Tannenbaum Forest

a forest of christmas trees

Fridays-Sundays from November 24th – December 17th, 2023

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 60 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!

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.

Santa will be returning to Tannenbaum Forest this year! Stay tuned for a full schedule as we get closer to Christmas. He will be bringing one of his reindeer to visit in December so long as the weather is good. Plus, you can use our Direct-to-Santa Mailbox inside Tannenbaum Forest to make sure he gets your letter before Christmas.

2023 Tannenbaum Forest Hours & Schedule will be posted mid-late October! 

Holiday Fun & Games Weekend – November 24-26

Prelude to Christmas – December 1-3

Children’s Weekend – December 8-10

Holiday Traditions Weekend – December 15-17

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 24^th and the first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning would receive an extra gift.

Planning ahead? Tannenbaum Forest will be Fridays-Sundays in 2024 from November 29-December 22!

Purchase collectible event posters at the Amana Colonies Visitor’s Center!