Join in the Holiday Festivities!

Saturday, November 28, 2026

Celebrate the Joy of Christmas with us in Le Mars, Iowa

The wonder of Christmas is about to sparkle in Hometown Le Mars, and we can’t wait to celebrate the season with you! Imagine gliding across the ice, sharing special moments with Santa, and gathering downtown as the glow of our 26-foot Christmas tree lights up the night sky. The full schedule of merry events will be posted soon—mark your calendars and join the magic!

Stay tuned later in the year for the complete listing of this year's events.

There are Instagram-worthy photo opportunities spread throughout downtown Le Mars for your fun and festive family pictures. Many of them will be available throughout the entire Christmas season.

 

Don't forget to check out our Christmas Selfie Stations at Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! It's the perfect opportunity to capture some festive memories with your friends and family. Don't miss out on this fun photo opportunity!

Location #1: Habitué Coffeehouse & Bakery (108 Central Ave. NE)

Location #2: Side by Side Ministries (112 Central Ave. NE)

 

 

Participating stores will have the “Find the Joy” picture strategically displayed inside their store. Upon finding the picture, scavenger hunters will have the store staff initial the box on their tally card. Return the completed card to the collection box inside the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor or in the Market Cart at the Olson Event Center to be entered into a prize drawing. You only need to “Find the Joy” in 50% of the stores to be entered in the drawing, with a special prize for one person who found the Joy in all participating stores. Remember to snap a photo in each store when you “Find the Joy!" Tally cards are available in all participating stores and at both drop-off locations.

Participating Merchants Include:

  • Browns Gift & Chocolate Shoppe
  • Bling-N-Fashions
  • Chix Chicken and Waffles
  • Northwest Bank
  • Wells Visitors Center & Ice Cream Parlor
  • The Market at Shop Near the Corner
  • Bamboo Village
  • Habitue Coffeehouse & Bakery
  • Second Chapter
  • Chaos on Central
  • Hotopp Jewelry & Gifts
  • Bike Central
  • Le Bloom Flower & Antiques
  • Helping Hands Thrift Store
  • Mescher's Clothing
  • Jerry's Pizza
  • The Wash House
  • Collective & Co.
  • Le Mars Arts Center
  • Le Mars Public Library
  • Royal 3 Cinema
  • Piece of Cake
  • Jordan's Meat Market
  • Sugar-N-Spice/Shop Cary
  • Pizza Ranch
  • Daily Boost
  • History Worth Repeating
  • Le Mars Toy Store
  • Get Branded 360
  • Emily's Home Furnishings
  • Ace Hardware
  • Sherwin Williams
  • 2K Nutrition
  • Kitty Cat Crafting
  • Bob's Drive Inn
  • Bellissimo Coffeeworks
  • Godfather's Pizza
  • Le Mars Chevrolet GMC
  • Maurices
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  • 4 Brothers Bar and Grill
  • Jensen Motors
  • Willow Lodge Pet Resort
  • Plymouth County Historical Museum
  • Lally's Eastside


Stick around... winners will be announced at 4pm at the Wells Visitors Center & Ice Cream Parlor.

 

Step right up and get your tickets! Tickets are $1.00 each and sales are cash only. The following festivities are ticketed experiences:

  • Ice Skating - $5
  • S'mores Station - $2
  • Holiday Train - $2


All other experiences are free!

Who doesn't love making s'mores over the fire?!?!? We all do! We've got the s'mores - all you need to do is bring your family - and your sweet tooth!

Fee: $2.00 gets you a bag full of all the ooey-gooey goodness you need to get roasting.

Choo-choo! The Holiday Train is rolling into Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! Kids can climb aboard for a magical trip through a winter wonderland of lights, laughter, and Christmas cheer.

 

Cost: 2 tickets per ride, per rider

Get ready to lace up your skates and join us for a magical time on the ice at this year's Christmas in Hometown Le Mars festival! You can glide and twirl to your heart's content. It's an experience you won't want to miss!

Skate sizes are youth 12 through adult 12.

Cost: 5 tickets per 30 minute session

 

Celebrate the season with Christmas Karaoke at Wise I Brewing! Grab the mic, sing your favorite holiday tunes, and enjoy a festive night of music and Christmas cheer.

 

Enjoy The Browns 25th Anniversary Christmas Show - Featuring a Branson Style, Family Friendly, High Energy, Uplifting Christmas Extravaganza!  Adam, Andrew, Michaela, and Shelly Brown will bring their family harmony in this spectacular Christmas show at the New Browns Music Theater.

Featuring beautifully orchestrated music, with stunning arrangements of your favorite Christmas songs like, “O Holy Night”, “Silver Bells”, "Mary Did You Know?”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “Joy to the World”, and many more. The Brown Brothers will have you laughing with their fun brotherly banter.

The show is full of highlights for everyone, with festive costumes, dynamic instruments,  and beautiful vocal arrangements. The Browns Christmas show is quickly becoming a family tradition for many!

Tickets: Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Start your day eating breakfast with Santa’s Elves! Have your photo taken with our friends from the North Pole and enjoy a joyous morning of food and fun with the whole family! Our hot breakfast buffet will be loaded with pancakes, French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham and cinnamon rolls! 

 

Cost: Kids 3 and under are free, 4-12 are $8.00 and 13+ are $14.00 – no reservation required.

Step right up and get your tickets! Tickets are $1.00 each and sales are cash only. The following festivities are ticketed experiences:

  • Ice Skating - $5
  • S'mores Station - $2
  • Holiday Train - $2
  • Cookie Walk - $1
  • Hometown Christmas Snow Globes - $5
  • Stuff-A-Plush - $15 (Special Ticket Required)
  • Pony Rides - $5
  • Christmas Charms at Wise I - $2


All other experiences are free!

Ticket Booth Locations"

  • Bamboo Village Parking Lot (128 Central Ave NE)
  • Uptown Events Center (15 1st Ave SW)
  • Hometown Le Mars Heritage Foundation (56 Central Ave SE)

Step into a world of sugar, spice, and everything nice at the Gingerbread House Contest Display during Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! Marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship of each deliciously detailed display, then cast your vote for your favorite. It’s a sweet stop for the whole family—where imagination, holiday cheer, and frosting come together to create pure Christmas magic!

He’s making a list and checking it twice; There’s really no need, because the kids have been nice! Bring your little ones and your camera to Habitué Coffeehouse & Bakery to meet with Santa. While you're there grab a Frosted Gingerbread Mocha to warm up with.

We're inviting all the little ones to come and write their Christmas list to Santa! Preprinted "Dear Santa" stationary will be available. Once you've crossed all your t's and dotted all of your i's, walk it over to the mailbox so it goes straight to the North Pole! It's a magical experience for the whole family.

Join us for a festive time with elves reading some beloved Christmas stories in the library meeting room. A festive Christmas book will be given as a gift to all children in attendance.

Readings will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will continue, on the hour, every hour, until the final reading at 3:00 p.m.

Step right up, little travelers! The Holiday Train is waiting to whisk you away on a twinkling journey through Christmas in Hometown Le Mars. All it takes is $2 and a big imagination to make the season come alive!

Cost: 2 tickets per ride, per rider

Bundle up and get ready to lace up your skates! The ice rink returns to Christmas in Hometown Le Mars, bringing plenty of sparkle, laughter, and winter fun. Glide, twirl, and make merry memories you’ll treasure all season long!

Skate sizes are youth 12 through adult 12.

Cost: 5 tickets per 30 minute session

 

Participating stores will have the “Find the Joy” picture strategically displayed inside their store. Upon finding the picture, scavenger hunters will have the store staff initial the box on their tally card. Return the completed card to the collection box inside the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor or in the Market Cart at the Olson Event Center to be entered into a prize drawing. You only need to “Find the Joy” in 50% of the stores to be entered in the drawing, with a special prize for one person who found the Joy in all participating stores. Remember to snap a photo in each store when you “Find the Joy!" Tally cards are available in all participating stores and at both drop-off locations.

Participating Merchants Include:
 

  • Browns Gift & Chocolate Shoppe
  • Bling-N-Fashions
  • Chix Chicken and Waffles
  • Northwest Bank
  • Wells Visitors Center & Ice Cream Parlor
  • The Market at Shop Near the Corner
  • Bamboo Village
  • Habitue Coffeehouse & Bakery
  • Second Chapter
  • Chaos on Central
  • Hotopp Jewelry & Gifts
  • Bike Central
  • Le Bloom Flower & Antiques
  • Helping Hands Thrift Store
  • Mescher's Clothing
  • Jerry's Pizza
  • The Wash House
  • Collective & Co.
  • Le Mars Arts Center
  • Le Mars Public Library
  • Royal 3 Cinema
  • Piece of Cake
  • Jordan's Meat Market
  • Sugar-N-Spice/Shop Cary
  • Pizza Ranch
  • Daily Boost
  • History Worth Repeating
  • Le Mars Toy Store
  • Get Branded 360
  • Emily's Home Furnishings
  • Ace Hardware
  • Sherwin Williams
  • 2K Nutrition
  • Kitty Cat Crafting
  • Bob's Drive Inn
  • Bellissimo Coffeeworks
  • Godfather's Pizza
  • Le Mars Chevrolet GMC
  • Maurices
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  • 4 Brothers Bar and Grill
  • Jensen Motors
  • Willow Lodge Pet Resort
  • Plymouth County Historical Museum
  • Lally's Eastside


Stick around... winners will be announced at 4pm at the Wells Visitors Center & Ice Cream Parlor

 

Santa's Fun Run includes a chip-timed 5K and a new Kid's Dash, and is part of the day-long Christmas in Hometown Le Mars activities. Come for the race and stay for the day to celebrate the joy of Christmas in Le Mars.

The Kid's Dash starts at 9:30 am and the 5k starts at 10:00 am.


For more information and to register now, click the following link: https://lemarsymca.org/fun-run-5k/
 

Looking for that perfect touch to make your home sparkle this holiday season? Stop by Christmas in Hometown Le Mars and browse the beautiful selection of holidar decor from Country Pines Tree Farm. From handmade wreaths to cozy seasonal accents, you’ll find everything you need to fill your home with warmth, cheer, and a little hometown magic.

 

Hey parents... are you looking for a magical experience to share with your kids this holiday season? Come and see the reindeer at Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! It's the perfect opportunity for your little ones to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Don't miss out on this enchanting holiday adventure!


Create a little holiday keepsake at Christmas Charms! Pick your favorites, get creative, and make a festive charm keychain to take home.

Cost: 2 tickets

Take a magical ride through downtown on our Trolley Rides during Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! Enjoy a festive tour with stops at the Olson Cultural Events Center, Uptown Events Center, Plymouth County Historical Museum, Le Mars Arts Center, and the Hometown Le Mars Office. It’s a charming way to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season with family and friends.

Start a new holiday tradition at the Plymouth County Museum’s Festival of Trees! Stroll through a wonderland of twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each with its own unique theme and story. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends while enjoying festive sights, cheerful music, and the warm spirit of Christmas in Le Mars.

Step inside our Gingerbread Playhouse for some sweet holiday fun! Kids can climb, crawl and play their way through this festive gingerbread-themed attraction. It’s the perfect place to burn off a little Christmas energy while making merry memories during Christmas in Hometown Le Mars!

Cost: 1 ticket per person to enter

Bring your little ones to the Le Mars Arts Center for a special festive holiday project! It’s going to be a creative and magical experience for the kids, so don’t miss out!



Stop by the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor event space from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for coloring time! Color a festive holiday page to brighten someone's day. We will distribute your joyful page to our local first responders and senior care homes!

 

Then stay to play Bingo from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. We will have free-play BINGO and a chance to win festive (and sweet) prizes!
 

Don't miss out on the magical pony rides at Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! Bring your kids and let them experience the joy of riding a pony during this festive season. It's going to be a magical and memorable experience for the whole family, so make sure to join us for the fun!

Cost: 5 tickets per ride

Your kids will have the chance to meet and interact with adorable animals like alpacas, babydoll sheep, miniature pigs, a variety of goats, and more. It will be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories with the kids!


Who doesn't love making s'mores over the fire?!?!? We all do! We've got the s'mores - all you need to do is bring your family - and your sweet tooth!

Fee: $2.00 gets you a bag full of all the ooey-gooey goodness you need to get roasting.

Get ready for some cuddly Christmas fun at the Stuff-A-Plush Workshop! Choose your new furry friend, stuff it with love, and take home a special holiday keepsake to enjoy all season long.

Cost: $15 (Special ticket required)

Tickets for Stuff-A-Plush can be purchased at the Uptown Events Center or the Holiday Truck ticket station by the Olson Cultural Events Center.

Create a little holiday magic with your very own personalized snow globe! Have your photo taken, add it to your snow globe, then decorate it to make a one-of-a-kind Christmas keepsake to take home.

Cost: 5 tickets

 

Cozy up for Merry Little Movies at the theater! Enjoy free holiday short films playing every 20–30 minutes throughout the day—come and go as you please. Grab some discounted popcorn and soda, find a seat, and enjoy a little Christmas magic on the big screen!

Meet the Ice Princesses at the Le Mars Public Library! Stop by for a magical visit, say hello, snap a photo, and enjoy a little winter wonder. Free to attend!

There will be so many different opportunities for delicious food throughout the day:
 

  • Chix Chicken and Waffles will be here, offering their delicious chicken options.
  • Habitué Coffeehouse & Bakery will be staying open later until 4:30 to serve you!
  • Jack's Kettle Corn will be here too!
  • Knights of Columbus will serve chili, cinnamon rolls, taverns, mac-n-cheese, chicken strips, hot dogs, and fries.
  • Pizza Ranch will be open and ready to serve you!
  • There will be Hot Chocolate Stations around downtown as well!

Ready, set, puzzle! 🧩🎄 Gather your team of 2–4 and put your puzzling skills to the test at the Holiday Puzzle Showdown!

Teams will race against the clock to complete a 300-piece holiday puzzle, with 60 minutes to see how far you can get. Choose from one of three competition rounds:

Round 1: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM
Round 2: 1:15 PM- 2:15 PM
Round 3: 2:30 PM- 3:30 PM

Space is limited to just 10 teams per round, so be sure to claim your spot!

The team with the fastest completed puzzle time of the day will be crowned our Holiday Puzzle Showdown Champion!

Entry is $10 per team, and there’s more than bragging rights on the line—the winning team will take home 30% of the total entry pot!

Grab your family or friends, pick a team name, choose your round, and get ready for a little friendly holiday competition!

 

Come one, come all! Join us in celebrating the season at Christmas in Hometown Le Mars and watch a festive holiday performance by the Central Dance Academy dancers. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the festive spirit and be entertained by talented performers. Don't miss out on this special performance that will add an extra touch of magic to your holiday celebrations! 💃🎄


Don't miss the chance to stop by and capture the holiday magic by getting your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your little ones along with their Christmas lists for a truly memorable experience!

 

Come join us in kicking off the holiday season by watching The Turn Around dancers perform for Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! It's going to be a fantastic way to get into the festive spirit. Don't miss out! You will be amazed by the talent; there will be spins, flips, and twists! Come early to get a front-roll seat to the magic!

Enjoy The Browns Christmas Show - Featuring a Branson Style, Family Friendly, High Energy, Uplifting Christmas Extravaganza!  Adam, Andrew, Michaela, and Shelly Brown will bring their family harmony in this spectacular Christmas show at the New Browns Music Theater.

Featuring beautifully orchestrated music, with stunning arrangements of your favorite Christmas songs like, “O Holy Night”, “Silver Bells”, "Mary Did You Know?”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “Joy to the World”, and many more. The Brown Brothers will have you laughing with their fun brotherly banter.

The show is full of highlights for everyone, with festive costumes, dynamic instruments,  and beautiful vocal arrangements. The Browns Christmas show is quickly becoming a family tradition for many!

 

Fee: Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets

Don't miss the chance to get your family pictures with the Grinch at Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! It's a perfect way to add some extra fun and laughter to your holiday memories. Bring the whole family and capture the moment with everyone's favorite holiday grouch!

Come and witness the enchanting live nativity, where real animals, dedicated performers, and a touching portrayal of baby Jesus come together to create a truly magical and heartwarming experience. Don't miss out on this extraordinary event!


Don't miss the chance to meet Santa Claus at the Olson Cultural Events Center from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Christmas in Hometown Le Mars! It's the perfect opportunity for kids to share their holiday wishes and take memorable photos with Santa. Join us for this special visit from the one and only Santa Claus!

 

Join us for the grand finale of our Christmas in Hometown Le Mars celebration! Experience an enchanting evening filled with beautiful and iconic Christmas melodies by The Browns, graceful ballet dancers from both The Turn Around and Central Dance Academy, a stirring retelling of the Christmas story, blessings from Mike & Cheryl Wells, and the breathtaking lighting of our 26-foot Christmas tree. It's a magical event that promises to create lasting holiday memories for everyone!


Put your holiday knowledge to the test with Holiday Trivia! Gather your crew and see how much you know about all things festive

Enjoy the Christmas Season in Le Mars

Other great Christmas festivities are happening around Le Mars that are not associated with Christmas in Hometown Le Mars but are still excellent nonetheless.