christmas markets iowa 2025: best festive events and shopping experiences

21) Decorah Christkindlmarkt

Decorah Christkindlmarkt transforms downtown into a festive scene. Stalls stretch along the streets, decked out with holiday lights and garlands.

Local vendors sell handmade crafts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. You might find the perfect gift, or maybe just a little something for yourself.

Hot cocoa and mulled wine keep your hands warm as you wander. Carolers and live music fill the air, so you’ll hear classic holiday tunes almost everywhere you go.

Families and friends gather here to soak up the holiday spirit. There’s something comforting about the whole scene.

You can join hands-on activities, like gingerbread house building or ornament making. These simple experiences add to the joy.

It’s a tradition that brings the community together every year. People of all ages seem to find something to enjoy.

Here’s what you need to know before you go:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 5-8, 2025	Downtown Decorah, IA	Varies by day	Free entry	Hotels in Decorah	Decorah Christkindlmarkt

22) Main Street Holiday Festival – Grundy Center

Grundy Center’s Main Street lights up for the holiday festival. You’ll see colorful lights, hear music, and pass local vendors selling food and holiday treats.

Shops open their doors with gift ideas, so you can find something special for just about anyone. Santa Claus makes an appearance, and you can get a picture with him if you don’t mind waiting in line.

Kids usually love that part. Local singers and groups perform throughout the evening, giving the festival a lively soundtrack.

Here’s a quick rundown of the details:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
November 24-25, 2025	4:30 PM – 3:00 PM	Main Street, Grundy Center, IA	Free	Grundy Center hotels on Booking.com	Grundy Center Chamber Main Street

23) Old World Christmas Market – Arnolds Park

Event Information

The Old World Christmas Market at Arnolds Park brings a taste of European holiday traditions right to Iowa. The historic amusement park hosts the event, and the setting feels both lively and nostalgic.

You can check out stalls packed with handmade items, gifts, and seasonal snacks—think gingerbread and steaming cups of cocoa. The smell alone is enough to get you in the holiday mood.

Live performances and Christmas carols echo through the park. Santa stops by, and families can hop on horse-drawn carriage rides around the market.

There are plenty of activities for kids, so it’s easy to bring the whole crew. Planning a holiday day out here actually makes sense if you want something for all ages.

Here’s the info you’ll need. If you’re coming from out of town, Booking.com lists nearby places to stay.

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay	Website
December 1-2, 2025	Sat: 10 AM–8 PM, Sun: 10 AM–5 PM	37 Lake St, Arnolds Park, IA 51331	Free	See nearby hotels	Old World Christmas Market – Arnolds Park

24) Holiday Wonderland Shop & Stroll – Boone

Boone’s Holiday Wonderland Shop & Stroll turns the downtown into a festive marketplace every December. It’s one of those local events that really feels like a highlight.

Decorated stalls line the streets, with vendors selling holiday decorations, handmade crafts, and local treats. Seasonal music and the buzz of shoppers fill the air.

The atmosphere is inviting, with twinkling lights and the smell of hot chocolate everywhere. Local craftspeople and food makers from Boone and nearby towns set up shop, so there’s always something unique to find.

If you’re after original gifts or special festive food, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Carriage rides offer a classic winter experience, winding through streets lit up for the season.

Kids can pop into Santa’s Workshop for photos and small activities. It’s a nice touch for families.

You might want to plan a few hours to really take it all in. Honestly, it’s a solid way to get into the holiday spirit and maybe cross a few things off your gift list.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 7, 2025	Boone, IA	4 p.m. – 9 p.m.	Free	Hotels in Boone	Holiday Wonderland Shop & Stroll

25) Holiday Market at Central Park – Mason City

The holiday market in Central Park, Mason City, brings together local produce and festive treats. Vendors fill booths with handmade gifts, baked goods, and even fresh eggs.

Decorations and music set a welcoming mood. Farmers and artisans sell fresh veggies, craft items, and meats that work well for holiday meals.

Local bands play live music, so you can listen while you browse. Sometimes, the market throws in a yoga session or a friendly 5k race—definitely not your average holiday stop.

Kids can bounce around in the inflatables, while food vendors serve up simple breakfast options and snacks. The open, lively setting makes it easy to bring friends or family for a laid-back morning.

Throughout the season, the market hosts different activities, so there’s usually something new going on. It’s free to enter, and Central Park’s location puts you right in the middle of Mason City.

Dates	Address	Times	Entry Fee	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
June 1 – October 5, 2025	Central Park, Mason City, IA	9 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Free	Nearby Hotels	Mason City Farmers Market

Want more details or the event schedule? Check out the Mason City Farmers Market website.

For places to stay, Booking.com lists Mason City hotels.

26) Greene Outdoor Christmas Market

What to Know Before You Go

Looking for handmade gifts, festive food, and winter entertainment? The Greene Outdoor Christmas Market keeps things simple and festive.

Vendor booths line Main Street in Greene, Iowa, with locally crafted ornaments, holiday decorations, and snacks for all ages. Area musicians play live throughout the day, so there’s always music as you wander between stalls.

A kids’ area offers face painting and seasonal games. Food trucks and stands serve up hot chocolate, apple cider, and local dishes from morning until late afternoon.

Depending on the schedule, you might catch a tree lighting ceremony or a visit from Santa. It’s smart to check event updates before you go so you don’t miss anything.

Since the market is outdoors and winter can get cold, bundle up.

Dates	Address	Times	Admission	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1, 2025	Main Street, Greene, IA	10am – 6pm	Free	Hotels in Greene, IA	Greene Outdoor Christmas Market

For the latest updates and more event info, visit the official Greene Outdoor Christmas Market website.

27) Festive Market at Bridge View Center – Ottumwa

If you’re in Ottumwa during December, you’ll probably want to check out the holiday market at Bridge View Center. This spot keeps things simple—a good place to hunt for seasonal gifts and soak up local traditions.

Local and regional vendors fill the center with decorated booths, showing off handmade crafts, jewelry, and all kinds of holiday décor. There’s such a variety, you’ll almost certainly find something unique—maybe even a surprise for your own home.

Music drifts over the speakers, and the smell of baked goods and hot drinks lingers as you wander around. Families come together here, browsing while kids dive into games or activities.

You don’t have to pay to get in, so anyone can swing by without stressing about the price. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, you can hang out with friends and just enjoy the festive vibe.

Vendors tempt you with fresh treats to sample. Sometimes, you’ll spot a few classic holiday foods you grew up with.

If you want to plan ahead, the details are below. There are hotels nearby if you decide to stay overnight.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 16-17, 2025	102 Church St., Ottumwa, IA 52501	Sat 10am-6pm, Sun Noon-5pm	Free	Ottumwa Hotels on Booking.com	Bridge View Center Events

28) Waverly Winter Wonderland Market

Every January, Waverly hosts the Winter Wonderland Market. You’ll find rows of vendors with handmade gifts and seasonal decorations.

Local artists and crafters set up booths, selling everything from ornaments to winter décor. The mix feels personal—no two stalls are quite the same.

Kids can join story-time or catch a visit from Santa. Holiday-themed shows keep things lively.

Warm drinks and treats are easy to find as you move from booth to booth.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Nearby Lodging	Website
Jan 13-14, 2025	Waverly, IA 50677	9:00 AM – 11:00 AM	Free entry	Hotels near Waverly, Iowa	Waverly Winter Wonderland Market

The market buzzes in the morning, making it a nice outing for families. Everyone’s welcome, and there’s no entry fee.

29) Holiday on Franklin – Pella

Event Information

Holiday on Franklin brings a burst of holiday spirit to downtown Pella. You’ll spot vendors all around Molengracht Plaza.

You can shop for local crafts, sample Dutch treats, and check out unique decorations. Musicians and performers keep the place buzzing.

If you’re looking for gifts or just want to hang out with family, this market never really disappoints.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Official Website
December 5-7, 2025	Molengracht Plaza, 700 Main St, Pella, IA 50219	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Free admission	Hotels in Pella	Pella Dutch Christmas Market

Getting there is pretty straightforward, and you’ll find parking close to the plaza. Many folks turn the trip into a whole day, squeezing in some sightseeing around Pella too.

30) Holiday Lights Celebration – Atlantic

Atlantic’s Holiday Lights Celebration brings a real buzz to town. The place is famous for colorful lights, holiday music, and activities that appeal to all ages.

Main Street glows with thousands of LEDs, making shopping and strolling feel extra cheerful. Vendors set up stalls with locally made gifts and festive foods.

Classic holiday tunes fill the air. Santa’s around for photos, which is always a hit with kids.

Shoppers can grab AtlantiCash deals—think bonus value for early holiday purchases.

Atlantic welcomes groups big and small. The historic district, packed with shops and boutiques, makes the whole thing feel even more festive.

You’ll find plenty of treats, gifts, and photo ops.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 9	Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce	9 AM – 12 PM	Free to attend	Atlantic Hotels	Christmas in Atlantic

If you plan a morning visit, you’ll have easy access to shops and hotels nearby. Atlantic’s community is always happy to see new faces at this December event.