Christmas in the Villages
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Celebrate the Season in the Villages of Van Buren!
Beginning November 25 and continuing through December, the Villages come alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of the holidays.
Enjoy a magical mix of festive events, twinkling holiday lights, unique shopping experiences, and heartwarming small-town charm. From special business open houses and artisan markets to family-friendly activities and visits with Santa, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
And why not make it a getaway? With cozy cabins, historic hotels, inviting vacation rentals, and welcoming bed & breakfasts, you'll find the perfect place to stay and soak in the holiday cheer. We can't wait to celebrate the season with you in the Villages of Van Buren!
Festival of Trees
December 5th, 5-8pm ~ 6th, 9am-8pm ~ 7th, 12-3pm
Roberts Memorial Center 20497 Hwy 1, Keosauqua
Join us for a "Santa's Village" with beautifully decorated fresh trees, artificial trees, wreaths, tabletop trees & more! Purchases are made through a weekend-long silent auction. The Christmas Shoppe will have handcrafted, new, and vintage gifts. All cash & carry! Santa plans to visit on Saturday. Live music throughout the festival provided by area artists. Refreshments served. Proceeds benefit Christmas for Kids. Sponsored by the Lions Club of Van Buren County.
November 25th ~ 4-7pm
Holidays With Hinterland
2149 Franklin Road
Donnellson – An evening of sampling our farmstead cheeses as well as appetizers, dips, and desserts. Join us to kick off the holiday season with some good cheer and taste test some sweet and savory recipes that will be perfect for your holiday gatherings!
November 28th-29th ~ 10am-4pm
Bloom and Bark Glass & Local Artisan Market
18517 County Road J40
Keosauqua – Find unique one-of-a-kind gifts! Glass blown pieces, along with the amazing work of 17 local artists using various mediums from fiber to wood and everything in between! *Also open by chance or by appointment! For more information, call 319-293-6168 or visit Bloomandbark.com
November 29th
Small Business Saturday
Get a head start on your holiday shopping by visiting Keosauqua, Bentonsport, Bonaparte, and Farmington Businesses!
November 29th ~ 9am-4pm
Wasko Hardware's Christmas Open House
810 1st Street
Keosauqua – Get ready to shop lots of store specials, sign up for drawings, talk to Santa, and see Llamas! Refreshments will be served. Don't forget your camera for pictures with Santa and the Llamas. Watch Facebook for more to come! You won't want to miss out on this Christmas fun!
November 29th ~ Begins at 5pm
Birmingham Lions Soup Supper and Christmas Lights Tour
110 N Cross Street
Birmingham – Warm up your holiday season with a delicious variety of soups and desserts for just $6 at 5pm at the Lions Building. Then around 5:30pm, FREE horse-drawn wagon rides will tour around town to admire the holiday lights.
December 5th ~ 8am-10pm
Dutchman’s Store Late Night Gladness Sale!
14999 Hwy 2
Cantril – Find the perfect gift for that someone special on your Christmas gift list! Exclusive discounts from 4-10pm while you enjoy complimentary refreshments. Knock out your holiday shopping and make it a night of fun and savings!
November 5th ~ 5-7pm, Lighting at 6pm
Lights of Bentonsport
21960 Hawk Drive (Bentonsport Riverfront Park & Gazebo)
Bentonsport – Join the Bentonsport Merchants while we bring in the Christmas season with the lighting of the gazebo and park. Holiday music, hot cocoa, and treats provided.
December 5th ~ 5-6pm
Holidays at Hotel Manning
100 Van Buren Street
Keosauqua – Join First lowa State Bank and the Villages Folk School at the beautiful and historic Hotel Manning. Bring the kiddos to meet Santa & Mrs. Claus who will be there for the little ones. Van Buren County High School choir will perform and view the Van Buren County High School art exhibit. Youngsters can enjoy a folk school make and take craft. Come enjoy the fun!
December 5th-6th ~ 10am-4pm
Bloom and Bark Glass & Local Artisan Market
18517 County Road J40
Keosauqua – Find unique one-of-a-kind gifts! Glass blown pieces, along with the amazing work of 17 local artists using various mediums from fiber to wood and everything in between! *Also open by chance or by appointment! For more informatio,n call 319-293-6168 or visit Bloomandbark.com
December 6th ~ 10am-4pm
Bentonsport Christmas Stroll
Bentonsport - Stroll through the six unique shops of Bentonsport. Along the way you'll discover artisan demonstrations, sales, samplings, and specials.
December 6th ~ 12-1:30pm
Christmas Tea
Greef General Store, 21964 Hawk Drive
Bentonsport – While doing the Christmas stroll in the Bentonsport Historic District, join us for a Christmas Tea from 12-1:30pm in our new "cellar"! For $10 per person, enjoy savories and bottomless tea. And Santa will be onsite making balloon animals!
December 6th ~ 2-3:30pm
Gingerbread “House” Party
American Gothic House Center, 300 American Gothic Street
Eldon – We are shaking things up a little for this annual event. This FREE children's gingerbread "house" party will include crafts and carnival-style games! Event will be held inside the American Gothic House. All supplies are provided. Activities include build a cardboard gingerbread house, make an ornament, pin the tail on the reindeer, and nutcracker ring toss (while supplies last). Photos with Santa can be taken!
December 7th ~ 6pm
DOUDS COMMUNITY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG
15918 Hwy 16
Douds – Join us for a heartwarming evening of Christmas music,joyful sing-alongs, and fellowship brought to you by Douds' three churches! After the service, stick around for refreshments and good company. A perfect way to celebrate the season!.
December 12th-13th ~ 10am-4pm
Bloom and Bark Glass & Local Artisan Market
18517 County Road J40
Keosauqua – Find unique one-of-a-kind gifts! Glass blown pieces along with the amazing work of 17 local artists using various mediums from fiber to wood and everything in between! *Also open by chance or by appointment! For more information, call 319-293-6168 or visit Bloomandbark.com
December 12th ~ 5-7pm
STOCKPORT LIBRARY ANNUAL SOUP SUPPER & AUCTION
Stockport Legion Hall 110 Legion Street
Stockport – Get ready for the Stockport Library board's annual holiday event! Indulge in a delicious soup supper (freewill offering), bid in an auction supporting Christmas for Kids, and have a special visit from Santa! It's a night full of fun and holiday cheer-you'll want to be there!
December 14th ~ 11am-2pm
SANTA & MRS. CLAUS
602 8th Street
Bonaparte – Get your picture taken with Santa & Mrs. Claus and decorate cookies. Soup lunch is provided FREE. Every child will take home a special goodie bag, making this a wonder-filled holiday event! Sponsored by the Bonaparte Library.
December 19th-21st ~ Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm
Bloom and Bark Glass & Local Artisan Market
18517 County Road J40
Keosauqua – Find unique one-of-a-kind gifts! Glass blown pieces along with the amazing work of 17 local artists using various mediums from fiber to wood and everything in between! *Also open by chance or by appointment! For more information, call 319-293-6168 or visit Bloomandbark.com
