Christmas in Hometown Le Mars returns November 27-28, 2026, inviting families and visitors to kick off the holiday season with two days of festive experiences throughout Le Mars. From ice skating and visits with Santa to live reindeer, holiday movies, trolley rides, Christmas crafts and more, this year’s celebration is packed with opportunities to make Christmas memories together. The festivities begin Friday evening before a full day of activities takes over downtown and locations throughout the community on Saturday, November 28.   

Friday Night Kickoff 

The Christmas fun begins Friday evening with the return of the holiday train, ice skating, and s’mores, along with Christmas Karaoke at Wise I Brewing and A Brown Family Christmas at The Browns Music Theater. Attendees can also get an early start on the Find the Joy Scavenger Hunt while exploring participating businesses. 

New & Featured for 2026 

Saturday brings a full day of Christmas experiences, including several new additions and expanded activities:

• Reindeer Round Up featuring live reindeer at the Olson Cultural Events Center 

• Stuff-A-Plush Workshop, where kids can create a cuddly Christmas keepsake 

• Hometown Christmas Snow Globes, featuring a personalized photo and decorating experience   

• Merry Little Movies at Royal 3 Cinema, with free holiday short films playing throughout the day 

• Christmas Charms at Wise I, where guests can create their own festive keychain • Holiday Puzzle Showdown, a friendly team competition featuring holiday puzzles 

• Trolley Rides, connecting activity locations throughout Le Mars 

• Meet the Ice Princesses, where guests can grab a photo with these well-known princesses 

• Holiday Trivia, test your knowledge after A Hometown Christmas Celebration at Wise I Brewing 

Returning Christmas Favorites 

Many Christmas in Hometown Le Mars traditions will return, including Eating with the Elves, Santa’s Fun Run 5k and Kid’s Dash, Elves Storytime, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Find the Joy Scavenger Hunt, ice skating, Festival of Trees, holiday train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo,  Mini Masterpieces at the Le Mars Arts Center, Cookie Creations, BINGO with Blu and Coloring Too, a Cookie Walk, the Gingerbread House Contest Display, Wreaths and Winter Greens, s’mores stations, holiday photo opportunities, A Brown Family Christmas show, and visits with the Grinch.  

Guests can also enjoy performances by Central Dance Academy and The Turn Around, festive food throughout the community and plenty of opportunities to shop, dine, and explore Le Mars throughout the weekend.   A Hometown Christmas Celebration The day will culminate at 6 p.m. at the Olson Cultural Events Center with A Hometown Christmas Celebration presented by Side by Side Ministries. The evening will feature Christmas music from The Browns, performances by Central Dance Academy and The Turn Around, a retelling of the Christmas story, and the lighting of Le Mars’ 26-foot Christmas tree. A live nativity will also be at the Olson Cultural Events Center from 4-7 p.m. Christmas in Hometown Le Mars is designed to give families an entire day to experience the community, create traditions and celebrate the joy of the Christmas season together.   

Event Information 

The majority of Christmas in Hometown Le Mars activities are free, with select experience requiring low-cost event tickets. Tickets can be purchased day of at Uptown Events Center, the Hometown Le Mars Heritage Foundation Office, and the Christmas truck located by the ice skating rink.   The complete schedule, activity details, locations and registration information can be found at ChristmasInLeMars.com. 

Media Contact: Kristen Heimgartner, Executive Director Hometown Le Mars Heritage Foundation 

56 Central Ave SE, Le Mars, IA 

kristen@hometownlemars.org 

712-541-9645