Festival of Trees

Experience the magic of the most loved holiday tradition in the Quad Cities from November 23-December 1. Quad City Arts Festival of Trees, entering its 28th year, is one of the top 10 events of its kind in the country with something for everyone at the RiverCenter in Davenport. www.quadcityarts.com

Establishment Theatre Anniversary

The Establishment Theatre is pleased to celebrate its third anniversary in The District of Rock Island with a special showing of Comedy Sportz on Wednesday, November 27th at 7 p.m.  The "Comedy Sportz Classic" is a family tradition that began in 2010 when Comedy Sportz opened its doors at The Establishment Theatre on the night before Thanksgiving. Tickets to the 3rd anniversary celebration of the Establishment are on sale by calling our box office at (309) 786-1111 or www.establishmenttheatre.com

Mallards Home Games
On Friday, November 29th at 7:05 p.m., the Mallards take on the St. Charles Chill with $1 Hot Dog/$1 Beer Night Presented by 97X at the iWireless Center in Moline.   The Teddy Bear Toss will make its annual return when the Mallards do battle with the Tulsa Oilers at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 30th. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped stuffed animals to that game and throw them on the ice immediately after the Mallards' first goal. Those teddy bears will then be donated to children in need in the Quad Cities area just in time for the holidays. www.myqcmallards.com

Bucktown Final Black Friday Party & Opening Reception

Finish off your Black Friday shopping with a visit to Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport.  Take in the paintings, jewelry, sculptures, pottery and textiles.  Enjoy two celebrations, the 10th Anniversary of Small Wonder's Studio's and the Opening Reception for artists Lisa Mahar and Jill Hejl.  There will be food, cocktails, fun and extra discounts on home and office décor and gifts in the Boho Chic Gallery, 50 paintings for $50 each in the Atom Studio, along with other specials from select galleries throughout Bucktown.  Come and find unique gift ideas from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, November 29thwww.bucktownarts.com

Julmarknad Swedish Christmas Market

This annual Swedish Christmas Market takes place in the historic village of Bishop Hill on Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 7-8 and is reminiscent of medieval Scandinavian markets.  Seasonal Swedish folk characters roam the village and there is music and Swedish food specialties.  Enjoy the Christmas Chocolate Walk at the Steeple Building. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.bishophill.com

Live Music - Family Groove Company

Family Groove Company is a four piece band from Chicago that is turning heads and catching ears with a sound that is uncannily fresh, and live performances that simply envelop audiences in the fun, excitement and passion that the band radiates from the stage.See them on Friday, November 29th at the River Music Experience in Davenport.  Doors 8 p.m.; Show 9 p.m.; Tickets $12. www.rivermusicexperience.org

Christmas Craft Show

The annual Christmas Craft Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois, is just what Santa ordered. Opening the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 29-Dec. 1, enjoy shopping hundreds of hand-crafted items from over 180 different exhibitors. Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Admission: $4.00, children 12 and under free.   www.qccaexpocenter.com

Christmas Walk

Enjoy the historic buildings beautifully decorated at the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village on Sunday, December 1st from 1-5 p.m.  Visit with Santa Claus and enjoy make & take crafts, refreshments, and much more.  Admission is free!  Walnut Grove in the Scott County Park in Long Grove, Iowa, was a Scott County crossroads settlement and stagecoach stop in the 1860s.  www.scottcountyiowa.com

19th Century Christmas

On Sunday, December 1st from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Avenue, and Butterworth Center, 1105 8th St., both in Moline, Ill. Traditional family-friendly holiday activities in festively decorated historic setting: Visit with Santa, live music, crafts, antique train display, refreshments and more. FREE admission. www.butterworthcenter.com

Winterfest

The annual Winterfest Event at the Family Museum, 2900 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf, Iowa, takes place on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 12-5 p.m.  There will be a host of joyful family activities for everyone again this year including music, dancing by the Family Museum Dancers, refreshments, fun activities, and a visit from Santa later in the afternoon.  Visitors can view a 300-square-foot Polar Express train set, toys from the Museum's Buddy "L" collection, and the animated figurines from the Petersen Harden Von Maur store, first displayed in the late 1960's.  The figurines will be on display until after New Year's.  Admission to the event and Museum gallery is FREE with the donation of a non-perishable food item or personal hygiene item to be distributed locally.  www.familymuseum.org

Zither Winter Concert

Enjoy the soothing sounds of the season at the annual holiday concert by the Davenport Zither ensemble on Sunday, December 1st at 2 p.m. at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa.www.gahc.org

Holiday Open House

The Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave. in Rock Island, Ill., hosts a FREE Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 1st from 12-3 p.m.  Plan to enjoy the traditional holiday display in the lobby or kick off your shoes and put your toes in the sand in the lush tropical sun garden, under the glow of the holiday coconut palm!  Holiday Goodies, Coffee, and Gourmet Hot Cocoa will be available!  Be on the look-out for a visit from Santa and the Greenhouse Grinch.  Family craft activities and ornament making will be available during the event.  Enjoy the lighted palm tree until January 1, and the Tropical Sandbox until February 28.  www.qcgardens.com

Jim McDonough Holiday Grande

Celebrate the holiday season in style by attending "Holiday Grande 2013" on Sunday, December 1st at 2:30 p.m. at the Adler Theatre in Davenport.  This elegant, all-new stage production features International Steinway Artist, Jim McDonough, joined by his 14-piece professional orchestra and a cast of sensational singers and dancers performing your favorite Christmas music and other all-time favorites. www.adlertheatre.com

Winter in Bloom

Enjoy treats, holiday music, children's crafts and a visit with Santa Claus on Sunday, December 1st from 12-4 pm at the festively-decorated 102-year old "Tulip Mansion"--more commonly known as the Hauberg Civic Center in Rock Island.  www.rigov.org

Lighted Christmas Parade

The 3rd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade will be held Tuesday, December 3rd at 6 p.m. in downtown East Moline. The Parade route is on 15th Avenue from 7th to 10th Streets.  This year's theme is Pets on Parade.  To bring attention to the overcrowded situation at area animal shelters we are collecting financial contributions and supplies to be given to the local shelters.  There will be Children's Activities prior to the Parade along the Parade route including crafts and a Candy Cane Hunt.  Be sure to make time to visit Frosty's Chilly Supper. www.emmainstreet.com

Holiday Workshop

Be the architect and builder of a dreamy gingerbread house during this cheerful holiday workshop on Thursday, December 5th from 6-8 p.m. at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport. Marshmallow clouds, gumdrop sidewalks, and cinnamon cereal roofs are just a few of the creative ideas you can use to create a delicious and imaginative house. $15/member family of 4; $20/non-member family of 4; $3/exrta person. Scout pricing: $10/troop $5/scout. www.figgeartmuseum.org

Theatre - A Christmas Survival Guide

This intimate revue takes a wry and knowing look at a stressful season. Armed with a copy of A Christmas Survival Guide, the characters charge into an urban holiday landscape searching for the true essence of Christmas.  The Quad City Music Guild shows are Thursday-Saturday, December 5-8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Prospect Park Auditorium, Park 16th St. and 30th Ave. in Moline.  Call 309-762-6610 for tickets or www.qcmusicguild.com
Christmas in the Village
It's a family tradition for over 25 years in the Village of East Davenport on December 6th-7th.  Come and enjoy live windows, music, local artists, horse-drawn wagon rides, and of course Santa will be here.  6-9 p.m. each night.  There will be fireworks on Friday, Dec. 6 at 9 p.m.  www.villageofeastdavenport.com

Christmas in LeClaire

The charming village of LeClaire is transformed into a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting with its delightful shopping, trolley rides, activities, bazaar, Strolling Santas and Christmas characters, and breakfast with Santa.  Christmas in LeClaire on December 6th-8th is where Santa comes to shop. www.visitleclaire.com

Gallery Hop!

MidCoast Fine Arts and The District are hosting Gallery Hop! from 6-10 pm on Friday, December 6th.  Gallery Hop! showcases local artists in over 20 locations that include galleries, restaurants, shops and hot spots in downtown Rock Island. It's fun, casual, and it's where you can find unforgettable items. Jewelry, photography, woodwork, glass, paintings, book signings, sculpture and performance art will all be featured. Talk with the artists, indulge your senses, shop and watch live demonstrations. www.ridistrict.com

Aledo's Holly Days

Get into the holiday spirit during the Christmas Walk in Aledo and enjoy living windows, music, live entertainment, refreshments, and trolley and horse drawn sleigh rides on December 6th-7th.  It begins on Friday night with an Aledo Main Street Electric Parade at 5:30 p.m. www.aledomainstreet.com
National Cotton Candy Day

Whether you call it candy floss, fairy floss, or cotton candy, this spun sugar treat is a lot of sticky fun. Watch how it is made and sample some on Saturday, December 7th from 10 am-noon and 1-3 pm at the Family Museum in Bettendorf. www.familymuseum.org

Sausage Saturday

Try delicious sausage samples from local and regional retailers! On Saturday, Dec. 7th, enjoy samples from Haun Meats from Bier Stube! On Saturday, Dec. 14th, enjoy samples from Jerry's Market from Moline! From now until Dec. 22, the German American Heritage Center in Davenport will have products from Bavaria Sausage Company in Madison, WI. While you are here, shop our Christkindlmarkt for great gifts for the entire family! www.gahc.org

Holiday Wine Walk

The Holiday Wine Walk is 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 7th at Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport. Purchase wine glass decorated by a Bucktown Artist and choose to taste from a selection of six unique wines. Then shop the galleries for unique holiday gift ideas.  On Sunday,  December 8th, Bucktown Center for the Arts open Sunday 12:00pm to 4:00 p.m. www.bucktownarts.com

It's a Wonderful Life

A beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast on Sunday, December 8th and 15th in The Historic Gold Room at Hotel Blackhawk, 200 E. 3rd St. in Davenport.  Enjoy brunch at 12:30 p.m. with the show at 2 p.m.  Cost is $40 for adults * $28 Children 12 and under *pricing includes tax and gratuity.  Reservations:  (563) 484.5905 or www.hotelblackhawk.com

Christmas Tea at Quarters One

Quarters One on Arsenal Island opens for a Christmas Tea & Tour on Sunday, December 8th at 3 p.m. hosted by the Colonel Davenport Historical Foundation. Attendees of the Christmas Tea will enjoy savory and sweet delights, several types of teas, and a guided tour of the historic Quarters One mansion decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $25 per person, and may be purchased online at www.davenporthouse.org or by calling Judy Tumbleson at 309-786-5980. Only paid attendees of the Christmas Tea will be able to tour Quarters One.

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