Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. Then there's holiday parties, shopping, Christmas and New Year's Eve plans. The holiday season can get busy. The closer to Christmas the busier it gets. So here are five ways to celebrate the holidays before we get too far into December.

  • Festival of Trees parade. Experience the largest helium-balloon parade in the Midwest!  Live marching bands, large character balloons towering over 3 stories tall, clowns, floats and more.  Come and enjoy the holiday festivities during this annual parade. Saturday November 17. 10:00AM.
  • Lighting on the Commons. Head over to the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline on Saturday November 17. Aside from the tree lighting and Santa, there will be horse/wagon rides, kids activities, holiday choirs and fireworks.
  • Lessons and Carols. A sacred concert celebrating the Advent and Christmas season, featuring the University Chorale and Chamber Singers. St. Ambrose University. Christ the King Chapel. Friday November 30, 7:00PM CT.
  • Christmas in the Village of East Davenport. An event celebrated for more than 40 years featuring live music throughout the Village and lots of free family fun. Kids crafting, Santa Clause, Scrooge, retro fire truck rides and much more. Friday November 30 and Saturday December 1. Metro Drum Core Saturday Night at 7:00PM and Fireworks at 9:00PM CT.
  • A 19th Century Christmas. Family activities for all ages at the Butterworth Center  & Deere-Wiman House. Santa will be handing out books is the Butterworth Eductation Center. Children's crafts in the Carriage house, and cookies and punch in the dining room.  Noon to 5PM Sunday December 2nd.

WQAD has a list of area holiday concerts and more. You can check that out here.

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