Newton for the Holidays
Holiday Events Happening in Newton
Newton, Iowa has tons of great events taking place during the holidays, and you're invited! Learn about activities including holiday markets, shopping events, performances, holiday movies, light displays and yes, even a visit from Santa and his reindeer. Check out a full listing of holiday events happening in our community in November and December!
- Check out this full list of businesses in the Newton Main Street District (our historic downtown).
- View the member directory of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce members.
Maytag Park Holiday Lights
November 25 - January 1, 6 p.m. (dusk) - 10 p.m.
Maytag Park | 301 S 11th Ave W
Enjoy a drive through the magical Maytag Park holiday lights! This dazzling display, by the City of Newton and Friends of Newton Parks, features thousands of twinkling lights and 50+ enchanting displays. A true community effort, it brings the holiday spirit to life. Mark November 25 from 6-8 p.m. on your calendars for the grand opening of this community tradition presented by Clemon-Maki Insurance!
Newton Community Theatre presents “Das Barbecü” ($)
December 1, 2, 8, & 9, 7:30- 9:30 p.m.
December 3 & 10, 2 - 4 p.m.
Newton Community Theatre | 1701 S 8th Ave E
Wagner’s Ring Cycle reimagined as a Texas fable with five actors playing over 30 characters at a fast pace. Enjoy a mix of Broadway, Texas swing, jazz, and country music. Witness mismatched lovers, feuding families, a magical ring, lariat tricks, synchronized swimming, guacamole tribute, and a sweet two-step for a wild comedy. Tickets on sale November 27, $18 for adults & $15 for youth.
MercyOne Newton Medical Center presents Jingle for a Cure
December 2, 9 a.m.
Legacy Plaza | 403 W 4th St N
Join us for Jingle for a Cure, a fundraiser for MercyOne Newton Cancer and Infusion Care. Choose between a 5K or a one-mile run/walk. Hosted by MercyOne Newton Medical Center and the Pink Ribbon Support Group, this family-friendly event offers something for everyone. Each participant will receive a t-shirt (if registered by Nov 17). All proceeds support cancer services. Take advantage of this opportunity to support a great cause and have fun! Register online.
Park Centre's Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 2, 9 - 11 a.m.
Park Centre | 500 1st St N
Join Santa for breakfast, crafting and story time at Park Centre’s Breakfast with Santa. Children and adults can enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and drink with their favorite man in red – Santa Claus. Children can also take part in fun crafts including decorating sugar cookies prepared by DMACC Newton Campus Baking students. This event is open to the public. New unwrapped toys and/or a freewill donation to support St. Nick’s will be accepted.
Free Community Movie - "The Polar Express" sponsored by Newton YMCA, MercyOne Newton and Lauterbach GMC
December 2, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Capitol II Theatre | 116 1st St N
Get ready for a magical morning with the Newton YMCA, MercyOne Newton, and Lauterbach GMC. Enjoy a free showing of “The Polar Express” at The Capitol II Theatre. Tickets are available at the Newton YMCA or Capitol II Theatre. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Holiday Hoobie Whatty Vendor and Craft Show
December 2, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hotel Maytag Ballroom | 105 N 2nd Ave E
Join us for a festive afternoon at the Historic Hotel Maytag! Sip, shop, and socialize with a diverse range of vendors, perfect for all your Christmas shopping needs. Don’t miss out on this merry gathering!
Dollars for Scholars Tour of Homes ($)
December 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The 2023 Tour of Homes features five beautiful, interesting, and often historic homes to tour each year for the low cost of $10 per person. All proceeds go to Newton Dollars for Scholars, who have been providing scholarships for local Newton seniors to attend the college or trade school of their choice for over 38 years. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the homes on the day of the tour, December 2, from 10 am to 4 pm.
There are five houses on the tour this year and they are:
- Brodersen home, 4659 Hwy 14 S
- Portner home, 900 W 18th St S
- Lawson/Evans home, 3404 S 12th Ave W
- Kain home, 998 High Ave
- Nieland home, 1215 N 67th Ave W
More information: newtonia.dollarsforscholars.org
Destination Newton's Santa Visits
Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join Destination Newton and Santa in spreading holiday cheer through visits to local businesses! Enjoy Santa’s storytime and photos—a perfect way to celebrate the season and create cherished memories. Share the holiday joy with Santa!
- 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. reading at 11:30 a.m. at Book Trader
- 12 - 1 p.m., reading at 12:30 p.m. at Mattingly’s
Jasper County Historical Museum's THIRD ANNUAL Tree-Mendous Christmas Experience
December 2 - December 31
Saturday 1 - 8 p.m., Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.
Jasper County Historical Museum | 1700 S 15th Ave W
Discover a new festive look every year at the Jasper County Historical Museum with over 200 beautifully decorated trees displayed throughout the museum. Group visits can be arranged and the museum welcomes free-will donations. The display will be closed on Christmas Eve and open from 1 - 4 p.m. on Christmas Day.
DMACC Newton's Seventh Annual Holiday Celebration
December 5, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
DMACC Newton | 600 N 2nd Ave W
Gather your family for a delightful evening of holiday activities including gingerbread house decorating! Join us for a variety of activities, including crafts, cookie decorating, sipping on hot cocoa, and even a special visit from Santa himself.
Thomas Jefferson & Woodrow Wilson Winter Concert
December 7, 6 p.m. - Kindergarten & 7 p.m. - 1st Grade
Newton High School | 800 E 4th St S
Delight in a charming winter concert featuring our talented kindergartners and first graders. These young performers are sure to warm your hearts with their delightful melodies.
Newton Main Street's Third Annual Winter Wonderland Market
December 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Legacy Plaza | 403 W 4th St N
Join Newton Main Street for last-minute holiday shopping. This event supports small businesses and entrepreneurs, offering a one-stop winter wonderland for shoppers in the heart of the Main Street District. Find eclectic gifts for everyone on your shopping list and mark your calendar today.
Newton High School Winter Band Concert
December 11, 7 p.m.
Newton High School | 800 E 4th St S
Experience the sounds of the season at the Newton High School Band Winter Concert. Take part in an evening of music as student musicians showcase their talents during this annual event.
Newton Community School District's 5th & 6th Grade Winter Band & Choir Concert
December 12, 6 p.m. - 5th Grade & 7:30 p.m. - 6th Grade
Berg Middle School | 1900 N 5th Ave E
Join the Newton Community School District for an enchanting Winter Band & Choir Concert. It promises to be an evening filled with musical talent and holiday spirit.
Aurora Heights & Emerson Hough Winter Concert
December 14, 6 p.m. - Kindergarten & 7 p.m. - 1st Grade
Newton High School | 800 E 4th St S
Delight in a charming winter concert featuring our talented kindergartners and first graders. These young performers are sure to warm your hearts with their delightful melodies.
Newton Community Theatre's The Sounds of Christmas 2023 ($)
December 15, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Newton Community Theatre | 1701 S 8th Ave E
Enjoy the sounds of the Newton Community Theatre Orchestra, featuring 25 talented musicians and vocalists, as they perform a festive selection of Christmas music. The orchestra will take the stage for this special performance. Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas with us and support a fundraiser for the Newton Community Theatre. Admission is by free-will donation.
Destination Newton's Santa Visits
December 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join Destination Newton and Santa in spreading holiday cheer through visits to local businesses! Enjoy Santa’s storytime and photos—a perfect way to celebrate the season and create cherished memories. Share the holiday joy with Santa!
- 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. reading at 11:30 a.m. at Choices
- 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. reading at 12:30 p.m. at the Newton Public Library
FREE Community Movie - "The bishop's wife" sponsored by United Way of Jasper County and Edward Jones
December 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Capitol II Theatre | 116 1st St N
Come enjoy a holiday classic and get into the Christmas spirit with a free showing of “The Bishop’s Wife” at the Capitol II Theatre. Come enjoy a classic holiday film with "The Bishop's Wife." Released in 1947, the black and white romantic comedy stars Cary Grant - the angel Dudley, David Niven - the bishop and Loretta Young - the wife. With some divine intervention all three learn the true meaning of Christmas. The movie is free for all ages to enjoy thanks to United Way of Jasper County and Edward Jones - Mark Allen, Brendan Lamont, Travis Padget, Nate Milone & Dakota Hills.
Newton Community Theatre's The Sounds of Christmas 2023 ($)
December 16, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Newton Community Theatre | 1701 S 8th Ave E
Enjoy the sounds of the Newton Community Theatre Orchestra, featuring 25 talented musicians and vocalists, as they perform a festive selection of Christmas music. The orchestra will take the stage for this special performance. Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas with us and support a fundraiser for the Newton Community Theatre. Admission is by free-will donation.
Newton Community Theatre's The Sounds of Christmas 2023 ($)
December 17, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Newton Community Theatre | 1701 S 8th Ave E
Enjoy the sounds of the Newton Community Theatre Orchestra, featuring 25 talented musicians and vocalists, as they perform a festive selection of Christmas music. The orchestra will take the stage for this special performance. Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas with us and support a fundraiser for the Newton Community Theatre. Admission is by free-will donation.
Newton High School Winter Choir Concert
December 18, 7 p.m.
Newton High School | 800 E 4th St S
The Newton High School Choir is ready to serenade you into the holiday season. Students will share their vocal talents during this performance featuring holiday favorites, winter classics, and seasonal standards.
Newton Community School District's 7th & 8th Grade Winter Band & Choir Concert
December 19, 6 p.m. - 7th Grade & 7:30 p.m. - 8th Grade
Berg Middle School | 1900 N 5th Ave E
Join the Newton Community School District for an enchanting Winter Band & Choir Concert. It promises to be an evening filled with musical talent and holiday spirit.
United Way of Jasper County’s Big Christmas Raffle ($)
Drawing takes place on December 19
The raffle is back and ready for the holidays. Buy a ticket to support UWJC and be entered for a chance to win amazing prizes. Raffle tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or from a board member or staff of UWJC. Visit their website for more info: unitedwayofjaspercounty.org
Free Community Movie - “Happy Feet”
December 26, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Capitol II Theatre | 116 1st St N
Join us for a free showing of “HAPPY FEET” at Capitol II Theatre! Tickets available at the theater, first-come, first-served seating. The first 100 guests get free popcorn and a drink, courtesy of Discover Hope 517 Ministry & New Creation Church. Bring your family for a fantastic movie.
FREE COMMUNITY MOVIE - “HAPPY FEET”
December 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Capitol II Theatre | 116 1st St N
Join us for a free showing of “HAPPY FEET” at Capitol II Theatre! Tickets available at the theater, first-come, first-served seating. The first 100 guests get free popcorn and a drink, courtesy of Discover Hope 517 Ministry & New Creation Church. Bring your family for a fantastic movie.