Open Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
from November 28th – December 21st
Imagine stepping into a grand old barn that’s been filled — wall to wall — with live Christmas trees (90+), each one unique, each one decorated with care by someone in the community. You hear the soft hum of holiday music or chatter, see the lights glint on ornaments, maybe glimpse a giant German pyramid slowly rotating, smell evergreen in the air, feel a slight chill that reminds you it’s genuinely winter. You’re among family, friends, visitors — all enjoying a shared local tradition. It’s nostalgic, cheerful, and genuine.
Tannenbaum Forest Dates and Times for 2025, including Santa Times:
| Date | Doors Open | Doors Close | Santa Hours |
| Friday, November 28th | 12:00 PM | 7:00 PM | NA |
| Saturday, November 29th | 10:00 AM | 7:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday, November 30th | 11:00 AM | 4:00 PM | NA |
| Friday, December 5th | 12:00 PM | 8:00 PM | NA |
| Saturday, December 6th | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday, December 7th | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM | NA |
| Friday, December 12th | 12:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday, December 13th | 10:00 AM | 7:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday, December 14th | 11:00 AM | 4:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday, December 19th | 12:00 PM | 7:00 PM | NA |
| Saturday, December 20th | 10:00 AM | 7:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday, December 21st | 11:00 AM | 4:00 PM | NA |
Location: Festhalle Barn, 4707 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203
Cost: Free-will donation*
*Proceeds will benefit Stead Family Children’s Hospital and local non-profits.
What you’ll see & experience
- A “forest” of decorated trees: You’ll wander among rows of trees, each one unique — some elegant, some whimsical, some themed around characters or local organizations.
- A standout centerpiece: One highlight is a 17-foot tall German-style Christmas pyramid (a large, multi-tiered, rotating display often seen in German Christmas traditions) located prominently in the barn.
- A nativity scene and other photo opportunities: There’s a large nativity display, Santa visits on select days, and plenty of places to stop, admire the décor, take photos.
- Community and charity: Entry is free (or by free-will donation) and the event helps support charities (such as the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City).
What to bring/expect
- Dress warmly: The barn isn’t heated, so winter coats, hats, gloves, maybe a scarf will help.
- Sturdy shoes: You’ll likely be walking among rows of trees, potentially in a barn floor area that’s less formal than a showroom.
- A camera or phone for photos: There are many decorative elements, whimsical trees, the pyramid display and other holiday touches.
- Time to wander: Give yourself at least 20-30 minutes (or more) just to soak in the trees, stop for photos, perhaps visit Santa or browse any kids’ activities if available.
- Consider the schedule: It runs on weekends in the pre-Christmas period (Fri, Sat, Sun) through several weekends. Take note that the Forest will be VERY busy when Santa is visiting.
Bringing a charter bus or large group of visitors on a weekday and hope to see the Tannenbaum Forest?
If your group is arriving in a charter bus or as a large group on a weekday (other than Friday) between December 1st and 19th and would like to experience the Tannenbaum Forest (outside of regular open hours of Friday – Sunday), please reach out to the ACFI Events Coordinator at events@amanacolonies.com to schedule.
Interested in Sponsoring a Tree in the 2026 Tannenbaum Forest?
If your group or business would like to sponsor a tree in the 2026 Tannenbaum Forest, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us your name, group/business name, email, and phone number at events@amanacolonies.com. We’ll follow up with more details and send you a sponsorship form in October 2026.
Poster
Coming soon!
Purchase collectible event posters at the Amana Colonies Visitors Center!
Brochure
Coming soon!











