Marion Festival of Trees and Lights
Visitors can wander through a winter wonderland showcasing dozens of custom-designed trees and wreaths crafted by local businesses, artists, and organizations. The celebration features holiday train rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and live entertainment with hourly performances. Guests can also browse a holiday market with gifts from dozens of regional artisans and makers.
What to Expect
Custom-decorated trees auctioned to benefit local community nonprofits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Gazette
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Accessibility: Offers a sight, sound, and mobility-friendly experience during Senior & Sensory Day.
Tips & Advice
- Come on Friday, November 13, for Senior & Sensory Day if you want a sight-, sound- and mobility-friendly visit to the trees.
- Plan a weekend visit for the holiday train rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, hourly performances and craft activities alongside the decorated trees.
- Bring your gift list, since more than 45 Iowa vendors sell local holiday gifts at the market during the Weekend Celebration.
- Place a bid in the tree auction, which runs through festival week and sends a share of proceeds to Central Furniture Rescue.
- Bring along an item for the festival's product drive while you visit the trees, since this year's donations go to HACAP.
Special Events & Promotions
- Senior & Sensory Day on Friday, November 13, with a sight-, sound- and mobility-friendly experience.
- Weekend Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15, with holiday train rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, hourly performances and craft activities.
- The tree auction runs all festival week, and this year's proceeds benefit Central Furniture Rescue.
- This year's product drive donations go to HACAP.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Senior & Sensory Day?
It's on Friday, November 13. The festival is set up as a sight-, sound- and mobility-friendly experience that day.
What is there to do at the Weekend Celebration?
On Saturday and Sunday there are holiday train rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hourly performances, craft activities and the themed trees and wreaths.
Can I shop for gifts?
Yes. The holiday market has more than 45 Iowa vendors selling local holiday gifts during the Weekend Celebration.
Can I buy one of the decorated trees?
The trees are auctioned off during festival week. This year a share of the auction proceeds goes to Central Furniture Rescue.
How can I volunteer, sponsor or become a vendor?
Volunteers can sign up through the festival's volunteer page. For sponsorships and market vendor spots, contact Amy McKelvy at The Gazette (amy.mckelvy@thegazette.com, 319.398.8351).
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