116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Enjoy the magic of the season at Amana’s Tannenbaum Forest
The Amana Colonies are ushering the holiday season with a number of events including the 38th Prelude to Christmas held Friday to Sunday with visits from Santa at the Tannenbaum Forest.
The Prelude to Christmas features the annual Cookie Walk, live music, food, and specials in many of the shops along with decorated streets and a warm holiday atmosphere.
Visitors can join the German tradition of finding the German Pickle Ornament at participating local businesses. Find the pickle in 10 shops and you can enter to win a $25 Amana Colonies Gift Certificate. Pickle hunt forms can be found at the Convention Center and participating businesses.
Tannenbaum Forest
Soak in the holiday season at the magical Tannenbaum Forest held at the century old Festhalle Barn, 4707 220th Trail, Amana. This year’s forest will feature more than 80 live Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, a beautiful Nativity, and an 17-foot tall German-style Christmas pyramid.
Tannenbaum Forest will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Santa will be there from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. If you visit when Santa isn’t there, be sure to write your letter to Santa and mail it in the direct-to-Santa mailbox.
You also can help decorate the Iowa Children’s Hospital Tree by visiting the DIY Ornament Station and creating your own ornament to hang on the tree.
A freewill donation of $3 is encouraged for admission. Proceeds of the forest benefit The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, the Amana Playground Project and other local charities.
Tannenbaum Forest will be open weekends, weather permitting through Dec. 17.
Cookie Walk
Be sure not the miss this sweet event — the Amana Church Cookie Walk held Saturday. Here you can select your own combination of holiday treats from thousands of bars, decorated cookies, candies and fudge from traditional favorite recipes to new best recipes. To participate you must pick up your cookie walk reservation at 9 a.m. at the Amana Church Holiday Bazaar. Beginning at 10 a.m., every 15 minutes a group of 20 to 30 patrons can fill a cookie box (provided) that holds five to six dozen cookies and treats. Cost is $30. Proceeds benefit the Amana Church free youth bible camp and activities open to all area youth.
Children’s Weekend
Children’s Weekend in the Amana Colonies will be held Dec. 8 to 10 and will feature another visit from Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 9. One of his reindeer will be visiting from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”
A live theater performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will be at the Amana Performing Arts Center, 39 38th Ave., Amana. Performances will be 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as Dec. 8 to 10. Tickets are $25 with children under 4 free. Tickets can be purchased at deborahkennedy@live.com or (319) 899-3799.
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. The play stars Justin Roberts from KCRG-TV9.
Cocoa and Hot Beverage Crawl
Don’t miss the Cocoa and Hot Beverage Crawl on the final weekend, Dec. 15 to 17. Pick up an official mug and Passport at the Visitor’s Center and sample hot beverages throughout town.
For more information, visit amanacolonies.com.
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