Christmas is getting closer. Hooray! If you love Christmas, you no doubt have your bucket list for the holidays well under way. Now, here’s another thing to add to that list: a super fun road trip that will get you into the Christmas spirit like nothing else. This magical road trip will take you through Iowa’s most charming Christmas towns.
You can find the Google map of the route here.
Google Maps
- Le Mars
Facebook/Le Mars Iowa Le Mars is home to the magical Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland, with plenty of festive activities, like horse-drawn sleigh rides, a live nativity scene and live music. Add marshmallows and hot chocolate around a campfire in the snow to the agenda, and you can’t go wrong. The village is open on Saturday, December 10th, and Sunday, December 11th, at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds. 500 4th Ave. NE, Le Mars, IA.
- Orange City
Facebook/Dutch Heritage Boosters, Orange City, IA Orange City is a unique place to visit during the Christmas season, due to its Dutch heritage. With a town-wide holiday lighting contest, a Christmas parade on December 10th, and a charming downtown area, there’s plenty of Christmas charm to soak in.
- Storm Lake
Facebook/Santa’s Castle Storm Lake, Iowa Storm Lake has Santa’s Castle in the historic Carnegie Library that is a fun stop. At the castle, you can meet Santa Claus, see animated elves, browse antique Christmas toys and gifts and more. It is open through December 29th on select days and times. 200 E 5th Street.
- Amana
Facebook/Tannenbaum Forest The Amanas are fun to visit no matter what time of year it is, but during the holiday season, it’s even more charming. Browse through all of the shops, go to the Tannenbaum Forest (through December 18th, Friday through Sunday), and make sure to visit the Christmas room at the General Store, at 4423 220th Trail.
- Fairfield
Facebook/City of Fairfield, Iowa Government Fairfield’s town square is a truly magical place during the Christmas season, and there are many holiday events to take part in. To find out more about Fairfield’s annual events, click here.
- Villages of Van Buren
Facebook/Villages of Van Buren The Villages of Van Buren are truly magical during the holidays. The shops are all decked out in holiday decorations, and the historic buildings offer plenty of charm as you wander through the villages. Plus, there are plenty of activities to check out throughout December. To see a calendar of events, click here
- Winterset
Facebook/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Winterset is a magical place to be during the Christmas season. With all of the charming shops downtown, the amazing city park and a tour of the snow-covered bridges of Madison County, you’ll definitely be charmed.
- Walnut
Facebook/Fans of Walnut, Iowa’s “Antique City” Walnut is Iowa’s antique city, so not only is it full of charming shops, but it’s a great excuse to look for unique Christmas gifts. The shops lit up with lights and the giant Christmas tree downtown are sure to add to the festive spirit of the holidays.
Interested in more fun holiday activities in Iowa? It’s Not Christmas In Iowa Until You Do These 11 Enchanting Things.
Google Maps
Facebook/Le Mars Iowa
Le Mars is home to the magical Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland, with plenty of festive activities, like horse-drawn sleigh rides, a live nativity scene and live music. Add marshmallows and hot chocolate around a campfire in the snow to the agenda, and you can’t go wrong. The village is open on Saturday, December 10th, and Sunday, December 11th, at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds. 500 4th Ave. NE, Le Mars, IA.
Facebook/Dutch Heritage Boosters, Orange City, IA
Orange City is a unique place to visit during the Christmas season, due to its Dutch heritage. With a town-wide holiday lighting contest, a Christmas parade on December 10th, and a charming downtown area, there’s plenty of Christmas charm to soak in.
Facebook/Santa’s Castle Storm Lake, Iowa
Storm Lake has Santa’s Castle in the historic Carnegie Library that is a fun stop. At the castle, you can meet Santa Claus, see animated elves, browse antique Christmas toys and gifts and more. It is open through December 29th on select days and times. 200 E 5th Street.
Facebook/Tannenbaum Forest
The Amanas are fun to visit no matter what time of year it is, but during the holiday season, it’s even more charming. Browse through all of the shops, go to the Tannenbaum Forest (through December 18th, Friday through Sunday), and make sure to visit the Christmas room at the General Store, at 4423 220th Trail.
Facebook/City of Fairfield, Iowa Government
Fairfield’s town square is a truly magical place during the Christmas season, and there are many holiday events to take part in. To find out more about Fairfield’s annual events, click here.
Facebook/Villages of Van Buren
The Villages of Van Buren are truly magical during the holidays. The shops are all decked out in holiday decorations, and the historic buildings offer plenty of charm as you wander through the villages. Plus, there are plenty of activities to check out throughout December. To see a calendar of events, click here
Facebook/Madison County Chamber of Commerce
Winterset is a magical place to be during the Christmas season. With all of the charming shops downtown, the amazing city park and a tour of the snow-covered bridges of Madison County, you’ll definitely be charmed.
Facebook/Fans of Walnut, Iowa’s “Antique City”
Walnut is Iowa’s antique city, so not only is it full of charming shops, but it’s a great excuse to look for unique Christmas gifts. The shops lit up with lights and the giant Christmas tree downtown are sure to add to the festive spirit of the holidays.
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