Before Thanksgiving

DUBUQUE, Iowa — November 7, 2026 — The holiday season is underway in Dubuque, and the calendar is packed from now through New Year’s Eve. Here are the highlights — concerts, theater, markets, tree lightings, and plenty for the kids.

• Tuesday, Nov. 10 — Driftless Wonderland, Driftless Pizza Co., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 13 — Family Movie Night: A Christmas Story, Grand Opera House.
• Saturday, Nov. 14 — River Lights 19th Annual Holiday Open House, River Lights Bookstore.
• Saturday, Nov. 15 — Fall Into the Holidays Vendor Show, Dubuque County Fairgrounds.
• Saturday, Nov. 22 — Cowboy Christmas Vendor Show, Dubuque County Fairgrounds.

Thanksgiving week

• Wednesday, Nov. 25 — Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna, Five Flags Theater, 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving dinner is also being served at Caroline’s Restaurant.
• Friday, Nov. 27 — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer opens at the Grand Opera House, running Nov. 27, 28, and 29.
• Saturday, Nov. 28 — Christmas on the Square, Cable Car Square. Also that night: a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute at Five Flags Theater.
• Sunday, Nov. 29 — Holiday Magic children’s event, Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Kwik Stop/DQ on Penn Avenue, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a free photo with Santa.
• Monday, Nov. 30 — Glenn Miller Orchestra: In the Christmas Mood, Five Flags Theater, 7 p.m.

December

• Wednesday, Dec. 2 — Tree Lighting Ceremony, Hotel Julien Dubuque.
• Friday, Dec. 4 — A Merry Millwork Market, 4 to 8 p.m., Millwork District courtyard, with a tree lighting and Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Schmid Innovation Center Courtyard (free). The Carnegie-Stout Public Library holds its holiday tree lighting the same night.
• Saturday, Dec. 5 — Breakfast with Santa, Hotel Julien Dubuque. Scuba Santa at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra presents a Family Holiday concert at 1 p.m. and its Holiday concert at 7:30 p.m., both at Five Flags Theater.
• Saturday, Dec. 6 — Breakfast with Santa, Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Scuba Santa returns at the River Museum.
• Wednesday, Dec. 9 — Frost: A Holiday Cirque Extravaganza, Five Flags Theater, 7:30 p.m.
• Dec. 11–20 — The Nutcracker, Grand Opera House.
• Saturday, Dec. 12 — A Christmas Carol, Five Flags Theater, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 13 — Toys for Tots Kids’ Christmas Party, Five Flags Arena.
• Friday, Dec. 18 — Anthony Shore: Christmas with Elvis, Five Flags Theater. Grinch Trivia Night, Dubuque County Fairgrounds.
• Saturday, Dec. 19 — Neil Berg’s Broadway Holiday, Five Flags Theater.
• Dec. 24–25 — Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day brunch at Caroline’s Restaurant.
• Thursday, Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve party, Hotel Julien Dubuque. Celebrating Sinatra, Grand Opera House.

One to watch

Nov. 26 through Jan. 1 at Louis Murphy Park, Santa on Mondays

Reflections in the Park, the annual drive-through light display at Louis Murphy Park that raises money for Hillcrest Family Services, returns this season. Dates and ticket prices for 2026 were not yet confirmed in the listings checked for this article — check with Hillcrest Family Services before heading out.

Times and details can change, so check with the venue before you go.