Iowa’s Best Holiday Markets (2026)
Holiday shopping is more fun when you can turn it into an Iowa road trip. These Christmas markets, craft fairs, and seasonal celebrations offer opportunities to browse handmade gifts, enjoy holiday treats, and explore a different community.
Here are the 2026 dates and visiting details for markets across Iowa. Some are free, while others require admission. Check the linked official pages before leaving home for ticket information and schedule changes.
The photos throughout this guide show previous market visits.
More ways to plan an Iowa Christmas outing
- Jingle in the Junction: Explore holiday shopping at the local businesses in Valley Junction.
- Iowa’s Christmas tree farms: Find a farm visit to add to your holiday traditions.
- Iowa’s best free Christmas lights: Look for an evening lights stop after a day of shopping.
Des Moines Holiday Boutique
When: November 6–8, 2026.
- Friday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: EMC Expo Center, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines.
Admission: Ages 13 and older are $14 at the door. Advance online admission is $12 plus a $1 service fee through November 5. Children 12 and younger are free.
Browse gifts, clothing, jewelry, and home décor at this indoor holiday shopping event.
Corridor Market: Holiday Edition in Coralville
When: November 20–21, 2026.
- Friday: 2–9 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center, Coralville.
An indoor holiday market featuring vendors and makers, with time to browse on Friday evening or Saturday.
Admission: Check the organizer’s current announcement for pricing and payment requirements.
Beaverdale Holiday Boutique in Des Moines
When: November 13–14, 2026.
- Friday: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Holy Trinity Catholic School, 2926 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines.
The 49th annual boutique brings together artisans, crafters, and vendors selling gifts, clothing, and home décor.
Admission: Check the event’s current admission and payment details before attending.
Official Beaverdale Holiday Boutique information
Festival of Trees & Lights in Des Moines
When: November 27–29, 2026.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, 833 5th Avenue, Des Moines.
Admission: $10 per person; children 2 and younger are free. The event is cashless.
Explore decorated trees, performances, children’s activities, and the Festival Gift Shop. This holiday outing benefits Blank Children’s Hospital.
Prelude to Christmas in the Amana Colonies
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, December 4–20, 2026.
Where: Locations throughout all seven villages of the Amana Colonies.
Prelude to Christmas combines holiday shopping, seasonal foods, music, and activities celebrating the community’s German-American heritage. It’s a broader holiday celebration rather than a single market.
Hours and admission: Vary by activity. Check the schedule for individual locations, reservations, and any ticketed experiences.
While planning your Amana visit, check the dates for Tannenbaum Forest.
Reiman Gardens Holiday Market in Ames
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Reiman Gardens, Ames.
Combine holiday shopping with a visit to the gardens. The event includes art, food, vendors, and access to attractions such as the butterfly wing and RG Express Train Exhibit.
Admission: Included with regular garden admission. Free for Reiman Gardens members and ISU students.
Holiday Vendor and Craft Fair, Davenport
Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair in Davenport
When: November 21–22, 2026.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Fair Center Building, Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 West Locust Street, Davenport.
Browse an indoor craft and vendor fair during the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Admission: Check with the organizer for current admission information.
Holiday Collections Craft Fair in Sioux City
When: November 21–22, 2026.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Tyson Events Center, Sioux City.
Shop holiday gifts and decorating ideas from local and regional exhibitors.
Admission: Tickets are available online or at the door. Ages 12 and younger are free. Check the ticket link for current adult pricing.
Parking: Free parking is available in the Tyson Events Center lots.
Kerstmarkt: Pella’s Dutch Christmas Market
When: December 3–5, 2026.
- Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Molengracht Plaza, 700 Main Street, Pella.
Browse artisan booths beside Pella’s canal, enjoy seasonal food and warm drinks, and explore a market inspired by Christmas traditions in the Netherlands.
See photos and planning tips in our Pella Kerstmarkt guide.
Old World Christmas Market in Cedar Rapids
When: December 5–6, 2026.
- Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids.
Admission: Free, including admission to the museum galleries during the event.
This European-inspired market brings together handcrafted items, seasonal treats, entertainment, and activities.
A Merry Millwork Market in Dubuque
When: December 4–5, 2026.
Where: Historic Millwork District, Dubuque.
An outdoor holiday shopping experience featuring local handmade vendors in Dubuque’s historic district. Dress for the weather and leave time to explore the surrounding area.
Hours and admission: Check the organizer’s current announcement before visiting.
A Merry Millwork Market on Facebook
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
When: December 3–6 and December 10–13, 2026.
- Thursdays: 5–9 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines.
Admission: Free.
Enjoy a European-style Christmas market with artisan gifts, traditional foods, entertainment, and warm Glühwein. Some vendors attend only one weekend, so check the lineup if you have a particular booth in mind.
Take a closer look in our Christkindlmarket Des Moines guide.
Holiday Thieves Market in Coralville
When: December 5–6, 2026.
- Saturday: Noon–6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Expo Hall, Coralville.
Admission: Free.
A longtime Iowa City-area tradition, Holiday Thieves Market features fine art and handmade gifts. Despite its Iowa City connections, the event venue is in Coralville.
Winter Solstice Market in Winterset
When: December 11–12, 2026.
- Friday: 5–9 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Two indoor locations near Winterset’s courthouse square:
- Winterset Livery, 116 South 1st Avenue.
- Warehouse on 2nd, 213 North 2nd Avenue.
Admission: Free.
Browse approximately 40 curated arts, crafts, and food vendors. With two locations, it’s also an opportunity to walk downtown and visit Winterset’s shops.
Anything like this in the west of Iowa ?