This year the Quad City Arts Festival of Trees celebrates 30 years of holiday cheer! Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter features many beautiful, uniquely designed trees, stunning designer displays, handcrafted stockings and ornaments, a variety of miniature designs, special events, model train display, gingerbread village, and the North Pole children's activity center.
There are additional ticketed events that happen in conjunction with the Festival of Trees. NEW this year: "Cheers to 30 Years," a beer and wine tasting that will offer a "sneak peek" of the event. There is also the Silver Bell Social for seniors, Grand Premiere Party, Sizzlin' Soiree for a girls night out, Sugarplum Ball for dads and daughters, Celebrity Lunch, Jingle Jam teen dance, and Family Days for military families.
Then the Festival of Trees Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 21 features over 20 large helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, the Distinguished Clown Corps, and participation from over 50 organizations. There are more balloons than Macy's! The parade begins at 10:15 a.m. and goes through the streets of downtown Davenport.
Back by popular demand, Cirque de la Symphonie returns with an all new show for the Holiday Pops at the Adler Theatre in Davenport on Nov. 20-21. The Holiday Pops includes three performances, one each night at 8 p.m. and a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Artists include aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, and music by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
Enjoy a heart-warming performance of A Wonderful Life at Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island. George Bailey's story remains a timeless tale of dreams, love, and extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Based on the popular movie, A Wonderful Life performance dates are Nov. 13-Dec. 27.
More holiday performances include :
Christmas at the historic John Deere family mansions in Moline, Illinois, has become a holiday tradition. On Sunday, Dec. 6, step back in time for the free 19th Century Christmas celebration from 12-5 p.m. Also, visit with living-history volunteers, hear carolers, and participate in make-and-take activities.
Starting Friday, Nov. 27 visitors can also enjoy the upcoming holiday films at the Putnam Museum and Science Center. Watch The Polar Express 3D and Frozen 3D on the National Geographic GIANT Screen Theater. BRAND NEW this year is Frozen Sing-Along Sundays where you can see this adored film and sing along to the words on the screen each Sunday at 4:15 p.m. from Nov. 29 to Dec. 27!
The Amazing Advent Adventure exhibit at the German American Heritage Center features Advent calendars of all kinds?some by local artists, some by students in Davenport's Sister City (Kaiserslautern, Germany) and some from local collectors. The German American Heritage Center itself is turning its building into an Advent calendar! Starting December 1, they will light up a different window like an Advent calendar until the 24th.
