Living Windows

December 5, 5 - 8 PM

Dozens of storefronts will come alive during the 23rd annual Living Windows celebration on December 5!

This favorite holiday event includes lights, carolers, story readings, crafts, decorations, gingerbread houses, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and much more. And of course, Santa Claus will be on hand at his cottage.

Living Windows includes complimentary food and beverages at many Downtown stores. It's a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, see friends, and enjoy the holiday season.

If you would like to participate in a window, please contact  Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365 or amoyner@greaterburlington.com.

Thank you to our Premier Sponsor, Menke & Company!

Thank you to Standard of Beaverdale for being the Trolley Sponsor

Thank you to Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust for sponsoring the Ice Carving!

Santa's Cottage

Saturdays in December

12 - 2 PM



The jolly old elf himself will be greeting visitors in Downtown Burlington on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson Saturdays during December from 12 - 2 PM. (December 7, 8, 14, 21)

There is no cost, and cameras are welcome. Creating fond memories of Downtown for families today helps build support for Downtown tomorrow.

Many thanks to Carl A. Nelson & Co., The City of Burlington, Boy Scouts Troop 3, Kiwanis and the DPI Design Committee for their assistance with Santa's Cottage. 

Thank you to Jerry Johnson for decorating Santa's Cottage this year!

Thank you to Kiwanis of Burlington for bringing Santa to Santa's Cottage!

Thank you to the Premier Sponsor, Addington Place of Burlington for bringing Santa and Santa's Cottage to the Downtown!

Art Center of Burlington Presents the 10th Annual Miracle on Jefferson Street

Step into the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season in charming Downtown Burlington at the Art Center of Burlington's 10th Annual Miracle on Jefferson Street on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8! This family-friendly event is a self-guided adventure that begins at the Art Center, where participants can pick up goodie bags anytime after 10 AM. Be sure to start early, as festivities wrap up by 4 PM.

Enjoy a few magical hours visiting over a dozen local businesses that will be hosting fun holiday activities, including small crafts, cookie decorating, family photos, Christmas stories, and a beloved holiday movie. New this year, kids can complete a paint-by-number masterpiece using watercolor pencils by visiting different shops, each offering a unique color to bring the design to life.

Perfect for children ages 10 and under, Miracle on Jefferson Street is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Registration opens Monday, November 4, at btownart.com, with an early bird price of $12 per child available until November 27. Adults attend for free!

Celebrate a day of creativity, holiday spirit, and community in downtown Burlington!

Eat, Drink & Shop in Downtown Burlington ALL Season Long!

Independent businesses are the backbone of Downtown Burlington. Nearly all downtown businesses are locally owned and operated, making it a distinctive destination. Downtown offers things you simply cannot find anywhere else—unique products, personal services, and a sense of community.

When you support a locally owned business, whether it’s a retail shop, restaurant, or professional service, you are directly supporting your neighbors. These entrepreneurs invest in our community, choose their merchandise, maintain historic buildings, and pay local taxes. Their commitment ensures Downtown Burlington continues to thrive.

There are countless reasons to shop local, but here are just a few: build a strong community, enjoy one-of-a-kind finds, and experience personalized service. This holiday season, make a difference by choosing to eat, drink, and shop in Downtown Burlington.

Your local businesses look forward to welcoming you. Come see what makes Downtown Burlington so special!

Comedy Thursdays with BRE

December 5

It's Happening in Downtown Burlington at the Riverfront!

Greg Hahn and opener Mike Marvell will have you rolling in your seats at the Memorial Auditorium. Known for his high-energy performances and hilarious antics, Greg will keep the crowd entertained with his unique comedic style. Don't miss this chance to enjoy top-notch comedy right here in Burlington

Festival of Lessons & Carols

December 7 & 8

The Bel Canto Chorale will present the 35th annual Festival of Lessons & Carols on Saturday, December 7th at 7:00 and Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 at First United Methodist Church in Burlington. The program will also feature Shoquoquon Children’s Choir, Southeast Iowa Brass Quintet, and opportunities for the audience to sing along with familiar carols accompanied by the pipe organ.

This very special holiday tradition in the region presents the Christmas story told through scripture and sacred music. FREE for ALL ages. Come early to this well-attended event so that you don’t miss the magnificent brass prelude music!

Snowflakes Illuminate Downtown Burlington

The Downtown District is glowing brighter this holiday season as ten stunning snowflake decorations have been installed, thanks to the generous support of our community donors. These festive additions bring a touch of winter magic to the area, enhancing the charm of Downtown Burlington during this special time of year.

Downtown Partners, Inc. is thrilled to announce that plans are already underway to expand the display. With continued donor support, additional snowflakes will be added throughout the district, further spreading holiday cheer and beautifying our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this project possible. Together, we’re lighting up Downtown Burlington—one snowflake at a time!

Drone Camp

Have you ever wanted to learn to fly a drone?

Got a drone but you wrecked it in the first 10 minutes?

Wanna' get a drone for someone special?

Come to Drone Camp and learn to fly!

Sundays in January from 1-3 PM at the Inspiration Lab, 203 N. 3rd Street, Burlington(in the former Craftsman Press building)

We'll have simulators, Soccer Drones, a netted enclosure and plenty of open space to fly!

Bring a drone or play with one of ours!

Cost: free

Must be at least 11 years old to participate. 

Must arrive by 1 PM. Flying on 3rd floor.

Drones limited to 120 mm or smaller. Blade guards required.

Co-sponsored by the Burlington STEM Foundation and Burlington Model Airplane Club

Please RSVP to info@burlingtonstem.org

December at The Capitol

Get into the holiday spirit at the historic Capitol Theater in Downtown Burlington!

This December, enjoy a selection of festive holiday movies perfect for creating magical memories with family and friends. Experience the joy of the season while supporting this beloved local treasure.

Don’t miss your chance to make Christmas extra special make your way to the Capitol Theater for a heartwarming holiday experience!

Very Vintage Christmas Workshop

December 9 6-9 PM

Join the Art Center of Burlington for a magical Very Vintage Christmas Workshop on Monday, December 9th, from 6–9 PM.

Recently relocated to Burlington, the talented mother-daughter duo Svetlana and Natalia Alputova will share their incredible creativity and expertise, guiding you through an unforgettable evening of crafting timeless, vintage-inspired holiday décor.

Bring a loved one, and leave with a unique creation for your home or a heartfelt gift for someone special. Enjoy a cash bar and delectable desserts as stunning as the beautifully curated projects you’ll be making.

For an extra touch of holiday cheer, join the optional cookie exchange! Feel free to bring your favorite cookies and recipes to share with the group. Don’t miss this festive night of creativity and connection!

The Rink is back on the Riverfront

Lace up your skates! The Rink is back at Burlington Memorial Auditorium, offering a fun and festive activity for all ages this winter.

Come glide across the synthetic ice inside the warm and inviting auditorium, brought to you by Burlington Riverfront Entertainment.

Don't miss this unique chance to enjoy skating in a one-of-a-kind indoor setting, perfect for creating winter memories with family and friends! 

Lighted Holiday Parade Thank You!

Thank you to all of the Downtown Partners, Inc. volunteers who helped make the 2024 Lighted Holiday Parade a huge success!

Thank you to our Premier Sponsor: Standard of Beaverdale, Media Sponsor Pritchard Broadcasting, Steve Hexom for announcing, the Des Moines Co. CERT team, Frank Millard & Co., Electronic Engineering, Asbury United Methodist Church for judging, the City of Burlington, Electronic Engineering, the Police Department, Burlington Kiwanis, the City of Burlington, Burlington Police Department, Clean Sweep Chimney Care and all of the participants who took part in the 2024 Lighted Holiday Parade!

The winners are...

1st Place: Ignite Dance Center

2nd Place: Donnellson Christmas Elves

3rd Place: IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 13 & Burlington Baptist Church

A shout out to Burlington Riverfront Entertainment for the wonderful tree lighting and snowflake decorations at the Riverfront.

Thanks to the Premier Sponsor, Standard of Beaverdale for making the 2024 parade possible!

Thank you to Pritchard Broadcasting for being the Media Sponsor for the Lighted Holiday Parade!

Thank you to The Busted Cup Brewhouse for sponsoring the VIP Experience!

Live at La Bohème

December 20

Spend an evening immersed in eclectic music with Levi and Jacqueline at La Bohème in Downtown Burlington on December 20!

From timeless classics by the Beatles to modern hits by Bruno Mars, their dynamic performance has something for everyone. Relax and enjoy the cozy downtown atmosphere with no cover charge.

Ring In The New Year

December 31

Celebrate the New Year at Burlington Riverfront Entertainment's New Year's Eve Ball at the Memorial Auditorium!

Join Cokeena and friends for an unforgettable evening of fabulous entertainment. VIP tables for 8 are $160, including a meet & greet, photo op, and champagne toast at midnight. General admission is just $15.

This 21-and-over event is the place to be to welcome 2024 in style!

Downtown Living

Urbane424 on North 3rd Street is now open! 

The property features tile backsplashes, quartz countertops, modern finishes and a stunning rooftop patio. Every unit comes equipped with stainless steel appliances, including washer/dryer and dishwasher. The property has a variety of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom floor plans available for immediate move in. Ask us about our furnished units and short-term rental options! 

Blade Sign Grant

Downtown Partners, Inc. Business Signage Grant Program offers applicants up to $300 in matching grant funds for perpendicular “blade” signage for their businesses!

Blade signs have several benefits:

• Accentuating the traditional historic and walkable character of Downtown Burlington
• Emphasizing the Downtown district as a collection of small, independent, locally owned businesses
• Adding to the liveliness of the streetscape
• Freeing up sidewalk space occupied by sandwich board signs
• Encouraging businesses to explore their individuality and examine their branding
• Increasing business visibility for potential customers who would otherwise not know anything about the business unless they were directly in front of it

If you are interested in applying and for more information please contact Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365 or visit the Blade Sign webpage.

Donate to Downtown Partners, Inc.

Do you love events like the Lighted Holiday Parade, Sip, Taste & Stroll, Living Windows, A Very Vintage Market, and Jefferson St Farmers Market?

Supporting Downtown Partners, Inc. means contributing to the magic of these events and helping Downtown Burlington flourish. Your support plays a crucial role in making these happenings even more fantastic and ensures the growth of our beloved community.

Downtown Partners, Inc. is not just an organization; it's a community-driven force dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Downtown Burlington. By supporting this volunteer-driven Main Street Program, you actively contribute to the improvement of our city's quality of life.

Main Streets are proven economic drivers and essential for the resurgence of local economies. Your support goes beyond events – it fuels the engine that restarts and propels our community's economic vitality.

Downtown Partners, Inc. works tirelessly to bring you special events, enhance buildings and businesses, and beautify our city center. Your contribution, no matter the size, is a meaningful investment in the heart of Burlington.



For more information, please visit the Downtown Burlington Iowa Facebook page, reach out to a board member, or contact Amy Moyner at 319-208-0056 or amoyner@greaterburlington.com.

It's Happening!

Now Open:

• Night Cap Listening Lounge - 211 N 3rd St
• Taste & Seek - 218 Jefferson
• The Main Line Restaurant - 206 N. 3rd St Suite 103
• Iconic.Design - 718 Jefferson St
• Mississippi Moon Ice Cream Parlor - 616-620 Jefferson St
• Black Water Mini Golf - 616-620 Jefferson St
• Korner Kremery - 314 Jefferson Street
• Musty Tomes - 609 Jefferson St

It's Happening in Downtown...

Luminaries on Heritage Hill!

• Experience the magic of the season with the Luminaries on Heritage Hill on December 14—a serene evening stroll through beautifully lit pathways! 

Thank You:

• We are so thankful for all of the wonderful volunteers and supporters! Downtown Partners, Inc would not be able to host all of the events, tours, and make Downtown so vibrant without you! There are so many hands that help make these events such a success. Thank you to the volunteers, businesses, and community organizations that help create such wonderful memories Downtown!

Don't miss all of the fun at the Art Center of Burlington

• Visit the Art Center of Burlington for winter classes, new art installations, and events for a date night, girls' night out, or family fun!

It's Happening all year long at the Capitol Performing Arts Center

• Visit the Capitol Performing Arts Center for Concerts, Movies, Comedy and more. It's Happening All Year!

The Burlington Public Library has so much scheduled all year long

• There is so much happening at the Burlington Library all summer long! Lots of activities for all ages! Visit the Burlington Public Library Calendar to see what's going on and join in on all the fun!

Grants:

• Blade Sign Grant - see article above

The Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page has reached 13,000 Followers! We hope you are among them!

The Port of Burlington Welcome Center is open Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM. The store is also available ONLINE. Items may be picked up on site or shipped to any destination in the U.S. Follow the Port of Burlington Welcome Center on Facebook to stay in the know when new products are added.

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