Looking for something fun to do this weekend? We've got you covered with a list of holiday fun
As Ames and Story County residents gear up for the holiday season, many organizations are offering family-fun activities this weekend, each with its own unique holiday theme.
Several free and low-cost events are happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
We put together a list of some local highlights:
Winter Wonderscape Holiday Light Show
With a wide variety of dazzling light installations throughout 17 acres of outdoor gardens, this walk-through light show will stay light at Reiman Gardens on Dec. 1 and 2, and all Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in December. The show includes Experience captivating tunnels, massive laser-lit disco balls, dynamic lights dancing across a frozen lake, a whimsical mushroom forest, and so much more.
Snow Magic Kick-Off
Downtown Ames is kicking off their annual Snow Magic celebration this Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Families can celebrate the start of the holiday season with carriage rides, a visit with Santa and shopping specials throughout downtown.
More: Ames will be merry and bright this weekend for WinterFest and Snow Magic celebrations
WinterFest
Iowa State University's tradition will be held at the Memorial Union Friday in Ames, with several activities available throughout the day. Celebrate winter with the Jingle Jog 4K, carriage rides, Workspace crafts, bowling & billiards, photo booth, bingo, tree lighting ceremony, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and a central campus Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market. A full list of activities can be found at WinterFest | Student Engagement (iastate.edu).
Holiday Art Mart
The annual holiday art sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the MU on Friday. Featuring local artists, makers and crafters, the annual holiday art sale has something for everyone. Sales support individual artists, The Workspace and the Gaffer’s Guild.
Yuletide at the Farm House Museum
Celebrate the holiday season at the historic Farm House Museum on the ISU campus. From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday night, take part in free Victorian yuletide-themed activities and crafts while you enjoy holiday treats. Tours of the historic home in full period decoration are offered Saturday afternoon, along with the opportunity to meet and take a picture with Santa from 1 to 4 p.m.
Santa Express
Families can hop aboard the Santa Express from the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Friday to Sunday, with additional December dates. Tickets may be purchased at Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum – Santa Express tickets on sale now! (bsvrr.com)
Canellakis-Brown Duo
Ames Town and Gown presents the Canellakis-Brown Duo, cello and piano, at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall. Pieces by Grieg, Debussy, Saint-Saens and others will be on the program. Tickets may be purchased online at Ames Town & Gown (amestownandgown.org)
12th annual TUBACHRISTMAS
A free annual musical performance is set for 3 p.m. Saturday at Stephens Auditorium. Tuba, euphonium, baritone and sousaphone players will perform in the 12th annual Ames TUBACHRISTMAS concert. Details are available at amestubachristmas.com.
More: 13th annual TUBACHRISTMAS seeks musicians for Dec. 2 concert
Beautiful Land Makers Market on Main
The inaugural Makers Market on Main will be held at three places on Saturday: Sweet Caroline's, The Recipe Ames and Ames American Legion. Each location will feature a curated selection of makers and goods from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Home Tour
Take the chance to tour five spectacular Ames homes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets, a map and additional information can be found at HOLIDAY HOME TOUR 2023 (ames-altrusa.org).
Dad’s Belgian Waffles
An all-you-can-eat waffles buffet with all the fixings is back by popular demand from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Iowa Arboretum. Entrance costs $10 per person; children five and under may get in free.
Christmas Palooza Craft & Vendor Show
Boone's 10th annual Christmas Palooza will be held Saturday at the Boone County Fairgrounds. More than 50 crafters and vendors will be there to show off their unique creations.
More: Photos: Yulefest in Story City
ISU Music Holiday Concerts
The Iowa State University Music Department is performing its Holiday Festival of Music at 3 p.m. Sunday in Stephens Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens, ISU students and kids 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door prior to the performance or ahead of time through the Ticket Office at Stephens Auditorium.
Beautiful Land Holiday Market
A holiday-themed marketplace will be open Sunday at Prairie Moon Winery from noon to 6 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature local shopping, a hot chocolate bar, a cash bar and more.
Holiday concert in Huxley
The Ballard Community Performing Arts Association (BCPAA) is celebrating its 30th year of Annual Holiday Concerts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the Ballard High School Auditorium. The Community Band, under the direction of Brandon Weeks, will perform a variety of holiday selections. Admission is free and refreshments will be available following the concert.
Good Company Presents “Winter Song: A Festive Holiday Concert”
Ames-based women’s choral ensemble Good Company will present its annual holiday concert at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrews Church. Tickets are $12 in advance from Good Company members in person or online. Tickets are available for $15 at the door after Friday, Dec. 1. Children aged 12 and under may attend the concert at no cost.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Things to do in Story County this weekend include exciting holiday activities
