Are you in search of new and fun ways to celebrate the holiday season this year? Well, the great news is that there are a variety of entertaining ways to spend time with your friends and family throughout Iowa when you want to make the most of this special time of year. So, in addition to activities like putting up your holiday tree and maybe working on arts and crafts like a DIY dream catcher with the kids, consider the five activities below to make new memories before year’s end.
1. Iowa City Holiday Market
The Iowa City Farmers Market presents the hugely popular Iowa City Holiday Market each year. This is the place to be if you want to purchase a variety of handcrafted and homemade presents for everyone on your list. And if you are all about shopping local to support the local economy and small businesses, you will also find plenty of food that is grown right here in Iowa at the Holiday Market as well.
2. Le Mars Christmas Wonderland
Head to La Mars, which is one of the many towns in Iowa that really take the Christmas season seriously. There, you will find the Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland. This popular attraction is host to a variety of entertaining activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you relax while listening to live music, you roast tasty marshmallows or indulge in hot chocolate by a fire, or you take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, this is the place to celebrate the best parts of the holiday.
3. Old World Christmas Market
Another popular shopping destination is the Old World Christmas Market, which occurs annually at the National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library. If you are in search of unique, handmade, specialty, and imported gifts from all over the world, definitely make it a point to check out this market. After all, this is the perfect time of year to shop for the ideal gift for everyone you care about. Plus, while you shop, you could also enjoy some tasty holiday treats, as well as watch dance performances and listen to live music.
4. Boone and Scenic Valley Railway Santa Express
Your kids are sure to love visiting the Boone and Scenic Valley Railway’s Santa Express. For this unique experience, you get to dress in your pajamas before taking a ride on the Santa Express. During the one-and-a-half hour ride, you can enjoy tasty cookies and cocoa while listening to a holiday story. But the best part is the visit with Santa that the kids will never forget.
5. Santa’s Castle
Take some time to visit the famous “Santa’s Castle,” which is located in Storm Lake at the Carnegie Library. Santa will be there to meet your kids and grandkids, and his elves will also be there to make sure everyone has a great time. Plus, you get the chance to shop for unique gifts and toys.
With so many great places to shop and fun things to do this holiday season, there is no reason to be bored. So get out there and make the most of this special time of year before it’s over.
