Marion’s Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk returns Friday, Dec. 5, from 4–8 p.m., bringing festive traditions – and several exciting new features – to Uptown Marion. With the completion of the Central Plaza and the debut of Marion’s new Ice Loop, this year’s event will take place on 7th Avenue between 10th Street and 12th Street, and in City Square Park. The road will be closed to traffic from 2-9 p.m.
One of the biggest changes is the opportunity to schedule a time to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 4-5 p.m. inside the newly refurbished Depot. Reserved times will be available for sign-up beginning Friday, Nov. 28, at noon, offering a more predictable way for families to begin their holiday celebration. Regular Santa visits on a first-come, first-served basis will resume from 5:30-8 p.m.
New for 2025, families will experience a festive twist with Operation Santa Rescue. After Santa steps away from his first visit hour, a playful surprise will unfold as the Marion Fire Department rescues Santa from the library roof and returns him to safety. Parents are invited to share in the fun - and help keep the surprise under wraps for the kids.
This year also marks the debut of Marion’s Ice Loop, a new skating feature that circles the City’s 42-foot LED panel tree to create a one-of-a-kind winter scene. Following the 6 p.m. Peace Tree Lighting, the Eastern Iowa Figure Skating Club will take to the Ice Loop for a special skating demonstration to mark its opening. The loop will then be open for public skating until 10 p.m.
Throughout the evening, attendees can enjoy returning favorites, including horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, character appearances, popcorn, holiday treats, and festive photo opportunities throughout Uptown Marion. The Marion Public Library will offer extended hours and take-home crafts, while the Peppermint Walk will feature more than 40 Uptown Marion businesses decorated for the season with holiday shopping and specials.
Donations of non-perishable food items for the Marion Independent School District’s Holiday Giving Project are being accepted at the Marion Chamber office during the event throughout the evening. Attendees are also encouraged to bring letters for Santa to drop into his mailbox near the Peace Tree.
For up-to-date event information and scheduling Santa visits visit marioncc.org or MarionIAChamber on Facebook and Instagram.
Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk is presented by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion Main Street. This free community celebration is made possible through support from Marion Chamber Platinum Community Partners—Farmers State Bank, ImOn Communications, MercyCare Community Physicians, Sheets Forrest Draper, Summit Pointe Senior Living, and Z102.9—with additional support from the Marion Hotel/Motel Grant Program.
See the full schedule of events below.
Schedule of Events
Operation Santa Rescue | ~5:10 p.m. Psst….parents, consider yourselves honorary elves—help us keep the surprise under wraps as Santa is rescued from the library roof during this Very Marion Operation Santa Rescue!
Visit Santa | 5:30 – 8 p.m. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus will resume in the Depot for those waiting in line.
Letters to Santa | Nov. 29 – Dec. 24 - Drop off your letter in Santa’s mailbox next to the tree. Letters with a return address dropped by Dec. 17 will receive a response from Santa.
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides | 4 – 8 p.m. Create a special memory by taking a horse-drawn ride around Uptown Marion. Carriages will load on 7th Avenue, north of City Square Park. A freewill donation of $5 per person is encouraged.
Caroling | 4:30 p.m. Enjoy caroling by students from Montessori School of Marion in the North Plaza.
Adorable Princess Visit | 5 – 7 p.m. Visit the princesses in person and pose for a photo.
Caroling | 5:30 p.m. Join the Heart of Marion Community Choir for a sing-along in the North Plaza and look for the Trinity Presbyterian Carolers throughout City Square Park.
Peace Tree Lighting | 6 p.m. Join us for the lighting of Marion’s Peace Tree in City Square Park.
Ice Skating Demonstration | 6:15 p.m. Following the tree lighting, stay for an ice skating demonstration by the Eastern Iowa Figure Skating Club.
Open Skate | 6:45 – 10 p.m. Lace up your skates or rent some at the Skate Shack and experience winter magic during open skating on the Ice Loop.
Library | 4 – 8 p.m. Grab your family and friends and kick off the holiday season with the Marion Public Library during this year’s Peppermint Walk! The library’s main level will be open until 8 p.m. with a festive take-home craft available while supplies last, as well as a performance by the Marion Big Band.
Family Fun Activities | 4 – 8 p.m. Enjoy traditional event activities like holiday music and popcorn from El Kahir Shrine, and look for the festive photo ops and capture the perfect picture! Join the food drive for MISD Holiday Giving Project. Donations can be dropped at the Chamber office.
Arctic Alley | 4 – 8 p.m. Step into this winter wonderland at the Uptown Artway! More than 40,000 lights transform the Artway into a frosty fairytale. Wander through the glittering tunnels, sparkling waterfalls and radiant displays. Enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cocoa (while supplies last) as you take in the wonder and beauty of the season. Hot chocolate is provided compliments of Antioch Christian Church.
Peppermint Walk | 4 – 8 p.m. Visit over 40 participating Uptown Marion merchants, restaurants and businesses during this special holiday open house. Stores will be decked with holiday lights, decorations and music, making this a great complement to the event activities. Present a receipt from a purchase made during the event at any Uptown Marion business and be registered to win a $50 Uptown Dollars certificate valid at participating Uptown businesses. Receipts can be presented at the Marion Chamber & Uptown Marion office, 1070 7th Avenue.
