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 seventh annual Winter Lights show, opening on Nov. 17.
The outdoor gardens will be filled with more than 225,000 glowing lights. The center's Sun Garden, Children's Garden and ponds will be open to explore. New additions for 2023 include pocket exhibits, lighted nature motifs, a dancing light show performance and two new special events.
The exhibit runs Nov. 17 through Dec. 10, on Wednesdays through Sundays from 5-9 p.m. From Dec. 13 to Jan. 1, 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 and the night of New Year's Day. It will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
The light show is included with general admission to the Botanical Center. Adults are $10, youth ages 2-15 are $6, 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: Friday, Nov. 17, 5-9 pm., 5:30 p.m. lighting
- Lights & Flights: Friday, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m. lighting, 6-8:30 p.m.
- Members Free Admission Nights: Wednesdays from Nov. 17 to Jan. 1, 5-9 p.m.
- Lights & Leashes: Sunday, Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 5-9 p.m.
- Krampus Nights: Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m.
- Santa and the Mrs. Visit: Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, 5-8 p.m.
- Lights & Flights (Event #2): Thursday, Dec. 14 and Dec. 28, 6-8:30 p.m.
- ImpactLife Blood Drive: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 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 90 businesses are participating in Deck the Downtowns, which includes a series of holiday promotions from Nov. 18 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 gift cards and a grand prize.
Fejervary Holiday Lights
Head over to the Fejervary Learning Center at 1800 W. 12th St. in Davenport for a synchronized lights and music display. Shows will run every night from Nov. 25 through Jan. 7 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The light shows last around 15 minutes with new ones starting every 30 minutes. Tune in to 107.5 on your car radio for the whole experience.
Poinsettia and Holiday Lights at Vander Veer Conservatory
Starting on Saturday, Nov. 25 at Vander Veer Botanical Park, white lights and poinsettias will be located throughout the park for attendees to stroll through and look at. There will be more than 350 poinsettias and thousands of lights among the preexisting plants.
The show will be open to the public through Jan. 14 and there is no admission fee for the Conservatory. Its hours are Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (the extended hours on Saturdays ends Dec. 16).
Muscatine Holiday Light Shows
A synchronized music and light show on the Nobert F. Beckey Bridge will run nightly beginning Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. The bridge is along Route 92, crossing the Mississippi River. The free light show, powered by Muscatine Power and Water, will launch Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:45 p.m. Outfitted with 43 LED light fixtures, this one-of-a-kind bridge light show is made possible by Musco Sports Lighting.
Muscatine's Weed Park will also be illuminated nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. 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 $10 per car donation is suggested.
Previous events:
Rock Falls Centennial Park Light Display
Centennial Park in Rock Falls will be lit up for a fourth consecutive year with 22 festive light displays. The event will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., starting Friday, Nov. 24 through Saturday, Dec. 23. There is no admission fee charged, but donations are welcome.
One night will be closed to cars, as horse-drawn wagon rides will be provided by Northern Star Farm out of Poplar Grove, on Saturday, Nov. 25. The rides will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Other special events include a canned food drive for the Sauk Valley Food Bank on Saturday, Dec. 2, and a Toys for Tots of Whiteside County drive on Friday, Dec. 8.
The park is located at 508 E. 11th St. in Rock Falls.
K-Square Christmas Tree Lighting
The Downtown Davenport Partnership, along with the City of Davenport and Quad City Arts, is kicking off the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting in K-Square.
The tree lighting will occur Friday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Kaiserslautern Square, located at 119 E. 3rd St. in Davenport.
The free family-friendly event will feature Quad City Arts carolers kicking off the holiday season with plenty of holiday cheer as the huge Christmas tree is illuminated for the first time this season.
Lighting on the Commons
The annual Lighting on the Commons in downtown Moline lights up the night of Saturday, Nov. 18 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 Christmas tree that was delivered to the Vibrant Arena on Nov. 2.
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 Saturday, Nov. 18, and runs through Nov. 26 at the RiverCenter in Davenport.
The Holiday Parade takes place in downtown Davenport on Saturday, Nov. 18 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: A Night in Vegas, 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 $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 2-9.
See "A Charlie Brown Christmas" live
Countryside Community Theatre will have performances of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" all Thanksgiving weekend for fans of the holiday classic. Shows take place Friday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. at 318 E. 7th St. in Davenport in the former Lincoln Elementary School. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
Burlington Lighted Holiday Parade
The annual Lighted Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. along Jefferson Street in downtown Burlington. The parade begins at 8th and Jefferson and proceeds east to Main Street.
Dozens of entries are planned to participate with the parade theme of "Miracle on Jefferson Street." For more information, visit the city's website here.
Pioneer Village Christmas Walk
On Sunday, Nov. 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village will hold its annual Christmas Walk. The park is located at 18817 290th St. in Long Grove, Iowa. This is a free event, but they will be collecting food items for the North Scott Food Pantry.
Activities will include demonstrators of folk art from the Pioneer days in period costumes, handmade crafts, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and letters to Santa.
Cookies, hot cider, hot cocoa, tea, and coffee will be for sale in the Olde Fashion Soda Fountain. For more information, visit the village's website.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be making multiple stops in the Quad Cities region on Sunday, Nov. 26. It is set to arrive in Clinton at 3:15 p.m., Davenport at 5:45 p.m., then Muscatine at 7:30 p.m.
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.
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. 24 and 25 and Dec. 2, the market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will be open on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 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. 24-25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Advent wreath workshop: Nov. 24
- Holiday portraits (fee): Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Book signings: Nov. 25-26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Kongero (Swedish Folk'appella group): Nov 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Chocolate Walk: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Christmas tree ornament workshop: Saturday, Dec. 2, 1 to 3 p.m.
"A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play" at Carl Sandburg College
From Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, the Carl Sandburg College Theater will be putting on its fall play “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play." There will be a free preview for students, faculty and staff at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 and then public performances with start at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. A 2 p.m. matinee performance will take place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3. Tickets are $5 and available to purchase at the door.
Christmas in LeClaire
The 39th annual Christmas in LeClaire is happening in downtown LeClaire on Dec. 1-3, 2023. Events are spread out throughout the area, so free trolley rides will get you where you need to be.
Events start Friday at 10 a.m. at the LeClaire Civic Center and Masonic Lodge. There will be craft shows, strolling Santas, balloon artists, wooden shoe-carvers, kid's crafts, and more. A full line-up of events can be found on the city's website by clicking here.
Special events include:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony- Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., south end of the levee
- Kids 1/2 mile Fun Run- Saturday, Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m., Civic Center parking lot
- Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K Run- Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.
- Light Up LeClaire Christmas parade- Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m.
- Santa and Mrs. Claus- Sunday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m., Civic Center
Jingle & Mingle on the Mississippi
The Freight House Farmers Market is hosting a holiday market dubbed 'Jingle & Mingle on the Mississippi' on Friday, Dec. 1 from 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market is located at 421 W. River Dr. in Davenport.
More than 70 vendors will offer locally crafted art, gifts, baked goods, glassware, ornaments, chocolates, candles, and more. A children's tent will provide activities, along with a visit from Santa from time to time.
Front Street Taproom will offer its newest seasonal ales alongside its Christmas Krampus stout. There will be a large, warmed entertainment tent with music throughout the weekend, including The Funktastic 5 on Friday from 6-8 p.m., and The Polkaholics on Saturday at 6 p.m.
More information can be found on the Freight House's Facebook page.
Muscatine Jingle & Mingle Holiday Stroll
Downtown Muscatine is open for a special holiday shopping session on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. More than 30 businesses over six blocks will be participating. Special features include pictures with Santa by Tiny Tunes, visits from famous holiday characters presented by Ascentra Credit Union, free hot chocolate provided by Hy-Vee, live music and more. Admissions and attractions are free to the public.
Annual Candy Cane Hunt in Muscatine
Head down to the Muscatine riverfront on Friday, Dec. 1 for the annual Candy Cane Hunt. Hunters and spectators are asked to gather outside of the Pearl City Station with the hunt starting at 6 p.m. There will be two areas, one for kids pre-kindergarten through first grade and the other for second through fourth graders. Children will then walk through the area to find the sweet treats, which they can keep. "Special" candy canes will also be sprinkled throughout, which can be redeemed at the Pearl City Station.
Christmas in the Village of East Davenport
The Village neighborhood is hosting two nights of holiday celebrations on Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2. The area's shops, restaurants and bars will be open for business.
Special features include trolley rides, ice sculpting, live window scenes, holiday characters such as Scrooge, Christmas carolers, and children's activities. Snacks like kettle corn and hot chocolate will be available. Santa will be posted up at the Village Firehouse. Fireworks are set for 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Seasonal Sights and Sounds of Sterling Downtown Christmas Walk
The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Sterling Main Street are putting on a holiday celebration in downtown Sterling on Friday, Dec. 1. Starting at 5 p.m., the event will feature numerous seasonal events including a tree lighting ceremony, horse and carriage rides, holiday inflatables and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The evening will end with a fireworks display at 8 p.m.
Hauberg Estate's Winter in Bloom
The historic Hauberg Estate in Rock Island is hosting Winter in Bloom, a holiday open house. The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The mansion and gardens are located at 1300 24th St.
Throughout the home, there are trees decorated in multiple styles, from formal to rustic. There is a "Christmas Village" display and plenty of poinsettias and wreaths lining the walls.
Carriage rides will be offered from noon to 4 p.m. Santa is set to visit from 1 to 3 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies will be offered for all. There is also a storytime with the Artsy Bookworm, crafts and games for kids, shopping at the Hauberg Stables gift shop, and a cash bar available in the Carriage Haus bar. The event is free to attend.
A Christmas Past in West Branch
Located just about 6 miles from Iowa City is the historic town of West Branch, Iowa. To commemorate its history, the town is putting on its annual holiday festival from Friday, Dec. 1 to Saturday, Dec. 2. Activities will be available all along Main Street including horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, a festival of trees, a silent auction and more. A schedule of the daily events can be found here.
Galena Holiday Market
The Galena Territory is hosting its annual Holiday Market and Housewalk on Saturday, Dec. 2. The market will feature local vendors, crafters, and artisans from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Also that day, there is a 'housewalk' through five decorated private homes, and the Shenandoah Riding Center and Horsepower Farm.
The market is located in The Galena Territory Association's Owners' Club at 2000 Territory Dr., off of U.S. Highway 20.
Tickets will be available in advance for $15 on its website, then $18 on location the day of the tour.
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for four placemats and a table runner, and a handmade quilt. Proceeds are donated to five local non-profit organizations.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
The Department for Children and Family Services in Rock Island is hosting a family-friendly holiday event on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1-3 p.m. The office is located at 500 42nd St., Suite 5, in Rock Island.
Families are welcome to come and take pictures with Santa, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, make arts and crafts, and get a little gift from Santa. The event is free and open to the public.
Rivermont Collegiate- Bettendorf mansion tour
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the Joseph Bettendorf Mansion Holiday Open House. The English manor-style home is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a Bettendorf landmark since 1915.
The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1-4 p.m. at the Rivermont Collegiate campus at 1821 Sunset Dr. in Bettendorf. Highlights of the event include a special visit from Santa Claus himself. Children of all ages are invited to meet Santa and have their pictures taken free of charge.
Christmas in Silvis
Multiple locations in Silvis are celebrating the Christmas season on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 3-6 p.m. The Silvis Public Library is hosting a "Let It Snow" party, offering photos alongside the 'Snow Sisters and Olaf.' There will be multiple kids' craft stations, holiday music, popcorn and apple cider, and a letter-writing station to Santa. The library is located at 806 1st Ave.
The Silvis Fire Station will be open to receive those letters to Santa, where he and Mrs. Claus will be hanging out. Kids' games and crafts, face painting, cookies and hot cocoa, and a DJ playing holiday tunes will be featured. The fire station is at 1207 1st Ave.
Downtown East Moline Lighted Christmas Parade
A lighted holiday parade will make its way through downtown East Moline on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. The parade route runs down 15th Avenue from 10th St. to 6th St.
Area businesses will be open later that day with some featuring holiday-themed specials. Stop by Dona Vitae to take a picture with Santa before and after the parade. The annual toy giveaway for the East Moline community will take place at 9:00 a.m. at 1033 7th St.
Muscatine Symphony Orchestra's "Christmas with the Symphony"
For holiday music lovers, this event will bring all the classics and medleys in a live performance from the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 400 Iowa Ave. in Muscatine. Admission can be donated canned goods, new toys, or a monetary gift.
Butterworth Center/Deere-Wiman House 19th Century Christmas
Visitors have the chance to experience the wonder of a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Deere-Wiman complex on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Each of the four buildings in Moline will host special events.
- Butterworth Center, 1105 8th St.- Decorated home, cookies and punch, singers and musicians, short documentary film
- Butterworth Education Center- 12th Ave. and 7th St.- Santa with free books, hot chocolate and cider, take-home craft
- Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Ave.- 1872 home tour, pianist, Slide Trombone Quartet
- Deere-Wiman Carriage House- Face painting, caricature artist, crafts, hot chocolate and cookies
- Rock Island Historical Society will also be open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
"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. 3, 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.
Habitat for Humanity Christmas Tour of Homes in Muscatine
For those wanting some inspiration for Christmas decorations, or to see the work Habitat for Humanity is doing in Muscatine, can check out the organization's Christmas Tour of Homes. The self-guided tour features numerous homes with various ways of decorating that can help spark some inspiration. The event lasts from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 and tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. More information can be found here.
Andover Christmas Walk
For a real old-fashioned Christmas Walk, head to the historic village of Andover. Starting at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, there will be a tree lighting ceremony and sing-a-long at the newly refurbished Andover Lake Park Gazebo.
The Andover Village Hall, which is located just east of the park, will be serving a soup supper. The village will also offer a chance to visit and get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, create holiday crafts, bid at a silent auction for a variety of Christmas items, and enjoy the Christmas vignettes throughout the building.
From 5:30 to 7 p.m., there will be tractor-pulled wagon rides, weather permitting. From 5:45 to 7 p.m., the historic Jenny Lind Chapel will feature concerts of Christmas music by the Orion High School Syncopation Choir and The Nice List. The Chapel will be glowing with 100 candles. A full schedule can be viewed here.
Kewanee Lighted Christmas Parade
The 17th annual Kewanee Lighted Christmas parade will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. The parade will begin in the parking lot of the former Tenney Bowl, go onto McClure Street, and then end in Windmont Park to kick off the lighting ceremony.
If you're interested in having a float in the parade, call or email the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce by Dec. 1. Santa is also set to make an official visit to Kewanee for this parade.
St. John's Candlelight Remembrance Service
The holidays can be a difficult time for many, especially those struggling with the loss of a loved one, or other forms of grief. On Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 1450 30th Ave., East Moline, will host a Candlelight Remembrance Service.
Community members who are mourning the death of a loved one, mourning over other kinds of loss or simply feeling in distress, are invited to attend this special service. An opportunity to light a candle in remembrance of those mourned will be available. Light refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. The service is open to the public.
Celebrate Christmas at Monmouth College
Monmouth College will be putting on numerous events in December to ring in the holiday season. All of the events listed will take place at the Kasch Performance Hall of Dahl Chapel and Auditorium located on campus and will also be live-streamed on the college's YouTube page.
- "Christmas at Monmouth" concert: Starting at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, three vocal groups from the college will put on a show of Christmas classics, alongside the Wind Ensemble and Monmouth Civic Orchestra.
- "A Jazz Christmas": Jazz fans can head to Monmouth on Tuesday, Dec. 5 for a performance from a "full-sized jazz band," according to the school. The concert director said that none of the songs are specifically meant for Christmas, but could be interpreted as such. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
- Christmas worship service: Monmouth's chaplain Rev. John Huxtable will be leading a Christmas worship service on campus. It starts at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Blue Christmas service
Two Rivers United Methodist Church in Rock Island is hosting its annual Blue Christmas service, as an opportunity for those who may struggle with the holidays. The service is Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the church located at 1820 5th Ave. in Rock Island.
For those grieving, Christmas can be a difficult time, especially for those experiencing the holidays without a loved one for the first time. The service is open to the public. There will be a short message of lamentation, contemplative prayer, and a ritual for healing. Communion will be offered to all regardless of faith, age, belief, or sexual orientation.
Living Windows in Downtown Burlington
On Thursday, Dec. 7, storefronts in downtown Burlington will come alive for the town's annual Living Windows display. The festivities start at 5 p.m. and last until 8, featuring lights, carolers, story readings, decorations, free horse-drawn carriage rides and of course, Santa. Attendees can also find complimentary food and beverages at many of the downtown stores.
Bishop Hill Lucia Nights (Festival of Lights)
On Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, the town of Bishop Hill will host its 2023 Lucia Nights, or Festival of Lights. It's another Swedish tradition based on the legend of Saint Lucia, the Queen of Light. Events include a Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. on Friday in the village park along with live music playing throughout the event. On both days, the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church will host a soup and chili supper starting at 4 p.m., which will last until they run out.
RiverBend Bronze Handbell Ensemble Christmas Concert
The RiverBend Bronze is presenting three concerts for the Christmas season. The first two are Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. These two will be at St. John's United Methodist Church at 109 E. 14th St. in Davenport.
The third concert will take place Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church at 1340 3rd Ave. SE in Cedar Rapids.
The ensemble is made up of 20 handbell ringers with over 300 bells and chimes, under the direction of music director John Klopp. The concerts are free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be accepted.
Ballet Quad Cities puts on "The Nutcracker" at the Adler
Ballet Quad Cities is hitting the stage Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10 for a holiday-season classic. "The Nutcracker" will take the stage at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Adler Theatre in Davenport. Experience a cast of 60 people waltzing across the stage with live music from Orchestra Iowa. Tickets are available at the Adler's box office or on Ticketmaster here.
Geneseo Christmas Walk
The 2023 Geneseo Christmas Walk will take place Saturday, Dec. 9 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in Geneseo. This year’s theme is “Gingerbread House Party.” In going with the theme, a gingerbread house competition will be hosted by the Geneseo Art League and Gallery, 125 N. State Street.
The day kicks off with the Geneseo Jingle Run 5K at 8:30 a.m. The Lighted Christmas Parade steps off in downtown Geneseo at 5:00 p.m. The parade leads up to the traditional Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of State and Second Streets. The Central Bank Pavilion will host a Holly Jolly Christmas party from 6 to 8 p.m.
"Holiday Brass" with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will be putting on two festive nights of music called "Holiday Brass." Brass musicians will come together to play holiday music on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3:00 p.m. at the Second Baptist Church Family Life Center in Rock Island or on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. Ticket prices depend on the show but are around $25 in advance and around $30 at the door. They can be found on the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's website here.
Clinton Symphony Orchestra's "Holidays with the Symphony"
Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual “Holidays with the Symphony” concert is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Vernon Cook Theater at Clinton High School. The program will include classic and popular music of the season including Christmas music from the movies, as well as a selection of music from the Hanukah tradition and a carol sing-along.
Tickets are available at the door, and all students are admitted free of charge. It’s the orchestra’s 70th anniversary season. Additional information is available online at the orchestra's website.
"Get Grinched" deliveries through City of Moline
Looking to "Grinch" someone this holiday season? Look no further than the City of Moline Parks and Recreation Department. Sign-ups are open to have a special "Grinched" delivery made to whoever you want, so long as they live in Moline or Coal Valley. Deliveries cost $12 and will occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 18 through 20. Coal Valley residents will get their gifts the first day with Moline to follow the last two days. The deadline to register is Dec. 11 at 3:30 p.m. For more information, reach out to the department at (309) 524-2424 or by visiting their website.
Augustana College's "Season of Light" show at the John Deere Planetarium
Augustana College's John Deere Planetarium, located at 820 38th St. in Rock Island, will be putting on its annual holiday program "Season of Light" from Dec. 9 through Dec. 15. The show uses video, images, sound, and animation to "tell the story of how our holiday traditions are connected to the sky above," according to the event page. The show is not recommended for kids seven and under. While the event is free, reservations are required and can be made here. There are 2 p.m. showings on Saturday and Sunday with weekday showings taking place at 7 p.m.
Bettendorf High School's "Christmas Star" program at the Donald A. Schaefer Planetarium
Another Quad Cities planetarium will be putting on a Christmas display from Dec. 11 through Dec. 17. Bettendorf High School's Donald A. Schaefer Planetarium will be putting on its annual "Christmas Star" "program, starting at 7 p.m. each night. It's a tradition for BHS that dates back to 1974. While the show is free of charge, seating is limited and reservations must be made ahead of time. That can be done by calling the BHS Activities office at (563) 332-4516.
Wreaths Across America at Rock Island National Cemetery
The Rock Island National Cemetery is participating in the national Wreaths Across America program and will be conducting a remembrance ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16 starting at 11 a.m. Vetting will take place at the gate and obtaining a visitor's pass is not required to access the installation and cemetery.
Ceremonial wreaths will be laid to honor each of the military branches, prisoners of war and all veterans.
To learn more about the program, click here.
Putnam Museum Polar Express Pajama Party
The Putnam Museum and Science Center is bringing back the Polar Express Pajama Party. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas to watch the holiday classic, The Polar Express 3D, on the Giant Screen. There are multiple screenings over four days from Dec. 14-17.
In addition to the movie, there will be activities such as face painting, a hot chocolate bar, a make-and-take sleigh bell station and a lights-out adventure through the museum. VIP ticket packages are also available.
The Putnam will be showing the movie itself beginning after Thanksgiving. For showtimes, click here. Tickets are on sale now.
"Somewhere South of the North Pole" A Christmas comedy sketch show in Kewanee
Those looking to laugh their way into the holiday season can head over to Kewanee on Friday, Dec. 15 for a night of Christmas-themed comedy. The show starts at 7 p.m. with a social hour taking place before, starting at 6. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 and while the event is open to all ages, the show is rated PG-13. The two-act show will take place at Midland Golf Club.
Opera QC Handel's Messiah
Opera Quad Cities is presenting a charity concert of Handel's Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 1330 13th St. in Moline. Audience members are invited to sing along to the choruses and enjoy 14 professional soloists as they sing the arias.
Donations to support the Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities will be taken following the 90-minute program.
The Nutcracker and Christmas on the Air: A Live Radio Play at Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre
Catch some holiday classics in Galesburg at the Orpheum Theatre, located at 57 S. Kellogg St.
On Saturday, Dec. 16, the theatre is continuing one of its traditions with Christmas on the Air: A Live Radio Play. Watch as performers from Playhouse on the Air showcase stories and sketches based on popular radio shows. Seating is general admission and tickets cost $15. The show starts at 7 p.m.
In addition, Dancers' Studio out of Monmouth will bring the tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the stage for another year of ballet and holiday fun. The Nutcracker takes the stage at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21. Tickets for the main floor and balcony are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the show. Mezzanine tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the show.
Find ticket and event information for both events here.