christmas markets iowa 2025: best festive events and shopping experiences

41) Keokuk Christmas Market

At the Keokuk Christmas Market, you’ll find local holiday traditions in a down-to-earth, friendly setting. Stalls line the market with handcrafted gifts, seasonal ornaments, and plenty of holiday sweets from area vendors.

If you’re the type who loves picking out unique holiday items or sampling local treats, you’ll have a good time here. The market sits right inside Keokuk’s City of Christmas Display of Lights, where hundreds of glowing displays light up the park.

Families like to stroll or drive through the lights before or after shopping. You can grab hot cocoa or something warm to eat at the food stands—sometimes you just need a break to soak in the atmosphere.

Admission works on a donation basis, helping support the light display and community activities. The event runs in the evenings, so you get the full effect of all those illuminated decorations.

Thinking about staying overnight? Booking.com lists places close to the venue, which makes the visit a lot easier.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
November 28 – December 23, 2025	Entrance at Intersection of N. 17th St. & Park Lane, Keokuk, IA	6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.	Donations Accepted	Hotels near Keokuk	City of Christmas Display of Lights

You can check out more event details on the official market website. If you want to explore Iowa’s seasonal markets and see a community coming together for winter, this is a good stop.

42) Holiday Market and Lights Event in Oskaloosa

Downtown Oskaloosa hosts a holiday fair that really highlights local traditions and brings the community together. The Merry Little Downtown Christmas event takes place at City Square Park.

When you stop by, you’ll spot Santa, meet Mrs. Claus, and maybe even see real reindeer. The park sets up horse-drawn wagon rides, family-friendly snacks, and a display called the Dancing Lights.

Everyone’s welcome, and it’s free. The next night, the Lighted Christmas Parade keeps the celebration going.

Floats covered in lights roll down the main streets. Music groups perform, and the whole event centers around the “The Heart of Christmas” theme.

People gather downtown to watch the lights and performances. It’s one of those events where the whole town seems to show up.

Here’s a quick look at the schedule:

Date	Time	Location	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1, 2025	5:30–7:30 PM	City Square Park, Oskaloosa	Free	View on Booking.com	Festive Fair Details
Dec 2, 2025	7:00 PM	Downtown Oskaloosa	Free	View on Booking.com	Holiday Event Guide

For updates, check Holiday Events in Oskaloosa. The fair brings together local traditions, holiday lights, and a community vibe you can feel.

43) Greene Christmas in July Market

You can catch a bit of Christmas magic early at the Greene Christmas in July Market. This cheerful summer market sets up booths for seasonal décor, handmade gifts, and festive arts and crafts.

Vendors bring out ornaments, wreaths, and other holiday favorites—meanwhile, the weather is anything but wintery. As you browse, grab some gingerbread cookies or maybe a cup of cocoa from the food stalls.

Live music fills the air, and local groups play classic Christmas songs throughout the day. Kids get a kick out of Santa Claus dropping by for a rare summer visit.

If you’re thinking about going, here’s what you’ll need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
July 6-7, 2025	Greene, IA Downtown Park	10 AM–5 PM	Free	Greene hotels on Booking.com	Greene Christmas in July Market

44) Christmas at Algona – Holiday Market and Seasonal Events

Important Details

If you’re after a classic Christmas market in Iowa, Algona’s event is organized and easy to enjoy. Main Street lights up with local shops and stalls, so you can browse handmade crafts, gifts, and traditional snacks.

People love the lively market feel and the creative window displays that make the street look like a scene from a holiday card. You’ll spot ice skating and some seasonal contests if you want to join the fun.

The market’s live greeting card windows stand out. Local shop owners decorate their storefronts, turning them into colorful, vintage holiday scenes.

As you walk past, you’ll see each shop’s creative display. Algona’s winter celebration also brings the Frostbite Festival, with outdoor fun like ice skating and snowman-building contests.

Food vendors serve up warm drinks and sweet treats while you’re outside. Here’s a quick summary of the event details:

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	More Info
Dec 8, 2025	Main Street, Algona, IA	10 a.m. – 4 p.m.	Free	Hotels in Algona	Algona Holiday Events
Dec 9, 2025	Main Street, Algona, IA	6 p.m. – 9 p.m.	Free	Stay nearby	Events List

45) Winter Craft Bazaar – Toledo

Key Details for the Winter Craft Event in Toledo

Every December, the Winter Craft Bazaar at St. Clements in Toledo, Ohio, brings together local makers and shoppers looking for holiday presents. Donnetta Carter organizes the event, and it’s been running for 13 years now.

You’ll find booths with handmade decorations, crafts, and specialty gifts made by people from the area. The market supports both artists and community projects.

You can help local families by bringing donations for Toys for Tots. It’s a convenient stop if you want to get your holiday shopping done while making a difference in your community.

Here’s what you need to know:

Item	Information
Date	December 14, 2025
Address	St. Clements, Toledo, OH
Time	12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Nearby Accommodations	Hotels in Toledo
Website	Holiday markets in Toledo

46) Fort Madison Holiday Gift Market

Right in the heart of Fort Madison, you’ll find the annual holiday gift market with a wide selection of handcrafted products. Local makers bring their own style to wooden ornaments, decorative metal pieces, and creative home accents.

You’ll see something original for almost anyone on your list. Food stalls offer seasonal sweets and hot drinks, so you can take a break and enjoy a treat.

The friendly setting brings in families, friends, and solo shoppers. Live performances pop up during the market, adding music and some extra energy.

Every moment feels festive, but nothing feels rushed or overwhelming. Here are the details if you’re planning to visit:

Date	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
TBD	Fort Madison, Iowa 52627	3:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Free	Hotels near Fort Madison	More about Merry Market in Fort Madison

You’ll find a simple setup, clear signs, and a community that’s honestly pretty helpful. If you’re after meaningful holiday gifts and a true small-town winter tradition, this market is a practical choice.

47) Holiday Joy in Burlington

Burlington lines up activities that let you enjoy holiday traditions and hunt for special gifts. You can visit Christmas craft fairs where local artists show off their work.

These markets are perfect if you’re looking for items you just won’t spot anywhere else. In winter, downtown hosts seasonal open houses.

You can listen to live music, try holiday snacks, and enjoy festive events with your group. These gatherings give you a lively setting and a peek at Burlington’s holiday spirit.

The complete listing of events covers markets, parties, and more. Whether you’re coming with family or friends, you’ll find something that fits.

This town makes it easy to plan a holiday outing, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the cheer.

Important Event Info

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 10, 2025	Downtown Burlington	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Free	Burlington hotels	Downtown Holiday Open House
Dec 2025 (Various)	Burlington, IA	Varies	Varies	Local options	Christmas Craft Fairs
Dec 2025 – Jan 2026	Burlington, IA	Varies	Varies	More hotels	Holiday Events Guide

48) Winter Markets and Festive Finds in Storm Lake

When winter shows up in Storm Lake, you can’t help but notice the holiday spirit everywhere. The city lights up its parks and adds cheerful decorations, turning the area into a glowing place to wander.

You’ll spot local booths and displays that really make the season feel special. These events have a simple charm and a lot of local tradition.

Vendors fill Sunset Park and Chautauqua Park with homemade crafts and seasonal snacks. You can grab fresh holiday treats and find handcrafted gifts like ornaments or knitted scarves.

Local businesses focus on unique items, not the usual mass-produced stuff. It’s actually kind of refreshing.

Community groups add to the mood with free music or theater performances. You don’t need tickets—just show up, regardless of age.

Here’s a quick rundown for planning your visit:

Date	Times	Address	Admission	Nearby Stay	Website
Dec 1, 2025	9 AM – 5 PM	Sunset Park, Storm Lake, IA 50588	Free	Hotels nearby	Storm Lake Events
Dec 9-15, 2025	10 AM – 7 PM	Chautauqua Park, Storm Lake, IA 50588	Free	Hotels nearby	Festival Guides

Take a stroll between the parks, browse the booths, and just soak in the small-town holiday feeling. Storm Lake’s markets keep things relaxed and welcoming, whether you’re a local or just passing through.

49) Holiday Treasures Market – Harlan

You’ll find all sorts of holiday gifts at the Holiday Treasures Market in downtown Harlan. Vendors bring out handmade crafts, winter treats, and seasonal decorations around the lively square.

Small booths display things like wool scarves, baked goodies, and locally-made sweets. When evening comes, lights overhead and carolers’ music make the whole place feel extra cozy.

The air smells like roasting chestnuts and hot cocoa. Live performances pop up, and you’ll probably see kids chatting with Santa or joining in on art activities.

Families always seem to find something fun to do here. Little ones love crafts and meeting Santa, while adults search for unique gifts and ornaments you can’t get anywhere else.

Want to remember your trip? Keep an eye out for custom ornaments or small keepsakes that are only sold at this market.

Since the event sits right in the center of town, it’s easy to walk to nearby shops or grab a bite at a local restaurant after you’re done browsing.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 15-17, 2025	Main Street Square, Harlan, Iowa	Fri 2pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm	Free entrance	Hotels near Harlan, IA	Holiday Treasures Market

50) Holiday Harmony Market – Charles City

Charles City hosts the Holiday Harmony Market every December, and local makers, food vendors, and artists all come together for it. You’ll see stalls packed with handcrafted ornaments, specialty foods, and creative gifts you just won’t see anywhere else.

The market pops up right in the heart of downtown, so you can walk around and enjoy the holiday lights nearby. It feels pretty laid-back, so you can browse at your own pace.

If you want to support independent creators, this is a great spot. The vendors are happy to chat about their crafts, which adds a personal touch to every purchase.

Food stands serve warm snacks, perfect for a break between shopping. The event is free and only lasts one weekend in early December, so you’ll want to check the hours before you go.

A lot of people plan an overnight trip and stay at a nearby hotel, just to get more time in Charles City.

Dates	Location	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 2 – Dec 3	Downtown Charles City, IA	Sat: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun: 12 p.m.–4 p.m.	Free	Hotels in Charles City	Holiday Harmony Market