See 600+ Animated Christmas Figurines at Manilla’s Christmas Animated Extravaganza (2026)
Sisters Pat Palmer, Ann Lockwood, and Mary Underwood have collected more than 600 animated Christmas figurines, and each holiday season they share their collection with visitors in Manilla, Iowa. For the 2026 holiday season, Manilla’s Christmas Animated Extravaganza is open Saturdays and Sundays from November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Weekday visits are also available by appointment.
More Iowa Christmas traditions to explore
- Christmas trees on Iowa’s Main Streets: Discover hometown traditions, including Manning’s tree in the street.
- Atlantic’s Lighted Christmas Parade: Find another western Iowa holiday outing to consider.
- Iowa’s best free Christmas lights: Browse more holiday stops throughout the state.
What is the Christmas Animated Extravaganza?
The display features more than 600 animated holiday figures, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Disney characters, angels, snowmen, dolls, and teddy bears. Visitors of all ages are welcome, and free cookie decorating is offered on most Saturdays.
Santa will also visit the display during the day on Saturday, December 5, 2026, when Manilla hosts its annual craft and vendor fair.
When and where is the Christmas Animated Extravaganza?
Location: 753 Main Street, Manilla, Iowa, on the lower level of Little Hawks Childcare Center. Use the entrance on the west side of the building. The display is wheelchair accessible.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Contact the organizers for daily hours.
Weekday visits: Available by appointment for families and groups.
Cookie decorating: Free cookie decorating is offered on most Saturdays.
For current hours, questions, or to arrange a group visit, contact Pat Palmer at 712-269-4217 or Ann Lockwood at 712-269-7709.
Follow Manilla’s Animated Extravaganza on Facebook for updates.
Make December 5 a Manilla Christmas road trip
Saturday, December 5, 2026, offers several reasons to spend the day in Manilla. Along with the animated display and a visit from Santa, you can shop the craft fair, pick up homemade Christmas cookies, and visit the decorated historic Klondike Hotel.
The Manilla Craft and Vendor Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with more than 150 tables spread across three Main Street locations: Manilla Memorial Hall, the wellness center, and Little Hawks Childcare Center. Admission to the fair is free.
Trinity Lutheran Church will also host its cookie walk, offering a chance to pick up homemade Christmas treats.
At the Klondike Hotel, the Manilla Area Historical Association will have vintage Christmas decorations on display and serve soups, sandwiches, and treats.
Visit the Klondike Hotel’s vintage Christmas display
The historic Klondike Hotel offers another stop to pair with the animated display. Maintained by the Manilla Area Historical Association, the building once served railroad passengers and crews staying overnight in Manilla. Today, it preserves local railroad, school, and community history.
This season, the hotel will feature vintage Christmas decorations. Open-house dates are December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20, 2026, plus January 9 and 10, 2027. Lunch will also be served on December 5.
For open-house hours and details, contact Doris Gross at 712-571-0018 or Nancy Kremin at 712-269-8492. Check the Manilla Area Historical Association’s Facebook page for updates.
