Holiday Happenings

November 19, 2024 - The City of Bettendorf is ready for the holiday season with plenty of fun and festive opportunities planned for "kids from 1 to 92." Here is a look at the City's Holiday Happenings in 2024:

Senior Angel Tree
Starts Tuesday, November 19
Bettendorf Police Department, 1609 State Street

The Bettendorf Police Department (BPD) is once again partnering with CASI - Center for Active Seniors, Inc. to provide gifts to seniors in our community. Anyone can stop by BPD and choose a name tag from the Senior Angel Tree, then buy gifts for that person and return the unwrapped items to BPD by December 9.

Giving Trees
Starts Monday, November 25
Locations: Bettendorf Community Center, 2204 Grant Street & Family Museum, 2900 Learning Campus Drive

The Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department and the Family Museum are asking for donations of supplies for their exhibits, programs, camps, and more. Items include everything from crayons and markers to gently used board games and DVDs! Items for the Giving Tree should be dropped off by December 27.

Letters to the North Pole
Starts Monday, November 25
Mailbox Locations: Bettendorf Community Center & Family Museum

The City has some special "elves" who can help you get in touch with the North Pole! Kids can drop off a letter and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to one of two special mailboxes located at the Bettendorf Community Center or the Family Museum and we will make sure they receive a response from the North Pole! Mailboxes close December 20.

Reindeer Day
Saturday, December 7
Family Museum
Noon-5 p.m.

This event is included with paid admission and features real live reindeer, a variety of reindeer games, and a special performance from the Family Museum Dance Company! Sponsored By: Northwest Bank & Trust

Pack a Police Car & Fire Truck
Saturday, December 7
Parking Lot Between Family Museum & Bettendorf Public Library, Learning Campus Drive
Noon-2 p.m.

To receive $2 off admission to Reindeer Day, anyone is welcome to visit with the Bettendorf Police and Fire Departments and drop off a new, unwrapped toy in a police car and/or a fire truck!

Santa's Day Out
Saturday, December 7
Bettendorf Community Center
3:15-7:30 p.m.

The Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department is inviting kids ages 5-12 to be dropped off for an afternoon of fun so Santa can get his shopping done! This event, which requires registration by December 3, includes holiday-themed crafts, games, dessert decorating, pizza, and a viewing of The Grinch on the big screen. Sponsored By: Cookies By Design

'Tis the Season
Sunday, December 8
Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State Street
1-3 p.m.

This is a free event put on specifically for seniors in our community. It includes live entertainment from bands, choirs, dancers, and more. Refreshments are served by Bettendorf City Council and City Staff. The event is free! Click here to register, or call (563) 344-4113.

Holiday Dog Walk
Sunday, December 8
Crow Creek Dog Park, 4701 Devils Glen Road
1 p.m.

The Bettendorf Trails Committee and the Bettendorf Dog Park Alliance - partners of the Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department and endorsed by the City of Bettendorf - are hosting this free event, which includes a 3-mile walk with a special gift for dogs as well as hot cider for their humans. All breeds and pedigrees are invited to attend.

Holiday PJ Paint Party
Sunday, December 8
Bettendorf Community Center
3-5 p.m.

The Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department is partnering up with Art with Kare for a holiday pajama painting class. Kids ages 7-14 will learn to paint a piece of art and enjoy pizza while their paintings dry. This event requires registration by December 5.

Opening of The Landing Ice Rink
Sunday, December 15
The Landing Ice Rink, 2255 Middle Road
Noon-6 p.m.

The City's brand-new amenity features an 11,000+ square foot ice rink surrounded by gas firepits and The Lodge, which includes indoor restrooms, concessions, and a fireplace.

Ribbon Cutting & Tree Lighting Ceremony of The Landing Ice Rink
Monday, December 16
The Landing Ice Rink
4 p.m.

Join Mayor Bob Gallagher, Bettendorf City Council, City Leaders, and Community Partners as we celebrate the City's newest amenity!

Holiday Jammie Jam
Friday, December 20
Family Museum
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Families are invited to this free event to show off their holiday pajamas and sing some holiday favorites together in the beautifully decorated Great Hall!

Noon Year's Eve
Tuesday, December 31
Family Museum, 2900 Learning Campus Drive
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The grown-ups get to stay up until midnight, which means the kids get to celebrate a countdown to 12... Noon! A limited number of tickets are required for this event and go on sale December 2. Sponsored By: Ascentra Credit Union