A Huge List of November 2025 Events Across Eastern Iowa

A Huge List of November 2025 Events Across Eastern Iowa

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The holiday season is creeping up on us! Here's a rundown of big events happening in Eastern Iowa in November 2025, broken down into the following categories:

  • Linn County
  • Johnson County
  • Cedar Valley
  • Dubuque Area
  • Quad Cities Area
  • Other Eastern Iowa Cities
  • Des Moines Area

LINN COUNTY

Hiawatha Fire Department Chili Supper

  • Hiawatha Fire Department
  • Saturday, November 1st from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • All you can eat chili, hotdogs, and a dessert
  • Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children - proceeds go to training props

Mount Vernon Chili Cookoff

  • Uptown Mount Vernon
  • Saturday, November 1st from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Featuring public tasting, a bags tournament, a grilled cheese & beverages for purchase
  • Passport cards are $20 for 25 tastings - individual tastings are $1 each

Odd Mama's Antique Mall Grand Opening

  • 1216 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 1st at 10 a.m.
  • "So many vendors with amazing things to find! We will be handing out gift certificates to 5 lucky shoppers worth $100! Snacks and refreshments will be available until gone!"

Orchestra Iowa Pops I: The Nightmare Before Christmas

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 1st at 7:30 p.m.
  • Featuring a movie showing with a live orchestra
  • Purchase tickets HERE

2nd Annual SouthSide Blues Fest

  • The Olympic South Side Theater, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 1st from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • "3 BAND Powerhouse Rockin' Blues Party! Cedar County Cobras join Billboard Artists Avey Grouws Band & Locals KAT Blue & The True Believers!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

RoughRiders Hockey

  • ImOn Ice Arena, Cedar Rapids
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, November 1st at 7:05 p.m.
    • Friday, November 7th at 7:05 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 8th at 7:05 p.m.
    • Friday, November 21st at 7:05 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 22nd at 7:05 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 29th at 7:05 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Masters of Illusion

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Tuesday, November 4th at 7:30 p.m.
  • "Starring the world’s greatest award-winning magicians, this 21st century magic show is unlike anything you have seen before - filled with modern illusions and arts of deception, performed live on stage. Audiences will be held at the edge of their seats by the jaw-dropping grand illusions, and laugh out loud at the hysterical comedy magic as performers from around the world combine fantasy, fervor and flair with magic created in front of their very eyes."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Fall Luminary Walk

  • Morgan Creek Park, Cedar Rapids
  • Friday, November 7th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • "Enjoy a campfire and walk the illuminated trail as we celebrate the beauty of fall. A family-friendly self-guided walk takes place along the trail lit with luminaries and lights. Stop by Morgan Creek Shelter to warm up and connect with others. Bring your own marshmallows or s’mores supplies if you’d like."

Holiday Open House

  • The Local, Mount Vernon
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, November 7th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 8th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "Plan to make it a day as we turn our space into a holiday wonderland with holiday decor, gift items, local goods, holiday drinks, complimentary treats, and more! Free gifts with purchase...doorbusters...snack samples...we are going to have it all!"

Cat Cafe

  • Marion Public Library
  • Saturday, November 8th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "Join us for a fun-filled afternoon to meet some adorable adoptable cats from SAINT Rescue! There will also be fun cat-themed activities and books."

Flea Market

  • Former Younkers at Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, November 8th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 9th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring 200+ vendors
  • Admission is $3 - early bird admission Saturday at 8 a.m. is $5

KC & The Sunshine Band Concert

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Sunday, November 9th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Festival of Trees

  • Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, November 14th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Senior Day
    • Friday, November 14th from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Sensory Day
    • Saturday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 16th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featuring holiday train rides, visits with Santa, live performances, 45+ local vendors, and a tree auction
  • Tickets are $5 for ages 18+ and free for 17 and younger with a donation (deodorant, full-sized shampoo & conditioner, feminine hygiene products) -purchase them HERE

Pictures With Santa Paws

  • K9Acres Off-Leash Dog Park, Marion
  • Saturday, November 15th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring a professional photographer and dog treats
  • Event is free, but monetary donations are appreciated

Swan Lake

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Wednesday, November 19th at 7 p.m.
  • "Featuring a brilliant cast of dancers from Italy, France, Georgia, Great Britain, Ukraine, Japan, Moldova, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, this tour celebrates the diversity and global excellence of classical ballet."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Chris Young (Acoustic Christmas Tour)

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Thursday, November 20th at 7:30 p.m.
  • With special guest MaRynn Taylor
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Grinchmas in Whoville

  • National Guard Armory, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 22nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring photos with Santa & the Grinch, adoptable animals, local vendors, food trucks, and baked goods
  • Pets are welcome on a leash with proper vaccinations and signed waivers

Metaphysical Fair

  • Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
  • November 22nd & 23rd from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Sunday, November 30th at 7:30 p.m.
  • "A thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and your favorite holiday music, this spectacular production will transport you to a winter wonderland of awe and enchantment. With breathtaking acrobatics, soaring aerial performances, and an all-new production for this year, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland delivers an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family."

Craft/Vendor Markets

JOHNSON COUNTY

Flannel Fest

  • Coralville Creekside Ballpark, Coralville
  • Saturday, November 1st from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "...get outside for fall inspired activities including: flannel crafts, a variety of activities including an inflatable axe throwing game, bring your pup for a flannel photo booth and dog-friendly games, and consider registering for our Recreation Bags Tournament. Enjoy the tastes of autumn at our concession stand including warm apple cider, tasty chili, cinnamon rolls, and cold beer. The Feralings, sponsored by Hills Bank, will perform folk tunes and bluegrass music while you enjoy the festivities and refreshments."

Jack SPLAT!

  • Chauncey Swan Park, Iowa City
  • Saturday, November 1st from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • "We will be throwing the pumpkins off the northwest corner of the parking ramp next to Chauncey Swan Park. Drop off your ghoulish gourd and set up your blanket or lawn chairs nearby to get the best view. Come for the SPLATS, but stay for outdoor activities and a warm breakfast from local food vendors."

Pumpkin Smash

  • Colony Acres Family Farm, North Liberty
  • Saturday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • "Don’t toss those pumpkins, smash them! Join us for one of the most exciting days of the season as we send pumpkins flying, crashing, and splattering in every way imaginable. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect grand finale to fall!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Starship ft. Mickey Thomas Concert

  • Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside
  • Friday, November 7th at 8 p.m.
  • With special guest Head East
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Zach Williams and Crowder Concert

  • Xtream Arena, Coralville
  • Sunday, November 9th at 7 p.m.
  • With special guest Matt Maher
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The Kraken's Circus

  • Event Hall at Hy-Vee Center in Centennial Park, North Liberty
  • Sunday, November 9th at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.
  • "A 45-minute swashbuckling show packed with rope tricks, knife juggling, aerial stunts and more as attendees get involved to help pirates defeat the Kraken."

Hairball Concert

  • Xtream Arena, Coralville
  • Friday, November 14th at 8 p.m.
  • With special guest The Pork Tornadoes
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The Iowa Children’s Museum: After Dark

  • Iowa Children's Museum, Coralville
  • Friday, November 14th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • "Play your way through The Iowa Children’s Museum with activities that bring out the kid in everyone. Relive parachute day in gym class, jump around in a grown-up bounce house, get crafty in the Art Studio, try a round of BINGO or karaoke, and explore our exhibits the way you’ve always wanted to. Add in kid-inspired snacks, adult beverages, prizes, and endless photo ops, and you’ve got a night where you’ll forget all about bills, deadlines, and that laundry you need to fold."
  • Ages 21+
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Handsome Heroes: The Show

  • First Avenue Club, Iowa City
  • Saturday, November 22nd at 8 p.m.
  • "From firefighters to soldiers, these men know how to put on a show that will have you cheering for more. Featuring choreographed dance routines and side-splitting comedy, this show is the perfect combination of eye candy and entertainment. Watch as these muscular men in uniform show off their moves in perfectly synchronized routines, all while keeping you laughing with their witty banter and playful antics."
  • Ages 21+
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Holiday Lights at the Lake Opening Night Walk-Through

  • West Overlook Campground, Iowa City
  • Wednesday, November 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • "Immerse yourself in the enchanting light displays, stroll among the trees, and soak in the festive ambiance. We invite you to walk the event route, offering families and friends a memorable journey through a dazzling wonderland of lights and music. Our goal is to unite the community by creating cherished experiences for families and friends for years to come. Enjoy music throughout the campground, cozy up at fire-pit warming stations, and explore our goodwill donation concessions."
  • Tickets are $5 for ages 3+ - purchase them HERE

Craft/Vendor Markets

CEDAR VALLEY

Cedar River Film Festival

  • Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls
  • October 31st & November 1st
  • "Day 1: We will kick off our festival on October 31st with your offerings of horror films, sci fi and adult comedy to celebrate Halloween and all the things creepy and scary (heck, this year some political documentaries might quality). This will be a 17+ event. Day 2: Enjoy a day of Shorts, Features, and Documentaries that celebrate stories about the American Heartland."

Barn Happy Holiday Open House

  • Barn Happy, Cedar Falls
  • Saturday, November 1st from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Join us for free coffee, creative Iowa-made gifts, and so many delicious foods and wine to sample!"

Fall Vintage Flea Market

  • The Centre Hall, Waverly
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, November 7th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 8th from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.
  • "Great flea market with 51 vendors!! Furniture, vintage, antiques, collectibles, vinyl records, jewelry, repurposed, & much much more!! All indoor venue. Lunch on site."

Downtown Ingredients

  • Downtown Cedar Falls
  • November 13th through 15th
  • "...a weekend of shopping, dining, and festive fun. Discover gifts, holiday décor, and more from your favorite local merchants while enjoying food and drinks that bring the season to life. As you shop, you’ll collect recipe cards from participating businesses and take home your very own Cedar Falls Downtown District Cookbook!"

Waverly's Holiday Open Houses

  • Downtown Waverly
  • Saturday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "Join us in Waverly the weekend of November 15th to kick off your holiday shopping during our Holiday Open House Event! Stores will be decked out and stocked to the brim with all the seasons best gifts! Enjoy specials, prizes, samples and more at participating Waverly businesses."

Breakfast With Santa

  • Reinbeck Memorial Building, Reinbeck
  • Saturday, November 15th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Free-will donations support Reinbeck Fire & Rescue

Festival of Trees

  • Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls
  • November 18th through 23rd
  • Benefitting MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center
  • See a full schedule of events HERE

Downtown Holiday Stroll

  • Downtown Cedar Falls
  • Thursday, November 20th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "We invite you to join downtown businesses on November 20th for shopping, festive treats, discounted downtown gift certificates in partnership with First Bank (5pm-7pm), and the FIRST trolley night of the season! Downtown will be freshly decorated for the holidays, and you won’t want to miss it."

Eldora Christmas Festival

  • Eldora Square, Eldora
  • Sunday, November 30th at 1 p.m.
  • Featuring visits with Santa, vendors, a story walk, food trucks, a Christmas carnival, surrey rides, a lighted Christmas parade, a tree lighting, and more

Craft/Vendor Markets

DUBUQUE AREA

The Polar Express $1 Showings

  • Phoenix Theatres Kennedy Mall, Dubuque
  • November 7th through 13th at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The National Farm Toy Show

  • Beckman High School/National Farm Toy Museum/Commercial Club Park, Dyersville
  • November 7th through 9th - see times for each location HERE
  • "The National Farm Toy Show® brings together toy enthusiasts and farming enthusiasts alike. With hundreds of vendors showcasing their miniature tractors and farm equipment, it's a paradise for collectors. From vintage treasures to modern marvels, this show celebrates the charm of rural life in a small scale package."
  • General admission is $10

Fool House - The Ultimate 90's Party: Millennium Tour

  • Diamond Jo Casino, Dubuque
  • Friday, November 21st at 8 p.m.
  • "Get ready to relive the glory days of frosted tips, flip phones, and fire playlists. Grab your crew and get down with Fool House for The Millennium Tour - the ULTIMATE 90s & Y2K - themed live show experience that’ll have you partying like it’s 1999!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Pork Tornadoes Concert

  • Q Casino, Dubuque
  • Saturday, November 29th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Bellevue’s Lighted Parade

  • Downtown Bellevue
  • Saturday, November 29th at 7 p.m.
  • "Families, businesses, and community groups are invited to decorate floats, vehicles, and walking entries to shine bright for this magical evening. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and enjoy the sparkle of the season as we celebrate together in true Bellevue fashion!"

Craft/Vendor Markets

QUAD CITIES AREA

Davenport Home Show

  • Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, October 31st from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 2nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "This free event is the perfect opportunity for homeowners to save BIG on all home improvement projects and meet with local and national vendors face to face, offering valuable insights and guidance to help you turn your vision into reality."

Iowa Vintage Fest

  • Davenport River Center
  • Saturday, November 1st from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • "70+ vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles; and more! FREE ENTRY, as always"

Fall Harvest Fest

  • Freight House Farmers' Market, Davenport
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 2nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring live music, food trucks, local artisans, family activities, and more

Day of the Dead Family Fiesta

  • Figge Plaza, Davenport
  • Sunday, November 2nd from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "Honor loved ones through music, dance, food, crafts, and community traditions. Enjoy FREE museum admission all day along with exhibitions, films, and family-friendly activities."

Masters of Illusion

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Wednesday, November 5th at 7:30 p.m.
  • "The Masters of Illusion is - Excitement! Spectacle! Suspense! Hilarity! Energy! Masters of Illusion feature headlining illusionists, comedy magicians, colorful birds, and beautiful dancers."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour

  • Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport
  • Saturday, November 8th at 8 p.m.

Comedian Donnell Rawlings

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Thursday, November 13th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Clint Black Concert

  • Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf
  • Friday, November 14th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

A Motown Christmas

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Monday, November 17th at 7 p.m.
  • Featuring past and present members Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Pentatonix (Christmas Tour)

  • Vibrant Arena, Moline
  • Wednesday, November 19th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Barrel & Brew Fest

  • The Celebration Center, Le Claire
  • Friday, November 21st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • "Join us for the very first Barrel & Brew Fest — an evening filled with local breweries, spirit-infused bites, live music, and door prizes. Sip, sample, and celebrate the best our community has to offer in one unforgettable night."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

QCSO: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Saturday, November 22nd at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
  • "The characters you love are back, battling villains and protecting Hogwarts from Voldemort himself. Hear the Quad City Symphony Orchestra bring Alexandre Desplat’s music to life and experience all the action as the film is projected onto a giant screen with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Quad Cities Psychic & Paranormal Expo

  • River Center, Davenport
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, November 22nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 23rd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "One of the best expos in the midwest featuring 45+ vendors!! Psychics, medium, paranormal teams, haunted locations, healings, reiki, reflexology, stones, gems, drums, tarot cards, shamans, candles, herbs, books and SO much more!!!!"
  • Admission is $5 at the door

Davenport Fairytale Ball

  • Stardust Davenport
  • Saturday, November 22nd at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.
  • "Join your favorite princesses for stories, songs, dances, crafts, photos and more! Make wishes, join our princess parade, and get autographs too!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Festival of Trees

  • River Center, Davenport
  • November 22nd through 30th
  • "Experience the magic of the season with over 150 stunning designer displays, fun-filled attractions, beloved special events, and the largest helium balloon parade in the Midwest. This 10-day holiday extravaganza is back in person and more festive than ever!"
  • See a full schedule of events & purchase tickets HERE

Home for the Holidays

  • Freight House Farmers' Market, Davenport
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, November 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 23rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring live music, local products, food trucks, baked goods, and more

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Friday, November 28th at 7:30 p.m.
  • "With breathtaking acrobatics, soaring aerial performances, and an all-new production for this year, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland delivers an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family. Feel the holiday spirit come to life with heart-pounding feats and beloved seasonal melodies."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Craft/Vendor Markets

OTHER EASTERN IOWA CITIES

Pumpkin Destruction Fest

  • Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
  • Saturday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction

  • West Liberty Fire & Ambulance, West Liberty
  • Sunday, November 2nd from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • "We will be serving up smiles along with: Eggs, Sausage, Pancakes, Coffee, Juices, etc. We will have plenty of amazing silent auction items to bid on. All proceeds go towards supporting our members and volunteers, as well as to help purchase life saving equipment and apparatus."

Elmo & Friends Say Hello!

  • Burlington Memorial Auditorium, Burlington
  • Wednesday, November 5th at 6 p.m.
  • "Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Elmo and Friends Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Ladies Night Out

  • Downtown Marshalltown
  • Thursday, November 6th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • "Participating Chamber member businesses will be offering refreshments, prizes, and promotions. Afterwards enjoy dinner or drinks at one of our local restaurants or bars. The first 5 customers to check out at each business when Ladies Night kicks off at 4pm at will receive an envelope with Chamber Bucks! One lucky customer will receive $100 in Chamber Bucks!"

Pour Me Into The Holidays

  • Downtown Washington
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, November 7th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 8th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Stroll through our beautifully decorated streets, admire the twinkling lights, and step inside our charming local shops to unearth one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone on your list. This isn't just about shopping—it's about making memories. While you browse, enjoy a variety of festive drinks and delicious treats provided by participating businesses."

BaconTown

  • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
  • Saturday, November 8th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featuring bacon dishes, live music, a kids' carnival, and more

Iowa Music Awards

  • Burlington Memorial Auditorium, Burlington
  • Sunday, November 9th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

  • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
  • Wednesday, November 19th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Ladies' Night Out

  • Downtown Sigourney
  • Thursday, November 20th from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • "Collect your punch card, sign up for door prizes, and the first 100 ladies receives a LNO tote bag of goodies! Visit participating businesses, get your card punched. Return your complete punch card to KCED to be entered in Grand Prizes!"

Holiday Light Show Kickoff

  • Elkader City Campground, Elkader
  • Friday, November 21st from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Santa Fun Run

  • Musser Park, Muscatine
  • Saturday, November 22nd at 10 a.m.
  • "Every registered runner/walker receives a Santa suit. Event t-shirt and gloves will be given to runners while supplies last. There will be hot cocoa and a light breakfast along with music and photo opportunities. Milk and cookies for all Santas for their hard work."
  • Register online HERE

CPKC Holiday Train

  • Iowa Stops/Dates
    • New Albin - November 24th from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
    • Lansing - November 24th from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Marquette - November 24th from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Guttenberg - November 24th from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Dubuque - November 24th from 9:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
    • Bellevue - November 25th from 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
    • Clinton - November 25th from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
    • Davenport - November 25th from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
    • Muscatine - November 25th from 7:45 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Ottumwa - November 26th from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Performers for all Iowa stops are Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde
  • See the full schedule HERE

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

  • Central Park, Fairfield
  • Friday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m.
  • Featuring a live choir, visits with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot cocoa & cookies, and a tree lighting (6 p.m.)

Holiday Parade of Lights

  • Downtown Anamosa
  • Saturday, November 29th at 5:30 p.m.
  • "The streets will sparkle with twinkling lights, festive floats, and plenty of holiday cheer as the Holiday Parade of Lights makes its way from the Lawrence Community Center to Garnavillo Street."

Wonderland Holidays

  • Downtown Washington
  • Saturday, November 29th - activities begin at 8 a.m.
  • Featuring breakfast & photos with Santa, holiday crafts, a fun run, the Wonderland Trail, a tree lighting ceremony, a lighted parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more

Lighted Holiday Parade/Tree Lighting

  • Downtown Burlington
  • Saturday, November 29th at 5 p.m. - tree lighting at 6 p.m.
  • Also featuring free hot chocolate and visits with Santa

Milk & Cookies with Santa

  • Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center, Clinton
  • Saturday, November 29th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Featuring cookies, crafts, children's museum access, and photos with Santa
  • Admission is $5 for ages 2 to 64 and $4 for ages 65+

Breakfast With Santa & Friends

  • The Red Pin, Tipton
  • Saturday, November 29th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Cost is $5 per person, reservations are required - scan the QR code HERE

Breakfast With Santa

  • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
  • Saturday, November 29th from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet, a letter-writing station, cookie decorating with Santa's elves, and visits with Santa
  • Tickets start at $10 for kids (2and up) and $17.50 for adults

Craft/Vendor Markets

BIG DES MOINES AREA EVENTS

Totally Rad Vintage Fest

  • Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
  • Saturday, November 1st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "Our vendors specialize in clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras, while also offering a selection of toys, home goods, and more to complete your nostalgic shopping experience! Unleash your inner gamer at the Free-Play Vintage Arcade, and explore the Rad Rewind Museum with relics from the past. Strike rad poses at the throwback photo ops."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour

  • Des Moines Civic Center
  • Wednesday, November 5th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Les Misérables

  • Des Moines Civic Center
  • Shows from Wednesday, November 12th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025
  • "Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Priscilla Block Concert

  • Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines
  • Saturday, November 15th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Jamey Johnson Concert

  • Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
  • Sunday, November 16th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Des Moines Holiday Boutique

  • Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, November 7th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 8th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 9th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Chicago Concert

  • Stephens Auditorium, Ames
  • Saturday, November 15th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto

  • Casey's Center, Des Moines
  • Shows from November 27th through 30th
  • "This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can sing-along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics, and more when it visits their hometown..."
  • Purchase tickets HERE
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READ MORE: Concerts & Comedy Shows Coming to Iowa in 2026 [LIST]

Eastern Iowans Show Off Their Stunning Christmas Trees

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

15 Cute Iowa Cabins to Cozy Up in This Fall & Winter

You don't have to travel far to enjoy a little weekend getaway these coming months! Here are 15 of the highest-rated Iowa cabins that are available to book this fall or winter on Airbnb:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

Filed Under: events, eastern iowa, november
Categories: Local News, Events