christmas markets iowa 2025: best festive events and shopping experiences

31) Red Barn Holiday Market – Newton

Step inside a cozy barn in Newton, Iowa, and you’ll find the Red Barn Holiday Market. Every year, people show up for the relaxed, homey vibe.

Vendors display handmade crafts, seasonal décor, and vintage collectibles. If you love browsing for ornaments or rustic gifts, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Creative local artisans and tasty snacks round out the experience. Hot cocoa is always ready when you need to warm up.

You’ll spot antiques, quirky decorations, and farm-style items that really reflect the local flavor. It’s smart to arrive early—this market can get crowded and parking fills up fast.

Check out the details below to plan your trip:

Dates	Times	Location	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 30, 2025	10 am–6 pm	Red Barn, Newton, IA	Free entry	Hotels in Newton	Red Barn Holiday Market

If you’re after crafts, vintage finds, and a fun holiday mood, this is a solid pick. Make a day of it—explore the market, check out local shops, and see what Newton has to offer.

32) Marshalltown Christmas Market

Head to Veterans Memorial Coliseum on West State Street for the Marshalltown Christmas Market. Local vendors fill the place with handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and original gifts.

Bring friends or family and browse stalls decked out in lights and classic holiday décor. Live performances and music pop up throughout the day, keeping things upbeat as you shop.

Local food vendors serve up hot drinks and snacks, so you can stay warm while you wander. The atmosphere feels easy-going and festive, and it’s honestly good for all ages.

You might find thoughtful gifts, or maybe you’ll just enjoy a laid-back holiday outing.

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

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 29, 2025	10am – 4pm	Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 20 West State Street, Marshalltown, IA	Free	Marshalltown hotels	Marshalltown Christmas Market

33) Holly and Mistletoe Celebration – Fairfield

In December, Fairfield’s Holly and Mistletoe Celebration lights up the town square. The streets glow with holiday lights, and colorful decorations seem to pop up everywhere.

Vendors bring unique crafts and homemade snacks to the market. The air fills with the scent of bakery treats and hot drinks.

You’ll hear local musicians and classic holiday songs as you wander. A festive parade rolls through Main Street, with floats covered in holly and mistletoe.

Kids line up to meet Santa and share their wish lists. There are decorating contests if you want to join in.

The event feels friendly and open, with activities for all ages and free entry. Here’s the schedule if you’re thinking of going:

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 5-7, 2025	Fairfield Town Square	10 AM–8 PM	Free	Hotels in Fairfield	Holly and Mistletoe Christmas

34) Winter Magic Holiday Market in Bettendorf

Step into the Winter Magic Holiday Market in Bettendorf and you’ll spot a huge variety of handmade crafts, ornaments, and quilts from local artisans. It’s honestly a great spot if you want gifts that feel special and actually support small businesses.

Grab a cup of hot chocolate or a baked treat from one of the food stands as you wander through the stalls. Kids get a kick out of activities like face painting, and of course, there’s Santa for those classic holiday photos.

You won’t struggle with parking here, and the location is easy enough to find. Holiday decorations fill the market, setting a cozy, festive vibe.

If you’re hoping to enjoy holiday shopping and get a taste of local culture, this market should be on your list.

Market Details

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1-3	123 Main St, Bettendorf, IA	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Free entry	Bettendorf hotels	Winter Magic Market – Bettendorf 2025

35) North Grand Mall Holiday Shopping Event – Ames

Every December, North Grand Mall in Ames throws a lively holiday market. Booths fill up with festive decorations, crafts, and gifts you probably won’t see in big chain stores.

You’ll hear holiday music and see twinkling lights everywhere. Food stands serve up hot chocolate and cookies—can’t really go wrong with that.

Families will find plenty for the kids to do while you shop. Admission doesn’t cost anything, so you can drop in whenever you like during open hours.

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

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 31	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM	North Grand Mall, Ames, IA	Free	Hotels in Ames	Holiday Hours at North Grand Mall

You might just find the perfect gift, or at least enjoy some quality family time.

36) Ankeny Holiday Walk and Market

Ankeny’s downtown comes alive during the Holiday Walk and Market. Decorations, music, and the smell of hot chocolate set the mood.

Local vendors sell crafts, handmade gifts, and those classic holiday treats. It’s probably the easiest place to find thoughtful presents.

You can catch live performances from choirs and music groups as you browse. Santa’s there too, so kids can meet him and add a little magic to the day.

Check the event details below:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 14-15	Main Street, Ankeny, IA	4 PM – 9 PM	Free	Hotels in Ankeny	Ankeny Christmas Walk and Market

This one’s an easy pick if you want both entertainment and shopping in Ankeny.

37) Mills County WinterFest

Important Festival Information

Plan a December trip to Glenwood, Iowa, and you’ll find Mills County WinterFest in full swing. Families can dive into hands-on activities, check out local crafts, and snack on all sorts of festive foods.

Kids get to meet Santa and play holiday games. Adults can browse artisan booths for unique gifts.

Here’s the basic info you’ll need:

Dates	Location	Hours	Entry Cost	Places to Stay Nearby	Official Website
December 14-15, 2025	Glenwood, IA	10 AM – 5 PM	Free admission	Glenwood Hotels – Booking.com	Mills County WinterFest

You’ll get a real taste of Midwest holiday culture here—shop for handmade gifts, listen to seasonal music, and try out some local traditions.

38) Santa’s Workshop and Holiday Market – Muscatine

Santa’s Workshop and Market in Muscatine packs the Muscatine Mall with festive crafts, family activities, and handmade goods from local sellers. Over sixty vendors fill the space, each offering unique items and baked treats you probably won’t find elsewhere.

Kids can meet Santa, make crafts, and play games. Santa’s there from 1 to 2:30 p.m., so bring your camera and wish lists.

The hands-on workshop for families runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Both the market and the workshop are free, which is always a plus.

Local artisans show off their work all afternoon, so you’ll have plenty of chances to pick up gifts. The whole event feels lively and welcoming, perfect for all ages.

If you want to support small businesses and keep the family entertained, this event just fits. Parking is easy, and the location’s convenient.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 13, 2025	Muscatine Mall, IA	10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Market) 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (Workshop)	Free	Hotels in Muscatine	Santa’s Workshop and Market Details

39) Winter Wonders Market – Estherville

Head over to N 6th Street by Library Square in Estherville and you’ll find the Winter Wonders Market. It runs Thursday evenings from June 13 through September 26, open 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM every week.

No tickets needed—just show up and browse. Locals and families wander through stalls with handmade crafts, snacks, and seasonal items.

Vendors bring all sorts of unique products, and you’ll notice decorations that give the place a festive vibe.

The market keeps things friendly: no smoking, alcohol, or drugs, and everyone has to wear shirts and shoes. If you’re coming from out of town, Super 8 by Wyndham Estherville is nearby.

Find more info at Downtown Market Information.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Stay Nearby	Website
June 13 – Sep 26	N 6th Street & west side of Library Square	4:30 PM – 6:30 PM	Free Entry	Super 8 by Wyndham Estherville	Downtown Market Information

40) Holiday Happenings Market – Manchester

In December, Manchester’s downtown turns into the Holiday Happenings Market. Locals and visitors stroll the decorated streets, hot drinks in hand, checking out the stalls.

Vendors set up with everything from holiday decorations and crafts to locally made treats. Live music and carolers really amp up the seasonal atmosphere.

Kids can try face painting or cookie decorating. Santa always shows up for photos, so families can make some memories.

The market’s open to all ages, and you can take your time exploring. Entry is free, so you can spend as much—or as little—as you want.

If you’re staying overnight, check Booking.com for hotels near downtown Manchester.

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay	Website
Dec 13-14, 2025	10 AM – 8 PM	Downtown Manchester, IA 52057	Free entry	See hotels on Booking.com	Learn more: Holiday Happenings Market