Get set for a holiday adventure in Davenport with our guide. Discover all the exciting festive happenings.
Start your celebration with the Festival of Trees, where you can marvel at beautifully decorated trees and seasonal displays. Don't miss the charming vibe and local crafts at Christmas in LeClaire, known for its unique shopping experiences. And the Winter Nights, Winter Lights is something you definitely don’t want to miss with its breathtaking light displays illuminating the Botanical Center. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Davenport
See these and even more events listed below!Davenport Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Traveling concert on a beautifully lit train
Description:
A brilliantly illuminated locomotive rolls into Davenport, bringing live music and holiday cheer. This unique event combines rail history with contemporary entertainment, as the train's boxcar transforms into a mobile stage. Local food banks benefit from this traveling spectacle, which has raised millions since its inception in 1999. Spectators can enjoy a free concert by acclaimed musicians while admiring the train's elaborate light display. The Holiday Train's arrival has become a highly anticipated moment in Davenport's winter calendar.
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Davenport Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees by local artists and organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms Davenport into a forest of creativity. Hundreds of uniquely adorned trees showcase the artistic talents of local designers and community groups. Visitors can marvel at the intricate ornaments and innovative themes, each telling a different story. The event originated in 1986 as a fundraiser for Quad City Arts, reflecting the area's commitment to supporting local culture. Stroll through the dazzling displays and vote for your favorite tree, participating in a cherished Quad Cities tradition.
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Christmas at the Village
What to Expect:
Living history Christmas celebration at a pioneer village
Description:
Step into a 19th-century Christmas at Davenport's Pioneer Village. Historical reenactors bring to life the holiday customs of early settlers, demonstrating traditional crafts and cooking methods. The village, a testament to the area's rich pioneer heritage, offers an authentic glimpse into past celebrations. Visitors can try their hand at making Victorian-era ornaments or sample heritage recipes. Candlelit paths lead through rustic cabins and workshops, each offering a different aspect of pioneer holiday life.
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Nearby Events
Christmas in LeClaire (LeClaire)
What to Expect:
19th-century riverboat town Christmas experience
Description:
LeClaire's historic riverfront comes alive with 19th-century holiday charm. This quaint Mississippi River town, birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody, offers a glimpse into Christmases past. Costumed interpreters roam the streets, sharing tales of yuletide traditions from the steamboat era. The air fills with the aroma of roasted chestnuts as visitors explore antique shops and boutiques. You can join a guided tour of LeClaire's historic homes, each decked out in period-appropriate holiday decor, for an authentic step back in time.
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Winter Nights, Winter Lights (Rock Island)
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations in a botanical center
Description:
Rock Island's Quad City Botanical Center transforms into a luminous winter spectacle. Cutting-edge light installations create an immersive experience, blending technology with nature. Visitors can interact with responsive light displays, creating their own illuminated art. The event showcases the center's commitment to innovative horticultural experiences, even in the coldest months. Wander through glowing gardens and illuminated conservatories, discovering how light and plant life intertwine in this unique after-dark adventure.
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Christmas Walk (Geneseo)
What to Expect:
Town-wide Victorian-themed Christmas celebration
Description:
Geneseo transforms into a Victorian-era Christmas card come to life. The entire town participates in this immersive event, with storefronts and homes decorated in 19th-century style. Horse-drawn carriage rides clop through streets lined with gas lamps, while carolers in period costume serenade passersby. You can join a guided tour of historic homes, each showcasing different aspects of Victorian holiday traditions. This event, rooted in Geneseo's rich history, has been a community staple for over four decades.
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Jingle Java Jam (Bettendorf)
What to Expect:
Coffee-themed holiday music festival
Description:
Bettendorf's Jingle Java Jam combines the warmth of coffee culture with the joy of holiday music. Local cafes and roasters showcase their finest brews alongside performances by regional musicians. The event celebrates the Quad Cities' thriving coffee scene, which has grown significantly in recent years. Visitors can sample a variety of specialty holiday-themed coffees while enjoying live acoustic sets. The aroma of freshly ground beans mingles with the sound of guitars and vocals, creating a unique sensory experience.
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Christmas on the Prairie (Long Grove)
What to Expect:
Prairie-themed Christmas celebration highlighting pioneer traditions
Description:
Long Grove's Christmas on the Prairie offers a distinctive Midwestern holiday experience. This event showcases the resilience and creativity of early prairie settlers during the winter months. Demonstrations of traditional skills like candle-making and quilting provide insight into pioneer life. Visitors can participate in a prairie-style barn dance, complete with folk music and simple dances from the era. The celebration highlights Long Grove's agricultural heritage, connecting modern residents with the spirit of their pioneering ancestors.