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.
- Callahan Promotions, Inc. Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
December 6 - 7 | Mid-America Center - Breakfast With Santa
December 6 | 9 AM | Historic General Dodge House - How to Sew: Scrappy Quilt-as-You-Go Ornaments
December 6 | 9 AM | Council Bluffs Public Library - A Harvest Holiday: Maker's Market
December 6 | 10 AM | Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard - Holiday Greenscreen Photos
December 6 | 10 AM | Council Bluffs Public Library
- How to Sew: Scrappy Quilt-as-You-Go Ornaments
December 6 | 2 PM | Council Bluffs Public Library - Iowa Western Culinary Arts Holiday Dinner
December 6 | 6 PM | Iowa Western Student Center - Breakfast with Santa
December 7 | 9 AM | Walnut Community Center - A Harvest Holiday
December 7 | 10 AM | Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard - Historic Homes for the Holidays Tour
December 7 | 12 PM | Bregant House - A Day with the Dodges
December 7 | 1 PM | Historic General Dodge House - Kids Christmas Canvas Painting Class
December 7 | 1 PM | The Backyard Event Room- The Olive Branch - Burris Holiday Home Tour
December 7 | 1 PM | Home of Dale and Julia Burris - Mini Watercolor Giftables Workshop
December 10 | 1 PM | The Backyard Event Room - The Olive Branch - Gift Wrapping Party
December 10 | 4 PM | Carter Lake Public Library - The Ugly Seasonal Sweater Soiree
December 10 | 7:30 PM | Arts Center at Iowa Western - Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Their Reindeer
December 11 | 5 PM | NextHome In The Bluffs - Family Night at the Dodge House
December 11 | 6 PM | Historic General Dodge House - Gift Wrapping and Card Making
December 12 | 10 AM | Council Bluffs Public Library - Winter Candle Making Class
December 12 | 6 PM | Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard - Railway Xmas Ugly Sweater Party
December 12 | 7 PM | Railway Inn - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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!
