Hawkeye Downs Santa Village
Hosted inside the North Expo Hall, this indoor holiday festival offers activities for all ages. Visitors can play Peppermint Putt Putt Golf, explore the holiday market, pose at themed selfie stations, and make crafts or write letters to Santa. Children can enjoy inflatable play zones and listen to stories at the community reading corner.
What to Expect
Free indoor holiday village with mini golf, inflatables, crafts, and Santa visits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Hawkeye Downs, Inc.
Food & Drink
Concessions for purchase include hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, and other snacks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and playful
Energy Level
Low
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is free; no ticket or registration is required. Photos with Santa at Santa’s Workshop cost $5. Wristbands for unlimited inflatable play and individual inflatable tickets are available for purchase nightly Pet Day photos with Santa cost $5.
- Hours: Fridays: 6:00pm to 9:00pm; Saturdays: 1:00pm to 9:00pm; Sundays: 1:00pm to 6:00pm.
- Accessibility: On Sensory-Friendly Day (Sunday, December 13), activities are adapted to reduce sounds and motion, and a calming space is open all day.
- Pets: Dogs are invited to Santa Village on Pet Day, December 20, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Dogs only; current vaccinations and proof on request are required. Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet and be controlled by their owner or handler. Dogs may not be held by Santa or sit on Santa’s lap.
Tips & Advice
- Pick up a gift tag from the Iowa Humane Alliance tree on any visit before December 20, then bring the wish-list gift back on Pet Day.
- Bring your dog's vaccination records to Pet Day, because proof of Rabies, Parvo, Distemper and Bordetella shots can be requested during your visit.
- Buy an inflatables wristband if your kids plan to play a lot, since it covers unlimited play compared with individual tickets.
- Download the Santa Visit Guide before Sensory-Friendly Day to help prepare someone with autism or sensory processing needs for their visit.
- Come on a Friday in December for the free Game Night, held in Santa Village on December 4, 11 and 18.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free Game Nights on Fridays, December 4, 11 and 18
- Santa's Music Factory: live music with Santa and his elves on Saturday evenings
- Sunday Reading Corner: local celebrities read holiday favorites by the fireplace on Sunday afternoons, free for all ages
- Sensory-Friendly Day on Sunday, December 13, with reduced sounds and motion and a calming space
- Pet Day on Sunday, December 20: holiday photos of dogs with Santa, with the Iowa Humane Alliance
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Santa Village?
There are photos with Santa at Santa's Workshop, a Craft & Coloring Station, a Letters to Santa Station and a Community Reading Corner. You'll also find selfie stations, a holiday market, Peppermint Putt Putt Golf and inflatables for kids.
How do the inflatables work?
The elves run inflatable play for kids. Each night you can buy a wristband for unlimited play or individual inflatable tickets.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. Hawkeye Downs sells concessions including hot cocoa, cookies, coffee and other snacks.
Can I bring my dog?
Only on Pet Day, Sunday, December 20, and only dogs. Vaccinations must be current: Rabies, Parvo, Distemper and Bordetella. Bring proof in case you're asked. You'll sign in with your name, phone number and vet's name. Dogs stay on a leash six feet or shorter and can't sit on Santa's lap.
How can I get involved?
Hawkeye Downs is looking for holiday market vendors (one per product or craft type), sponsors, community marketing partners and volunteers. Groups who want to visit can also get in touch through the contact form.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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