Experience the Holidays in a Whole New Way

Hosted inside the beautifully restored historic 1871 Cornerstone Event Center in Burlington, Iowa, Yuletide Villages™ invites guests into an immersive celebration of the holiday season.

Curated miniature villages and scenes are woven together with original music, synchronized holiday lighting, and unforgettable moments that evoke memory and spark imagination.

What Is Yuletide Villages?

Yuletide Villages is unlike a traditional holiday light display or model railroad exhibit.

Guests begin in the History Gallery before stepping inside the Storyteller’s Cabin, where a holiday tale sets the stage for what lies ahead. From there, journey through immersive holiday environments and extraordinary miniature worlds, each with its own personality and charm.

Every visit is carefully choreographed with lighting, music, storytelling, and memorable surprises designed for guests of all ages.

About The Villages

Each display has been thoughtfully designed and assembled by our Creative Director, bringing together handcrafted scenery, collected pieces, and imaginative details to create a world of its own. Each village has a unique story, carefully detailed below. We encourage all visitors to craft their own musings when attending Yuletide Villages, and share with us!

Quad Villages

Four distinct interpretations of the holiday village tradition come together across four sections divided by a river and bridge, echoing the Quad Cities. The elegant Spode Village, a traditional paper Putz Village, the colorful modern plastic Cobblestone Corners Village, and the richly detailed Hawthorne Village each represent a different material, scale, and style.Together, they celebrate the many traditions that have brought the magic of miniature Christmas villages into homes for generations.

Yuletide On The Farm

A snow-covered working farm comes to life with a farmhouse, barn, fields, windmill, cattle, and other farm animals.More than a winter scene, Yuletide on the Farm celebrates the agricultural heritage of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri—and pays tribute to the farming families whose work sustains communities throughout the Midwest and far beyond.

London in 1843

Inspired by London in 1843—the year Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol—this village captures the atmosphere of Victorian London without attempting to recreate it.A long river, period-inspired bridges, and a collection of Department 56 Dickens’ Village buildings and other structures create a city shaped by imagination rather than recognizable landmarks.Fittingly, the scene is presented inside the historic former St. Patrick’s Church, built in 1871 during the Victorian era.

Yuletide Junction

All aboard for a journey through a snow-covered railroad landscape where trains travel along different levels, wind through tunnels, cross rugged mountains, and pass a bustling railroad depot.Yuletide Junction celebrates the enduring connection between trains and the holiday season in a display devoted to the wonder of winter railroading.

Winter Wonderland Amusement Park

Step right up and experience some thrills in miniature during the holidays at Winter Wonderland Amusement Park.Working scale-model rides—including a roller coaster, large Ferris wheel, carousel, and other thrill rides—join a North Pole-themed area to bring a snow-covered amusement park to life in a celebration of motion, lights, and holiday fun.

Yuletide Metropolis: A View From Santa's Sleigh

Get a Santa’s-eye view of a sprawling city on Christmas Eve, alive with lights, streets, buildings, and holiday activity.Be sure to look for Santa and his reindeer soaring past an illuminated moon—right where you would expect to find them on the most magical night of the year.

Your Journey Starts Here

As you arrive, enjoy synchronized outdoor holiday lighting as you await your timed entry.

Experience

Begin in the History Gallery, where the story of the Christmas village unfolds before you step inside the Storyteller’s Cabin. There, surrounded by the warmth and wonder of the season, a story sets the stage for what lies ahead. Because sometimes, stories don’t simply end—they lead you somewhere unexpected.

Explore

Journey through extraordinary miniature worlds filled with intricate details, imaginative scenes, working amusement rides, theatrical lighting, original music, and the wonder of the holiday season.

Memories That Last

After your visit ends, linger a little longer with a taste of the season, including hot cocoa and other holiday treats. Browse the Gift Shop or enjoy the outdoor light show before heading home with memories of our Yuletide Villages.™

Location

OPENING DAY -- Friday, November 27, 2026REGULAR-SEASON HOURS
November 27 - December 20, 2026
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 5:30-9:30PM
Last Admission is at 8:30PMHOLIDAY-SEASON HOURS
December 26 - December 31, 2026
Daily 3:30PM - 9:30PM
Last Admission is at 8:30PMThe outdoor holiday light show begins at 5:30PM. Tickets for Ages 5+ are $5 -- Kids under 5 are Free. Advance timed-entry tickets are strongly recommended. A limited number of standby tickets may be available each evening, subject to availability. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled admission time. Late arrivals may have to wait for a later opening, and admission cannot be guaranteed.

FAQs

What is Yuletide Villages™?

Yuletide Villages™ is an indoor holiday attraction featuring beautifully crafted miniature Christmas village displays. Guests are invited to explore a variety of detailed holiday scenes and imaginative miniature worlds celebrating the wonder and spirit of the season.

Where is Yuletide Villages located?

Yuletide Villages is hosted inside the historic Cornerstone Event Center at 1204 Washington Street in Burlington, Iowa.

When is Yuletide Villages open?

Yuletide Villages opens Friday, November 27, 2026.

Regular-season hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. November 27th through December 20th.

Holiday-season hours are daily from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. from December 26 through December 31.

Last admission is at 8:30 p.m. nightly. The outdoor light show begins at 5:30 p.m.

How much does admission cost?

Admission is $5 per person for guests ages 5 and older.

Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance timed-entry tickets are strongly recommended and help us provide the best possible guest experience.

A limited number of standby tickets may be available each evening, depending on attendance and available capacity.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled admission time.

What happens if I am late?

If you arrive after your scheduled admission time, regardless of the reason, we will do our best to accommodate you during the next available opening.

Depending on attendance, your wait may be significant. Admission cannot be guaranteed if all remaining entry times are full.

How long does a visit take?

Your visit begins with two brief scheduled experiences in the Holiday Gallery and Presentation Room. Afterward, you may explore the miniature exhibits at your own pace. Most visits last approximately 30–45 minutes.

Is Yuletide Villages indoors?

The primary Yuletide Villages experience is indoors. However, the waiting area and synchronized holiday light show are outdoors.

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Timed admission is designed to minimize outdoor waiting, but brief delays may occasionally occur as we manage guest flow.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. You may spend a short period outdoors while waiting for admission, so winter coats and weather-appropriate accessories are encouraged.

The indoor temperature is expected to remain around 65°F for the comfort of guests dressed for winter weather.

Is Yuletide Villages appropriate for children?

Absolutely. Yuletide Villages is designed to be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

Is the attraction scary?

No. Yuletide Villages is designed to inspire wonder, imagination, and the joy of the holiday season.

Is Yuletide Villages wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Yuletide Villages is wheelchair accessible.

Guests with specific accessibility questions are encouraged to contact us before visiting so we can help make their experience as comfortable as possible.

May I bring a stroller?

Strollers are permitted but discouraged due to the historic nature of the Cornerstone Event Center and limited space in portions of the attraction.

If your child is able to walk comfortably, we recommend leaving your stroller in your vehicle. Wagons are not permitted.

Complimentary umbrella strollers are available at Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis.

At the end of your visit, children must be removed from personal strollers before using the outdoor exit stairs. Another adult in your party may then carry the stroller down the stairs.

Complimentary umbrella strollers should be left at the Gift Shop before exiting. A volunteer will return them to Guest Services.

The wheelchair-accessible exit is reserved for guests who require an accessible route and may not be used with strollers.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes. Trained service animals are welcome in accordance with applicable laws.

Service animals must remain under their handler’s control at all times. Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.

May I take photographs?

Photography is encouraged throughout most of Yuletide Villages.

To preserve one of the experience’s signature moments for every guest, photography and video recording are not permitted during the Presentation Room experience.

May I touch the exhibits?

Please enjoy the exhibits with your eyes rather than your hands unless a volunteer specifically indicates that something is interactive.

Are restrooms available?

Yes. Restrooms are available for guests during their visit.

Is food or drink available?

Seasonal refreshments, including hot cocoa and other holiday treats, are available near the end of your visit.

Food and beverages are not permitted inside the Holiday Gallery, Presentation Room, or miniature exhibit areas, except when medically necessary.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes. The Gift Shop is located near the end of the experience and offers Yuletide Villages keepsakes, souvenirs, and seasonal merchandise.

Can I leave and return later?

No. Admission is valid for one visit during your scheduled entry time. Re-entry requires the purchase of a new ticket.

Can I purchase tickets at the door?

A limited number of standby tickets may be available if capacity permits. Advance timed-entry tickets are strongly recommended to secure your preferred date and entry time.

Are refunds available?

Tickets are non-refundable.

If the final evening of Yuletide Villages is canceled, affected ticket holders will receive a full refund.

Is smoking or vaping permitted?

No. Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited anywhere on the Cornerstone Event Center grounds.

Guests who wish to smoke must do so inside their personal vehicle with the windows closed.

Can I volunteer?

We would love to hear from you. Please visit our Volunteer page or contact us for information about volunteer opportunities.

Who benefits from Yuletide Villages?

100% of admission proceeds benefit United Way of Southeast Iowa, supporting programs and services that strengthen communities throughout the region.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Visit our Contact page, send us an email, or call (309) 863-5581. We will be happy to help.

Volunteer with United Way at Yuletide Villages

Yuletide Villages™ is United Way of Southeast Iowa’s holiday fundraiser, and the people working throughout the experience will be United Way volunteers helping make it possible.From welcoming guests and assisting with check-in to helping in the History Gallery, gift shop, and other areas of the event, United Way volunteers will play an important role in creating a warm, memorable holiday experience for every guest.Volunteer opportunities will also be available as displays are prepared before the event opens.Volunteer sign-up information and contact details are coming soon. Please check back here and follow Yuletide Villages™ on Facebook for updates.

Contact

Need to reach out to us? We'd love to hear from you!

By Email: [email protected]By Phone: (309) 863-5581
Note: Before November 1, 2026 the phone is not monitored.
Please leave a message and we will get in touch with you by the next business day, Monday - Friday.

Tickets

Purchase Tickets Here Starting November 1, 2026

Tickets for Ages 5+ are $5 -- Kids under 5 are Free. Advance timed-entry tickets are strongly recommended. A limited number of standby tickets may be available each evening, subject to availability. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled admission time. Late arrivals may have to wait for a later opening, and admission cannot be guaranteed.