Reflections in the Park
Through Thursday, January 1
5-10 PM @ Louis Murphy Park
Hillcrest Family Services’ annual lights festival. Visit Hillcrest-FS.org.
Early Explorers: U is for Upside-Down Jellyfish
Saturday and Tuesday, December 2 & 6
10-11 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Programs include a variety of hands-on activities, including a craft and a game. Ages 2-5 with a parent/caregiver. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Tree Ceremony Lighting
Wednesday, December 3
6-7:30 PM @ Hotel Julien Dubuque Lobby
Attend the lobby Christmas tree unveiling. Enjoy Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, music, a visit from Santa Claus, and a live tree-lighting ceremony during this popular family event. Visit HotelJulienDubuque.com.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Friday through Sunday, December 5-7
Friday & Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ The Grand Opera House
Mister Grinch takes center stage in this stage adaptation. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Live Music & Events Featuring Various Artists
December 5-26 @ O So Good Winery, 2093 20th Ave., SE (Dyersville, IA)
Come for live music, food, and events throughout the month. Gather with friends and have a fun evening with a favorite glass of wine or try something new. Check out the website for all upcoming events. Visit OSoGoodWinery.com.
First Fridays
Friday, December 5
@ Various Locations in Dubuque
First Fridays is a free downtown monthly community arts event with open galleries, artists’ studios, and live entertainment. Visit FirstFridaysDubuque.org.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
Thursday through Sunday, December 5 through 21 @ Bell Tower Theater
Tired of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic year after year, three actors decide instead to perform every Christmas story ever told. This madcap romp through the holiday season will have you in stitches. See website for show dates/times. Visit BellTowerTheater.net.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 6
9-11 AM @ Hotel Julien Grande Ballroom
Enjoy a delightful Breakfast with Santa. Bring the little ones to meet the man in red and enjoy a breakfast buffet. Watch their faces light up as they share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus himself. Children eat free with a donation of a $15 unwrapped toy donation for Toys For Tots. Visit HotelJulienDubuque.com.
Scuba Santa
Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7
12-1 PM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Santa is making his annual stop at the River Museum and will be diving in the Gulf of Mexico exhibit. Grab your family and friends for photos. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
DSO: Holiday Family
Saturday, December 6 @ 1 PM
Five Flags Theater
Enjoy holiday tunes including carols, selections from The Nutcracker, and more with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO). The special one-hour family program features the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choir, members of the Heartland Ballet, and vocalists Chrystina Morteo-Bowman and Leslie Shalabi. Complimentary photos with Santa post-concert. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Holiday Luminary & Christmas Lights
Saturday, December 6
5:30-9 PM @ Knob Hill Neighborhood
The Knob Hill neighborhood will decorate their walks and homes with luminaries for Christmas. This is a drive or walk-through event; enter Knob Hill & Fremont Streets and follow the signs. Parking is available at LDS Church, 685 Fremont, for those wanting to walk. For more information, email Angie@TravelHeadquarters.Travel.
DSO: Holiday Concert
Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7
Saturday, 7:30 PM; Sunday, 2 PM @ Five Flags Theater
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is joined by the Dubuque Chorale, members of the Heartland Ballet, and vocal soloists Chrystina Morteo-Bowman and Leslie Shalabi in an enchanting collection of holiday favorites. Visit DubuqueSymphony.org.
Waffles with Santa
Sunday, December 7
7:30 AM @ Camp Albrecht Acres, 14837 Sherrill Rd. (Sherrill, IA)
Camp Albrecht Acres will host its popular Waffles with Santa breakfast again this year. The breakfast will feature all-you-can-eat waffles, meat, juice, milk, and coffee. And, of course, Santa will make an appearance to take photos with the children and families. For more information, email Dustin.Kass@gmail.com.
Homeschool Days
Thursday, December 11 @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Homeschool Days are held the second Thursday through February. Visit RiverMuseum.org.
Birding in Panama
Thursday, December 11
7-8 PM @ EB Lyons Interpretive Center
Mary Leigh will share information and photos from her birding trips to Panama over the past three years. She has been to the Canopy Family locations (Tower, Lodge, and Camp), all of which offer great birding opportunities that include guides, meals, and transportation. Visit AudubonDubuque.org.
Middle School Art Adventures
Saturday, December 13
10 AM-12 PM
Instructor: Jess Ochoa. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
High School Art Workshops
Saturday, December 13
10 AM-12 PM
Instructor: Zoë Couvillion. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
Meet the Grinch
Saturday, December 13
10 AM-12 PM @ Home+FloorShow
He’s back… and just as grumpy as ever. Snap a photo with the Grinch, enjoy festive treats, and sip on seasonal beverages. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holidays with a little fun (and maybe a little mischief). For more information, email EvaSchmid@Lotus-Marketing.net.
Grades 3-5 Art Adventures
Saturday, December 13
1-2:30 PM @ Bluff Strokes Art Center
Instructor: Brie Nadermann. Visit BluffStrokes.org.
The Nutcracker
Friday and Saturday, December 13, 19 & 20, 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 14 & 21, 2 PM @ The Grand Opera House
The Dubuque City Youth Ballet presents this annual Dubuque Christmas tradition inspired by Dubuque. Whirling snowflakes and waltzing flowers frame this beloved holiday classic. Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker battle the dreadful Mouse King in a nightmare that becomes a beautiful dream. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
Merry & Bright: Dinner & A Movie Night
Sunday, December 14
4-6:30 PM @ Hotel Julien Dubuque
Come see Jim Carrey’s The Grinch! Experience a night where cinema meets cuisine, enjoying a specially crafted multi-course dinner inspired by the iconic moments and mischievous magic of the movie. Plus, a special appearance by the Grinch himself.
Visit HotelJulienDubuque.com.
A Very Merry Trivia Night
Tuesday, December 16 @ Hotel Julien Dubuque
Come for a night of festive fun, themed trivia rounds, and cheerful competition. Enjoy holiday cocktails, prizes for top teams and the best ugly sweaters. Check the website for time. Visit HotelJulienDubuque.com.
She Unites
Wednesday, December 17
6:30–7:30 PM @ The Innovation Lab, 210 Jones St.
Come together for an evening of socialization and education. She Unites features rotating speakers talking about anything and everything pertaining to women in a chill environment. Visit SheUnitesIowa.com/events.
Riders in the Sky – Christmas the Cowboy Way
Saturday, December 20
7:30 PM @ Five Flags Theatre
Hear the Christmas Yodel resounding. It’s a big western ho-ho-ho from those wacky, four-part harmonizing cowboys that created a holiday musical fantasy for all ages. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.
On Fire: The Jerry Lee Lewis Story
Wednesday, December 31
7 PM @ Ohnward Fine Arts Center (Maquoketa, IA)
On Fire: The Jerry Lee Lewis story features David Brooks who will reprise his iconic performance as Jerry Lee Lewis from “The Million Dollar Quartet.” Brooks is Branson’s favorite piano man performer who captivates audiences with his brash style and bold presence on stage. Visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Sinatra & Friends: The Classic Crooners
Wednesday, December 31
8 PM @ The Grand Opera House
Featuring the Hunter Fuerste’s American Vintage Orchestra and the music of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, and Old Blue Eyes himself. Bryan Anthony keeps the legacy of the Great Gentlemen of Song alive and well in his sweetly nostalgic performances. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
Wednesday, December 31
8:30 PM-12:30 AM @ Hotel Julien Dubuque
Ring in 2026 in style at the glamorous Masquerade Ball. Tickets include appetizers, live DJ entertainment by DJ Obie, champagne toast, and photo opportunities. Visit HotelJulienDubuque.com.
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