Best Bets: Tannenbaum Forest

Amid a forest of decorated trees soars a 17-foot German pyramid, surrounded by traditions galore in the annual Amana Tannenbaum Forest. Festhalle Barn doors swing open at 11 a.m. Friday, with the holiday delights for all ages continuing through Dec. 16. Santa will be on hand most days to visit with good little boys and girls, and he's bringing his reindeer from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 8. Other attractions include a Nativity scene, music and St. Nick's Cafe. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital

Tannenbaum Forest

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday (11/23), then various times to Dec. 16, Festhalle Barn, 4707 220th Trl., Amana; free admission; Festivalsinamana.com/prelude.html