopping, you can walk around the farm. It’s a nice spot for soaking in the landscape or snapping a few family photos.
Plenty of people visit just to support Decorah’s artists and creators, not just for the shopping.
If you’re planning a visit, keep these details handy:
| Dates | Address | Times | Price | Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7 – Dec 9, 2025 | 3074 North Winn Rd, Decorah, IA 52101 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Free | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Decorah | Heritage Farm Christmas Market |
You get both holiday shopping and a low-key day outdoors in Decorah. For more planning details, check the website link above.
7) WinterFest at the Dubuque Arboretum
At WinterFest, you’ll find a mix of seasonal activities in a relaxed garden setting. The Dubuque Arboretum glows with colorful lights and winter displays all over the grounds.
As you walk the gardens, live music fills the air. You can sip hot chocolate along the pathways.
Carriage rides give you a classic way to see the decorations. Local vendors set up booths with handcrafted gifts, so you can browse for something special.
Food stalls serve warm snacks and seasonal desserts. You might catch ice carving or craft demos that really show off local talent.
WinterFest welcomes all ages and feels family-oriented. Admission costs nothing, so it’s easy to bring a group.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a visit:
| Dates | Location | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 23-25, 2025 | 3800 Arboretum Dr, Dubuque, IA | 9 AM – 5 PM | Free Admission | Hotels near Dubuque Arboretum | WinterFest at Dubuque Arboretum |
8) Christmas at Salisbury House – Des Moines
Looking for a classic holiday setting? Salisbury House in Des Moines sets the stage for a memorable Christmas.
Each December, the mansion gets dressed up with lights and festive displays. The Holly & Ivy event features live music—usually on the historic Steinway piano.
You can join workshops perfect for families or anyone interested in hands-on holiday activities.
Tickets aren’t refundable or transferable, so it’s smart to plan ahead. Organizers limit ticket sales to keep things comfortable and calm.
The mansion’s big rooms give everyone space to enjoy the decorations and activities without feeling crowded.
Here’s a quick rundown of the event:
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 6 & 7, 2025 | 4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines, IA 50312 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Varies | Nearby hotels on Booking.com | Salisbury House Christmas Event |
You’ll find plenty of hotels nearby if you want to stay close to the Salisbury House. This event really highlights both the historic building and local holiday traditions.
9) Holiday Traditions in Kalona
Every first Saturday in December, Kalona, Iowa comes alive with holiday spirit. Local businesses and families go all out with decorations, and the YMCA hosts the main event.
The Kalona Chamber of Commerce pulls everything together, making sure the day feels packed with traditional activities. You can start by exploring the Kalona Christmas Market, which is known for its handmade gifts and local crafts.
Kids get to decorate cookies, make ornaments, and try face painting. Santa always makes an appearance, and families can snap photos with Santa and his reindeer.
Kalona is easy to get around and is super welcoming. Admission is free.
Shops and the Christmas Market offer plenty of treats, and community campfires keep things cozy. If you’re staying overnight, it’s easy to find places to stay nearby.
You’ll find all the event details on the Kalona Chamber of Commerce website.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Saturday of December | YMCA, Kalona, Iowa | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Free Admission | Hotels and accommodations in Kalona | Kalona Chamber of Commerce event page |
Kris Kringle Tips
Dress in warm layers, including a thermal base, a thick sweater, and a waterproof winter coat. Add insulated boots, a hat that covers your ears, gloves, and a scarf—Midwestern winters can be windy and very cold. Hand warmers in your pockets are a great bonus for long strolls between stalls.
10) Holiday Festivities at Carroll Town Square
Every December, Carroll Town Square turns into a hub of holiday fun. Music, bright lights, and festive displays fill the space.
Local vendors bring holiday crafts and unique gifts, so you’ll have plenty of options for presents. Artisans show off handmade ornaments, knitted goods, and more.
While you wander the square, you can grab warm drinks and snacks. Food trucks serve up hot cocoa, cider, and seasonal treats—kids and adults both love it.
The whole setup creates a great spot for gathering with family and friends. Kids can visit Santa for photos, and sometimes there are games or even a small ice skating area.
The square feels busy and welcoming, drawing locals and out-of-towners alike. You don’t need a ticket to join in.
Here’s a quick look at the event details:
| Dates | Location | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 6-7, 2025 | Carroll Town Square, Carroll, IA | 10 AM – 8 PM | Free admission | Hotels in Carroll | Christmas on the Square – Carroll |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.