Holiday Events in December 2022
The Holiday season has officially arrived, and there are plenty of fun and festive events in the Quad Cities for any age to enjoy!
Christkindlmarkt - It’s a family tradition! This free event celebrates everything we love about the holiday season. Christkindlmarkt QC is an artisan craft and gift market and so much more! Centered around a festive German theme, this unique market is sure to please even the crankiest Krampus! Food, drinks, and live music make this market a “do not miss” event for everyone. Come on out for a unique experience on December 2-4 from 10am to 8pm.
Christmas in LeClaire - The holiday season is finally here and there’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than the 38th Annual Christmas in LeClaire, a three-day event full of bake sales, cookie sale, crafts, silent auction, Santas from around the World, fun run, music, selfie booth, photos with Santa, great shopping, and much more! Something for ALL ages! Something new this year is the lighting of the LeClaire holiday tree located on the Levee on Friday at 6pm and the Light Up LeClaire Christmas Parade Saturday at 5:30pm. There are tons of fun to be had every day of the event, so come experience it for yourself from December 2-4 from 10am – 8pm.
Christmas in the Village – Christmas in the Village is an event celebrated for more than 40 years featuring festivities throughout the Village and lots of fun. Santa will be at the International Fire Museum with “Winter Sparkle” fireworks on Saturday December 3rd at 9:00 p.m. You can even catch The Grinch, An Elf, Frosty the Snowman, and a Reindeer in the Village! The entire event is free with activities for the whole family, from December 2nd to December 3rd from 6pm to 9pm both nights.
Julmarknad (Christmas Market) - Prepare for the holidays by attending Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, in Bishop Hill, IL. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 25, November 26, and December 3. On December 4, the hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The daily attractions include Swedish folk characters, traditional Swedish holiday decorations, holiday music, craft activities, and Christmas gifts for sale. All our shops, museums, and restaurants will be open to satisfy your holiday needs. Every day of Julmarknad will have different featured activities along with ones that will go on every single day of the event.
Reindeer Day - Reindeer Day is back again this year! See a real live reindeer, make reindeer antlers in the Imagination Studio, play some reindeer games in the Great Hall, and enjoy a “Frozen” dance performance from the Family Museum Dance Company at 1:00 and 2:30. New this year: bring a new, unwrapped toy or book to be donated in the City of Bettendorf Pack-a-Police Car and Fire Truck event (located outside between the Family Museum and the Bettendorf Library), and you will receive $2 off your admission to the Museum! Not only participate in the season of giving, but also check out a police car and fire truck! Reindeer Day starts at noon and ends at 5pm on December 3rd.
Winter Nights Winter Lights - The Quad City Botanical Center is proud to announce the sixth annual Winter Nights Winter Lights Powered by MidAmerican Energy Company, opening November 18. The outdoor gardens will be in winter bloom with over 160,000 glowing lights, featuring new, entertaining experiences. Explore the Sun Garden, Children’s Garden, lawns, pond, and pocket gardens of our outdoor light exhibit as you experience our largest fundraiser of the year. New this year, visit the Conductors’ Garden for a dancing light show featuring a live recording from the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Bundle up, stroll the gardens at night and visit the outdoor events canopy for hot cocoa for purchase by Rozz-Tox, a Downtown Rock Island business we’re proud to partner with. Bring the kids for free crafts to make and take or plan your visit on one of our special event nights. The event runs November 19 through January 1 from 5pm – 9pm. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Disney On Ice - Discover why no dream is too big at Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic! Seek adventure in the great wide somewhere with Belle as she explores the Beast’s enchanted castle, experience Moana’s courage to embark on a voyage with demigod Maui to save her island, and sing-along with Miguel from Coco as he follows the music in his heart. Be inspired by Anna’s devotion to her sister Elsa on her journey to the North Mountain to stop the eternal winter, and watch Rapunzel and Flynn go to great lengths to make her dream come true. Celebrate the magic of courage, love and adventure at Disney On Ice! With shows on December 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, there’s plenty of time to catch all the magic at Vibrant Arena at The MARK!
Winter in Bloom - The Hauberg Estate is the perfect way to start the holiday season with your entire family at the Winter in Bloom event. Beautifully decorated trees adorn the magnificent mansion, and there will be a visit from Santa. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be back again this year, and kids will enjoy crafts and games. Cookies and cocoa for everyone. A Cash Bar will also be available. The event is free to the public and everyone is welcome. Visit Hauberg Estate on December 4th from noon to 5pm for family fun!
19th Century Christmas - Each year during the 19th Century Christmas event, hundreds of visitors step back in time to experience the sights and sounds of an 1800s Christmas on December 4. Activities are located at both Butterworth Center and at Deere-Wiman House: Beautiful decorations throughout both Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center, Musical performances at Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, and Children’s crafts in the Deere-Wiman Carriage House and Butterworth Education Center.
Tis the Season - Don’t miss this year’s Tis the Season, Senior Holiday Event. Tis the Season will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at the Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State Street, Bettendorf. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. and entertainment begins at 1:30 p.m. Seniors 60 and above are invited to enjoy holiday music, singing, dancing, and refreshments. This event is free and open to all Quad Cities seniors. Registration is required, so get registered before November 30th!
One Starry Night - Follow the journey of Mary and Joseph on the first Christmas night with One Starry Night: A Journey to Bethlehem. Animals, Crafts, Food and Storytelling Stations. Give kids and families the impression they are entering Bethlehem. Talk with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and kings! Enter the stable to see animals up close as they keep the stable warm. You may drop in anytime for a tour. Join Asbury United Methodist Church on December 4th for a beautiful retelling of this wonderous story.
Swedish Christmas SMÖRGÅSBORD - The Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana College will serve its annual Julbord Dinner from 5-6:30 p.m. on December 5. Julbord in Swedish means “Christmas table.” After dinner, the annual Sankta Lucia Festival begins at 7 p.m. in nearby Ascension Chapel. Students perform traditional Swedish and Swedish-American songs and readings, while cookies and beverages are served.
Seasons of Light - The John Deere Planetarium at Augustana College will present its annual holiday program, “Season of Light,” on Dec. 10-16. The holiday planetarium shows will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and weekdays at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are required. The program is not recommended for children ages 7 and under. The planetarium is located at 820 38th St., Rock Island. Reservations can be made at https://seasonoflight2022.eventbrite.com. Doors open 15 minutes before each program. Late-comers will not be admitted.
Polar Express Pajama Party - You and your family will enjoy the magnificent holiday classic The Polar Express 3D on the GIANT Screen in the comfort of your PJs and take part in holiday activities for all ages, including face painting, hot chocolate bar, a make-n-take sleigh bell station, a souvenir Putnam ornament, and a lights-out adventure through the museum exhibits. Tickets go fast for showings on Dec. 15-18.
WWE Holiday Tour – Catch some action-packed fun for the holidays with the WWE Holiday Tour Supershow in Moline! Matt Riddle vs Seth ‘freakin’ Rollins in a street fight! Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus! Braun Strowman, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Bayley, Iyo Sky, and many more! Tickets start at $25 a seat, so get yours quick before the party starts on December 17th at 7:30pm!
Holiday Pop-Up MRDC Center - The holly jolliest bar in Iowa is coming back for 3 days in December! Join us for festive cocktails, snacks, decor, movies, music, activities, and more at our special three-day Pop-Up Bar. Don’t miss this special pop-up before it’s gone! The Holiday Pop-Up Bar at the MRDC Celebration Center goes from 5-9pm on December 21st and 22nd, then from 5-11pm on December 23rd with live music, and admission is free!
Holiday Performances
St. Anthony’s Christmas Concert - St. Anthony’s Catholic Church will be presenting their FREE Annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 4 at 3 PM! This concert will feature the English Choir performing traditional to contemporary selections dressed in Victorian Costumes to get you in the Christmas Spirit! This concert will also feature St. Anthony’s Ukulele Band performing songs that range from Joy to the World to the Chipmunks. The St. Anthony’s Youth Choir will be performing the fully staged and in costume Christmas Musical, ” Outstanding in their Field.”
Santa Claus the Musical - After 1,000 years of faithful service, Santa Claus has decided to retire. But not all the elves in Santa’s Workshop are too thrilled about his chosen replacement. With the help of his tech-savvy daughter, Beatrice, website designer Nick is in for the adventure of his life as he prepares to take over the reins to Santa’s sleigh … before the next Christmas! Jingle jam-packed with a sleigh full of fun, energetic, and original Christmas music, Santa Claus: The Musical is sure to put you and your entire family in the holiday spirit! The show runs from November 25th until December 18th, so there are plenty of chances to catch it!
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas - A Circa ’21 family favorite returns in this Irving Berlin classic! Two World War II vets, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, have become partners in a song-and-dance act after the war. Looking for love, they follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters to a gig at a lodge in Vermont, only to discover that the nearly-bankrupt lodge where they were hired to perform is owned by their former commanding general. This promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for all ages. White Christmas runs from November 23rd until December 30th.
Christmas at Augustana - Christmas at Augustana, presented by Quad City Bank & Trust, has thrilled audiences in what has become a highlight of the Augustana and Quad-Cities holiday season where more than 200 student musicians will take the stage to share their talents. Featuring performances by the Augustana Brass Ensemble, Ascension Ringers, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble and Augustana Concert Chorale. This holiday concert is not to be missed, with performances on December 3rd and 4th from 2pm to 4pm.
Quad Cities Saxophone Christmas - Start out your Christmas season with beautiful saxophone music performed by area saxophonists! The free Saxophone Christmas concert typically standing room only, so lawn chairs are welcome. Come out on December 3rd from 1-2pm and enjoy some sounds of the season!
Riverbend Bronze Christmas Concert - RiverBend Bronze uses over 300 handbells and chimes to present a program of beloved Christmas Carols from around the world and here at home. Visit First Lutheran Church on December 3rd from 2pm-3pm for a beautiful Christmas Concert experience.
The Nutcracker - Everyone’s favorite holiday performance can be seen on the Adler Theatre stage on December 10-11. Celebrate the holidays with an enchanted experience for the whole family. Be swept away on a journey to the land of sweets, as Orchestra Iowa & Ballet Quad Cities present The Nutcracker. Breathtaking sets, dazzling costumes, incredible dancers, and extraordinary music.
Holiday Brass - Ring in the holiday season with members of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion sections on December 10-11. Under the direction of Maestro Mark Russell Smith, the ensemble is joined by organist Chris Nelson to perform uplifting sections of classical and holiday favorites.
A Christmas Story The Musical - This musical - which received rave reviews on its Broadway run - is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on television every Christmas. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Performance Dates: December 2, 3, 9, 10 at 7:00pm and 4, 11 at 2:00pm at The Spotlight Theatre.
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 - The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, peace. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 Sunday 2:00 No show on the 16th. Dec. 8-17 at The Black Box Theatre.
A Christmas Carol - The Mockingbird’s new adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” will bring the world of Charles Dickens to life with a new whacky experience! It’s time for KSTT Davenport’s annual radio presentation of “A Christmas Carol” and a snow storm is about to ruin everything! If it can go wrong it does as two former vaudeville stars and a frazzled stage manager stumble to finish the world’s most beloved holiday tale! ”A Christmas Carol” opens December 9 at 8pm and performances will continue December 10, 15 and 16 at 8pm. Doors open at 7:30pm. The Mockingbird engages in a Pay What You Can model in an effort to make a night at the theatre affordable for all.
Magical Christmas - Come enjoy a Magical afternoon with family and friends at Central Theater downtown Geneseo, IL on Saturday December 17, from 1-4 pm. This Magical Christmas at Central Theater is open to the public! First enjoy the Magic of renowned Magician David Casas and his live on-stage Magic Show, followed by a quick meet and greet with some of the Magical Characters of the Christmas Season and Santa himself! Photo-Ops abound with Elfie Selfies as well as professional photography by Emma from Line of Sight Studio. But wait! The fun and magic is not over yet. There will be a Magical Christmas Movie for all to enjoy. The magic show is at 1pm, and the movie begins at 2:15 pm. Come for one or both! Everyone is invited to come enjoy this family friendly Magical Christmas Event. Admission is by donation, but seating is limited. Concessions will be available for purchase, and doors open at 12:45.
Check out the full event calendar for even more events.