Illustration of a Christmas market with a small Ferris wheel and a reindeer carousel surrounded by glowing stalls (Amana Colonies Prelude to Christmas)

Amana Colonies Prelude to Christmas

Visitors can experience German-American holiday traditions across seven historic villages with handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and holiday music. Activities include village shopping, a Sampling Stroll, holiday games, the German Pickle Hunt, and children's craft opportunities.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Amana Colonies

Food & Drink

Festive treats are featured, and visitors can join the Sampling Stroll; the second-weekend program also includes the Cookie Walk.

Going?

Location

Amana Colonies · Amana, IA 52203 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and holiday shoppers

Vibe

Traditional and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Visit on the second weekend, Amana Traditions Weekend, to catch the Amana Church Bazaar and Cookie Walk and the Annual Holiday Haus Walk.
  • Make time for the Sampling Stroll and the German Pickle Hunt between stops at the village shops for handcrafted holiday gifts.
  • Bring the kids along for the craft activities and holiday games, which are part of the festival's family-friendly program.
  • Plan your trip for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, because Prelude to Christmas runs only on those days across the seven villages.
  • Fit in a performance at the Amana theatre, which is part of the Prelude to Christmas program alongside the shopping and sampling.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Amana Traditions Weekend on the second weekend brings the Amana Church Bazaar and Cookie Walk and the Annual Holiday Haus Walk, sponsored by the Amana Arts Guild.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do at Prelude to Christmas?

Shop for handcrafted gifts in all the village shops, catch a performance at the theatre, join the Sampling Stroll, play games and hunt for the German pickle.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, it's family-friendly. Kids get several craft activities, along with games and the German Pickle Hunt.

What happens on Amana Traditions Weekend?

The second weekend is Amana Traditions Weekend. It brings the Amana Church Bazaar and Cookie Walk and the Annual Holiday Haus Walk, sponsored by the Amana Arts Guild.

How can my business sponsor Prelude to Christmas?

Email the Event Coordinator at events@amanacolonies.com about sponsorship opportunities.

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