Get Ready for a New Era of Fun-Filled Holiday Celebrations at Ottumwa WinterFest!
December 12, 2025
The perfect event to ring in the holiday season, featuring ice skating, family fun, scores of local vendors, and activities, is just around the corner in Ottumwa, Iowa. Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress (GOPIP) is thrilled to promote the first annual Ottumwa WinterFest: Ice, Lights and Local Delights! From Monday to Sunday, December 15-21, residents and visitors are invited to head to the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center for a week of festive fun that’ll include an ice skating rink, holiday vendor market, children’s activities, and seasonal entertainment for everyone to enjoy before Christmas Day!
In the past, Ottumwa’s annual Holiday Nights N’Lights festival brought families together, enjoying a 20-year run as one of Southeast Iowa’s most anticipated annual events. Building on its strong spirit and tradition, Ottumwa WinterFest is sure to usher in a new era of unforgettable holiday cheer.
Dates & Ticketing Information
Ottumwa WinterFest will take place from 4 to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, December 15-19. Weeknight tickets are $10 for individuals, $8 for children aged 5-12, and free for children four and under. Additionally, groups of five or more are $8 per person.
On Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21, the event expands to an all-day fun-fest, featuring additional events and activities. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $15 for individuals, $10 for children aged 5-12, and free for children four and under. A group rate of $10 per person applies to groups of five or more.
Week-long season passes for all seven days and nights are available for $50 each for groups of up to four and $45 per individual for groups of five or more. Enjoy Ottumwa WinterFest all week and drop into the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center with your all-inclusive season pass.
Contact GOPIP or visit Ottumwa WinterFest’s webpage for all ticketing inquiries.
A Full Week of Holiday Fun
The inaugural Ottumwa WinterFest kicks off on Monday, December 15, and features ice skating and holiday lights through Wednesday, December 17. On Thursday, December 18, the event will also feature “Dollar Dog” on Ice, in partnership with Heartland Humane Society.
The following afternoon/evening, Friday, December 19, will feature more ice skating and festive lights, along with Winter Coats on Parade (5 to 7 p.m.), sponsored by Wapello County Trails.
Ottumwa WinterFest becomes a full-day event beginning Saturday, December 20, and will be the first of back-to-back days featuring a vendor market full of local artisans and businesses offering unique gifts and goods. In addition, carriage rides, hands-on children’s activities, and a visit from Santa Claus (2 to 4 p.m.) will be event highlights on both Saturday and Sunday.
Become a Sponsor, Vendor, or Volunteer
Ottumwa’s business leaders are lining up in support of the Ottumwa WinterFest. Current sponsors include Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Community 1st Credit Union, Gregg Young Automotive Group, South Ottumwa Savings Bank, and JBS Company. Sponsors interested in taking part in an event guaranteed to attract visitors and families from all over the region can click here for more information.
Ottumwa WinterFest is still accepting vendors! A 10’ x 10' booth space is available for businesses and entrepreneurs of all stripes on Saturday and Sunday, December 20-21. Discounts are offered for non-profits. Learn more about this golden opportunity for holiday sales in front of large local crowds.
Finally, volunteers are greatly appreciated! GOPIP seeks sign-ups to aid with ticket sales, the ice skating rink, Santa’s Workshop, carriage rides, Santa’s visits with kids, and more. For more information on Ottumwa WinterFest’s volunteer needs, click here.
Ottumwa WinterFest aims to pick up exactly where Holiday Nights N' Lights left off, bringing people together to celebrate the holidays in good cheer. Contact GOPIP with all questions.
