There is magic in Muscatine, especially at this time of year, with plenty of festive events bringing together families and friends, neighbors and visitors, to enjoy all that Muscatine has to offer.
Here are some of the events that should put you in the Christmas spirit by bringing joy to your heart and a smile to your face with music, decorating, and gift-giving. Be sure to shop local for those special presents that will appear under the tree on Christmas Day.
JINGLE AND MINGLE – A HOLIDAY STROLL
The first weekend of December brings an annual event that attracts thousands to Muscatine for a holiday block party like no other. “Jingle and Mingle – A Holiday Stroll” returns for the 2021 holiday season from 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, December 6.
Downtown Muscatine will be transformed into six blocks of holiday cheer including pictures with Santa by Tiny Tunes, photos with famous holiday characters from Disney’s Frozen presented by Ascentra Credit Union, free hot chocolate provided by Hy-Vee, live music, and much more.
The Community Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will kick off the evening’s activities at 5:30 p.m. The tree is located at MidwestOne Bank on East 2nd Street.
Over 30 businesses are participating, providing the perfect opportunity to shop downtown Muscatine’s unique retailers for the perfect holiday gift. Admissions and attractions are free to the public.
Two other events on Friday make the first Friday in December a great way to begin your holiday festivities, if you have not started already.
YOUTH CAN SEARCH FOR CANDY CANES IN RIVERSIDE PARK
The Muscatine riverfront is the place to be on Friday, Dec. 6, for some deliciously good fun with the annual Candy Cane Hunt. Hunters and spectators will gather outside of the Pearl City Station for the hunt that will begin at 6:00 p.m.
There will be an area for pre-kindergarten through first grade boys and girls and a second area designated for second through fourth grade girls and boys. The youthful hunters will be able to keep the sweet treats they find and receive a prize for each Candy Cane found. These hunters should also be on the lookout for some specially marked candy canes that can be redeemed for special toys inside Pearl City Station.
The Candy Cane Hunt will be held in the dark, so please bring a flashlight. A limited supply of flashlights will be available so please bring your own.
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR ON THE RIVERFRONT
Not least among the holiday events in Muscatine is, hopefully, the Friday, Dec. 6, premiere of a featured light and music presentation that has quickly became a holiday classic and a must see for Muscatine residents and visitors.
Musco Lighting has again partnered with Muscatine Power & Water (MPW) and the City of Muscatine to bring a musical light show to life featuring Muscatine’s Norbert F. Beckey Bridge.
The final touches are currently being made to the design of this year’s program while work is ongoing to replace the bridge lights that were removed last month for the bridge washing project. Crews were hopeful to have the lights back up before Dec. 6 but weather conditions may delay the relighting of the bridge. Stay tuned for more details.
The 2024 version will premiere, if possible, at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6, with residents able to tune in to 87.9 FM while parked in Riverside Park to listen to the special holiday music and watch the spectacular light show all from the warmth and convenience of their vehicles.
The program will run every day from 5:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. through January 3, 2025.
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS PRESENTED BY THE MUSCATINE SYMPHONY
For those looking for musical entertainment in, perhaps, a warmer location, the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra will present “Christmas with the Symphony” at 7 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 7) at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 400 Iowa Avenue, Muscatine.
Kick off the holiday season with a concert full of holiday classics, medleys, and a few surprises along the way. It is a perfect concert for the entire family and a wonderful introduction to the world of symphonic music for those who have never been to a concert. Admission is free with a donation of canned goods, new toys, or monetary gift.
For more information visit www.muscatinesymphony.org.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES
Experience the charm of Muscatine’s most beautiful and festively decorated homes during Habitat for Humanity’s Christmas Tour of Homesfundraising event from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 8.
Participants will have the opportunity to step inside several stunning residences and admire the creative and imaginative holiday decorations. This self-guided tour will provide inspiration for your own holiday decorating and leave you in awe of the talent and creativity within our community.
Ticket information available at www.muscatinehabitat.org or at Real Estate Resource Associates located at 100 W. 2nd St. Experience the charm of Muscatine’s most beautiful and festively decorated homes during Habitat for Humanity’s Christmas Tour of Homes event.
HEARTFELT AND HOMEMADE ORNAMENTS | FAMILY FESTIVAL AND MARKET
Jump start your holiday season with two exciting events just days apart at the Muscatine Art Center. Welcome December and give your holiday spirit a lift with a performance from Sunny Jain in the Muscatine Art Center Music Room beginning at 5:15 p.m. on December 5. Come back to the Muscatine Art Center from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 7 and join the family fun at the Family Festival & Market where you can visit vendors and purchase ornaments from the Heartfelt & Handmade Ornament Competition.
Join the family fun! During the vendor market, kids and families can also enjoy the holiday spirit! There will be a good-will donation hot chocolate bar, studio crafts for kids, and pictures with Santa! The Muscatine Art Center is decked out for the holidays, making this a must-see event! Admission to this event is free. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Muscatine Art Center and educational programs at the Muscatine Art Center. This year’s sponsors include HNI Corporation, SSAB, and Kay Chapman, CPA.
ELVES WORKSHOP AT THE MUSCATINE MALL DECEMBER 14
Santa and his elves are taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the North Pole, and now it is your turn to be an elf for a day from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, at the Muscatine Mall.
Children will visit Santa’s workshop to decorate crafts, make their very own holiday cards, participate in reindeer games and even talk to Saint Nick himself. Fun and games will be aplenty when the Muscatine Mall transforms into the North Pole.
The Elves Workshop is a FREE activity for children and families with no pre-registration required.
HANDCRAFTED CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSCATINE MALL
Come and join the Muscatine Area Farmers Market for their last and biggest event of the year.
There will be over 70 vendors for this year’s Handcrafted Christmas so come and find those unique handmade gifts and home baked goodies.
The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Muscatine Mall.
Be the first to comment