DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 26, 2026) — A Winter Wonderland is coming to downtown Davenport as Quad City Arts’ Festival of Trees returns to the RiverCenter, November 21–29, 2026. Now in its forty-first year, the holiday celebration brings together holiday decor, local performances, family activities, and special events — all supporting arts experiences throughout the Quad Cities.
This year’s “Winter Wonderland” comes to life through designer displays, Gingerbread Village, the Petite Forest, and the Festival Express Train. Visitors can enjoy local performances on CenterStage, visit Santa, and explore the High School Art Exhibit, showcasing emerging talent from across the region.
Start a family tradition, plan a holiday date night, or gather friends for a festive evening out. This year’s Festival includes a new special event, Movie Night: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and a Kids Activity Area is FREE with purchase of a general admission ticket. The iconic Holiday Parade also returns to kick off the festival with giant helium balloons, music, and holiday cheer.
Bring Home a Piece of Festival
Guests can bid on designer displays using mobile bidding, whether visiting the RiverCenter or browsing from home. QR codes beside the displays connect visitors to the bidding platform, where they can follow their favorite designs and receive outbid notifications. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun!
This year’s VIP basket raffles offer chances to win restaurant experiences, local favorites, and city-getaway packages filled with opportunities to explore. Art lovers can enter the six-by-six Art Raffle for a chance to win an original small-scale work donated by a local artist. And for those ready to check off their holiday shopping lists, the Be Original Gallery and Tinsel Treasures Gift Shop offers a curated selection of gifts and seasonal finds. Every purchase and raffle entry supports Quad City Arts. And don’t forget to take home a keepsake of this year’s celebration with the Festival-exclusive Isabel Bloom “Holly Trees” designs. These collectible pieces make thoughtful holiday gifts or special additions to your own collection!
Special NIGHTS at Festival
Make Festival your night out! Gather friends, plan a holiday date, or start a new tradition with special evening events among the twinkling trees. Enjoy live music at Premiere Party, laugh with the Griswolds at our new Holiday Movie Night, or grab your friends and hit the dance floor at Silent Disco Among the Trees — where three DJs let you choose the soundtrack to your night.
Premiere Party | Friday, November 20, 6-9PM
Be among the first to experience this year’s Winter Wonderland at Festival of Trees Premiere Party! Enjoy live music by Wicked Liz and the Belly Swirls, hors d'oeuvres & drinks, and special experiences among the decorated displays. Tickets are $80, and proceeds support Quad City Arts programs throughout the region.
NEW: Holiday Movie Night | Friday, November 27, 8-10PM
Settle in among the decorated trees for a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Presented by The Last Picture House, this new event brings a holiday movie favorite to the festival floor at the RiverCenter.
Complimentary popcorn is included, and the Treat Shoppe will be open for additional purchases. Guests can also stop by the Treat Shoppe for something sweet throughout Festival’s general admission hours. Movie Night seating is limited, cash bar available.
Silent Disco Party | Saturday, November 28, 8-10PM
Grab your friends and light up the night as three live DJs bring a dance party to Festival’s dazzling tree displays! Slip on your wireless headphones, switch channels to find your favorite music, and follow the matching glow of headphones to find your crowd. Bring your friends, favorite glow accessories, and dance the night away! A cash bar will be available; a valid ID is required at check-in.
Festival of Tree’s Holiday Parade Returns November 21
The holiday season kicks off with the FREE Holiday Parade in downtown Davenport on Saturday, November 21, 10AM. Families can watch giant helium balloons — including Bert and Ernie, Santa Garfield, the Gingerbread Man, and other holiday characters — float through downtown alongside festive floats, marching bands, and dance groups. A special appearance by Santa Claus rounds out the parade before families continue their celebration at the RiverCenter for the official opening of the Festival Floor.
Full Special Event lineup:
- November 19: Santa’s Stars sensory-friendly event and Silver Bell Social for ages 55+ (Registration required for both events.)
- November 20: Premiere Party
- November 21: FREE Holiday Parade
- November 22: Teddy Bears and Treats
- November 24: Sugar Plum Ball
- November 25: Celebrity Lunch
- NEW! November 27: Holiday Movie Night: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- November 28: Silent Disco Among the Trees
Each special event ticket includes one complimentary adult general admission ticket to Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter.
Special events require separate tickets. The Holiday Parade is FREE; Santa’s Stars and Silver Bell Social require registration. Find details and tickets at qcfestivaloftrees.com/events.
Be A Holiday Hero
Volunteers play an essential role in bringing Festival of Trees to life, from welcoming guests to supporting attractions and special events. Volunteers who complete a full shift receive one FREE general admission ticket for each shift worked.
Explore available opportunities and sign up at qcfestivaloftrees.com/volunteer.
A Holiday Tradition That Supports the Arts
Festival of Trees is Quad City Arts’ largest fundraiser. Proceeds support programs that bring visiting artists into local schools, provide paid opportunities for young artists through Metro Arts, and connect communities through public art, exhibitions, and art festivals like Chalk Art Fest.
Every ticket purchased, design bid placed, and volunteer shift completed helps make these experiences possible. Festival gives the community a way to celebrate the holidays while supporting the arts throughout the year.
Thank You to Our Community
Festival of Trees is made possible by the generosity of sponsors, designers, artists, volunteers, and community partners. Their support helps sustain a beloved holiday tradition and brings meaningful arts experiences to people throughout the Quad Cities.
About Quad City Arts
Quad City Arts is a non-profit organization engaging the region through meaningful art experiences.
Through arts education, exhibitions, public art, artist opportunities, and community events, Quad City Arts connects people with creativity and helps build vibrant places to live, work, and visit. Quad City Arts is funded in part from operating grants from The Cultural Trust and the Illinois Arts Council.
Learn more at quadcityarts.com.
