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    • HOME
    • ABOUT US
    • GIVE
    • EVENTS
      • All Annual Events
      • Celebrate Elkader
      • Holiday Light Show
      • Light Up the Night
      • Turkey River Trot
      • Photo Ops
    • RESOURCES
      • Design Guidelines
      • Evolving Loan Fund
      • Facade Program
      • Grant Information
    • PROJECTS
      • Art in the Alley
      • Beautify Elkader
      • Shade Structures
      • Umbrella Alley Project
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  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • GIVE
  • EVENTS
    • All Annual Events
    • Celebrate Elkader
    • Holiday Light Show
    • Light Up the Night
    • Turkey River Trot
    • Photo Ops
  • RESOURCES
    • Design Guidelines
    • Evolving Loan Fund
    • Facade Program
    • Grant Information
  • PROJECTS
    • Art in the Alley
    • Beautify Elkader
    • Shade Structures
    • Umbrella Alley Project

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Holiday Light Show

Holiday Light Show in Elkader, Iowa with festive colorful lights.

The Elkader Holiday Light Show is a festive community tradition that brings the magic of the holiday season to life in Elkader, Iowa. Created in 2024 by local community organizations and volunteers, the local light show features dazzling light displays and holiday cheer. The show provides a fun, family-friendly experience for visitors of all ages. 


Made possible through the generosity of local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community supporters, the Elkader Holiday Light Show spreads joy, creates lasting memories, and welcomes visitors from near and far to celebrate the season in Northeast Iowa.


Learn More

A partnership between the following organizations...

Give to this annual event!

Support our annual light show, held in the Elkader City Campground and sponsored by Main Street Elkader, Elkader Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Elkader.

Donate now!

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR 2025:

Friday, November 21st

KICK OFF NIGHT!

  • 4pm-6pm: Elkader Area Chamber of Commerce hosts their annual Get Your Jingle On event downtown at FreedomBank and shopping at downtown businesses. 
  • 6pm: Lights turned on in the City Campground!
  • 6pm-9pm: Main Street Elkader board of directors hosts a Christmas ornament making station at the shelter house (Floral Hall) in the City Campground.

Saturday, November 22nd

PAJAMA NIGHT

  • Wear your Christmas PJs through the campground, snap pictures and more!

GLOWSTICKS

  • Each kid entering the campground will receive a glow stick to shine, while supplies last.

Saturday, November 29th

CARRIAGE "SLEIGH" RIDES

  • We're partnering with Clip Clop Carriage Rides out of St. Olaf to offer festive "sleigh" rides through the campground and through the lights! 

More details to come on timing, registration, and more!

Saturday, December 6th

UGLY SWEATER RUN

  • 5pm: Show up with your ugly Christmas sweaters and run around the City Campground together! This super short run is more about fun and photos than breaking your PR. ;) Be sure to post your photos and tag us!

Saturday, December 13th

VISIT SANTA NIGHT

  • 5pm-8pm: Stop and visit with Santa in Floral Hall! Snap your photo while you're here and be sure to tag us!


SIDE-BY-SIDE RIDE hosted by the Clayton County SXS Riders

  • More info to come!

Saturday, December 20th

COOKIE DECORATING

  • 5pm-8pm: While supplies last, decorate holiday cookies with us, sponsored by Pedretti's Bakery!

Saturday, December 27th

SNOW SHOEING/SNOW SKIING

  • Take a self-guided tour through the City Campground and experience the Holiday Light Show on snow shoes or snow skis! 
  • There is no specific start/end time for this "event" so you can go whenever you'd like! Of course, if there's not enough snow, the event will not take place but we will welcome you to drive or walk through.

Show More

More information for YOU!

LETTER TO BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, & COMMUNITY MEMBERS: 

Print + donate via mail or in-person at Elkader City Hall if you wish. Make checks payable to Main Street Elkader and mail to our attention at 207 N. Main Street, Elkader, Iowa 52043. Thank you for your support! 


2025 LIGHT SHOW MAP:

View + save our map of the show for the 2025 show! We are grateful for your support.

Holiday Light Show - 2025 Letter (pdf)

Download

2025 map (png)

Download

Connect with us!

MAIN STREET ELKADER

207 N Main St, Elkader, Iowa 52043, USA

PO Box 125

563-245-2770

mainstreetelkader@gmail.com


Elkader Chamber of Commerce

City of Elkader

Elkader Economic Development 


Copyright © 2025 Main Street Elkader - All Rights Reserved.

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