Waukon, Iowa ~ November 13~16, 2026
Well, would ya look at that!
The pumpkins have barely made their way off the porches, and already there’s a little Christmas magic getting ready to light up Waukon! 🎄❤️
And this isn’t just any Christmas gathering.
It’s a hometown tradition celebrating 35 years of bringing people together for something special.
The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation is preparing its 35th Annual Christmas Fantasy, November 13~16, at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion.
And this year’s theme?
“A Visit to the North Pole!”
Now, that sounds like enough to make even the Grinch straighten his Santa hat!
🎄 More Than Christmas Trees
Imagine walking into a room filled with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, festive displays, wreaths, handcrafted decorations, and little treasures waiting to find their way into someone’s home.
But what makes this gathering especially meaningful isn’t just what’s hanging from the branches.
It’s the people who make it happen.
For 35 years, Christmas Fantasy has brought together volunteers, businesses, organizations, and neighbors in support of the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation.
It’s a celebration of community generosity, wrapped in a whole lot of Christmas spirit.
And this year, there’s something for just about everyone!
❤️ Four Days of Christmas Cheer!
Friday, November 13 ~ Tingle ‘N Mingle!
The festivities begin with an evening of visiting, food, refreshments, and Christmas surroundings.
From 5~8 PM, guests can enjoy the annual Tingle ‘N Mingle gathering.
And at 7 PM, the live auction returns for its second year, featuring a selection of special items.
Admission is $25 per person, with tickets available at the door or in advance at Veterans Memorial Hospital’s main entrance.
Saturday, November 14 ~ Christmas Displays & an Evening Gathering!
The Christmas Fantasy displays will be open to the public from 10 AM~2 PM.
Then, from 7~9 PM, the Wine, Cheese and Dessert event brings together refreshments, decorated tables, and an opportunity to enjoy the festive surroundings.
The evening features Eagle’s Landing Winery of Marquette, Empty Nest Winery of Waukon, and Madigan’s Winery of Lansing.
Admission is $25 per person, and reservations are required.
Sunday, November 15 ~ Brunch With Santa! 🎅
Now here’s one for the little ones!
From 9 AM~Noon, families can enjoy Brunch With Santa, complete with a breakfast buffet and an opportunity for children to visit with the jolly fellow himself.
The menu includes breakfast favorites such as pancakes, eggs, ham, cheesy potatoes, biscuits and gravy, fruit, and more.
Brunch admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under, and free for preschool-age children and younger.
Reservations are required, with arrival windows of 9~9:30 AM, 10~10:30 AM, or 11~11:30 AM.
The Christmas Fantasy displays will also be open to the public from 9 AM~3 PM.
Monday, November 16 ~ One More Helping of Christmas Cheer!
A special luncheon will be held at Noon, sponsored by the Allamakee County Cattlemen’s Association.
The meal will be catered by Empty Nest Winery and the Nutrition Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
Admission is $25 per adult, with reservations required.
The displays reopen to the public from 2~6 PM, giving visitors one final opportunity to enjoy the decorations and participate in the silent auction before it closes at 6 PM.
🎁 A Little Something for Everyone
Throughout the event, visitors will find decorated Christmas trees and more than 100 silent auction shopping opportunities.
From wreaths and gift baskets to quilts, handmade decorations, toys, and other treasures, there’s plenty to admire and perhaps something special to take home.
During the public display~viewing hours, admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children under 12, and free for preschool~age children and younger.
Christmas treats and cocoa will also be offered during those public viewing hours.
The meals and evening gatherings have separate admission prices.
Here’s the Scoop!
35th Annual Christmas Fantasy ~ A Visit to the North Pole!
November 13~16, 2026
Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion
705 Allamakee Street NW, Waukon, Iowa
Reservations: 563.568.4177
General information: 563.568.3411, Ext. 443
Reservations are currently being accepted for Brunch With Santa, the Saturday evening gathering, and Monday’s luncheon.
❤️ The Most Beautiful Decorations Aren’t Always on the Trees
Thirty~five years.
Think about that for a moment.
Thirty~five years of people giving their time.
Thirty~five years of neighbors coming together.
Thirty-five years of Christmas decorations, shared meals, laughter, generosity, and memories.
A Christmas tree might sparkle for a few weeks, but the kindness behind a tradition like this can reach far beyond the holiday season.
And perhaps that’s one of the nicest things about small-town celebrations.
They remind us that Christmas isn’t only about what we put beneath the tree.
Sometimes it’s about what we bring to one another.
A helping hand.
A generous heart.
A little time.
And the willingness to make something beautiful happen together.
Because the brightest lights of Christmas aren’t always the ones hanging on the branches.
Sometimes they’re the people standing beside them. 🎄❤️
Word ’Round Town ~ Connecting Communities ~ Inspiring People.
Deliverance Hope ~ word-round-town.com
Keep Goin’ ‘Round Town
There’s always another story waiting just around the corner.