The arrival of the Canadian Pacific-Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train, the festive light show Illuminate in Muscatine’s Weed Park, the musical light extravaganza featuring the Norbert F. Beckey Bridge, a jolly search for candy during the annual Candy Cane Hunt, the Downtown Muscatine extravaganza Jingle & Mingle, a Christmas concert with the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, and a Tour of Homes highlight the first week of the holiday season in Muscatine.
ILLUMINIATE – a new holiday tradition
Illuminate is a nightly drive-through event in Weed Park featuring over 40 professional light displays. The event, a fundraiser for Crossroads, Inc., and Senior Resources, is open to the public from 5:30-8:30 p.m. starting on Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s Eve. There is a $10 per car donation that will support Crossroads, Inc., and Senior Resources services for seniors and people with disabilities. The route begins at the Colorado Street entrance to Weed Park. For the safety of all event goers, the event is drive-through only with no stopping, exiting vehicles, or walking permitted during the event.
HOLIDAY TRAIN COMING TO TOWN
The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern Railroad (CPKC) Holiday Train will be making a stop in Riverside Park on Sunday, November 26. The train is scheduled to arrive at 7:30 p.m. with performances by Canadian singer-songwriter Kiesza and Australian country music duo Seaforth from 7:45-8:15 p.m. The 14-car highly decorated train will stop just past the Iowa Avenue entrance into Riverside Park with the stage car opening toward the riverfront near the small parking lot.
Holiday Train shows are free to attend. CPKC asks attendees to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation if they are able. All donations stay in the community to help people in need. Because local food banks buy food at a discount, cash donations can go further than food donations to help those in need.
The Salvation Army of Muscatine County has been designated by CPKC to collect food and monetary donations and will be located near the clock tower near Pearl City Station in Riverside Park. This is the 25th year the CPKC Holiday Train has supported food banks and food shelves across the CPKC network by raising money, food donations, and awareness for local food insecurity issues in communities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
JINGLE AND MINGLE
IN DOWNTOWN MUSCATINE
The first weekend of December brings an annual event that brings thousands to Muscatine for a holiday block party like no other. The event will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, December 1, as Downtown Muscatine is transformed into six blocks of holiday cheer including pictures with Santa by Tiny Tunes, visits from famous holiday characters presented by Ascentra Credit Union, free hot chocolate provided by Hy-Vee, live music and much more. Over 30 businesses are participating, providing the perfect opportunity to shop downtown Muscatine’s unique retailers for the perfect holiday gift. Admissions and attractions are free to the public.
THE SEARCH FOR HIDDEN
CANDY CANES ON THE RIVERFRONT
The Muscatine riverfront is the place to be on Friday, Dec. 1, for some deliciously good fun with the annual Candy Cane Hunt. Hunters and spectators will gather outside of the Pearl City Station for the hunt that will begin at 6:00 p.m. with an area for pre-kindergarten through first grade boys and girls and a second area designated for second through fourth grade girls and boys. The Candy Cane Hunt will be held in the dark, so please bring a flashlight. A limited supply of flashlights will be available so please bring your own.
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
ON THE RIVERFRONT
Not least among the holiday events in Muscatine is the Friday, Dec. 1, premiere of a featured presentation that has quickly became a holiday classic and a must see for Muscatine residents and visitors. Musco Lighting has again partnered with Muscatine Power & Water (MPW) and the City of Muscatine to bring a musical light show to life featuring Muscatine’s Norbert F. Beckey Bridge.
The final touches are currently being made to the design of this year’s. The 2023 version will premiere at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 1, with residents able to tune in to 87.9 FM while parked in Riverside Park to listen to the special holiday music and watch the spectacular light show all from the warmth and convenience of their vehicles. The program will run every day from 5:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. through January 7, 2024.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE SYMPHONY
For those looking for musical entertainment in, perhaps, a warmer location, the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra will present “Christmas with the Symphony” at 7 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 2) at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 400 Iowa Avenue, Muscatine. Kick off the holiday season with a concert full of holiday classics, medleys, and a few surprises along the way. It is a perfect concert for the entire family and a wonderful introduction to the world of symphonic music for those who have never been to a concert. Admission is free with a donation of canned goods, new toys, or monetary gift. For more information visit www.muscatinesymphony.org.
CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES
Experience the charm of Muscatine’s most beautiful and festively decorated homes during Habitat for Humanity’s Christmas Tour of Homes fundraising event from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 3. Participants will have the opportunity to step inside several stunning residences and admire the creative and imaginative holiday decorations. This self-guided tour will provide inspiration for your own holiday decorating and leave you in awe of the talent and creativity within our community. Ticket information available at www.muscatinehabitat.org or at Real Estate Resource Associates located at 100 W. 2nd St. Experience the charm of Muscatine’s most beautiful and festively decorated homes during Habitat for Humanity’s Christmas Tour of Homes event.
