Christmas Events for Kids in Davenport (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read

The Davenport area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Letters from Santa in Moline on November 2 to Fejervary Holiday Lights 2026 in Davenport, which runs through January 3. 2 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Iowa, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Davenport for 2026, in Davenport, Rock Island and Moline
  • First: Letters from Santa, Moline, November 2. Runs latest: Fejervary Holiday Lights 2026, Davenport, through January 3
  • Free: Letters from Santa and Indoor Movie in the Park: The Grinch
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Christmas events for kids in Davenport

7 confirmed events for kids in Davenport, soonest first.

Holiday parade

Festival of Trees

  • When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, November 29, 2026 (daily; closed Thanksgiving Nov 26; Nov 22 opens 10 am), 9 am to 7 pm
  • Where: RiverCenter, Davenport
  • Cost: Admission charged, see festival site
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

The Festival of Trees is a long-running Quad Cities holiday tradition, with more than 150 designer trees and displays filling the RiverCenter in downtown Davenport. Families can wander the decorated halls and enjoy the festival's attractions and special events over nine days.

The festival is known for what it calls the largest helium balloon parade in the Midwest. The state tourism listing gives opening day as Saturday, Nov 21, with most days running 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday, Nov 22 starting at 10 am, and the hall closed on Thanksgiving. Check the festival site for ticket prices and the parade time.

Parent tip: Check qcfestivaloftrees.com for the parade time and ticket prices before you go.

Host
Quad City Arts (opens in a new tab)
Address
RiverCenter, 136 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Quad City Arts (opens in a new tab)

Holiday lights

Fejervary Holiday Lights 2026

  • When: Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly, a new 15-minute show starts every 30 minutes from 5 pm), 5 to 9:30 pm
  • Where: Fejervary Park, Davenport
  • Cost: No fee listed
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Fejervary Holiday Lights is a nightly light show at Fejervary Park. Shows last about 15 minutes, and a new one starts every 30 minutes, beginning at 5:00 pm with the last show at 9:30 pm. The run goes from Saturday, November 28, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027.

This is a park-and-watch event, not a drive-through or walk-through, so families park in the designated viewing areas and watch from there. Tune your radio to FM 107.5 to hear the music that goes with the lights. The city warns that the show may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy.

The city page does not list an admission fee. Dress warmly, since you will spend each show outside or in your parked car, and let kids pick a spot where they can see the display easily.

Parent tip: Bring FM 107.5 on the car radio for the music. The show may affect people with photosensitive epilepsy.

Host
Davenport Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
Fejervary Park, 1800 W 12th St, Davenport, IA 52804
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Davenport Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Santa visit

Letters to the North Pole

  • When: Saturday, November 28, 2026 to Sunday, December 13, 2026 (drop-off period)
  • Where: The River's Edge, Fejervary Learning Center and Vander Veer Conservatory, Davenport
  • Cost: No fee listed
  • Ages: Kids of all ages
Details, tips and host

Davenport Parks and Recreation invites children to write a letter to Santa and drop it off at one of three locations: The River's Edge at 700 W. River Drive, the Fejervary Learning Center at 1800 W. 12th Street, or the Vander Veer Conservatory at 215 W. Central Park Avenue.

Letters can be dropped off from Saturday, November 28 through Sunday, December 13, 2026. After that, kids watch their mailbox for a letter back from one of Santa's helpers. The city describes it as being as easy as writing a letter, dropping it off and waiting for the reply.

The page does not list a fee. Adding a return address to the letter is a sensible step so the reply can find its way home. It is a nice low-key activity for a family walk through the conservatory or learning center.

Parent tip: Write a clear return address on the letter so Santa's helpers can reply.

Host
Davenport Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
The River's Edge, Fejervary Learning Center and Vander Veer Conservatory, 700 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52802
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Davenport Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Holiday crafts

Teen Movie and Craft: Home Alone and Gingerbread Houses

  • When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 4:30 pm
  • Where: Davenport Public Library, Eastern Branch, Davenport
  • Cost: No fee listed
  • Ages: Teens ages 11 to 19
Details, tips and host

The Eastern branch of the Davenport Public Library holds a holiday afternoon for teens. Participants watch the original Home Alone, rated PG with a runtime of 102 minutes, while they make gingerbread houses and drink hot chocolate.

The program is for teens only, ages 11 to 19, and registration is required. It runs Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:30 pm in Meeting Room B. Questions can go to the library staff member named on the event page.

The library says it works to make programs inclusive and invites families to reach out for accommodation requests. This one suits tweens and teens who have outgrown younger story times but still like a hands-on holiday activity. The Eastern branch is at 6000 Eastern Avenue in Davenport.

Parent tip: Registration is required and the program is for ages 11 to 19 only.

Host
Davenport Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Davenport Public Library, Eastern Branch, 6000 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA 52807
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Davenport Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Santa visit

Skate with Santa

  • When: Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 4 pm
  • Where: The River's Edge, Davenport
  • Cost: $6 admission plus tax, skate rental $3.50
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Santa Claus makes a guest appearance at The River's Edge, joining the public skate on Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The snack counter sells seasonal treats, and children can do holiday crafts alongside members of the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities.

Entry costs $6 plus tax and renting skates adds $3.50. Skaters of every age may come, and everyone is invited to dress up for the season, for example in an ugly sweater, silly scarves, mittens, a headband or a costume.

You will find The River's Edge at 700 W. River Drive in Davenport. For a first-time skater, arrive with time to be fitted for rental skates before the crowd grows, and pack gloves for the ice.

Parent tip: Feel free to dress festively and bring gloves for the rink. Skate rental is $3.50.

Host
Davenport Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
The River's Edge, 700 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52802
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Davenport Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Holiday event

New Year's Eve Eve

  • When: Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
  • Where: Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Branch, Davenport
  • Cost: No fee listed
  • Ages: Families with children ages 0 to 18
Details, tips and host

The Davenport Public Library invites families to get an early start on 2027 with its New Year's Eve Eve party. The celebration includes a countdown to noon, so even toddlers can take part in the festivities.

The LibCal listing shows the program for Wednesday, December 30, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the meeting room at the Fairmount branch. It is designed for families with children from birth to age 18, which means older and younger siblings can come together.

The listing does not mention a fee or registration. For questions, the library lists its youth services and programming staff as the contact. The Fairmount branch is at 3000 N. Fairmount Street in Davenport.

Parent tip: Contact the library's youth services staff with questions about accommodations.

Host
Davenport Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Branch, 3000 N Fairmount St, Davenport, IA 52804
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Davenport Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Holiday crafts

Noon Year's Eve Glow Skate

  • When: Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm
  • Where: The River's Edge, Davenport
  • Cost: $6 admission plus tax, skate rental $3.50
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

The River's Edge counts down to noon on New Year's Eve with a ball drop and noisemakers, so younger skaters can celebrate without staying up late. The event takes place during public skate on Thursday, December 31, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with glow skating under party lights.

The Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities leads crafts and activities for all ages. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday attire. Admission is $6 plus tax, and skate rental is $3.50.

The River's Edge is at 700 W. River Drive in Davenport. The city calls it a family tradition for ringing in the new year, which makes it a good plan for the first week of winter break.

Parent tip: Skate rental is $3.50 on top of admission. Wear festive clothes if you like.

Host
Davenport Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
The River's Edge, 700 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52802
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Davenport Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Davenport? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Rock Island

4 confirmed events for kids in Rock Island, soonest first.

Holiday crafts

Family Holiday Craft Event

  • When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to noon
  • Where: Downtown Library, Children's Story Area, Rock Island
  • Cost: No fee listed
  • Ages: Fun for all ages
Details, tips and host

The Rock Island Public Library invites families to bring in the holiday cheer with a drop-in craft morning in the Downtown Library's children's story area. Activities include cardmaking, creating ornaments and other holiday projects, and the library describes the event as fun for all ages.

The event is listed for Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to noon. Because it is a drop-in format, families can come and go within those two hours rather than arriving at a set start time, and no registration is mentioned on the listing.

The Downtown Library is at 401 19th Street in Rock Island, just across the river from Davenport. Kids can take their finished cards and ornaments home to give as gifts or hang on the tree.

Parent tip: It is a drop-in event, so you can arrive any time between 10 am and noon.

Host
Rock Island Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Downtown Library, Children's Story Area, 401 19th St, Rock Island, IL 61201 (near Davenport)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Rock Island Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Holiday story time

Graphic Novel Book Club: The Grinch Takes a Vacation

  • When: Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
  • Where: Watts-Midtown Branch, Moline Conference Room, Rock Island
  • Cost: No fee listed
  • Ages: School age
Details, tips and host

The Watts-Midtown Branch of the Rock Island Public Library runs a monthly graphic novel book club for school-age readers. The December meeting centers on The Grinch Takes a Vacation. Kids read the book beforehand and come ready to talk about it.

The library suggests placing the book on hold or checking it out on Libby, its e-book service. The December meeting is Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the Moline Conference Room. The page notes that the club meets on several other dates through the year, so only the December 8 meeting is the Grinch session.

This is a good pick for kids who like a holiday theme but enjoy reading comics and graphic novels more than traditional chapter books. The branch is at 2715 30th Street in Rock Island.

Parent tip: Reserve the book through the library or Libby ahead of time so your child has it read by the meeting.

Host
Rock Island Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Watts-Midtown Branch, Moline Conference Room, 2715 30th St, Rock Island, IL 61201 (near Davenport)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Rock Island Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Holiday crafts

Pine Cone Ornaments

  • When: Thursday, December 10, 2026, 2:30 to 4 pm
  • Where: Southwest Branch, Southwest Community Room, Rock Island
  • Cost: No fee listed
  • Ages: Children and school age, families welcome
Details, tips and host

The Southwest Branch of the Rock Island Public Library hosts a DIY craft for children and families. Participants celebrate the holiday season by making ornaments out of pine cones, a simple project that kids can finish in one sitting and hang at home.

The program is listed for Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:00 pm in the Southwest Community Room. It is aimed at children and school-age kids, and families are welcome. The listing does not mention registration or a fee.

The Southwest Branch is at 9010 Ridgewood Road in Rock Island. The timing, right after the school day ends, makes it an easy stop for parents picking up kids on a weekday afternoon in December.

Parent tip: Check the event page for any registration update, since the listing does not mention one.

Host
Rock Island Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Southwest Branch, Southwest Community Room, 9010 Ridgewood Rd, Rock Island, IL 61201 (near Davenport)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Rock Island Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Holiday show

Christmas at the Movies

  • When: Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
  • Where: Downtown Library, Community Room, Rock Island
  • Cost: No fee listed
  • Ages: Adults, families and everyone
Details, tips and host

The Rock Island Public Library re-creates the experience of going to the movies in the 1950s. The afternoon includes a newsreel, a cartoon, previews, theater announcements and a feature movie that runs a little over 20 minutes. Everything is Christmas themed.

The whole program runs about 40 minutes and is served with homemade Christmas cookies. It is listed for Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in the Downtown Library's Community Room, and the library tags it for adults, families and everyone.

A reference librarian presents the program. Because the format is short and includes old cartoons, it can hold the attention of elementary-age children, and older relatives may enjoy the nostalgia. The Downtown Library is at 401 19th Street in Rock Island.

Parent tip: The show is about 40 minutes, a good length for kids who do not sit through a full movie.

Host
Rock Island Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Downtown Library, Community Room, 401 19th St, Rock Island, IL 61201 (near Davenport)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Rock Island Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Moline

2 confirmed events for kids in Moline, soonest first.

Santa visitFree

Letters from Santa

  • When: Monday, November 2, 2026 to Monday, November 30, 2026 (letters accepted; replies mailed beginning Dec 1)
  • Where: City Services Center, Moline
  • Cost: Free (no stamp or envelope needed)
  • Ages: Kids around the Quad Cities
Details, tips and host

Moline Parks and Recreation again offers one of Santa's special mailboxes, this time set up beside the newly opened City Services Center. Children across the Quad Cities can write to Santa, and the city sees that the letters reach the North Pole.

Drop-off begins Monday, November 2 and ends Monday, November 30, 2026. Santa personally reads every letter and writes back, with replies going out in the mail from December 1. Families do not need a stamp or envelope, but should add a return address and print all names and addresses clearly so the answer can find its way home.

The City Services Center sits at 1830 6th Avenue in Moline, a quick drive over the river from Davenport. It is an easy stop to combine with holiday shopping.

Parent tip: Add a return address and print names clearly. You do not need a stamp or envelope.

Host
Moline Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
City Services Center, 1830 6th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 (near Davenport)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Moline Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Holiday showFree

Indoor Movie in the Park: The Grinch

  • When: Friday, December 18, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
  • Where: City Services Center, Moline
  • Cost: Free, with free popcorn, treats and drinks
  • Ages: Family
Details, tips and host

Moline Parks and Recreation brings Whoville to the big screen with a free indoor movie night. The feature is The Grinch, rated PG, and the city invites the whole crew to bring a cozy blanket or a favorite chair.

The movie runs Friday, December 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the City Services Center, 1830 6th Avenue in Moline. Free popcorn, treats and drinks are provided. The page does not mention registration, so families can plan to show up.

Because the showing lasts about an hour and a half and is held indoors, it is a good pick for a cold winter evening with younger children. Bring blankets or chairs, since the room is set up for seating you provide yourself.

Parent tip: Bring a blanket or chair for each person. Snacks are free.

Host
Moline Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
City Services Center, 1830 6th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 (near Davenport)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Moline Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Iowa Christmas train rides page.

Davenport Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Davenport, Rock Island and Moline
Season
November 2, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
2
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, Santa visit, holiday show and holiday parade
Last checked
See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Davenport Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Letters from Santa in Moline on November 2; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Looking further afield? Our Iowa Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Ames, Sioux City, Iowa City and Waterloo. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

2026 Christmas events are coming in late November

More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.

The story of Christmas in Davenport

In Davenport, Iowa, Christmas has been parading down the street for generations. Santa once arrived by airplane, and today a giant balloon parade opens the Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter.

How Davenport celebrates

Davenport's Christmas season kicks off with the Festival of Trees, held at the RiverCenter downtown, and its Holiday Parade. The parade has deep roots: Davenport Chamber of Commerce photos show Christmas parades in 1947 and 1950, and in the 1940s the Jaycees sponsored a bigger than life Santa float. In 1947 children were invited to run beside Santa's sleigh, and in 1948 Santa arrived by airplane in the Parade of the Christmas Spirit. Thousands of Quad City residents watched from the sidelines. By 1954 Santa was back in his sleigh, pulled by reindeer.

Christmas last year in Davenport

In 2025 the Festival of Trees marked its 40th year at the RiverCenter, running November 22 to 30 with over 75 decorated trees. New this year were Quilt Village, the Petite Forest and Culture Bright Lane, which has 9.5 foot designer trees. Kids could visit Santa, write letters to the North Pole, view gingerbread houses and ride the Festival Express train, and a Free Holiday Parade kicked off the fun with red and green colors and balloons. Families said it was a multigenerational tradition, with one visitor saying, "We come every year."

Fun facts about Christmas in Davenport

The Festival of Trees parade is billed as the Midwest's largest helium balloon parade. In 2024 its balloons included Santa Garfield, a giant Blue Macaw, the Gingerbread Man and Kung Fu Panda. The route starts at 3rd Street and Pershing Avenue, heads west, loops back along 2nd Street and ends at 2nd Street and Iowa Avenue. Back in 1948, a newspaper captioned Santa's airplane arrival "Santa's Airmail Special." At the Davenport Public Library, Santa has arrived in his Santamobile, and children have received a free photo and a candy cane.

Trains and Christmas in Davenport

Davenport does not have a railroad museum on our list, but little train fans still have a holiday ride waiting. The Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter includes the IMEG Festival Express Train, and visitors in 2025 listed riding the train among the festival's highlights, along with Santa, gingerbread houses and Christmas games. It is an easy way to enjoy a Christmas train right downtown.

Traditions today

  • Festival of Trees: A nine day festival at the RiverCenter with over 75 decorated trees, a Gingerbread Village and a train ride, now in its 40th year.
  • Festival of Trees Holiday Parade: A free downtown parade with giant helium balloons, floats, dance groups and marching bands.
  • Visits with Santa: Santa appears at the Festival of Trees, and at the Davenport Public Library children get a free photo and a candy cane.
  • Letters to the North Pole: Kids at the Festival of Trees write letters to the North Pole and play Christmas games.
  • Gingerbread Village: Families wander through gingerbread houses at the RiverCenter each November.
  • Teddy Bears and Treats: A festival day built for little ones, with treats and teddy bears, held on the Sunday of the festival.

A fact for kids

In 1948 Santa came to Davenport by airplane, and the newspaper called it "Santa's Airmail Special."

Questions about Christmas in Davenport

What is the Festival of Trees in Davenport?

It is an annual Christmas festival at the RiverCenter in downtown Davenport, with decorated trees, a Gingerbread Village, Santa visits and performances by dancers, singers, bands and choirs. The 2025 festival was its 40th year, so it is a long running local tradition.

When was the 2025 Festival of Trees?

The 2025 Festival of Trees ran November 22 to 30 at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd St., with a Premiere Party on November 21 and a Free Holiday Parade on November 22. Dates shift each year, so check our Davenport Christmas events guide on this page for the current season.

How many trees are at the Davenport Festival of Trees?

In 2025 there were over 75 decorated trees, plus new attractions including Quilt Village, the Petite Forest and Culture Bright Lane with 9.5 foot designer trees. Designer trees were also for sale, with free local delivery within a 40 mile radius, so families could take a favorite home.

How old is the Davenport Festival of Trees?

The 2025 event marked 40 years of the festival at the RiverCenter, which suggests it began in the mid 1980s. The sources we found do not give an exact founding year, so treat that as an estimate. Many families return every year, and attendees call it a multigenerational tradition.

Is the Festival of Trees parade free?

Yes. In 2025 the Holiday Parade on November 22 was free to watch. In 2024 the balloon parade began at 10 a.m. on a Saturday in downtown Davenport and was also free. Check our Davenport Christmas events guide on this page for this year's date and time, and dress your kids warmly for the curb.

What balloons are in the Davenport Christmas parade?

The parade is billed as the Midwest's largest helium balloon parade. In 2024 the giant balloons included Santa Garfield, a giant Blue Macaw, PJ Mask, the Gingerbread Man and Kung Fu Panda, with floats, dance groups, marching bands and vintage cars too. Lineups change each year.

What is the Davenport parade route?

In 2024 the parade started at 3rd Street and Pershing Avenue, headed west on 3rd Street, turned at Scott Street, looped back down 2nd Street and ended at 2nd Street and Iowa Avenue. Routes can change, so confirm in our Davenport Christmas events guide on this page before choosing a spot.

When did Davenport start having Christmas parades?

Davenport has had Christmas parades for generations. Chamber of Commerce photos document parades in 1947 and 1950, and the library notes Santa float and sleigh appearances in the 1940s. A November 27, 1947 parade even invited children to run beside Santa's sleigh.

How did Santa arrive in Davenport in 1948?

Santa arrived by airplane in the Parade of the Christmas Spirit, and the Davenport Daily Times captioned the photo "Santa's Airmail Special." Thousands of Quad City residents watched from the sidelines. By 1954 he was back in a sleigh, pulled by reindeer, which kids may like to hear.

What was the Jaycees Santa in Davenport?

In the 1940s the Jaycees sponsored a large Santa figure, described as bigger than life, that appeared as a float in a Davenport Christmas parade. Santa later rode a traditional sleigh in the parade. It shows how long the city has loved a big, showy Santa arrival.

Can kids meet Santa in Davenport?

Yes. Santa visits the Festival of Trees, and at the Davenport Public Library he has long greeted children. Library visits have included a free photo, a candy cane and a booklet, and Santa arrives in his Santamobile. Dates change each year, so see our Davenport Christmas events guide on this page.

What can kids do at the Festival of Trees?

Kids can see Santa, play Christmas games, write letters to the North Pole, ride a train, and view gingerbread houses. There are also treats and performances, and a favorite among young visitors in 2025 was the Grinch tree. Teddy Bears and Treats day is built for the littlest guests.

How much does the Festival of Trees cost?

In 2025 admission was $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 2 to 10, and free for children under 2. There were also $1 raffle tickets for prizes from local businesses. Prices change from year to year, so check our Davenport Christmas events guide on this page.

Is there a train at the Davenport Festival of Trees?

Yes, the festival includes the IMEG Festival Express Train, and visitors in 2025 mentioned riding the train as part of the fun. It is a good pick for little ones who love trains. Check our Davenport Christmas events guide on this page for current details.

Are there train museums in Davenport?

Not on our list for Iowa, so we do not name a nearby train museum for Davenport. A good train moment for young kids is the Festival Express Train at the Festival of Trees. Browse our museum pages for other railroad stops if you are traveling beyond the Quad Cities.

How do I explain Santa's airplane to a child?

Tell the story simply: in 1948 the people of Davenport saw Santa arrive by airplane, and a newspaper called it Santa's Airmail Special. Then ask your child how they would like Santa to arrive, by airplane, sleigh or even train, and let them draw it.

What did the Davenport library have to do with Santa?

The Davenport Public Library has welcomed Santa for many years, and he has regularly visited to greet children. More recently children received a free photo with Santa, a candy cane and a booklet, and Santa arrived in his Santamobile. It is a calm option for younger kids.

What is the Premiere Party at the Festival of Trees?

The Premiere Party was a kickoff event for the 2025 festival, held on November 21. Other festival events that year included Teddy Bears and Treats on November 23, the SugarPlum Ball on November 25, a Celebrity Lunch on November 26 and a Silent Disco on November 29.

What is Teddy Bears and Treats?

It is one of the festival's special days, held November 23 in 2025, with a focus on teddy bears and treats for young guests. The festival also has a Treat Shoppe and performances. Bring your child's favorite stuffed animal and check our Davenport Christmas events guide on this page for current details.

What is Davenport's most famous Christmas tradition?

The Festival of Trees and its Holiday Parade are the best known, with over 75 trees, a Gingerbread Village and giant helium balloons. Older traditions include Santa's parade arrivals, from sleigh to airplane in the 1940s and 1950s. Many families say they return every year.

Sources

  1. Festival of Trees kicks off in downtown Davenport, KWQC TV6
  2. 40 Year Anniversary of Festival of Trees, iRock 93.5
  3. Festival of Trees balloon parade floats into downtown Davenport today, QuadCities.com
  4. Guess who's coming to town, Davenport Public Library Special Collections
  5. Parades, Davenport Public Library Special Collections

Davenport Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What are the best Christmas events for kids in Davenport this year?

We confirmed 13 for the 2026 season, and 2 of them are free. Good places to start: Christmas at the Movies in Rock Island (Dec 16), Letters to the North Pole (Nov 28 to Dec 13) and Graphic Novel Book Club in Rock Island (Dec 8). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Davenport?

Yes, 2 of the 13. Two worth planning around: Letters from Santa in Moline (Nov 2 to Nov 30) and Indoor Movie in the Park: The Grinch in Moline (Dec 18). Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.

Where can kids meet Santa in Davenport?

3 events here include a visit with Santa. Popular picks are Skate with Santa (Dec 19). Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.

Are there Christmas story times for kids in Davenport?

Yes. Library story times are usually free and walk-in; ones with a meal or a show are ticketed.

Is anything on for kids in Davenport on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes, three events run on Christmas Eve or later. Fejervary Holiday Lights runs through Jan 3 and Noon Year's Eve Glow Skate runs through Dec 31.

Do we need tickets or reservations?

For 11 of the 13 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Davenport?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Davenport Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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