Happy December. The holiday season has officially arrived, and there are plenty of fun and festive events in the Quad Cities for any age to enjoy. Get out your calendar and start planning the holiday events that will get you in the Christmas spirit.

Deserted street in Quebec City decorated for Christmas
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Quad City Holiday Events:

Here is a quick list of events you can expect this December.

  • Swedish Christmas SMÖRGÅSBORD
  • Polar Express Pajama Party
  • WWE Holiday Tour
  • Santa Claus the Musical
  • The Nutcracker
  • AND SO MUCH MORE

Scroll down to view all the events.

Winter Nights Winter Lights ­- Now through Dec 11

"The Quad City Botanical Center is proud to announce the sixth annual Winter Nights Winter Lights Powered by MidAmerican Energy Company. The outdoor gardens will be in winter bloom with over 160,000 glowing lights, featuring new, entertaining experiences. Explore the Sun Garden, Children’s Garden, lawns, pond, and pocket gardens of our outdoor light exhibit as you experience their largest fundraiser of the year. New this year, visit the Conductors’ Garden for a dancing light show featuring a live recording from the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Bundle up, stroll the gardens at night and visit the outdoor events canopy for hot cocoa for purchase by Rozz-Tox, a Downtown Rock Island business we’re proud to partner with. Bring the kids for free crafts to make and take or plan your visit on one of these special event nights. The event runs now through December 11th from 5 pm – 9 pm." -VisitQC

 

 

Swedish Christmas SMÖRGÅSBORD - Dec 5

"The Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center at Augustana College will serve its annual Julbord Dinner from 5-6:30 p.m. on December 5. Julbord in Swedish means “Christmas table.” After dinner, the annual Sankta Lucia Festival begins at 7 p.m. in the nearby Ascension Chapel. Students perform traditional Swedish and Swedish-American songs and readings, while cookies and beverages are served." -VisitQC

Seasons of Light - Dec 10-16

"The John Deere Planetarium at Augustana College will present its annual holiday program, Season of Light, on Dec. 10-16. The holiday planetarium shows will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and on weekdays at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are required. The program is not recommended for children ages 7 and under. The planetarium is located at 820 38th St., Rock Island. Reservations can be made at https://seasonoflight2022.eventbrite.com. Doors open 15 minutes before each program. Latecomers will not be admitted." -VisitQC

Polar Express Pajama Party - Dec 15-18

"Enjoy the magnificent holiday classic The Polar Express 3D on the GIANT Screen in the comfort of your PJs and take part in holiday activities for all ages, including face painting, hot chocolate bar, a make-n-take sleigh bell station, a souvenir Putnam ornament, and a lights-out adventure through the museum exhibits. Tickets go fast for showings on Dec. 15-18."      -VisitQC

WWE Holiday Tour - Dec 17

"Catch some action-packed fun for the holidays with the WWE Holiday Tour Supershow in Moline! Matt Riddle vs Seth ‘freakin’ Rollins in a street fight! Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus! Braun Strowman, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Bayley, Iyo Sky, and many more! Tickets start at $25 a seat, so get yours quick before the party starts on December 17th at 7:30 pm!" -VisitQC

Holiday Pop-Up MRDC Center - Dec 21, 22 & 23

"The holly jolliest bar in Iowa is coming back for 3 days in December! Join us for festive cocktails, snacks, decor, movies, music, activities, and more at our special three-day Pop-Up Bar. Don’t miss this special pop-up before it’s gone! The Holiday Pop-Up Bar at the MRDC Celebration Center goes from 5-9 pm on December 21st and 22nd, then from 5-11 pm on December 23rd with live music, and admission is free!" -VisitQC

Holiday Performances

Santa Claus the Musical - Now until Dec 18

"After 1,000 years of faithful service, Santa Claus has decided to retire. But not all the elves in Santa’s Workshop are too thrilled about his chosen replacement. With the help of his tech-savvy daughter, Beatrice, website designer Nick is in for the adventure of his life as he prepares to take over the reins to Santa’s sleigh … before the next Christmas! Jingle jam-packed with a sleigh full of fun, energetic, and original Christmas music, Santa Claus: The Musical is sure to put you and your entire family in the holiday spirit! The show runs from November 25th until December 18th, so there are plenty of chances to catch it!" -VisitQC

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas - Now until Dec 30

"A Circa ’21 family favorite returns in this Irving Berlin classic! Two World War II vets, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have become partners in a song-and-dance act after the war. Looking for love, they follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters to a gig at a lodge in Vermont, only to discover that the nearly-bankrupt lodge where they were hired to perform is owned by their former commanding general. This promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for all ages. White Christmas runs from now until December 30th." -VisitQC

 

 

Quad Cities Tuba Christmas- Dec 10

The performance date and time is Saturday, December 10th at 2:00 PM. Performance is open to beginners to seasoned players. Rehearsal begins at 10 am, SouthPark Mall in an empty store space. Bring your own music stand.
Performance in front of Younkers. You can register at the event and purchase Tuba Christmas accessories and a music book at that time. For more information contact Griggs Music / West Music Davenport location, 3849 Brady St, Davenport, IA.
 The Nutcracker - Dec 10-11

"Everyone’s favorite holiday performance can be seen on the Adler Theatre stage on December 10-11. Celebrate the holidays with an enchanting experience for the whole family. Be swept away on a journey to the land of sweets, as Orchestra Iowa & Ballet Quad Cities present The Nutcracker. Breathtaking sets, dazzling costumes, incredible dancers, and extraordinary music." -VisitQC

Holiday Brass - Dec 10-11

"Ring in the holiday season with members of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion sections on December 10-11. Under the direction of Maestro Mark Russell Smith, the ensemble is joined by organist Chris Nelson to perform uplifting sections of classical and holiday favorites." -VisitQC

Magical Christmas - Dec 17

"Enjoy a Magical afternoon with family and friends at Central Theater downtown Geneseo, IL on Saturday, December 17, from 1-4 pm. This Magical Christmas at Central Theater is open to the public! First enjoy the Magic of renowned Magician David Casas and his live on-stage Magic Show, followed by a quick meet and greet with some of the Magical Characters of the Christmas Season and Santa himself! Photo-Ops abound with Elfie Selfies as well as professional photography by Emma from Line of Sight Studio. But wait! The fun and magic are not over yet. There will be a Magical Christmas Movie for all to enjoy. The magic show is at 1 pm, and the movie begins at 2:15 pm. Come for one or both! Everyone is invited to come to enjoy this family-friendly Magical Christmas Event. Admission is by donation, but seating is limited. Concessions will be available for purchase, and doors open at 12:45." -VisitQC

TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery

TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery in DeWitt, IA is allowing you to enjoy their patio during the winter months. Rent one of their heated igloos to enjoy their award-winning wine and wood-fired pizzas with your 7 closest wine friends.

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