Festive Fairfield 2025

By Visit Fairfield | November 4, 2025

Your Holiday Destination This Season

Discover six weeks of small-town sparkle in Fairfield, Iowa—where authentic holiday magic meets Midwestern warmth. Just two hours from anywhere worth leaving, our historic downtown square transforms into a winter wonderland that feels like stepping into your favorite holiday movie.

Download our Festive Fairfield Brochure

 

Shop & Be Merry Season

Make Fairfield your holiday headquarters this year with six weeks of effortless gift-giving in our charming boutiques and locally-owned shops. From treasures for grandma to finds for that impossible-to-shop-for someone, our merchants curate thoughtful collections you won't find anywhere else.

Explore the downtown square where every storefront tells a story. Between stops, duck into cozy cafes for something warm—locally roasted coffee at Cafe Paradiso or artisan hot chocolate will keep you toasty as you shop.

Shopping small has never felt so big. Let our locally-owned businesses help you discover gifts that mean something, all while supporting the heart of our community.

 

Check out our local shops here

The Grand Illumination

Holiday Lighting on the Square

November 28th at 6:00 PM

The moment Fairfield's holiday season officially begins!

Downtown Square Transforms

Watch as thousands of twinkling lights bring magic to our historic downtown and Central Park

Santa's House Opens

Visit Santa in his special downtown house with free cookies, cocoa, and ornament-making

Bundle up and join families from across the region for this beloved tradition. Arrive early to claim your spot, and stay late to stroll the illuminated square. The lights glow every evening through Christmas, making any night the perfect time to experience the magic.

 

Ho Ho Ho Wholiday

Dec 6th or 20th | 4:00–7:00 PM

Dec 7th or 21st | 1:00–4:00 PM

Step into a world of holiday magic and whimsy 

  • Visit with Santa and decorate the exclusive 2025 JC Huffman Christmas ornament
  • Meet The Grinch and explore the Whoville Toy Shop featuring the new Dr. Seuss™ Spudsters™
  • Step into the Magical World of Harry Potter - sip Butterbeer and craft your own magic potion
  • Create your signature Hot Chocolate blend at the bar
  • Decorate your own sugar cookie to enjoy with cocoa
  • Photo ops everywhere

Lincoln Center Event Venue , 401 W Stone Ave

Tickets on Sale at JC Huffman or at the door - $15

Holiday Tour of Homes

December 6th & 7th

Unwrap pure holiday inspiration as you step inside beautifully decorated Fairfield homes that showcase the artistry of the season. This enchanting self-guided tour reveals how our community celebrates, from timeless traditional decor to fresh creative takes on holiday style.

For Design Lovers ; Gather fresh ideas for your own holiday decorating from homes that truly deck the halls with style and heart.

Historic Architecture; Marvel at Fairfield's stunning Victorian and Craftsman homes dressed in their seasonal finest.

Meet Your Hosts; Our gracious homeowners share their decorating stories and welcome you with genuine Midwestern hospitality.

Book your tickets now for this festive weekend tradition. It's the perfect Saturday & Sunday activity—tour the homes, then warm up with shopping and dining downtown. This is holiday inspiration you can't find in a magazine.

Get your tickets here

 

Christmas Light Showdown

December 12th - 13th: You're the Judge

Rev up your holiday spirit and crown the champions of Fairfield's most dazzling light displays! Armed with your map and ballot, embark on a self-guided tour through neighborhoods transformed into twinkling wonderlands.

How it works: Download your map and voting ballot from visitfairfieldiowa.com. (maps & ballots are available Dec 11th) Spend the evening cruising past the most spectacular home light displays in town, then cast your vote for your favorites. Ballots must be returned by 9 PM on December 13th.

Santa's Christmas Eve Parade

December 24th at 5:30 PM

Before Santa heads off on his whirlwind trip around the world, he makes one very special stop: Fairfield, Iowa. This cherished Christmas Eve tradition brings the community together one last time before the big day.

Track Santa through town as the parade winds through our neighborhoods, or meet him when he arrives at the historic downtown square. It's a magical way to spend the afternoon before your own family celebrations begin. Bring your camera, wear your festive best, and don't forget to wave!

Downtown Fairfield

More Holiday Magic

Don't Miss These Festive Events

The Nutcracker Ballet

December 5 & 6

Tchaikovsky's timeless score brings Clara's journey to life with stunning choreography. 7:30 PM shows, plus Saturday matinee at 1:00 PM.

Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, 200 N Main St.

Children’s Holiday Benefit Concert

December 6, 7:30 PM

9 musicians gather for Jonas Magram’s annual concert benefiting local charities.

Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, 200 S. Main St

McElhinny House Open House

December 6, 8 AM - 3 PM. Historic home tour with crafts and their famous ham balls for sale.

300 N. Court St.

Makers Market

December 6 & 7, 1-5 PM.

Locally made goods from Fairfield's talented artisans.

The Gathering, 1309 S Main St

Dec 13 & 14; Christmas Brunch with Santa & the Grinch

Make this holiday season extra magical with a festive brunch featuring Santa & the Grinch

Saturday, December 13th
• 9:00 – 10:15 AM – Brunch with Santa & the Grinch
• 11:00 – 12:15 PM – Brunch with Santa & the Grinch

Sunday, December 14th
• 9:00 – 10:15 AM – Breakfast with Santa
• 11:00 – 12:15 PM – Lunch with the Grinch

Tickets: $20 Adults | $15 Kids (ages 3–10) | Free under 3

Char Steakhouse at Lincoln Center, 401 W Stone Ave

Holiday Trade Fair

December 12 & 13

Over 60 local artisans and craftspeople offering unique handcrafted gifts. Friday 5-9 PM, Saturday 9 AM-5 PM.

Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, 200 N Main St.

Chamber Singers Concert

December 13 & 14, 7:30 PM.

Celebrate the season with beautiful choral music.

Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, 200 S. Main St.

Your Fairfield Holiday Awaits

Just a short drive from wherever you are, a small-town holiday experience awaits that money can't buy in the big city. Fairfield offers something increasingly rare: authentic celebration, genuine warmth, and the kind of memories that become family traditions.

Plan your visit to Fairfield this holiday season and discover why families return year after year. Download the complete event schedule and Fairfield Gift Guide at visitfairfieldiowa.com. We can't wait to welcome you to our holiday celebration.

Make Fairfield your holiday tradition. You'll be so glad you did.

Meet the Author

Photo of Visit Fairfield

Visit Fairfield

Looking for a little escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Fairfield is the perfect place to find your vibe. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or an exciting place to explore, there's no shortage of things to see and do. So what are you waiting for? Come on over to Fairfield and find your perfect escape!