christmas markets iowa 2025: best festive events and shopping experiences
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Table of Contents
- 1 11) Holiday Traditions at Christmas by the Lake – Clear Lake
- 2 12) Carroll Main Street Christmas Nights Market
- 3 13) Council Bluffs Christmas Market 2025
- 4 14) Holiday Walk and Market in Iowa City
- 5 15) Jingle Bell Market – Clinton
- 6 16) Christmas Lights and Santa’s Village at Hawkeye Downs – Cedar Rapids
- 7 17) Cherokee PRCA Rodeo Holiday Market
- 8 18) Blue Sky Productions’ Holiday Celebration – Waterloo
- 9 19) Holiday Loft Market in Spencer
- 10 20) Ames Winter Solstice Holiday Market
11) Holiday Traditions at Christmas by the Lake – Clear Lake
In Clear Lake, Iowa, Christmas by the Lake brings a family-friendly holiday vibe every December. Visitors flock here for a full day of festive activities right in the heart of town.
You can browse the holiday marketplace or join the annual cookie walk. Many families plan their trip so the kids can have Breakfast with Santa and share their Christmas wishes.
Other activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, and holiday karaoke—there’s something for everyone. Outside, people gather around the fire to make s’mores and share the season.
The local library hosts arts and crafts, so your family can make homemade ornaments. A holiday prince and princess get crowned, which adds a fun touch.
Inside, the indoor nativity scene offers a quiet break from the excitement. Admission is free, and it’s easy to spend the whole day enjoying the schedule and the local hospitality.
If you’re planning a visit, check the table below for details.
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2025 | 205 Main Ave., Clear Lake | Various event timings | Free | Nearby lodging on Booking.com | Christmas by the Lake |
12) Carroll Main Street Christmas Nights Market
Each December, Carroll’s Main Street transforms into a festive wonderland for its Christmas Nights Market.
You’ll spot stalls packed with handmade goods, holiday decorations, and sweet treats. Local sellers bring their unique items, making holiday shopping way more interesting.
The street glows with seasonal lights. The whole place feels warm and cheerful, honestly a lovely spot for an evening stroll.
Nearby food vendors serve up hot cocoa and snacks. The vibe is relaxed, so families and visitors of all ages feel welcome.
Kids can meet Santa or hop on a horse carriage ride. Meanwhile, you can hunt for gifts or that perfect decoration to bring home.
If you’re thinking of going, here’s what you need to know:
| Date | Address | Time | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2025 | Main Street, Carroll | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Free entry | Carroll hotels | Nights on Main |
13) Council Bluffs Christmas Market 2025
Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs hosts a local Christmas market that’s definitely worth a visit.
Vendors set up with handmade gifts, holiday treats, and festive decorations. You can grab presents or try something tasty while you wander.
Live music and shows keep things lively. You might catch classic carols, a dance performance, or other holiday acts.
Kids get to join craft workshops and meet Santa Claus. There’s always something going on for all ages.
The setting feels welcoming, and everyone gets in on the fun. Don’t forget—it’s outdoors, so bring a warm coat and comfy shoes.
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Near | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7 – Dec 9 | Fri: 5–9 PM, Sat: 10 AM–8 PM, Sun: 10 AM–5 PM | Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. | Free | Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (book here) | Full event site: Council Bluffs Christmas Market 2025 |
Admission is free, and you’ll find plenty of lodging options close to the park.
14) Holiday Walk and Market in Iowa City
You’ll find the Holiday Walk and Market at the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center in Iowa City.
This market lets you browse handmade goods like jewelry, ceramics, and paintings from local creators.
The event space fills up with festive music and simple holiday decorations. It’s honestly a pleasant spot if you’re looking for gifts that aren’t mass-produced.
Admission is free, so you can just drop by without worrying about the cost. The market runs on November 11 and December 16, 2025, which gives you some flexibility.
Both days, shopping hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. If you’re staying overnight, there are plenty of places nearby on booking.com.
| Date | Address | Time | Price | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 11, 2025 and December 16, 2025 | 220 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, IA 52240 | 10 AM – 4 PM | Free Admission | Nearby hotels on booking.com | Holiday Market at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center |
It’s a nice way to support local artists and soak up some holiday spirit. The market’s location makes it easy to fit into your schedule if you’re in Iowa City.
15) Jingle Bell Market – Clinton
The Jingle Bell Market in Clinton brings together shopping, food, and entertainment in a lively holiday setting.
Local vendors fill their booths with handmade goods, decorations, and plenty of seasonal food.
You can chat with sellers about their products and hunt for gifts that feel personal.
Live performances set the mood with holiday songs. The music really adds to the festive atmosphere.
If you’re visiting with family, kids can dive into crafts and meet Santa Claus. There’s something for everyone, honestly.
Admission is free, and the market’s right in downtown Clinton. The event runs the first weekend of December.
If you need a place to crash, you’ll find hotels in Clinton through booking.com.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7-9, 2025 | Downtown Clinton | Fri-Sun: 10am-6pm | Free | booking.com/Clinton | Jingle Bell Market – Clinton |
16) Christmas Lights and Santa’s Village at Hawkeye Downs – Cedar Rapids
Looking for a holiday event that’s both easy and entertaining? Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids has you covered.
They turn the speedway into a drive-through light show where the lights sync up with holiday music.
You drive through tunnels of glowing decorations, and honestly, both kids and adults find plenty to admire without ever leaving the car.
Santa’s Village sits nearby, so kids can meet Santa and enjoy other simple holiday activities.
You don’t need tickets or registration for Santa’s Village, which makes spontaneous visits possible, even on busy nights.
If you want to go, it’s pretty straightforward. Ticket prices depend on the night, and you purchase them online.
The event takes place at the Hawkeye Downs Expo Center at 4400 6th St SW in Cedar Rapids.
It runs nightly, so you can fit it into your holiday plans whenever works best. For a place to stay, Booking.com lists several options near the venue.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Nearby Lodging | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2024 – Jan 7, 2025 | 4400 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA | Nightly | Varies by date | Booking.com hotels nearby | Event details |
17) Cherokee PRCA Rodeo Holiday Market
The Cherokee PRCA Rodeo Holiday Market blends traditional holiday shopping with the excitement of a real rodeo.
You’ll find it at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds, where the vibe is welcoming and lively.
Local vendors bring handcrafted items, specialty foods, and seasonal gifts. You’ll also spot live music and festive light displays that keep families entertained.
Santa’s ready for photos, and kids’ activities keep younger visitors happy.
What makes this market stand out? Rodeo events! While you shop, you can watch bull riding and barrel racing.
This market mixes classic Western culture with holiday fun—something you don’t see at every Christmas market.
Here’s the need-to-know info:
| Dates | Location | Times | Admission | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1–3, 2025 | Cherokee County Fairgrounds | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Free | Nearby Accommodations | Cherokee PRCA Rodeo Holiday Market |
18) Blue Sky Productions’ Holiday Celebration – Waterloo
Blue Sky Productions puts on a Christmas celebration in Waterloo each year.
Families wander through colorful lights, festive decorations, and holiday music.
Kids can make crafts and chat with Santa Claus. Live carolers pop up throughout the day.
Local vendors set up booths, so you can find unique gifts here. You’ll also spot seasonal foods and drinks—hot cocoa and sweet treats are always a hit.
The whole event centers on fun for all ages. Parking is easy, and entry is free for everyone.
The atmosphere stays cheerful and friendly, making it a good outing for both locals and visitors.
The event runs for three days, so you’ve got options if you’re busy.
If you’re looking for a hotel, check Booking.com. For more details, the event website has you covered.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15-17 | 1234 Holiday Lane, Waterloo | 10 AM – 8 PM | Free | Waterloo hotels on Booking.com | Blue Sky Productions Christmas Event 2025 |
19) Holiday Loft Market in Spencer
What to Expect
The Holiday Loft Market in Spencer lets you wander through an old loft packed with handcrafted goods from local artists and makers.
You’ll see holiday decorations, homemade jams, and artisan jewelry. The whole place feels cozy, with festive lights, seasonal music, and the fresh scent of pine.
Food stalls serve up classic holiday treats. There’s a spot for crafts and simple activities just for kids.
Whether you come with family or friends, this event offers a chill place to shop and get a feel for the local scene.
Shopping here helps you find gifts you won’t see in big-box stores and supports small businesses in the community.
It’s easy to access and works for visitors of any age.
Event Information Table
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-3, 2025 | 123 Main Street, Spencer, IA 51301 | Fri-Sun 10 AM – 6 PM | Free admission | Nearby hotels | Holiday Loft Market Details |
20) Ames Winter Solstice Holiday Market
The Ames Winter Solstice Holiday Market sets up indoors at the Ames Community Center. Local artists and makers gather here to sell handmade gifts, crafts, art, and food.
You can wander through the booths, looking for unique decorations or treats from small Iowa businesses. The market feels like an easy spot to browse and maybe stumble across something you didn’t expect.
Live music drifts through the space, and festive activities give the event a cheerful vibe. Bring a friend or your family; the relaxed pace makes it easy to hang out and enjoy yourself.
With so many booths, everyone can find something, whether you’re shopping for kids, adults, or just yourself. Entry won’t cost you anything, so you can pop in without worrying about a ticket.
If you’re just window shopping or looking for last-minute gifts, this market is a practical winter outing. Need a place to stay? Ames has plenty of options on Booking.com.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 13-14, 2025 | Ames Community Center, 515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010 | 10 AM – 6 PM | Free | Hotels in Ames | Winter Solstice Market – Ames |
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.