DAVENPORT, Iowa — The holidays are celebrated across the Quad Cities region in many ways. From tree lightings to parades to holiday light walkthroughs, WQAD has compiled a list of events around the area that will help you get into the holiday spirit.
If you have an event to add to our list, please email our newsroom here. The events below are listed in chronological order.
QC Botanical Center Winter Lights
The QC Botanical Center is presenting its eighth annual Winter Lights show, opening on Nov. 21.
The outdoor gardens will be filled with more than 250,000 glowing lights. The center's Sun Garden, Children's Garden and ponds will be open to explore. New additions for 2024 include more lighted elements and nature motifs, a lighted tunnel, an additional holiday vignette, a new dancing light show performance, and lighting in the parking lot gardens.
The exhibit runs Nov. 21 through Dec. 15, on Wednesdays through Sundays from 5-9 p.m. From Dec. 18 to Dec. 31, the show will run daily from 5-9 p.m. The last entry each night will be at 8:30 p.m. The center will be open on New Year's Eve. It will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
The light show is included with general admission to the Botanical Center. Adults are $11, youth ages 2-15 are $7, and children under two are free. Free crafts are available for kids to make and take. Hot drinks, cocoa and treats will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased on the center's site here.
The show will also feature multiple special events:
- Opening Night: Thursday, Nov. 21, 5-9 pm., 5:30 p.m. lighting
- Lights & Flights: Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. lighting, 6-8 p.m.
- Members Free Admission Nights: Wednesdays from Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m.
- Lights & Leashes: Sundays, Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m.
- Winter Lights|Culture Bright: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m., 7 p.m. fireworks
- Krampus Nights: Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m.
- Santa and the Mrs. Visit: Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, 5-8 p.m.
- Lights & Flights (Event #2): Thursday, Dec. 5 and Dec. 19, 6-8 p.m.
- ImpactLife Blood Drive: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 3-6 p.m.
Deck the Downtowns
Downtown Davenport Partnership, Downtown Bettendorf Organization, and Rock Island Downtown Alliance are teaming up to promote local businesses in a festive way.
More than 80 businesses are participating in Deck the Downtowns, which includes a series of holiday promotions from Nov. 21 through Jan. 1. Businesses will also decorate their storefronts for the event and compete in the Holiday Display Challenge, with the best display being voted on by patrons.
Those looking for a challenge are in luck as Davenport and Rock Island will have specific ornaments throughout the downtown area for people to find. Those who find 10 pickle ornaments in Davenport or 10 holiday train ornaments in Rock Island will receive their own respective ornament for their tree. Those who find 10 will also be entered to win a grand prize.
Festival of Trees parade, event
The 38th annual Quad City Arts fundraiser Festival of Trees returns with 100,000 twinkling lights in its displays. The holiday tradition kicks off Friday, Nov. 22, and runs through Nov. 30 at the RiverCenter in Davenport.
The Holiday Parade takes place in downtown Davenport on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. The parade features giant helium character balloons, marching bands, floats and Santa. The parade route begins at 3rd Street and Pershing Avenue. The route heads west to Scott Street, then turns left to make its way back east on 2nd Street, before finishing at 2nd Street and Iowa Avenue.
The parade marks the kick-off to the family-friendly attraction that shows off over 100 decorated trees, designer displays, a gingerbread village, an entertainment stage, a model train set, a gift shop and more.
Purchase tickets online to attend the event itself or one of its special occasion events, such as its Premiere Party: The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, a Teddy Bear Tea, SugarPlum Ball, Celebrity Lunch, and Silent Disco.
The Festival is the main fundraiser for the Quad City Arts. Admission gates are pre-paid or card payment only (no cash) and can be purchased at their website for $12 for adults, and $5 for children ages 2-9.
Deck the Downtowns Cookie Crawl
The Downtown Davenport Partnership will host a Cookie Crawl on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., after the Festival of Trees parade. Visitors can enjoy free cookie tastings at 26 participating businesses. The cookies are supplied by Blue Spruce General Store, Cookies & Dreams, and Tiphanie's.
Visitors who make 5 purchases at those participating stores will be entered to win a grand prize giveaway filled with goodies and gift cards to downtown businesses. A list of participating businesses, along with their special offers for the event, can be found by clicking here.
13th Annual Sonya Brown Christmas Meal
The annual Sonya Brown Christmas Meal will be served to anyone who would like to attend at Faith Walk World Outreach Center in Silvis, Illinois, 1450 Avenue of the Cities.
This year’s meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. RSVP is not required, but RSVPing will help organizers plan accordingly.
Those interested can RSVP by reaching out to Aaron Brown at 309-798-8775, sending him a head-count number, so that an accurate estimate of attendees can be made.
Lighting on the Commons
The annual Lighting on the Commons in downtown Moline lights up the night of Saturday, Nov. 23 from 3:30-6 p.m. The John Deere Commons will host Santa Claus, live music, a children's craft area and horse-drawn wagon rides around the neighborhood.
An official lighting ceremony happens at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks.
The ceremony flips the switch on the holiday lights around the Commons, including the 45-foot-tall Christmas tree that was delivered to the Vibrant Arena on Nov. 7.
K-Square Christmas Tree Lighting
The City of Davenport, along with Downtown Davenport Partnership, is kicking off the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting in K-Square.
The tree lighting will occur Saturday, Nov. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Kaiserslautern Square, located at 119 E. 3rd St. in Davenport.
Davenport mayor Mike Matson has invited participants from Project Renewal to help flip the switch and light the tree. Project Renewal is celebrating 50 years of providing Davenport children with a safe environment for year-round education, recreational, and social activities. Caroler from QC Rock Academy will be on the scene. Free cookies and hot cocoa will also be provided.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be making multiple stops in the Quad Cities region on Wednesday, Nov. 27. It is set to arrive in Clinton at 3:15 p.m., Davenport at 6:00 p.m., then Muscatine at 7:45 p.m. The featured performers are KT Tunstall and American Authors.
The Davenport stop is serving as a collection site for Churches United, as it will collect non-perishable, non-expired food items for its 22 food pantries, hot meal site and domestic violence shelter. The stops are free, but donations will be accepted and appreciated.
Muscatine Holiday Light display: iLLUMINATE
Muscatine's Weed Park will be illuminated as "iLLUMINATE by Crossroads" nightly from Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28 through New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. The park, located at 1 Park Dr., will be decorated with more than 40 professional light displays. The light display is a fundraiser for Crossroads and Senior Resources, so a per-car donation is suggested.
2023 was the inaugural year for iLLUMINATE. More than 6,000 cars drove through the Muscatine display, raising more than $84,000 for Crossroads. That money is used for programs benefitting local seniors and people with disabilities.
Bishop Hill Julmarknad (Christmas Market)
A traditional Swedish Christmas market called Julmarknad will be open in Bishop Hill, Illinois on select weekends this holiday season.
On Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 7, the market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will be open on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Daily attractions include Swedish folk characters, traditional Swedish holiday decorations, holiday music, craft activities and Christmas gifts for sale. All of Bishop Hill's shops, restaurants and museums will also be open.
Some special attractions for the event include make-and-take Dala Horse painting crafts, a working model railroad, Swedish elves and a Christmas goat roaming around town.
Other special events include:
- Cookie Walk: Nov. 29-30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Advent wreath workshop: Nov. 29-30
- Holiday portraits (fee): Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Book signings: Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Traditional Swedish music with Lisa Horngren: Nov 29-30, Dec. 1, 1 p.m.
- Chocolate Walk: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Christmas tree ornament workshop: Saturday, Dec. 7, 1 to 3 p.m.
Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair
The QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island is hosting a Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair on Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 1. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 per person, with kids 12 and under are free. The Expo Center is located at 2621 4th Ave. in Rock Island.
Christmas Lights Drive-Thru at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds
A drive-thru Christmas light display will be set up at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport and will be available nightly from 5-10 p.m. from Friday, Nov. 29 through Monday, Dec. 30, closed Dec. 24-25. Admission is $10 per car, $25 for buses and limos.
The event offers horse and carriage rides from Dec. 15-23, with the exception of Dec. 19. The rides cost $20 per person and reservations are suggested by calling the fair office at 563-326-5338. An additional indoor walk-through Christmas display will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights in the Iowa building on the grounds. Craft vendors, music, food and beverage, and visits from Santa Claus on select nights.
Fejervary Park Holiday Lights Show
The City of Davenport is again lighting up Fejervary Park, this time bigger and brighter than ever before! The show begins Saturday, Nov. 30 and runs through Jan. 5. The shows run around 15 minutes long and a new show starts every 30 minutes beginning at 5 p.m. The last show starts at 9:30 p.m.
This is a light show to enjoy from your vehicle, it is not a drive-through or walk-through display. The park is located at 1800 West 12th Street in Davenport. Tune your car radio to 107.5 to sync with the holiday lights music broadcast.
Vander Veer Poinsettia & Lights
The annual holiday spectacular at the Davenport park features countless poinsettias, a multitude of lights, and extended Saturday evening hours. The special event kicks off Saturday, Nov. 30, and goes until Jan. 12, with the exception of Mondays and select closure dates listed below.
The event is a self-guided tour through the park and Conservatory. Vander Veer Botanical Park is located at 215 W Central Park Avenue, Davenport. Admission is free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Vander Veer Botanical Park itself is open daily from sunrise until one half-hour after sunset.
Holiday Conservatory Hours:
Normal Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Special Extended Evening Hours: Saturdays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Early Closures: Tuesdays, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Closures: Wednesdays-Thursdays, Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2
Hauberg Estate Winter in Bloom
The Hauberg Mansion and Carriage House in Rock Island will open to the community for their annual Winter in Bloom event on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hauberg Estate is located at 1300 24th Street in Rock Island. Admission is free.
The event is used as the Friends of Hauberg Foundation's way of thanking the community, donors, and volunteers for their support. There will be hot chocolate and cookies, kids crafts and games, shopping at the gift shop, and a cash bar at the Carriage Haus Bar. Carriage rides will be offered from 12-4 p.m., and Santa will be visiting from 1-3 p.m. The mansion itself will be decorated with trees of many styles and poinsettias.
Pioneer Village Christmas Walk
On Sunday, Dec. 1 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village will hold its annual Christmas Walk. The park is located at 18882 290th St in Long Grove, Iowa. Admission is a donation of non-perishable items for the North Scott Food Pantry.
Activities will include demonstrators of folk art from the Pioneer days in period costumes with some items for sale, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and letters to Santa. Cookies, hot cider, hot cocoa, tea and coffee will be sold in the Olde Fashion Soda Fountain. For more information on the historic village or for directions, visit the Scott County Conservation website.
Christmas in the Village of East Davenport
The Village of East Davenport is marking 50 years of celebrating the holidays with the annual event on Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. Santa will be stationed at the International Fire Museum at 2301 E 11th St, Davenport. The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, an elf, and a reindeer will also be roaming around the Village.
Special features include an ice sculptor, a small petting farm in front of the Village Theater, children's goodie bags at Mary's Diamonds and Jewelry, games at Doodad's, kid's cookie decorating at Grumpy's, free samples of holiday wines at Wine River Winery, and more. The "Winter Sparkle" fireworks show will conclude the event on Saturday at 9 p.m.
Christmas in LeClaire
LeClaire will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of its annual holiday celebration, Christmas in LeClaire. The festivities run from Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 8. There will be a light parade on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., and free trolley rides will be available throughout the weekend. The trolley stops at MindFire Communications, Cody Mart, Mississippi Cottage Antiques and more.
The ugly sweater 5K and kids' fun run are also returning. The youth event starts at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, with the adults following in their seasonally appropriate sweaters at 10 a.m. Registration is $40 for the 5K and $25 for the kids run. You can register for the ugly sweater run here.
Reindeer Day at the Family Museum
The Family Museum in Bettendorf is hosting a live reindeer during its "Reindeer Day" event on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 12-5 p.m. See a real reindeer, make reindeer antlers in the Imagination Studio, play some reindeer games in the Great Hall, and enjoy a “Polar Express” dance performance from the Family Museum Dance Company.
The special features come with regular admission to the museum, $10 for people aged 1-59. Babies under age 1 are free and adults age 60+ are $5. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or hygiene item to be donated in the City of Bettendorf Pack-a-Police Car & Fire Truck event (located outside between the Family Museum and Bettendorf Library), and you will receive $2 off your admission to the museum.
Holiday Open House at the Joseph Bettendorf Mansion
The historic Joseph Bettendorf Mansion will be open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2-4 p.m. The 100-plus-year-old estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on the Rivermont Collegiate Campus at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf.
Guests are invited to enjoy the festive atmosphere, snap a selfie with Santa, and enjoy complimentary refreshments. This event is free and open to the public. As a warning to the public, the mansion elevator is out of order. The entrance and all floors of the mansion are only accessible by stairs.
Santa's Day Out with Bettendorf Parks & Rec
The Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department invites children ages 5-12 to be dropped off for an afternoon of fun so Santa can get his shopping done! The event will be on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3:15 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bettendorf Community Center at 2204 Grant Street. This event, which requires registration at the City website by November 24, includes holiday-themed crafts, games, dessert decorating, pizza, and the movie "The Grinch" on the big screen.
DeWitt's County Christmas Parade and Window Walk
Downtown DeWitt invites the public to celebrate the most magical time of the year during their Hometown Christmas Celebration. The marquee event will be the Christmas parade and window walk on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5-7 p.m. in downtown. The lighted parade steps off at 5 p.m. and travels north down 6th Ave. to Lincoln Park. A tree lighting will occur immediately following the parade.
Also from 5-7 p.m., local businesses will transform their windows into festive displays, horse and wagon rides will be offered, a live nativity scene will be outside of the Community Center, and Santa will be inside the Santa Hut, across from First Central State Bank.
Christmas at Monmouth College concert
Monmouth College will host its annual "Christmas at Monmouth" concert event on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kasch Performance Hall of Dahl Chapel and Auditorium. Featured groups include the college's Chorale and Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. The event is free and open to the public. For full details, visit their website here.
Holiday Dog Walk in Bettendorf
Join furry friends and their owners at a special walk in the park on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. at Crow Creek Dog Park, 4701 Devils Glen Road, in Bettendorf. The Bettendorf Trails Committee and the Bettendorf Dog Park Alliance are hosting this free event, which includes a 3-mile round-trip walk. Dogs will be given a special gift provided by Maplewood Veterinary Center, as well as hot cider for their humans. All breeds and pedigrees are invited to attend. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.
"Tis the Season:" Free holiday event for Quad City seniors
The City of Bettendorf is inviting seniors from across the Quad Cities area for a holiday event just for them. On Sunday, Dec. 8, the city will put on 'Tis the Season, featuring live entertainment from bands, choirs, dancers, and more. Refreshments will also be provided. The event runs from 1:30-3 p.m.
While the event is free, registration is required and must be done by Nov. 30. You can register online here or call (563) 344-4113.
Moline Music Cookie Walk Concerto
The Moline Music Boosters are hosting a 'Cookie Walk Concerto' fundraiser on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m., with music from 6-7:30 p.m. It will be held at the Moline High School Barlett Performing Arts Center lobby, 3600 Avenue of the Cities, Moline.
Come and enjoy the (mostly) holiday musical stylings of the Moline High School Chamber Choir, the Chamber Orchestra, and the Quintessential Brass Quintet. For $10, guests can fill a box of cookies from Hy-Vee, Olde Towne Bakery, Sugar A La Mode, and Jewel-Osco. The event itself is free and open to the public, with donations welcome.
Lucia Nights in Bishop Hill
Historic Bishop Hill invites you to join their 2024 Lucia Nights (Festival of Lights) celebration on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. This Swedish tradition is based on the legend of Saint Lucia, Queen of Light.
Lucia Nights officially begins in Bishop Hill with the Lighting of the Park Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. Both nights will feature 'Lucia Girls' at businesses and museums to greet guests. There will be live music, storytellers, bands, choirs, and madrigal singers. On Saturday, there is an old-fashioned barn dance at the Colony School, starting at 7 p.m. All activities are free.
Both Friday and Saturday, the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church will host its annual Soup and Chili Supper, beginning at 4 p.m. A free-will donation is appreciated to cover the cost of the meal.
Clinton Symphony Orchestra's Holidays with the Symphony
Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holidays with the Symphony concert will be performed on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 439 3rd Ave South in Clinton, with guest conductor Silas Nathaniel Huff. The program includes selections of seasonal music, including classic and popular favorites. Admission is $20, and all students are admitted free of charge. Full information and program notes are available online at their website.
The Christmas Star at Bettendorf planetarium
The Donald A Schaefer Planetarium at Bettendorf High School will show its annual Christmas Star program nightly from Saturday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 20, at 7:00 p.m. Arrive early for holiday music and a light show starting at 6:30 p.m. The Christmas Star is a tradition at Bettendorf High School dating back to 1974. The show is free of charge but seating is very limited this year. Please call the BHS Activities Office at (563) 332-4516 to reserve your seats.
The program is narrated by Frank Gorshe, a Bettendorf chemistry teacher and friend of the planetarium. The school was granted permission to use Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas in the Aire and Fresh Aire Christmas for the background music.
The Landing Ice Rink
The City of Bettendorf will welcome skaters for the first time to its new permanent outdoor ice rink on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 12 to 6 p.m. The rink, located at 2255 Middle Road in Bettendorf, is 11,000 square feet, 40% larger than its former temporary rink. Admission is $5 with skate rental at $3.
The City will hold a ribbon cutting and a tree lighting ceremony for the ice rink on Monday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. Join the mayor and city staff as they celebrate the City's newest amenity.
Skate with Santa
The City of Davenport's ice rink River's Edge is hosting a Skate with Santa Claus event on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 2-4 p.m. The rink is located at 700 W River Drive, Davenport. Admission is $6 plus tax, with skate rental costing $3.50.
Skate with Santa Claus during public skating time, enjoy holiday treats at concessions, and make fun holiday crafts with the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday attire (e.g., ugly holiday sweaters, fun scarves and mittens, headbands or themed costumes).
(RESCHEDULED) Geneseo Christmas Walk
The 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk will take place Saturday, Dec. 21 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Geneseo. This year’s theme is “Too Many Santas.” The original event was set for Dec. 14, when the afternoon and evening events were canceled due to ice.
New to the event will be the State Street Illumination Sensation, in which Lighted Parade Floats will be parked down State Street, offering event-goers a unique opportunity to see the floats up close and get some lighted holiday photos. This rescheduled event will also give a holiday sales boost to Geneseo’s small business community, which took a hit last Saturday when the ice storm canceled the original walk. The executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Zack Sullivan says the Christmas Walk is typically one of the best shopping and dining days of the year in Geneseo. For all activities, check out their website here.