Live Your Hallmark Christmas Movie Dream In Eastern Iowa

You've seen way more Hallmark Christmas movies than you probably want to admit. But probably in most of them, there is a couple who falls in love while taking a ride on a horse-drawn wagon.

Well, if you're looking to create your own holiday romance or just looking for some fun in downtown Davenport, saddle up because free horse-drawn wagon rides are happening this weekend.

Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

On Saturday, Dec. 14 from 3 to 6 p.m., free horse-drawn wagon rides will be offered on

E. 2nd St., in downtown Davenport courtesy of the Downtown Davenport Partnership. Pickup and drop-off will be at Bechtel Park, located at the intersection of 2nd St. and Iowa St.

Additional activities in downtown Davenport on Saturday include the German American Heritage Center’s Christkindlmarkt and the Adler Theatre’s evening showing of The Nutcracker.

Holiday Display Challenge

There are 70+ businesses and dozens of local artists that are vying for your vote during the Deck The Downtowns' Holiday Display Challenge.

Voting is happening now until January 1st and you can vote here. Voters are automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win downtown gift cards and goodies. And the artist with the top votes will get a prize.

Hunt for the Holiday Pickle

The German tradition of the pickle hunt is from November 21 - January 1 downtown.  Find 10 pickles to win a pickle ornament for your own tree and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win downtown gift cards and a Grand Prize Basket!

Pick up an official card at one of the 40+ participating businesses to play. Turn in your completed card to one of the following locations:

• German American Heritage Center (712 W. 2nd St.) Tuesday – Saturday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday; 12 – 4 p.m.
• Davenport Public Library (321 N. Main St.) Monday; 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Tuesday - Saturday; 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Read more about the pickle hunt and how the ornament was 3-D printed at Western Illinois University - Quad Cities.

About Deck The Downtowns

Deck the Downtowns is a series of jolly holiday promotions encouraging people to eat, drink, shop, and be merry downtown from Nov. 21, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025. Activities in downtown Davenport include a hunt for the holiday pickle in downtown businesses and the holiday display challenge of painted storefronts.

Deck the Downtowns is a joint promotion of the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Rock Island Downtown Alliance, and Downtown Bettendorf Organization, divisions of the Quad Cities Chamber.