Glowing trees, village lights, and a cozy place to warm up
Looking for things to do in Amana in December? Make a day of the holiday lights, Tannenbaum Forest, and a community hymn sing, then take a comfortable break at Price Creek Event Center. Amana is about 25 minutes from Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, an easy drive for a winter outing in the Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark, designated in 1965.
Quick Overview
For things to do in Amana in December, pair Tannenbaum Forest and village holiday lights with a Saturday community hymn sing and a nearby warm-up.
- Location: Amana, Iowa, in the Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark, designated in 1965
- Distance: about 25 minutes from Iowa City and Cedar Rapids
- Capacity: up to 200 guests
- Climate control: yes, fully climate-controlled
- Getting ready: The on-site salon and Creekside Chambers offer visitors a comfortable place to refresh mid-visit.
- Best for: holiday day-trippers, couples on a winter date, and families catching the lights
A simple plan for things to do in Amana in December
Start with a slow walk through the villages. Holiday lights and decorated shop windows give the streets a warm glow, so you can browse at your own pace and enjoy the historic setting. Bundle up, leave room for an unhurried look around, and let the lights set the mood for the afternoon.
Then head to Tannenbaum Forest, where 80 glowing trees fill a historic barn. The barn is unheated and uninsulated, so wear warm layers, especially if you’re visiting with children or anyone who likes to linger over the displays. The parking lot can fill up, and arriving earlier means an easier walk. Check the Amana Colonies website for visitor information before you go.
For more practical details about the display and what to expect on a chilly visit, read our Tannenbaum Forest guide.
The feeling of the season: old-fashioned charm, timeless elegance
Amana’s holiday atmosphere has that Cottagecore (cozy, old-fashioned charm) meets Regencycore (timeless elegance) feeling: glowing lights, historic buildings, and shop windows dressed for the season. It’s the kind of place where a simple walk can become the best part of a winter date or a family day trip.
When your fingers need a break from the cold, Price Creek is a nearby warm, fully climate-controlled stop. Depending on what’s happening at the venue, you can settle in with hot chocolate or a cocktail. Visitors and photographers are welcome to enjoy the gardens and grounds for photos without checking in. If you share a picture, tag Price Creek so we can enjoy it too.
In December, the Saturday community hymn sing at Price Creek leans fully into the season, with plenty of Christmas carols filling the air outside on the grounds. It’s free and open to the public, welcomes all ages and non-percussion instruments, and hymnals are provided, so you can join in whether you sing every word or just hum along to the familiar carols. And since the singing happens outside, it’s easy to pop in for a few songs between errands or sightseeing, no commitment, just carols when you want them. It’s the kind of simple, shared moment that turns a shopping trip into a memory. Check the Public Events page for current details before making plans.
If you’re turning your visit into an overnight stay, The Trail Inn is a lodging option across the street from Price Creek. For more seasonal ideas, take a look at our Amana Oktoberfest guide.
For a feel on how other venues pace a seasonal outing, see how The Gathering Place’s guide to Mariah’s Mums turns a local fall tradition into a fuller day out, and how Willow Sky Ranch’s fall festival guide suggests choosing a few anchor activities instead of squeezing everything into one weekend. Both are small, privately owned venues run by people who truly care about their clients, and it shows in the way they share ideas for making every gathering feel personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some things to do in Amana in December?
Walk through the villages to see holiday lights and decorated shop windows, visit Tannenbaum Forest, and join the free Christmas carol sing at Price Creek on a Saturday in December. Check the Amana Colonies and Price Creek event pages for visitor information and current details.
Is Tannenbaum Forest warm inside?
No. Tannenbaum Forest is in an unheated, uninsulated historic barn, so dress for the cold. After your visit, consider warming up at Price Creek with hot chocolate or a cocktail. Check the Amana Colonies website for Tannenbaum Forest visitor information.
Can I visit Price Creek during a holiday outing?
Price Creek hosts public events, and the venue’s schedule can vary. Check the Public Events page before stopping by to see what’s on. If you’re picturing a celebration of your own here someday, you’re also welcome to request a tour as part of your trip to Amana. Between the holiday lights and the warm-up inside, it’s an easy stop to fold into a December day.
Is there a free Christmas carol sing in Amana?
Yes. In December, the Saturday community hymn sing at Price Creek is filled with Christmas carols, and it’s free and open to the public. The singing happens outside on the grounds, so you can easily pop in and sing a few songs. All ages are welcome, non-percussion instruments are invited, and hymnals are provided. Check the Public Events page for the current schedule.
Want to see the space for yourself? See real weddings at Price Creek, then request a tour and see if Price Creek feels like YOUR place.
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4709 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203
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