Dubuque loves its holidays, and none more than Christmas. The city is filled with more happenings than Santa has presents, providing traditional events as well as special programs to mark the season.
Here are but a few of the ways to celebrate:
Live Performances
From ballet to country, Madrigal to Messiah, there is a live show to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Christmas at Heritage Center “Come, Messiah”, December 5, 7:30 PM, John and Alice Butler Hall. Celebrate the spiritual meaning of the season, featuring the University of Dubuque’s Concert Band, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Treble Choir, Handbell Ensemble, String Ensemble, and university organist. Complimentary holiday refreshments follow.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, December 5-7, Grand Opera House. A musical based on the iconic Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The timeless story adds new songs while the Grinch despises the annual Christmas festivities of Who-ville.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!), December 5 – 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—plus Christmas traditions from around the world.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Family Concert, December 6, 1:00 PM, Five Flags Theater.The special one-hour family program of kid-friendly holiday music features the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choir, members of the Heartland Ballet and other guests. Includes photos with Santa post-concert.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Concert, December 6, 7:30 PM and December 7, 2:00 PM, Five Flags Theater. The DSO is joined by the Dubuque Chorale, members of the Heartland Ballet, and vocal soloists in a collection of holiday favorites. Also featuring Viktoriia Slyvka on a traditional Ukrainian harp. Saturday includes complementary entry to an Encore Reception.
Texas Tenors, December 13, 7:30 PM, University of Dubuque Heritage Center. “Deep In The Heart of Christmas” holiday show is presented by the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America’s Got Talent.
The Nutcracker, December 13-14 and December 19-21, Grand Opera House. Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker battle the dreadful Mouse King in a nightmare that becomes a beautiful dream. Performed annually for over 25 years by the Dubuque City Youth Ballet, it is an annual Christmas tradition.
Madrigal Dinners, December 13 & 14, Senior High School. Return to the Renaissance era as you enjoy both feast and song.
World Ballet Company: Nutcracker, December 14, 6:00 PM, Five Flags Center.Join Marie on Christmas Eve as her beloved Nutcracker springs to life. The show features 40 world-class dancers, over 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and breathtaking hand-crafted sets.
Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Extravaganza, December 18, 7:00 PM, John and Alice Butler Hall. This one-of-a-kind holiday concert experience blends the beauty of traditional carols with rock anthems and favorites all brought to life in glowing candlelight with a dazzling stage set and immersive light show.
Riders in the Sky: Christmas the Cowboy Way, December 20, 7:30 PM, Five Flags Center. Join those wacky, four-part harmonizing cowboys in a holiday musical fantasy featuring their unique cowboy humor sprinkled with a dash of holiday spice, including original songs and sing alongs.
See the Lights
Nothing says Christmas like holiday lights and there are several ways to see them in the city.
Reflections in the Park, November 27 – January 1, Louis Murphy Park. Hillcrest Family Services’ 31st annual lights festival features many new displays and Santa on Mondays.
Trolley Tours of Christmas Lights, November 28 – January 5, 5:00-6:30 PM and 7:00-8:30 PM. Trolley Tours start at Murphy Park and proceed into Shady Oaks, Plymouth Court, and two or three other residential displays around town.
Hotel Julien Tree Lighting, December 3, 6:00 PM, Hotel Julien Lobby.
Carnegie Stout Library Tree Lighting, December 6, Library Rotunda.
For the Kids
No one enjoys the holidays more than children, and there are many events especially for them.
Jingle Jammies: A Holiday PJ Play Party, Every Friday in December, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Goose & Giggles Play Café. Open play in a Winter Wonderland Play Village, plus hot cocoa and cookie bar, story time, crafts, and more.
Santa’s Workshop, December 6, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Carnegie-Stout Public Library. A chance to make and wrap a few holiday gifts before the big Christmas tree is lit at the library.
Holiday Movie: A Christmas Story, December 12-18, Phoenix Theaters. See the Christmas classic and watch Ralphie Parker’s antics on the big screen.
Grinch Stole Christmas Playtime, December 13, 9:00 AM, Goose & Giggles Play Café. Meet the Grinch and enjoy story time, crafts, play and treats.
Toys for Tots Kids’ Christmas Party, December 14, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Five Flags Center. Music, dancing, inflatable rides, treats, photos with Santa, plus gifts and books for kids.
Santa Sightings
If you want to see the Big Man himself, there are several opportunities in the area:
Breakfast with Santa, December 6, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Hotel Julien
Cookies with Santa, December 6, 9:00 AM, Goose & Giggle
Scuba Santa, December 6 and 7, 12:00 PM-1:00PM, Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
Breakfast with Santa, December 21, Dubuque County Fairgrounds
Shopping
In addition to the ongoing retail outlets in the area, several holiday-themed events cater to the season.
Merry Millwork Market, December 5, 4:00-8:00 PM and December 6, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Millwork District. A unique holiday shopping experience featuring the best of local crafts and beverages. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and support the Millwork nonprofits.
St. John’s Episcopal Cookie Walk, December 13, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, St. John’s Parish House. Delicious cookies and baklava by the pound, Christmas décor, and a soup lunch.
Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows, December 13, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Main Street, Galena, IL. More than 5,000 candlelit luminaries line the streets, steps, and sidewalks while store windows come alive with holiday-inspired animation.
Giving
If the holiday spirit moves you to give to others, there are several options during this season.
Toys for Tots
Stuff the Truck, December 6, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Theisen’s. The annual drive to help fill a truck with donations for Toys for Tots. Donation bins are also located throughout the community.
Teddy Bear Toss, December 6, 7:05 PM, Dubuque Fighting Saints Game, ImOn Arena. Hundreds of teddy bears are thrown onto the ice to benefit Toys for Tots.
Holiday Soup Luncheon & Auction, December 12, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Prescott Elementary School. The school’s annual fundraiser featuring students as both wait staff and performers, plus a silent auction.
Explore some of the opportunities above and create new memories of this holiday season.
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