Experience Grinnell This Holiday Season 


We’re excited to bring you our third annual Holiday Edition newsletter, your guide to all things festive in Grinnell this December! While many of you joined us for Jingle Bell Holiday, the season is just getting started, and there are so many ways to experience holiday magic in Grinnell in the weeks ahead.


Be sure to check out our Stop & Shop events on Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19, and Thursday, December 18. Participating businesses will host open houses, live music, sales, seasonal beverages, and extended hours to make shopping locally even more fun and convenient!


The Winter Farmers Market returns for a second weekend this Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 at the Civic Innovation Pavilion at Renfrow Hall. And mark your calendars for another visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Strand Theatre on December 18 from 4-7 PM. Afterward, enjoy an evening stroll downtown and take part in that night’s Stop & Shop festivities.


Central Park is also beautifully decorated for the season and open to the public anytime through December 31. Beyond these highlights, many organizations and businesses are hosting additional holiday events throughout the month. We’ve gathered many of them below so you can plan ahead and make the most of the season in Grinnell.


Finally, we encourage you to Shop Grinnell first this holiday season! Choosing to support Grinnell businesses whenever possible makes a difference to our businesses and helps keep our community thriving. To spark your inspiration, we’ve compiled gift ideas for our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. 


Wishing you all a joyous and safe holiday season! 



Rachael Kinnick 

Grinnell Gift Guide


Looking for ideas of what you can buy locally this year? We’ve got your inspiration! Check out the 2025 Grinnell Gift Guide, which features our member businesses with a list of curated items you can purchase for someone on your list. It also includes information about the Grinnell Chamber’s Chamber Bucks gift program and a list of member non-profit organizations who would love your support this holiday season!


Open our Gift Guide brochure and start your holiday shopping today!

Stop & Shop



Several retailers will be open late for Stop & Shop on Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19, and Thursday, December 18. Shoppers earn double punches on our holiday punch cards if you make a purchase during the extended hours! Did you know that $0.68 of every $1 spent locally gets recirculated back into our community? Make sure to support your friends and neighbors this holiday season by keeping your purchases local and Shopping Grinnell first!


Find more information and participating businesses on our website.


Loyalty Card Program


Our Holiday Loyalty Card program encourages you to shop local! For every $10 you spend in a participating retailer, receive a mark on your card! Spend $100 and turn your card in to win Grinnell Chamber Bucks!


Earn double punches on Stop & Shop dates (Dec. 5, 12, 18, &19). Turn in completed cards to participating retailers or the Chamber office (833 4th Ave) to be entered to win!

Holiday Community Events

Wednesday, December 3

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


CURBSIDE MEAL at the Grinnell Elks Lodge. Pick up a meatloaf meal from 5-6:30 PM (or until they run out).


BREWHOUSE TRIVIA at the Grinnell Craft Brewhouse starting at 7 PM.


Thursday, December 4

BOOK SIGNING with children’s book author Kay Fuller at Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore from 10 AM-5:30 PM.


LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


PHOTOS WITH SANTA PAWS at the Grinnell Vet Clinic from 4-6 PM.


Friday, December 5

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


WINTER FARMERS MARKET will be from 4-7 PM at the Katherine Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion (1033 Broad St.). See a full list of vendors.


NO ROOM AT THE INN at St. Mary’s Catholic Church will feature over 100 nativity displays from area churches from 3-7 PM. Cider, cookies, coffee, music and door prizes available.


ORGAN STUDIO RECITAL at 7 PM featuring the students of Michael Elsbernd at Herrick Chapel.


JAZZ ENSEMBLE RECITAL at 7:30 PM at Sebring Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center.


Saturday, December 6

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT ST FRANCIS MANOR from 8:30-10:30 AM, all you can eat pancakes will be served at the social center. Open to all ages, free will donation at the door.


WINTER FARMERS MARKET will be from 9:30 AM-noon at the Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion (1033 Broad St.). See a full list of vendors.


LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 10 AM-2 PM.


FRIENDS OF DRAKE COMMUNITY LIBRARY BOOK SALE from 10 AM-4 PM at the Drake Community Library.


HOLIDAY MATINEE MOVIE SERIES at Strand Theatre will present A MINECRAFT MOVIE at 11 AM and noon. Tickets can be picked up at participating sponsoring merchants.


SENIOR PIANO RECITAL featuring Daniel Stewart at Herrick Chapel, from 4:30-6 PM.


Sunday, December 7

HOLIDAY MATINEE MOVIE SERIES at Strand Theatre will present A MINECRAFT MOVIE at noon. Tickets can be picked up at participating sponsoring merchants.


ORATORIO SOCIETY CONCERT from 2-3:30 PM in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center.


CHAMBER ENSEMBLE CONCERT from 6-8 PM in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center.


YUDORA PETRAITIS STUDENT RECITAL from 7:30-8:30 PM in Herrick Chapel.


Monday, December 8

VIOLIN & VIOLA STUDENT RECITAL from 7-8:30 PM in the Lawson Lecture Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center featuring the Miranda Studio.


Tuesday, December 9

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


VOX VEMINAE PERFORMANCE from 12-1 PM in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center.


JOINT PIANO RECITAL from 6-8 PM at Herrick Chapel featuring the students of Messerschmitt Studio.


5TH AND 6TH GRADE BAND AND CHOIR CONCERT from 6:15-7:15 PM in the Grinnell High School Auditorium.


PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE RECITAL, directed by Stacey Ramirez, from 7:30-8:30 PM in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center


Wednesday, December 10

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


HARP STUDIO RECITAL from 4-5:30 PM in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center featuring students of Laura Erickson.


BREWHOUSE PICTIONARY at the Grinnell Craft Brewhouse starting at 7 PM.


Thursday, December 11

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


MERRY MIXER hosted by Channing’s Customs & Co. will be held from 3-7 PM. Pop-up vendors including FLOUR at the Farmhouse (sourdough), KP Bliss Designs (earrings) and HER Creations Jewelry (charm bar). Plus, the biggest discounts of the year!


7TH AND 8TH GRADE BAND AND CHOIR CONCERT from 6:15-7:15 PM in the Grinnell High School Auditorium.


GRINNELL SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT, directed by Kevin Niese, from 7:30-10 PM in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center.


Friday, December 12

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE @ LINCOLN SAVINGS BANK from 11 AM-2PM. Come enjoy tasty treats, warm smiles, and good company to celebrate the season together.


LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


BOY SCOUTS TENDERLOIN DINNER from 5-8 PM at the United Methodist Church. $10/per person, pre-sale tickets can be purchased from a local scout.


GRINNELL CHILDREN’S CHOIR WINTER CONCERT at the Grinnell UCC. Doors open at 5 PM for a 5:30 PM concert. Donations to support the choir's operations are welcome.


VOICE STUDIO RECITAL from 6-7:30 PM in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center.


Saturday December 13

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 10 AM-2 PM.


VISIT WITH SANTA AT HY-VEE from 10 AM-1 PM. Hosted by the Hy-Vee Kids Club. 


HOLIDAY MATINEE MOVIE SERIES at Strand Theatre will present ELF at 11 AM and noon. Tickets can be picked up at participating sponsoring merchants.


SANTA’S KITCHEN will be at the Grinnell Historical Museum from 1-4 PM. Visit Santa, tour the museum, make crafts, and enjoy cookies and cocoa. Free entry with donation for MICA’s food pantry.


GIFT WRAPPING PARTY will be held at Drake Community Library from 2-4:30 PM.


LIVE NATIVITY will be at the Grinnell Friends Church from 5:30-8 PM. Designed as a drive through exhibition, but can park in the west lot for a closer look.


Sunday, December 14

HOLIDAY MATINEE MOVIE SERIES at Strand Theatre will present Elf at noon. Tickets can be picked up at participating sponsoring merchants.


COLLEGIUM MUSICUM CONCERT from 2-3:30 PM in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Bucksbaum Arts Center, directed by Professor Andrea Klassen.


CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND SOUP SUPPER at the Grinnell United Methodist Church. Gathering begins at 4:30 PM. Supper begins at 6 PM.


LIVE NATIVITY will be at the Grinnell Friends Church from 5:30-8 PM. Designed as a drive through exhibition, but can park in the west lot for a closer look.


Monday, December 15

GRINNELL HIGH SCHOOL WINTER CONCERT from 7-8 PM in the Grinnell High School Auditorium.


Tuesday, December 16

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


Wednesday, December 17

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


CURBSIDE MEAL at the Grinnell Elks Lodge. Pick up a tenderloin and fries meal from 5-6:30 PM (or until they run out).


BREWHOUSE TRIVIA at the Grinnell Craft Brewhouse starting at 7 PM.


Thursday, December 18

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS will be at the Strand Theatre from 4-7 PM to visit with kids.


MIDDLE SCHOOL CAROLERS AND JAZZ BAND from 6-7:30 at the Grinnell High School Auditorium.


Friday, December 19

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


Saturday, December 20

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 10 AM-2 PM.


BOOK SIGNING with author Ashley Buchanan at Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore from 10 AM-5:30 PM.


HOLIDAY MATINEE MOVIE SERIES at Strand Theatre will present DOG MAN at 11 AM and noon. Tickets can be picked up at participating sponsoring merchants.


Sunday, December 21

HOLIDAY MATINEE MOVIE SERIES at Strand Theatre will present DOG MAN at noon. Tickets can be picked up at participating sponsoring merchants.


Tuesday, December 23

LOCAL ARTIST MARKET will be at the Grinnell Arts Center from 11 AM-5 PM.


Thursday, December 25

GRINNELL UMC CHRISTMAS DINNER: GRINNELL COMMUNITY MEAL will be served at noon.


Connect with us on grinnellchamber.org!



Whether you are stopping by for an hour, a weekend or the rest of your life, Grinnell is truly the "Jewel of the Prairie". We thank you for your continued interest in the city of Grinnell, Iowa!


Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce

833 4th Avenue | PO Box 538

Grinnell, IA 50112

641.236.6555


Rachael Kinnick, President and CEO: rachael@getintogrinnell.com

Yesenia Mozo, Marketing & Communications: yesenia@getintogrinnell.com

Nikki Armstead, Operations: nikki@getintogrinnell.com

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