Winter is here, bringing a season of excitement and cheer! From cozy indoor gatherings to festive outdoor fun, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Discover the must-see holiday events and activities that will warm your heart and make this winter truly unforgettable.
Merry and Bright Holiday Weekend
Kick off the holiday season in and around Ames, Iowa, on Dec. 4-7 during Merry and Bright Holiday Weekend. You’ll find festive shopping, music, food, family fun, light shows, and more. Make this your best holiday weekend ever!
- Winter Wonderscape: Experience the magic of the holidays! This enchanting outdoor walk-through holiday light show featuring more than 150,000 lights illuminates the gardens, creating a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for family outings and holiday memories. The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in December. Get your tickets now!
- Santa Express: Take a ride on the railroad with Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s Santa Express. The trip will take you from Boone to the North Pole and back! On this journey you will cross the Bass Point Creek High Bridge and will last approximately an hour and a half.
- Lucky Star Holiday Market: You won’t want to miss the Lucky Star Holiday Market, a carefully curated holiday marketplace, set in the lush surroundings of Prairie Moon Winery & Vineyards. This is hand-crafted and vintage shopping at its best! The hours are Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Holiday Farmers’ Market
Mark your calendars for Nov. 22 for a festive shopping experience with Ames Main Street’s Holiday Farmers’ Market! Discover unique gifts, festive decor, farm-fresh meats, treats, and so much more — all handcrafted or homegrown by local artisans and producers. Bring holiday cheer to your home and shop local this season!
Holiday Spectacular
Check-out the annual Holiday Spectacular at Simon Estes music hall on Dec. 13 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Whether you love your holidays cozy or comical, this concert is destined to become your new tradition. From sparkling classics to laugh-out-loud surprises, it’s music that inspires, delights, and welcomes everyone. Come share in the magic of the season with us.
Hidden Candy Cane Hike
Bring the whole family out on the trails at McFarland Park in search of hidden candy canes! This is a self-guided hike, so you can come and go at any time between noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 22! Check-in at the nature center and get a map, recording sheet and instructions. Make sure to bring a mug for hot cocoa, so you can warm up after your hike!
On stage at Stephens Auditorium
+ Matthew West (Nov. 23)
+ Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (Nov. 26)
+ TUBACHRISTMAS (Dec. 6)
+ ISU Holiday Music Concert (Dec. 7)
+ The 44th Annual Nutcracker Ballet at Stephens (Dec. 13-14)
+ Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (Dec. 15)
+ A Magical Cirque Christmas (Dec. 17)
+ Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis (Dec. 22)
+ Delirium Musicum (Jan. 24)
+ Mrs. Doubtfire (Feb. 4)
+ Theresa Caputo LIVE! The Experience (Feb. 11)
+ The Simon and Garfunkel Story (Feb. 24)
