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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.
Reiman Gardens / Dec. 5-7 (+ Thurs/Fri/Sat evenings in December)
University Museums, in conjunction with ISU Winterfest, celebrate the holiday season at the Farm House Museum. Take part in free Victorian yuletide-themed activities and crafts while you enjoy holiday treats.
ISU campus / Dec. 6
Join us for what has become a tradition for families across the Midwest. Take a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s Santa Express, a journey that will take you from Boone to the North Pole and back!
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad / Dec. 6-8, (Thurs/Fri/Sat evenings in December)
The Tony and Grammy-winning Best Musical is poignant, funny, and powerful, with themes of finding ourselves and each other in our complex, interconnected, social-media-filled lives.
Stephens Auditorium / Dec. 5
Enjoy an old-fashioned downtown celebration with lighted snowflakes, carolers, ice sculptures, visits with Santa, and special surprises! Plus, get a jump on your holiday shopping! Snow Magic activities continue throughout the month of December.
Ames Main Street / Dec. 5
WinterFest is a celebration of the winter season at Iowa State, with a unique combination of winter-themed activities, displays, and traditions for ISU students and community.
Memorial Union, ISU campus / Dec. 6
You won’t want to miss this carefully curated holiday marketplace, set in the lush surroundings of Prairie Moon Winery & Vineyards. This is hand-crafted and vintage shopping at its best!
Prairie Moon Winery / Dec. 6-8
CASA artists will have original art for sale for your holiday shopping. Find that unique, one-of-a-kind, handmade gift. Live music, treats, and lots of art!
Creative Artists’ Studio of Ames / Dec. 7
Santa is visiting the Homewood Clubhouse! Bring the kids for a fun holiday craft and breakfast with Santa.
Homewood Golf Course / Dec. 7
The 14th TUBACHRISTMAS in Ames is a free and fun-for-all-ages musical event featuring tubas, euphoniums, baritones, and sousaphones playing popular holiday tunes.
Stephens Auditorium / Dec. 7
Sponsored by Ames History Museum and ISU University Museums, this event will feature Santa, crafts, hot cocoa bar, and other refreshments.
Ames History Museum / Dec. 7
Join us for community and conversation while enjoying delicious Belgian waffles made right before your eyes! Includes all-you-can-eat waffles, sausage, beverage and a variety of classic waffle toppings.
Iowa Arboretum / Dec. 7
The Ames Holiday Home Tour is sponsored by Altrusa. Tour the homes of community supporters to benefit local non-profits.
Ames / Dec. 7
Large craft and vendor show with over 50 booths full of amazing handmade crafts and your favorite retailers. $1 admission for all-day, one-stop shopping! Concessions on site.
Boone County Fairgrounds / Dec. 7
Boone County / Dec. 7-8
Experience the magic of the holiday season with an enchanting evening of music at the ISU Holiday Concert, featuring the ISU Symphony Orchestra, Iowa State Singers, Iowa Statesmen, Cantamus, and Lyrica choirs.Â
Stephens Auditorium / Dec. 8
From budding creatives on campus to professional artists, you will find pottery, blown glass, jewelry, decor, accessories, and prints. Sales support individual artists, The Workspace, and the Gaffer’s Guild. Featuring artists, makers, and crafters, this market has something for everyone on your list!
Iowa State Memorial Union / Dec. 3-6
Lighted parade and tree lighting to follow. Have the kiddos get a picture with Santa at the Greenspace! The parade will begin at 5:30, running from 6th to 9th on Story Street. Stick around to let the kids get a goodie bag!
Boone / Dec. 5
Enjoy an evening celebrating Christmas with our community! All activities are free. Visit our Facebook page to see details on all activities, Ogden Christmas on Main.
Ogden Main Street / Dec. 7
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