Fairfield is overflowing with holiday cheer

Take a trip to Fairfield for some holiday fun this winter season.

Festive Fairfield, Iowa, is the perfect spot for Christmas lovers to get into the holiday spirit! The massive lighting ceremony kicks off the season, and the town square is decked out with vintage decorations that'll take you back in time. You'll even spot some vintage reindeer circling the gazebo. But that's not all! You'll want to visit Santa in his workshop and stop into the charming shops around the town square for some festive shopping. It's the perfect setting for a small-town Christmas that'll make you feel like you've come home. Holiday-loving travelers, look no further! Festive Fairfield is calling your name!

Nov. 24: Lighting Ceremony

Downtown Fairfield at 6 p.m.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of anticipation that comes with waiting for the holiday tree lighting in your hometown. The Fairfield Square has become host to many holiday traditions over its long history, but none is more eagerly anticipated than the annual celebration when families gather to watch the Square come to life. Lights turn on at 6 p.m., and will come on every night between now and Christmas.

Nov. 24-Dec. 23: Santa in his House

Following the lighting ceremony on Nov. 24, Santa will be waiting for you in his house on the Square where you can get your photo taken with him. After that, walk over to his workshop and add your photo to an ornament.

Santa will be at his house every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 24 through Dec. 23 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Nov. 24: Ho Ho Ho Wholiday

Here's a family-friendly event that will bring a light-hearted smile to everyone's face! Every corner of Whoville has a story waiting to be told and the folds at JC Huffman Cabinetry are going to let you participate in those stories! Experience festive decorations, visits with Santa, refreshments and a few surprises!

- Free Photo with Santa: A memory for keeps!

- Free 2023 Ornament: Commemorate this magical year.

- Free Hot Cocoa: Warm your spirits at this inside event.

- Mrs. Claus Bakery: Indulge in festive delicacies.

- Photo Opportunities Galore in our Wholiday Village: Capture the joy!

- Whoville Toy Shop: Rediscover the child in you.

- ... and so much more that awaits your discovery.

This event will be every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 24 through Dec. 22 from 5:30-8 p.m. at 3100 W. Burlington Ave.

Nov. 25: Irish Christmas in America

7:30 p.m. Fairfield Arts & Convention Center

The hugely popular Irish Christmas in America show features top Irish music, song, and dance in an engaging performance rich in humor and boundless energy.

Nov. 25-Dec. 31: Carnegie Christmas Tree Lane

Festive Holiday trees will line the east and south side of the Carnegie Museum. Each tree will be in honor of a family member or friend. Corner of Court & Washington.

Dec. 1-2: Shop & Be Merry

Join Fairfield shops for festive sales and events. From gifts for home, grandmas, babies, and even those hard to buy for people in your life, Fairfield shops are ready to help make this holiday one of your best! Our participating shops are ready to make your holiday sparkle.

Dec. 1: Fairfield First Fridays Art Walk

Downtown Fairfield, 6-9 p.m.

Now that Downtown Fairfield has transformed into a twinkling wonderland, grab your friends and family to celebrate the magic of the season. At the heart of the First Fridays event, a beautiful horse-drawn carriage will be waiting patiently to carry you around the square. With each gentle clip-clop of hooves, along with carolers and festive shoppers, the magic of the season will come alive!

Dec. 2: Christmas Light Showdown Cruise

Rev up your holiday spirit and hit the streets in style! The Fairfield Christmas Light Showdown Cruise is not your average neighborhood competition - it's a dazzling spectacle that turns our town into a winter wonderland on wheels!

Picture this: streets aglow with twinkling lights, homes transformed into magical displays, and cars decked out in festive splendor. It's a merry motorcade of creativity, where every corner is a canvas of holiday cheer!

As you embark on this twinkling tour, you'll be the judge of the most fabulous festive homes in town. Your mission? Choose the ones that make your heart skip a beat, and help us crown the champions of the Fairfield Christmas Light Showdown!

Plus, there's more than just bragging rights at stake. With cash prizes up for grabs, the competition is fierce! Will you help decide who takes home the top honors?

So, grab your Santa hats, jingle your bells, and join us for a night of pure holiday magic.

Pick up your map and ballot at the Visit Fairfield Office, 107 N Main St on Saturday Dec 2 between 4-7:30. Ballots must be returned by 8 PM to be counted in the contest. Winners will be announced at 9 PM, Dec 2.

Christmas Light Showdown sponsored by Mack's Automotive of Fairfield.

Dec. 2-3: Holiday Tour of Homes

Step into a Winter Wonderland of Elegance! Unwrap the magic of the holiday season with our enchanting Christmas Tour of Homes!

Picture this: a curated journey through beautifully decorated homes, each one transformed into a festive masterpiece that will leave you breathless. For those with a passion for decking the halls, this tour is your golden ticket to a treasure trove of ideas! Immerse yourself in a world of creativity and be inspired to craft your own winter wonderland.

Limited Tickets Available; Tickets are $15 in advance.

Hours are Saturday, Dec. 2 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 3 noon to 3 p.m.

Dec. 9-10: Chamber Singers Holiday Concert

The Chamber Singers of Southeast Iowa are planning their holiday concerts on Dec. 9 and 10 at the Golden Magnolia Sanctuary in Fairfield.

Dec. 14-16: Nutcracker Ballet

The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center.

Times: Dec. 14-15 at 7:30 PM, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.

Dec. 24: Rotary Christmas Eve Parade

The Rotary Club of Fairfield will host its annual Christmas Eve Parade, which will travel through town beginnin at the Armory and ending on the Fairfield Square, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will welcome children to visit with them in their sleigh.

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