DAVENPORT, IOWA (November 24, 2025) — QC downtowns are ready to host shoppers this week with special activities throughout the week and specifically on Small Business Saturday, November 29.
Explore the Deck the Downtowns promotions with fun holiday activities, unique local shopping and opportunities to win prizes along the way. From the Holiday Display Challenge to the ornament hunts, there's plenty to keep you in the holiday spirit.
In Downtown Davenport for Small Business Saturday, the Downtown Davenport Partnership team will be out on the streets giving away over $500 in gift cards to downtown businesses — completely at random, thanks to the support of GreenState Credit Union.
In Downtown Rock Island, enjoy additional festive fun downtown throughout the season, including Winter Lights at the Quad City Botanical Center; Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse; Christmas Craft Show November 28-30 at QCCA Expo Center; That Dam Shopping Trip November 28-29 at Skeleton Key Art and Antiques; and other businesses.
Deck the Downtowns is a joint promotion of the Downtown Bettendorf Organization, Downtown Davenport Partnership and Rock Island Downtown Alliance — all organizations of the Quad Cities Chamber.
HOLIDAY DISPLAY CHALLENGE
Throughout the three downtowns, more than seventy businesses will participate in the Holiday Display Challenge by decorating their storefronts for the holidays. Twenty local artists have been hired to paint many of the festive storefronts. Patrons can pick up a flyer at downtown businesses to find all participating locations and vote for their favorite display November 20, 2025–January 1, 2026 for a chance to win gift cards and goodies.
ORNAMENT HUNTS
In Downtown Davenport, patrons will join in the German tradition of hunting for the holiday pickle ornament. To play, official hunt cards can be picked up at one of the more than thirty participating businesses. Those who find ten pickles November 20, 2025–January 1, 2026 and turn in their completed card at either the German American Heritage Center or Downtown Davenport Public Library will win a pickle ornament, crafted by artist Carolyn Krueger, for their own tree (while supplies last). Participants will also be entered to win a grand prize. Pickle Hunt participating businesses and hunt info here.
In Downtown Rock Island, patrons will hunt for the holiday train ornament, inspired by the rich railroad history in Rock Island. Back for a fourth consecutive year with a new design, the custom-crafted train ornaments laser cut by Crawford Company and decorated by Jackson Autobody & Custom Paint, can be discovered at more than thirty businesses in Downtown Rock Island. Those who find ten holiday trains November 20, 2025–January 1, 2026 and turn in their completed stamp card at Quad City Arts, Quad City Botanical Center, Downtown Rock Island Library, or Skeleton Key Art and Antiques will win a train ornament for their own tree (while supplies last). Participants will also be entered to win a grand prize. Train Hunt participating businesses and hunt info here.
MORE INFO
Find all the details at each downtown website:
- Downtown Bettendorf Organization
www.downtownbettendorf.org/events/yearly-events/deck-the-downtowns/
- Downtown Davenport Partnership
www.downtowndavenport.com/deck-the-downtowns
- Rock Island Downtown Alliance
