Fridays-Sundays from Nov 27th-Dec 20th, 2020
Because of the pandemic, we have made a few adjustments to this festival, but our local businesses and organizations will still be decorating trees for our Tannenbaum Forest and proceeds of the event will benefit the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital! Please see the bottom of the page for COVID-19 information.
Step into a winter wonderland when you visit us at the Tannenbaum Forest in the Amana Colonies! Join us in the Festhalle Barn to see over 40 unique Christmas Trees, each decorated by a different business, organization, group, or family. The entire barn will be decorated for the season, and we will have several areas for photo opportunities set up. Our 17 foot German Christmas Pyramid will be front and center!
This year, Santa Claus is unable to join us. To make sure he stays safe and healthy to deliver present this year, he and Mrs. Claus are hunkering down in the North Pole. He will miss you all dearly this year, but he can’t wait to get your gifts to you on Christmas Eve!
For many families the Tannenbaum Forest has become a tradition. The Tannenbaum Forest is free to visit, however, we encourage a free will donation with proceeds benefitting the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that’s just down the road in Iowa City.
2020 Tannenbaum Forest Schedule
Friday, November 27, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, November 28, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, November 29, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday, December 4, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 5, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 6, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, December 11, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 12, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Live Reindeer outside the Festhalle: 1pm – 4pm, Weather Dependent
Sunday, December 13, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday, December 18, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 19, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 20, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Amana Pickle Hunt
While visiting the Colonies during the time of Tannenbaum Forest you can also take part in the Amana Pickle Hunt. Based on legend of the German Pickle Ornament, it’s said that an old German Christmas custom was to hang a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree late on the evening of December 24th and the first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning would receive an extra gift.
The Amana version will have you looking for Pickle Ornaments in each shop and when you find the pickle in 10 shops you are entered into a weekly drawing for a $100 Amana Colonies Gift Certificate.
COVID-19 information:
To protect each other, we will be requiring the use of face masks that cover both your mouth and nose in the Festhalle Barn. While you’re viewing our forest, please practice social distancing as well. We will have markings on the floors and walls to demonstrate a 6 foot distance, and we will also have a backup supply of masks in case you’ve forgotten yours. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, we ask that you please stay home. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are awaiting COVID-19 test results, please stay home. Remember to wash hands frequently and refrain from touching your face.
Poster
Brochures + Forms
To stay safe and healthy, Santa is staying at the North Pole this year and will not be joining us in the Tannenbaum Forest. If you have any questions about Tannenbaum Forest or Prelude to Christmas, please contact Amana Colonies Festivals Inc. at 319-622-7010, events@amanacolonies.com, or on Facebook Messenger.
To help keep our community and visitors safe, masks are required in the Tannenbaum Forest for 2020.
This Year’s Event
Video
Thank you to our 2020 sponsors!
