The holidays are upon us! It is a busy time, as many Ames Community Arts Council members are putting on great holiday events. From Holiday concerts to great gift shops for holiday shopping, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. Find more information about some of these events below or follow the links to their member websites. Have a wonderful holiday season and be sure to catch some Ames Community Arts Council holiday events.
November 30, 8 p.m.
Student Union Board, Swinging Sounds of the Season w/ ISU Jazz
ISU Jazz will put on a seasonal concert made up of popular Jazz songs such as those built around musical themes and moods that honor traditional Jazz. During this free show at the Iowa State Memorial Union Maintenance Shop, student ensembles will be putting their own twist on Christmas Favorites, both secular and sacred. Find out more here.
Student Union Board, Swinging Sounds of the Season w/ ISU Jazz
ISU Jazz will put on a seasonal concert made up of popular Jazz songs such as those built around musical themes and moods that honor traditional Jazz. During this free show at the Iowa State Memorial Union Maintenance Shop, student ensembles will be putting their own twist on Christmas Favorites, both secular and sacred. Find out more here.
November 30 – December 2
The Workspace, Art Mart
The Workspace and the ISU Gaffer’s (Glassblowing) Guild will host a bi-annual sale in the Campanile Room of the Iowa State Memorial Union. The Gaffer’s will feature blown glass including vases, paperweights, vessels, and sculptural pieces. Pottery, jewelry, accessories, fiber, photography, and other treasures created by Workspace instructors including Ames Community Arts Council members Greg Lamont and Rhonda Scott. Follow the link for times and dates. More here.
December 1 - 3 and December 8 - 10
ISU Theatre, A Christmas Carol
See ISU’s version of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens. What will Scrooge do when he is confronted by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future? Follow the link for accurate times and locations. More here.
December 2, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.m.
Legacy Learning, Holiday Ornaments
Legacy Learning has been busy with holiday workshops from pine needle baskets to wreath decorating and Christmas Pizza! These workshops are a great chance to learn fun skills from the experts. Don’t miss the next workshop, Holiday Ornaments on December 2. Create personalized porcelain ornaments to decorate your tree. More here.
December 2, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ames Historical Society, Old Fashioned Christmas
The Ames Historical Society will host their Old Fashioned Christmas on December 2 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Ames History Center. “Our Old-Fashioned Christmas event is a great way to bring people of all ages into the History Center. Children enjoy seeing Santa, creating old-fashioned holiday crafts, and eating Christmas cookies.” -Ames Historical Society Director, Casie Vance. More here.
December 2, 7:30 p.m.
Central Iowa Symphony, Rapture, Rage, and Revelry Concert
Experience a musical adventure through scenes of beauty, terror, and passion at Central Iowa Symphony’s Rapture, Rage, and Revelry Concert. There will be strains of Scottish overture, Mozart Symphony 35, and a Highland bagpiper. Grab your tickets to witness this spectacular event. More here.
December 2 - 3
Creative Artists Studio of Ames [CASA], 2017 Holiday Art Sale
CASA artists will have great pieces of art for sale at the Holiday Art Sale. Choose from a wide selection of handmade and skillfully crafted items. This is a great opportunity to purchase holiday gifts and support local Ames artists. Follow the link for dates and times. More here.
December 3, 3 p.m.
ISU Music, Holiday Festival
Iowa State Choirs, Lyrica, Iowa State Singers, Cantamus, and Statesmen will perform a Holiday Festival Concert at Stephens Auditorium. Experience the talent of Iowa State students while enjoying holiday favorites. More here.
December 9
ISU Music and Second Chair Brass, TubaChristmas
Experience a cheerful and fun concert with plenty of tubas and Christmas spirit! “I have participated in about eight Tuba Christmases at four different venues. One cannot imagine hearing up to 100 booming tubas and euphoniums in the same room, playing familiar Christmas songs, to music loving audiences. There’s nothing else like it in the world!” -Rick Ennis More here.
December 9 and 14
Ames Chamber Artists, Noël
Enjoy the magic of Christmas songs sung by the 40 piece adult choral group, Ames Chamber Artists. Some of the works to be performed include O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arranged by Jay Rouse with cello and piano accompaniment; The Work of Christmas by Dan Forest based on the poem by Howard Thurman; Noël C’est L’Amourarranged by Andre Bellefeuille: and the lighter ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas arranged by Harry Simeone. Follow the link for dates, locations, and times. More here.
December 9-10
Iowa State Center, Nutcracker Ballet
This classic holiday fairy tale has come alive on stage at Stephens Auditorium each December since 1981. More than 200 local dancers from surrounding central Iowa communities participate with guest principal dancers performing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Follow the link for ticket prices and performance times. More here.
December 10, 3 p.m.
Ames Choral Society, Winter Concert
Ames Choral Society presents their Winter Concert, “Veni, Veni.” Hear a variety of carols and new works that haven’t been done by Ames Choral Society before. The concert will also include “Glow” by Eric Whitacre. Get your tickets in advance at Rieman Music. More here.
December 20, 7:30 p.m.
Iowa State Center, Mannheim Steamroller
The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. This marks the 33rd Anniversary of the Christmas Tour. In addition to being a holiday tradition for many families, the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Tour is one of the longest running tours in the music industry.
More here.
January 12-13, 5:30 p.m.
ISU Music, Madrigal Dinners
A candlelit 17th-century banquet hall, filled with the ambiance of a festive Renaissance English court, awaits you—the setting for a most delightfully entertaining evening. King James and Queen Anne of Old England cordially invite you to join them for a royal banquet attended by graceful dancers, playful jesters, strolling musicians, frolicking fools and gallivanting wenches. More here.
Octagon Center for the Arts, Gift Shop
The Octagon Center for the Arts held their annual Festival of Trees celebration and showcased many organizations in Ames through the decoration of Christmas Trees. Shop the Octagon Gallery Shop this holiday season and support local artists. You’re guaranteed to find something unique and beautiful.
More here.
Reiman Gardens, RG Express Christmas Train and Gift Shop
During your visit, see the model trains in action and then head over to the Reiman Gardens Gift Shop. Find unique and beautiful gifts with a natural twist, to complete your holiday shopping. Admission is always free to visit the Gift Shop and members receive 10 percent off daily. More here.
Worldly Goods, Gift Shop
Find great gifts for your family and friends at Worldly Goods in the Ames Main Street Cultural District. Worldly Goods is a non-profit, fair trade store, operated by volunteers. See their selection of coffee, tea, unique clothing, singing bowls, hand woven baskets, and other treasures from around the world.
More here.
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