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Davenport

Festival of Trees brings ‘Winter Wonderland’ to RiverCenter

By Sharon Wren,

12 hours ago

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=04Yvqp_1GTIx9JU00

There will soon be a “Winter Wonderland” in downtown Davenport as Quad City Arts’ Festival of Trees returns to the RiverCenter from November 21–29. The holiday celebration, now in its 41st year, brings together holiday decor, local performances, family activities and special events to support arts experiences throughout the Quad Cities.

This year’s theme, “Winter Wonderland,” will come to life through designer displays, Gingerbread Village, the Petite Forest and the Festival Express Train. Visitors can enjoy local performances on CenterStage, visit Santa and explore the High School Art Exhibit that highlights young artists from across the region.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3JiRQj_1GTIx9JU00
Festival of Trees 2026 (Quad City Arts)

Guests can bid on designer holiday displays using mobile bidding, whether visiting the RiverCenter or browsing at home. QR codes beside the displays connect visitors to the bidding platform, where they can follow their favorite designs and receive outbid notifications.

VIP basket raffles offer chances to win restaurant meals, admission to local favorites and city getaway packages. Art lovers can enter the 6x6 Art Raffle for a chance to win an original small-scale work donated by a local artist. The Be Original Gallery & Tinsel Treasures Gift Shop will have a curated selection of gifts and seasonal finds and can take home the Festival-exclusive Isabel Bloom “Holly Trees” designs.

Proceeds from Festival of Trees support programs that bring visiting artists into local schools, provide paid opportunities for young artists through Metro Arts, and connect communities through public art, exhibitions and art festivals like Chalk Art Fest.

Festival of Trees runs from November 21–29 and will be closed on Thursday, November 26 for Thanksgiving. Events take place at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd Street in Davenport. General admission is $13 for adults, $7 for children ages 2–10 and children under 2 are free. Click here to see events and buy tickets online with no credit card fees. Call 309-793-1213 for more information.

The Premiere Party will be held on Friday, November 20 from 6-9 p.m. Guests can enjoy live music by Wicked Liz & the Belly Swirls, hors d'oeuvres, drinks and special experiences among the decorated displays. Tickets are $80, with proceeds supporting Quad City Arts programs throughout the region.

The Festival of Tree’s Holiday Parade kicks off in downtown Davenport on Saturday, November 21 at 10 a.m. Families can watch giant helium balloons, including Bert and Ernie, Santa Garfield, the Gingerbread Man and other holiday characters, float through downtown alongside floats, marching bands and dance groups. A special appearance from Santa Claus ends the parade and families can continue their celebration at the RiverCenter for the official opening of the Festival Floor.

Holiday Movie Night will be on Friday, November 27 from 8-10 p.m. Have a seat among the decorated trees for a screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” presented by The Last Picture House. Complimentary popcorn is included and the Treat Shoppe will be open for additional purchases. Guests visit the Treat Shoppe throughout Festival’s general admission hours. Movie Night seating is limited and a cash bar will be available.

The Silent Disco Party will be on Saturday, November 28 from 8-10 p.m. Three live DJs will bring a dance party to Festival’s dazzling tree displays. Put on the wireless headphones, switch channels to find music and follow the matching glow of headphones to find your crowd. A cash bar will be available and a valid ID is required at check-in.

The full event lineup includes:

  • November 19: Santa’s Stars sensory-friendly event and Silver Bell Social for ages 55+ (Registration required for both events.)
  • November 20: Premiere Party
  • November 21: Holiday Parade
  • November 22: Teddy Bears & Treats
  • November 24: Sugar Plum Ball
  • November 25: Celebrity Lunch
  • NEW! November 27: Holiday Movie Night: "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
  • November 28: Silent Disco Among the Trees

Each special event ticket includes one complimentary adult general admission ticket to Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter. Special events require separate tickets. The Holiday Parade is free, but Santa’s Stars and Silver Bell Social require registration. Click here for tickets or more information.

Volunteers are needed to bring the festival to life. Volunteers who complete a full shift receive one general admission ticket for each shift worked. Click here for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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