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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Holiday event list for Fairfield area
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Pumpkin Lattes & Pilates: Social Sip & Shop
Sunday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Vitalbody Pilates & Movement Studio | Suite 22, Orpheum Theater
Celebrate the season with a cozy fall social at Vitalbody. Sip pumpkin lattes and chai from our Pumpkin Latte Bar, savor fresh baked treats, and explore curated wellness gifts perfect for holiday giving — from Pilates gear and apparel to supplements and Ayurvedic products.
Enjoy exclusive one-day offers, gift card specials, and meet our instructors in a warm, welcoming setting. Free and open to all; RSVP encouraged so we can prepare your perfect pour.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Annual Holiday Showcase
Sunday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jefferson County Fairgrounds – Cambridge Building
Shop local, support small businesses, and find one-of-a-kind gifts from amazing local vendors. Come and enjoy festive vibes, holiday cheer, and a day filled with community spirit. Let’s make this season merry and local!
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Thanksgiving at Wanderer’s Haul
Thursday, Nov. 27
Open from 2–8 p.m.
Serving Meal from 4–8 p.m.
Wanderer’s Haul, 206 S. Main St., Fairfield
Being open as a community space on Thanksgiving started two years ago to provide a place for those without somewhere to go for the holiday. This year, Wanderer’s Haul is serving its first Thanksgiving meal in the new kitchen. Kate will be preparing a variety of holiday-inspired dishes for a pay-what-you-may feast. Donations of food and kitchen help are welcome.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Nov. 28, 5:30 p.m.
Central Park
The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce continues its decades-old tradition of kicking off the holiday season with the Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony on the square.
Schedule:
5:30 p.m. – Fairfield High School Choir performs holiday music
6 p.m. – Lights turned on by Citizens of the Year, Diane Goudy and Werner Elmker
Highlights:
Santa arrives as the lights come on and will greet children in the Santa House
Free hot cocoa and cookies at the Santa House
Horse-drawn wagon rides around the square
Photos with Santa available each Friday and Saturday evening, 6–8:30 p.m., through the season
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
House of Virgo Black Friday Kids Pop-Up
Friday, Nov. 29, 8–4 p.m.
Inside The Wildflower Salon
Got clutter piling up? Bring your gently used kids’ toys, clothes, blankets, movies, baby gear, and more! We’re opening up our cozy 850 sq. ft. space to 6 consigners for the day. Just bring your items and display tables — we’ll provide the warm, welcoming space.
Contact Sierra Job at 319-931-0048 for more info or to reserve your spot.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Holiday Sing-Along
Saturday, Nov. 29, 3–4 p.m.
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center
Free Admission
Ring in the season with Fairfield’s cherished Holiday Sing-Along! Enjoy an afternoon of festive music featuring Dee Sandquist on organ, Doug Daller on piano, and special guests The Cherub Society, a youth choral ensemble from Fairfield Youth Performing Arts.
Sing along to beloved Christmas hymns and holiday favorites as lyrics are projected on the silver screen. Gather your friends, family, and neighbors for this joyful community celebration—filled with laughter, harmony, and the spirit of the season.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Crackin’ Good Time Sip & Paint
Thursday, Dec. 4, 6–8 p.m.
Addington Place of Fairfield
$35 entry, Ages 55+ paint free
Join Dora from That Paint and Pottery Place for a relaxed, creative evening of painting, sipping, and fun. All supplies are provided, and no experience is needed. Space is limited, so RSVPs are required.
Reserve your spot by calling Josie at 641-451-7517 by Nov. 30. Cash or Venmo accepted.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Ballet Des Moines’ The Nutcracker
Friday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center
Ballet Des Moines’ The Nutcracker returns to Fairfield to make this holiday season more magical than ever. This dazzling production blends stunning choreography, lavish costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to bring Clara’s enchanted journey to life. From the epic battle with the Mouse King to the glittering Land of Sweets, The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for the whole family.
With a cast of professional dancers and more than 40 local children featured in beloved scenes, this heartwarming production is truly a community celebration.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Christmas Open House and Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
300 N. Court St.
Visit the historic McElhinny House for their annual open house and bazaar. There will be lots of treats and crafts for sale, including their famous ham balls.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Fairfield Holiday Tour of Homes
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7
Unwrap the magic of the holiday season with our enchanting Christmas Tour of Homes.
Take in the beautiful holiday decor while visiting (in any order) the four homes on our tour. Make sure you also stop in at our Makers Market located at “The Gathering” space, 1309 S. Main, next to Miller Realty. Tickets are not necessary to shop.
Houses to be featured:
Michael and Rhonda Dorothy, 708 W. Harrison
Michael & Claudia Royer, 405 S. Main
Najah Dawaji, 51 E. Broadway (Condo)
Taryn Mottet, 1521 Lone Oak Cr.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Gingerbread House Party at the American Gothic House in Eldon
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2-3:30 p.m.
This free children’s Gingerbread “House” Party will include crafts and carnival-style games. Event will be held inside the American Gothic House and all supplies will be provided. Activities include build a cardboard gingerbread house, make an ornament, pin the tail on the reindeer, and nutcracker ring toss while supplies last.
The best part? Photos with Santa in front of an American Gothic House winter scene may be taken by participants. No preregistration is required. This is a come-and-go-as-you-please event.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
JC Huffman Ho Ho Ho Wholiday
Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 6–7; Dec. 20–21 (Saturday events are 4-7 p.m., and Sunday events are 1-4 p.m.)
Lincoln Center Event Venue
401 W Stone Ave, Fairfield, IA
Tickets: $15
The JC Huffman Ho Ho Ho Wholiday is back—bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. Step into a world of holiday wonder featuring visits with Santa, cookie decorating, and the exclusive 2025 JC Huffman Christmas ornament.
Meet The Grinch in the Whoville Toy Shop, explore the Magical World of Harry Potter (complete with Butterbeer and potion-making), and build your perfect hot chocolate at the cocoa bar. With photo ops around every corner, this is a holiday experience you won’t forget.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Jonas Magram’s 30th Annual Children’s Holiday Benefit Concert
Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, 200 S. Main St, Fairfield, IA
Admission: $15 at the door
Enjoy an evening of uplifting music for a good cause featuring performances by Jonas Magram, John Huff, LeAnne Edgeton, Steve and Michaela McLain, John Lake, Ming Vierra, Phil Marks, Michael Dugan, and Werner Elmker.
All proceeds benefit Golden Magnolia Sanctuary Community Kitchen, SIEDA Community Action, the Ottumwa Crisis Center and Women’s Shelter, and Save the Children.
For more information or to donate, email ChildrensHolidayBenefit@gmail.com.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Winter Faire at Singing Cedars School
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1–4 p.m.
2149 N. B Street, Fairfield, IA
Winter Faire is a cherished tradition at Singing Cedars. Join us for an afternoon of warmth and celebration as the school welcomes the season with community, creativity, and festive spirit.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Christmas Light Showdown
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, 4-9 p.m. both days
Rev up your holiday spirit and help us crown the champions of the Fairfield Christmas Light Showdown by hitting the streets and voting for the BEST Holiday light display in town.
Homeowners will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. And the public helps decide the winners.
Maps & Ballots will be available Dec. 11 for download on the Visitfairfieldiowa.com website. Ballots must be returned by 9 p.m. on Dec 14 to be counted in the contest.
Christmas Light Showdown sponsored by Mack’s Automotive of Fairfield.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Holiday Trade Fair
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13 (5-9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday)
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, 200 N Main St.
The Holiday Trade Fair is a one-stop holiday shopping event with over 60+ local and regional craftspeople, artisans, and importers offering unique gifts and creations.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Chamber Singers Holiday Concert
Presented by Chamber Singers of Southeast Iowa at Golden Magnolia, Fairfield
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14 (7:30 p.m. both days)
Celebrate the spirit of the season with song!
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
Christmas Eve Parade
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 5:30 p.m
Begins at the Fairfield Armory and ends at the Downtown Fairfield Square
Santa makes a special appearance in Fairfield before heading out on his whirlwind trip around the world. The parade starts at the Armory and makes its way to the Square, where families can greet Santa and share in the holiday cheer. A festive, family-friendly tradition that marks the magic of Christmas Eve in Fairfield.
(Courtesy of Fairfield365.com)
