Whether you love or hate winter, Christmas definitely has a way of making it magical. The excitement of decorating, listening to Christmas music, and anticipating time with family and friends, all make this season something really special. Before you know it, Christmas will be here, so make the most of the season with these 11 enchanting Christmas activities in Iowa.
- Drive around and look at Christmas lights.
Flickr/Phil Roeder There’s nothing more enchanting than a dark winter night lit up with flickering Christmas lights.
- Go on a hunt for the perfect Christmas tree.
Flickr/Brian Burnett There’s something so exciting about getting out into that crisp winter air and finding the perfect tree.
- Decorate your tree while listening to Christmas music and drinking hot chocolate.
Flickr/Flood G. Once you’ve found the tree, it’s always fun to warm up by the fire with some hot cocoa as you hang your favorite Christmas ornaments.
- Visit the Christmas room at the Amanas.
Yelp/General Store Amana’s General Store has a magical Christmas room that specializes in all things Christmas. It’s one of the best holiday events in Iowa! You’ll find it at 4423 220th Trail, Amana, IA. Amana General Store, 4423 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203, USA
- Go ice-skating.
Flickr/Phil Roeder Find your local rink, lace up your skates and get ready for an afternoon of fun.
- Unleash the kid in you with a sledding trip.
Flickr/Carl Wycoff There’s nothing more exhilarating than flying down a hill on a sled.
- Enjoy a holiday concert or performance.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa Whether you love holiday music or the ballet, it’s always fun to get dressed up and attend some sort of holiday performance.
- Bake and eat Christmas cookies.
Flickr/Tim Lenz There’s nothing better than filling the house with the wonderful smell of fresh baked cookies. Except eating them, of course.
- Pay a visit to Santa.
Flickr/Roger Jones No Christmas in Iowa would be complete without a visit to Santa.
- Volunteer or donate to an organization that benefits those less fortunate.
Flickr/Tracy Lee Carroll Christmas is the season of giving, so it’s always nice to take some time out to give to those who need a helping hand.
- Watch your favorite Christmas movies and T.V. specials.
Flickr/Jonathan McIntosh Whether you love Rudolph or the Grinch or Frosty the Snowman, there’s nothing like watching your favorite Christmas specials to make you feel like a kid again.
Did we miss any of your favorite traditions? Let us know in the comments. For more holiday fun, Here Are The 10 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Iowa.
Flickr/Phil Roeder
There’s nothing more enchanting than a dark winter night lit up with flickering Christmas lights.
Flickr/Brian Burnett
There’s something so exciting about getting out into that crisp winter air and finding the perfect tree.
Flickr/Flood G.
Once you’ve found the tree, it’s always fun to warm up by the fire with some hot cocoa as you hang your favorite Christmas ornaments.
Yelp/General Store
Amana’s General Store has a magical Christmas room that specializes in all things Christmas. It’s one of the best holiday events in Iowa! You’ll find it at 4423 220th Trail, Amana, IA.
Amana General Store, 4423 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203, USA
Find your local rink, lace up your skates and get ready for an afternoon of fun.
Flickr/Carl Wycoff
There’s nothing more exhilarating than flying down a hill on a sled.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
Whether you love holiday music or the ballet, it’s always fun to get dressed up and attend some sort of holiday performance.
Flickr/Tim Lenz
There’s nothing better than filling the house with the wonderful smell of fresh baked cookies. Except eating them, of course.
Flickr/Roger Jones
No Christmas in Iowa would be complete without a visit to Santa.
Flickr/Tracy Lee Carroll
Christmas is the season of giving, so it’s always nice to take some time out to give to those who need a helping hand.
Flickr/Jonathan McIntosh
Whether you love Rudolph or the Grinch or Frosty the Snowman, there’s nothing like watching your favorite Christmas specials to make you feel like a kid again.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas activities in Iowa November 04, 2022 Elisa Regulski What are the best holiday events in Iowa? If you really want to soak up the sights and sounds of the season, visit one of the best Christmas towns in Iowa! The town of Keokuk, for example, hosts the annual City of Christmas at Rand Park. Visiting this beloved attraction will make you feel like you’re walking through Santa’s workshop! Bring the young ones along and watch their faces light up with joy. You’ll also find some stellar scenery in Fairfield. Their holiday lighting dedication is both gorgeous and festive – you don’t want to miss out on this year’s event! We also love exploring Winterset, a picturesque town full of lovely scenery and covered bridges. The annual Christmas Tour of Homes is certain to make you feel cozy and peaceful. Are there any Christmas tree farms in Iowa? There sure are! We particularly love Walnut Ridge Farm in Indianola. Here, you get the memorable experience of picking out and chopping down your very own Christmas tree. After you’ve found your perfect tree, head over to the shop and choose a stunning wreath. Nothing says “Christmas” quite like the smell of fragrant pine trees. For more fun, visit Aldrich Christmas Tree Farm in Belmond. With over 15,000 living trees on the property, you’re certain to find the perfect one for your home. Bring the whole family and create lasting holiday memories that you’ll cherish forever. Should I go hiking in winter in Iowa? Yes! In fact, we know 12 picturesque hiking trails that are perfect for winter in Iowa. You should definitely check out Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor. This area is gorgeous year-round, but it’s positively magical during the winter months. The High Trestle Trail is another must-visit winter hike in our gorgeous state. And you can’t forget about the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. Located in Story County, this peaceful walkway really comes alive this time of year.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas activities in Iowa
November 04, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What are the best holiday events in Iowa? If you really want to soak up the sights and sounds of the season, visit one of the best Christmas towns in Iowa! The town of Keokuk, for example, hosts the annual City of Christmas at Rand Park. Visiting this beloved attraction will make you feel like you’re walking through Santa’s workshop! Bring the young ones along and watch their faces light up with joy. You’ll also find some stellar scenery in Fairfield. Their holiday lighting dedication is both gorgeous and festive – you don’t want to miss out on this year’s event! We also love exploring Winterset, a picturesque town full of lovely scenery and covered bridges. The annual Christmas Tour of Homes is certain to make you feel cozy and peaceful. Are there any Christmas tree farms in Iowa? There sure are! We particularly love Walnut Ridge Farm in Indianola. Here, you get the memorable experience of picking out and chopping down your very own Christmas tree. After you’ve found your perfect tree, head over to the shop and choose a stunning wreath. Nothing says “Christmas” quite like the smell of fragrant pine trees. For more fun, visit Aldrich Christmas Tree Farm in Belmond. With over 15,000 living trees on the property, you’re certain to find the perfect one for your home. Bring the whole family and create lasting holiday memories that you’ll cherish forever. Should I go hiking in winter in Iowa? Yes! In fact, we know 12 picturesque hiking trails that are perfect for winter in Iowa. You should definitely check out Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor. This area is gorgeous year-round, but it’s positively magical during the winter months. The High Trestle Trail is another must-visit winter hike in our gorgeous state. And you can’t forget about the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. Located in Story County, this peaceful walkway really comes alive this time of year.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you really want to soak up the sights and sounds of the season, visit one of the best Christmas towns in Iowa! The town of Keokuk, for example, hosts the annual City of Christmas at Rand Park. Visiting this beloved attraction will make you feel like you’re walking through Santa’s workshop! Bring the young ones along and watch their faces light up with joy. You’ll also find some stellar scenery in Fairfield. Their holiday lighting dedication is both gorgeous and festive – you don’t want to miss out on this year’s event! We also love exploring Winterset, a picturesque town full of lovely scenery and covered bridges. The annual Christmas Tour of Homes is certain to make you feel cozy and peaceful.
Are there any Christmas tree farms in Iowa?
There sure are! We particularly love Walnut Ridge Farm in Indianola. Here, you get the memorable experience of picking out and chopping down your very own Christmas tree. After you’ve found your perfect tree, head over to the shop and choose a stunning wreath. Nothing says “Christmas” quite like the smell of fragrant pine trees. For more fun, visit Aldrich Christmas Tree Farm in Belmond. With over 15,000 living trees on the property, you’re certain to find the perfect one for your home. Bring the whole family and create lasting holiday memories that you’ll cherish forever.
Should I go hiking in winter in Iowa?
Yes! In fact, we know 12 picturesque hiking trails that are perfect for winter in Iowa. You should definitely check out Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor. This area is gorgeous year-round, but it’s positively magical during the winter months. The High Trestle Trail is another must-visit winter hike in our gorgeous state. And you can’t forget about the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. Located in Story County, this peaceful walkway really comes alive this time of year.
