Celebrate the wonder of the holiday season in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County! The area comes alive with dazzling light displays, enchanting ballet performances, festive craft fairs, cheerful concerts, and so much more. Whether you’re gathering with friends, finding that perfect handmade gift, or simply soaking in the holiday spirit, there’s something magical waiting around every corner. Turn your festive outing into a cozy getaway—book an overnight stay in Council Bluffs and enjoy the full charm of the season. Sip hot cocoa, take in the lights, and make lasting memories all winter long!
Upcoming Events:
Event details are subject to change. Please contact the venues to confirm details as needed. This list will be continuously updated until February 28, 2026.
- Holiday Boutique: December 13 - 14 | Harvester Artist Lofts Gallery
- Breakfast with the Grinch: December 13 | 8 AM | The Gathering Place
- Holiday Dinner & Food Drive: December 13 | 8 AM | Super Saver
- Winter Survival Secrets | A Land Ethic Workshop: December 13 | 9 AM | Hitchcock Nature Center
- Gift Wrapping and Card Making: December 13 | 10 AM | Council Bluffs Public Library
- Kids Christmas Cookie Decorating Class: December 13 | 10:30 AM | The Backyard Event Room at The Olive Branch
- Ales for Tails: December 13 | 12 PM | Full Fledged Brewing Co.
- Holiday Candle Making Class: December 13 | 1 PM | The Backyard Event Room at The Olive Branch
- Christmas by Candlelight: December 13 | 6 PM | Historic General Dodge House
- Holiday Puzzle Palooza: December 13 | 6 PM | The Dew Drop Inn
- The Grand Ol' Christmas Show: December 13 | 7:30 PM | Arts Center at Iowa Western
- The Grinch's Holiday Pup Pawty: December 14 | 12 PM | Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard
- Burris Holiday Home Tour: December 14 | 1 PM | Home of Dale and Julia Burris
- Sounds of the Season: December 15 | 7 PM | Arts Center at Iowa Western
- Unleash Council Bluffs Holiday Open House: December 16 | 2 PM | Unleash Council Bluffs Office
- Beginner Christmas Cookie Decorating Class: December 16 | 6 PM | The Backyard Event Room at The Olive Branch
- How to Sew: Scrappy Quilt-as-You-Go Ornaments: December 17 | 6 PM | Council Bluffs Public Library
- Holiday Blooms and Brews: December 17 | 6:30 PM | Quaker Steak & Lube
- Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner Holiday Happy Hour: December 18 | 4:15 PM | Full Fledged Brewing Co.
- Intermediate Christmas Cookie Decorating Class: December 18 | 6 PM | The Backyard Event Room at The Olive Branch
- Story Weaver | Festive Folktales: December 18 | 6 PM | Hitchcock Nature Center
- Holiday Blooms and Brews: December 18 | 6:30 PM | Sugar's Lounge
- Christmas Cheer Afternoon Tea Party: December 19 | 1 PM | Wenday's Bakery & Boutique
- Paint Your Own Gingerbread House: December 19 | 4 PM | Carter Lake Public Library
- Kids Watercolor Holiday Gift Workshop with Vivian Kvam: December 19 | 6 PM | The Backyard Event Room - The Olive Branch
- Rockin' Around the Depot: December 20 | 11 AM | RailsWest History Museum
- Annual Winter Solstice Night Hike | With Dustin Clayton: December 20 | 5 PM | Hitchcock Nature Center
- Lemon Fresh Day's Annual Ugly Sweater & Pajama Holiday Party: December 20 | 9 PM | The B-Side Bar
- Christmas Pajama Party: December 21 | 6 PM | Andrews Lounge Gas and Grill
- Christmas Record Paint Party: December 22 | 7 PM | Field Co. Creative
- Santa's Workshop Celebration: December 23 | 5:30 PM | Charles E. Lakin YMCA
- Santa's Coming to Crescent: December 24 | 10 AM | Crescent Hill at Hitchcock
- Christmas Eve Service: December 24 | 5:30 PM | Fifth Avenue Community Church
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: December 24 | 11 PM | Fifth Avenue Community Church
- New Year's Eve Sunset Hike: December 31 | 4:30 PM | Hitchcock Nature Center
Let Us Feature Your Event!
If you have a holiday event in Council Bluffs or Pottawattamie County that you'd like added to this list, please submit the event details with our online form.
As the season sparkles on, we invite you to slow down, explore, and savor all that Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County have to offer. From heartwarming community celebrations to quiet winter escapes, it’s the perfect place to embrace the joy and wonder of the holidays. Plan your visit, book your stay, and let the magic of the season unfold right here in Council Bluffs!
