A magical weekend with special events and food/beverage sampling in the shops, carolers on the street, and the town decked out in Christmas finery that’s Prelude to Christmas in the Amana Colonies. The streets of Amana come alive with old world charm at no time more than Prelude to Christmas. The fences and store fronts sport pine boughs, there’s red ribbons fluttering in the breeze, and an occasional melody from beloved Christmas Caroles in the air.
Christmas is a special time of year and no less in the Colonies where you can escape the hustle of the malls and the impersonal shopping of today’s online experience. In the Colonies, at Christmas time you’ll be greeted by a cheerful Merry Christmas and a warm smile.
Grab a schedule of events when you arrive to plan the unique event you would like to take in. Most of the businesses have something special they’re offering from samples, or special products. You’ll find mulled wine in many of the wineries, or a special brew at the state of Iowa’s oldest micro-brewery right here in the village of Amana. Many people think of chocolate at Christmas time and our chocolate shop is hand dipping specialties as fast as they can. Step into one of our restaurants and you’ll find something seasonal and special on the menu and if you’re planning your own Christmas Eve celebration an Amana ham is perfect. You’ll find that and plenty of sausages at our meat shop.
Special Christmas Exhibit
At the Amana Heritage Society you’ll find a glimpse into Christmases past as they present a special exhibit each year. You’ll see toys and dolls from the recent and the very distant past. You’ll be able to tell and show your children about the toys of your childhood. They have something on exhibit that will trip a memory no matter how old you are.
Cookie Walk
An Amana Colonies holiday tradition is the Amana Church Society’s annual Cookie Walk. Tables of homemade cookies baked by the communities church members are available on a number system. Go early on Saturday morning and get your number. Then, return at your scheduled time and begin selecting from the thousands of cookies, bars, candies, and treats that you want to fill up your box.
Villages of Amana Christmas Haus Tour
As a fundraiser, the Amana Arts Guild hosts their annual Villages of Amana Christmas Haus Tour where you will get a tour of 4 or more homes all decorated for the holidays. The homes vary each year with some being historic and others more contemporary but all get rave reviews for the attendees.
When night falls have a great meal at one of our restaurants, take a drive through the villages to see the decorations and Christmas light of the neighborhoods, plan to attend a live theater production at the local theater companies’ main stage or just head back to your B&B or hotel and relax. It’s Prelude to Christmas in the Amana Colonies and that means a slower pace and an escape from the mall, the crowds, and the hassles of today’s world.
Poster
Pick up this year’s poster at the Amana Colonies Visitor’s Center!
Brochures + Forms
This Year’s Event
Video
Thank you to our 2019 sponsors!
