365ink Events
December 2023
Cardinal Ornament Carving and Wood Burning
Friday, December 8 @ 12:30–4:30 PM
Galena ARC (Galena, IL)
You will be amazed with yourself on how beautiful your cardinal turns out as well as how much fun you have doing it! This 4-hour class will introduce you to power carving (using a small rotary tool) as well as using a wood burner with interchangeable tips. You will learn the basics of wood carving and how to break down the subject to make it simple. Completed with painting your finished 6-inch cardinal. Includes all equipment, supplies and an ornament hanger. No experience necessary. $75. 11084 W US HWY 20, Galena, IL. galenaarc.org/adult-art-classes.
Model Train Show
Thursday–Sunday: December 8–17 @ 1–4 PM
Galena Center for the Arts (Galena, IL)
Catch the train in Galena at this family holiday celebration of model trains. Train enthusiast Philip Jackman will display his N Scale operating trains. Additional programming includes educational presentations and The Polar Express readings. Donations welcome. Free. 971 Gear St., Galena, IL. galenacenterforthearts.org.
Teeny, Tiny, BOLD: Artist Reception
Friday, December 8 @ 4–7 PM
Rountree Gallery (Platteville, WI)
Rountree Gallery announces the return of Teeny, Tiny, BOLD—the annual juried small works exhibit, highlighting the power in the compact. Artists from the US and territories were invited to apply and explore ideas of compression, focus, scale, the intimate and what gives impact and meaning through a restrained format. All artwork is less than 12 inches in any direction. The exhibit features 31 artists from across the US with over 40 works of art, and will be on display Nov 24, 2023 through Jan 13, 2024. Teeny, Tiny, BOLD is juried by artist Margie Criner who builds miniature narratives inside abstract sculpture. Criner’s art is intended to offer room for others to insert their own stories. Criner lives in Chicago, IL and has exhibited her work in galleries, art centers and museums throughout the United States. Rountree Gallery, an all-volunteer, non-profit arts center in Platteville, WI with a mission to foster, inspire and promote regional art, culture and creativity in Grant County and the Tri-State area. 120 W Main St, Platteville, WI. rountreegallery.org.
Reflections in the Park
December 8–January 1 @ 5–10 PM
Louis Murphy Park
Hillcrest Family Services’ annual lights festival celebrates their 28th anniversary. Visitors will see many new displays and have the option to participate in the featured “Memory Lane,” an opportunity to remember your loved ones in a special way. Santa Claus will visit on Mondays through Christmas. Discounted tickets available at all DB&T banking centers. $12 per vehicle. 1700 S Grandview Ave. hillcrest-fs.org.
Home for the Holidays: Candlelight Tours
December 8–9 and 15–16 @ 6 PM
Mathias Ham Historic Site
A 45-minute candlelight tour allows visitors to take in the house in a different light. Holiday customs will be highlighted by the guides as the tours move through the house. The Ham House will be decorated in period style and costumed interpreters will share winter holiday traditions from Dubuque’s history. Refreshments and crafts will be available, included as part of admission. Winter-themed crafts and cookie decorating will be available as well as guided tours of the Ham House. $10 Adults, $7 ages 3–17. 2241 Lincoln Ave. 563-557-9545 x276. rivermuseum.com.
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Friday, December 8 @ 7 PM
Five Flags Arena
Rock ‘n’ roll newcomers, and soon-to-be legends, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the holidays. Inspired by the true story of their December 1956 homecoming at Sun Records, this heartwarming rock n’ roll musical rings with sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made the Million Dollar Quartet famous. The gang is up to their usual antics as we journey through stories of Christmas past, present, and future in a joyful evening filled with nostalgic holiday hits including “Run Rudolph Run,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and more. $35–$65. 405 Main St. 563-589-4254. fiveflagscenter.com.
Dubuque Fighting Saints VS Des Moines Buccaneers
Friday, December 8 @ 7:05 PM
ImOn Arena
The Dubuque Fighting Saints return for another season on the ice at the ImOn Arena on Chaplain Schmitt Island. The Tier-1 junior hockey team has won the Clark Cup five times and is the four-time defending Cowbell Cup Champions. $13–$25. 1800 Admiral Sheehy Dr. DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
A Doublewide, Texas Christmas
December 8–9 and 14–15 @ 7:30 PM
December 10 and 16–17 @ 2 PM
Bell Tower Theater
For the 2023 holiday season (yeah, I know we just finished one of those), Bell Tower is off to the Texas heartland at the brand-new town of Doublewide—Population: 10. It’s Christmas time, and it’s beginning to look a lot like trouble. Doublewide is being double crossed by the county and might lose their status as a town. Maybe if they win the countywide “Battle of The Mangers,” their Christmas will be saved. Thursday night performances are Girl’s Night Out, and everyone will get a free glass of wine before the show. $11.50 Early bird, $23 regular. 2728 Asbury Rd. 563-588-3377. BellTowerTheater.net.
Hotel Julien Dubuque 12 Days of Christmas: Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, December 9 @ 8–11 AM
Hotel Julien Dubuque Grande Ballroom
Join Hotel Julien for a delightful jolly morning Breakfast with Santa. Bring your little ones to meet the man in red and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet. Watch their faces light up as they share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus himself. This event promises a magical experience filled with laughter, joy, and holiday spirit. Don’t miss out on this merry occasion! Reserve your spot today, Children eat free with a donation of a new, unwrapped $10 toy for Toys For Tots. Activities begin at 8 a.m., and breakfast will be served until 10 a.m. Each child will write a letter to Santa, create a tree ornament, and decorate a Christmas cookie. Celebrate the holiday season at Hotel Julien Dubuque during the 12 Days of Christmas. This holiday series features events for all ages designed to spread seasonal cheer throughout the Dubuque community. $21 Adults; $15 or toy donation (new, unwrapped $10 toy) children (ages 12 and younger). 200 Main St. 563-556-4200. hoteljuliendubuque.com/event/breakfast-with-santa.
St. John’s Episcopal Church Cookie Walk and Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, December 9 @ 8 AM–2 PM
St. John’s Episcopal Community Center
Find cookies, candies, breads, baklava, Christmas decor, gift items, and more. Soup lunch available. 1458 Locust St. 563-556-0252. StJohnsDBQ.org.
Dubuque Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays through April: December 9 @ 9 AM–Noon
Kennedy Mall West Concourse
Regional vendors offer homemade and baked goods, meat, cheese, eggs, seasonal produce, and more. Bring your own reusable shopping bags and drop off clean egg cartons, glass jars, and plastic clam shells. The all-volunteer driven market focuses on supporting our regional food system, eating from our food shed year-round, and providing annual funding to farmers through a grant program. 555 JFK Rd. wintermarketdbq.com.
Lollipops and Music for Our Preschoolers: David Landau
Saturdays: December 9, January 13, February 10, March 9, and April 13 @ 10–10:30 AM
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Northeast Iowa School of Music is pleased to present Lollipops and Music for Our Preschoolers (L&MOP) preschool concert series. L&MOP is a monthly concert series that introduces children and their families to a variety of musical styles and instruments. Audience members should come prepared to sing, play instruments, and dance a bit with their family. Children leave with a greater appreciation of music and a lollipop. All ages. Free. 360 W 11th St. 563-690-0151. nisom.com.
Holiday Sale & Open Studio Event
Saturday, December 9 @ 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday, December 10 @ 11 AM–3 PM
695 Perry St
Local ceramic artist Jenni (Petersen) Brant is opening up her home studio at 695 Perry St. in Dubuque for your holiday shopping pleasure. Shop handmade pottery and enjoy yummy snacks on the main floor or head down to her basement studio for free crafting projects. All ages. Free. 695 Perry St. 402-217-0015. bit.ly/holidays_burrobranch.
Home for the Holidays Daytime Guided Tours
Saturdays: December 9 and 16 @ 11 AM–4 PM
Mathias Ham Historic Site
Tours occur on the hour and half hour. The Ham House will be decorated in period style and costumed interpreters will share winter holiday traditions from Dubuque’s history. Refreshments and crafts will be available, included as part of admission. Winter-themed crafts and cookie decorating will be available as well as guided tours of the Ham House. Non-members: $9 adults, $6 ages 3–17; members: free. 2241 Lincoln Ave. 563-557-9545 x276. rivermuseum.com.
Lunch with Santa
Saturday, December 9 @ 11 AM–1 PM
Mid-Town Marina (East Dubuque, IL)
Kids will enjoy a special kids lunch, a visit with Santa, a gift bag of goodies, and crafts. Limited lunch menu available for adults. The event always sells out, so save your spot today. RSVP. $12/child. 285 5th St, East Dubuque, IL. 815-747-3310. brenda@midtownmarina.com. midtownmarina.com.
The Gingerbread Chronicles
December 9, 16, and 27 @ 11 AM and 2 PM
December 10 and 17 @ 2 PM
Hazel Green Opera House (Hazel Green, WI)
What do you get when you mix up Hansel and Gretel with the Gingerbread Man? Find out in the Fever River Puppeteers’ new Christmastime marionette show, The Gingerbread Chronicles. This production features a 150-foot “crankie” or moving scenery panorama, which helps the gingerbread man move through forest and fields, the Village of Pepparkakor, the banks of an icy river and finally to the witch’s gingerbread cottage. There is an oven in this story, but Witch Hazel Green, a frequent performer on stage at the Hazel Green Opera House, prefers to use her magic cauldron to concoct a special treat for the villagers. She finds a way to use locally sourced ingredients and gets some help from a milkmaid and a metal sculptor. This original tale, just under an hour in length. Doors open a half hour before each performance. $5. 2130 Main St, Hazel Green, WI. 608-732-7129. voight1970@me.com. hazelgreenoperahouse.blogspot.com.
Painting Gifts With Your Gifts
Saturday, December 9 @ 1–3 PM
Centrally Rooted
Centrally Rooted, a Dubuque-based nonprofit organization that focuses on brain health through creative expression, is hosting a brand new holiday art experience. Under the guidance of local artist David Barba, this interactive art workshop allows learners to paint one of three items and gift them to someone important in their life for the holiday season. Centrally Rooted is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Dubuque. A center for developing positive mental health through creative expression, it offers private and group music and art lessons, music therapy, yoga and more. Ages 5–12. RSVP by Dec. 4. $25. 2230 Central Ave. 563-663-1694. centrallyrooted.com.
Ruby and Ghost Mini Lighted Cactus or Nightlight Class
Saturday, December 9 @ 1–3 PM or 4–6 PM
Planted.
Remember those lighted ceramic trees your grandparents had growing up? Now you get to glaze your own mini version! Choose from a mini lighted cactus or tiny tree nightlight, select whatever colors you want, learn glazing techniques, and make your own tiny timepiece for the holidays. Includes tree or cactus, lights and hardware, glazes and all painting supplies, and firing service. All glazed pieces will be fired and ready for pick up by Saturday, Dec. 16. making this a great gift or home decor piece just in time for the holidays. RSVP required. $45. 245 W 1st St. 563-239-9289. planteddbq.com.
Model Train Show
Thursday–Sunday: December 9–17 @ 1–4 PM
Galena Center for the Arts (Galena, IL)
Catch the train in Galena at this family holiday celebration of model trains. Train enthusiast Philip Jackman will display his N Scale operating trains. Additional programming includes educational presentations and The Polar Express readings. Donations welcome. Free. 971 Gear St., Galena, IL. galenacenterforthearts.org.
Holiday Gnome: Youth & Adult Create
Saturday, December 9 @ 1–2:30 PM
Maquoketa Art Experience (Maquoketa, IA)
Create your holiday motivation with a holiday gnome. A gnome is a mythological creature that was introduced in the 16th century. Ages 9+. RSVP required. $10. 124 S Main St, Maquoketa, IA. 563-652-9925. maquoketa-art.org.
Christmas with Jim McDonough & His Orchestra
Saturday, December 9 @ 2 PM
Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
As seen on PBS! Celebrate the holiday season in style by attending this dazzling event featuring International Steinway Artist Jim McDonough, alongside his 15-piece professional orchestra, performing spectacular arrangements of everyone’s favorite Christmas music, and other all-time hits. The awe-inspiring performance is a grand combination of sensational music and the true spirit of the season. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the region’s most treasured holiday traditions. Ages 21+. 563-690-4800. 301 Bell St. moonbarrocks.com.
Love is the Reason: Rediscovering the Mystery of the Christmas Creche
Saturday, December 9 @ 2–4 PM
Shalom Spirituality Center Chapel
Embark on a journey with Saints Francis and Clare this holiday season. Join for an unforgettable live performance that will take you on a journey to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. This event is perfect for adults, including parents, teachers, grandparents, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this beautiful holiday. Participants will go home with resources to share with their families or classrooms. Guests are invited to bring a piece of their creche to be blessed. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served following the performance. RSVP by Dec. 6. 1001 Davis St. 563-582-3592. shalomretreats.org.
Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows
Saturday, December 9 @ 4–9 PM
Downtown Galena, IL
Don’t miss one of the most beautiful and romantic nights of the year. Luminaries are typically lit from 5 to 9 p.m. with windows coming to life from 4 to 7 p.m. From Main Street to the hills overlooking Grant Park, all of Galena will be glowing. Enter a land of enchantment on this magical night with more than 5,000 candlelit luminaries on streets, steps, and sidewalks. Store windows on Main Street come alive with holiday-inspired animated Living Windows. Many of the businesses offer extended hours, so take advantage of the magic and do some holiday shopping. visitgalena.org.
Cuba City Santa’s Workshop
Saturday, December 9 @ 4:30–7 PM
Cuba City, WI
Start at the Presidential Courtyard Caboose at 4:30 p.m. for popcorn, hot dogs, cheese curds, and hot cocoa. The parade on Main Street begins at 6 p.m. followed by meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus and goodie bags for kids. facebook.com/CubaCityChamber.
Reflections in the Park
December 9–January 1 @ 5–10 PM
Louis Murphy Park
Hillcrest Family Services’ annual lights festival celebrates their 28th anniversary. Visitors will see many new displays and have the option to participate in the featured “Memory Lane,” an opportunity to remember your loved ones in a special way. Santa Claus will visit on Mondays through Christmas. Discounted tickets available at all DB&T banking centers. $12 per vehicle. 1700 S Grandview Ave. hillcrest-fs.org.
Light Up The Hill Luminaries and Christmas Lights
Saturday, December 9 @ 5:30–8:30 PM
Knob Hill Drive and Neighborhood
Follow the signs through the “Hill” streets and see more than 100 homes decorated for Christmas with lights and luminaries. You are invited to drive (dim lights) or walk through the neighborhood to enjoy the lights and luminaries. Parking available on Fremont Ave. for walkers. This free family event is loved by young and old alike. The annual event draws many and grows yearly to enjoy. Free. 563-451-4994. angie@travelhdqdbq.com.
Home for the Holidays: Candlelight Tours
December 9 and 15–16 @ 6 PM
Mathias Ham Historic Site
A 45-minute candlelight tour allows visitors to take in the house in a different light. Holiday customs will be highlighted by the guides as the tours move through the house. The Ham House will be decorated in period style and costumed interpreters will share winter holiday traditions from Dubuque’s history. Refreshments and crafts will be available, included as part of admission. Winter-themed crafts and cookie decorating will be available as well as guided tours of the Ham House. $10 Adults, $7 ages 3–17. 2241 Lincoln Ave. 563-557-9545 x276. rivermuseum.com.
Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters
Saturday, December 9 @ 7 PM
Gehlen Barn Beer in the Barn Brewery (St. Donatus, IA)
Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters are a three piece progressive roots band from southern Indiana. Their newest and fourth album, Heavy Denim, is a genre-bending collection of songs, full of characters who were developed while staring over the dash of a beat up van, cruising through towns all over the Midwest. For fans of The Band, Dire Straits, and JJ Cale. 101 Main St, St. Donatus, IA. gehlenhouseandbarn.com.
A Doublewide, Texas Christmas
December 9 and 14–15 @ 7:30 PM
December 10 and 16–17 @ 2 PM
Bell Tower Theater
For the 2023 holiday season (yeah, I know we just finished one of those), Bell Tower is off to the Texas heartland at the brand-new town of Doublewide—Population: 10. It’s Christmas time, and it’s beginning to look a lot like trouble. Doublewide is being double crossed by the county and might lose their status as a town. Maybe if they win the countywide “Battle of The Mangers,” their Christmas will be saved. Thursday night performances are Girl’s Night Out, and everyone will get a free glass of wine before the show. $11.50 Early bird, $23 regular. 2728 Asbury Rd. 563-588-3377. BellTowerTheater.net.
Dubuque City Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker
December 9, 15 and 16 @ 7:30 PM
December 10 and 17 @ 2 PM
Grand Opera House
Whirling Snowflakes and waltzing Flowers frame this beloved holiday classic. Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker battle the dreadful Mouse King in a nightmare that becomes a beautiful dream. Performed annually for over 20 years, the Dubuque City Youth Ballet’s production will be a highlight of your family’s holiday celebration. This year’s production will feature new design elements that are inspired by Dubuque and the surrounding area. 135 W 8th St. 563-588-1305. thegrandoperahouse.com.
Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts, Dickie
Saturday, December 9 @ 8 PM
Fox Den Motel
Rockford, IL-based Miles Nielsen has spent nearly a decade enthralling audiences with music that draws force from the prime years of Western-influenced rock music and classic ‘60s soul. Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts claim influences as diverse as Otis Redding’s classic soul and Jellyfish’s cult power pop recordings. Dickie opens. $20. 920 Main St. foxdenmotel.com.
Tri-States The Lady Has Talent Contest
Saturday, December 9 @ 8 PM
Sandy Hook Tavern (Hazel Green, WI)
Prepare at least four songs for the amateur karaoke and performance competition. Registration at 7 p.m., performance at 8 p.m. 1st place takes home $200, 2nd takes $100, and 3rd takes $40. No professional talent. Proceeds benefit the Vern Ehrler Memorial Scholarship Fund. $10. 3836 Sandy Hook Rd, Hazel Green, WI. sandyhooktavern.com.
