Things to do this December
The Holiday season has finally arrived, and the Quad Cities has so much to offer you in the month of December! Check out some of our favorite events.
Winter Nights Winter Lights at the Botanical Center- A dazzling scene of over 315,000 glowing lights adorning over 5 acres of garden grounds at the Quad City Botanical Center. You can find Culture Bright Neon Forest, newly themed areas of the garden, more lighted nature motifs, and outdoor fire tables with s’more stations. If it's too chilly, step inside the new indoor cocoa room for hot drinks, cocoa and treats for purchase. Find yourself at the Botanical Center, 11.21-12.14 Wed - Sun from 5-9 p.m. or 12.17-12.31 daily from 5-9 p.m.
Christmas in LeClaire- Get into the holiday spirit by visiting LeClaire from December 5–7. Throughout the weekend, you can meet Santa, enjoy a festive tree-lighting ceremony, and even take part in a 5K race. Families can experience a free horse-drawn wagon ride through town, explore a variety of arts and crafts, and watch a lively parade. With three full days of activities, entertainment, and seasonal magic, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Holiday Market- Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Rock Island with train rides, reindeer, Santa, shopping and all things merry with the Holiday Market! On December 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1700-1800 2nd Ave. and Schwiebert Riverfront Park, immerse yourself in Holiday cheer with many fun events. From Shopping at Arts Alley vendor stalls and participating in the Rotary Reindeer Ramble 5K Run/Walk to live reindeer exhibit in Arts Alley and train rides, the Holiday Market has it all! You won't want to miss this!
Holiday Musicals- Celebrate the month with these December musicals! You can choose one or choose all but they are sure to be worth your time, so you don't want to miss this. Choose from our festive musicals, Santa Claus the Musical, Dolly Partons Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, or Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Not feeling festive? That's okay, go see the classic broadway musical comedy, Mrs. Doubtfire at the Adler Theatre!
Holiday Lights- If you are looking for a family fun outing, a quick trip with your friends, or even a fun solo cruise through the holiday lights, these events are for you! Join us at Vander Veer Park for the Poinsettia and Lights display inside the conservatory. You can even watch a 15 minute light display show at Fejervary Holiday Lights put on by the Fejervary Learning Center. Watch out for themed nights at Winter Nights Winter Lights at the botanical center. Some of these events include Krampus Nights, where you can meet Krampus and learn the folklore with the German American Heritage Center & Museum, Lights & Leashes, an event for you to bring your dogs for a stroll through the gardens, and Visit Santa, an event where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting to meet you!
Deck the Downtowns- During the entire month of December, Downtown Bettendorf, Davenport and Rock Island are all getting decked out with painted windows and plenty of holiday cheer! From festive art displays and pickle hunts to parades, cookies and community tree lighting… there’s magic around every corner downtown. Not only are they decorating to spread cheer but 70+ businesses & 20 local artists have transformed storefronts into festive works of art and your votes decide the winner! During this event, you can even Hunt for the Holiday pickle by searching 30+ businesses and finding 10 pickles to win a pickle ornament and entry into grand prize drawings.
SantaCon- On December 13, 2025, the 7th annual SantaCon is happening! This event is a pub crawl in which you are required to dress head-to-toe as Santa. SantaCon is an annual tradition of fun drinks and jolly spirit. Santa's will meet in the parking lot of Harrison & River Drive at 11:45 and dash to the first bar shortly after, spending an hour at each establishment! Join the Holiday fun on December 13.
Nutcracker- A beautiful and timeless holiday classic is coming to the Quad Cities in the month of December. The Nutcracker has been a hallmark of the holiday season in the Quad Cities for generations. With a cast of 60, falling snow, colorful sets, and a sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy, this classic is sure to put you in the festive Spirit. Gather at Adler Theatre on Saturday, December 13, 2025 and Sunday, December 14, 2025.
