Ames Holidays: Festival Of Trees, DIY Crafts, Shop Small And More

AMES, IA — The annual Festival of Trees in Ames kicks off today and you can see 70 festive trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses, organizations, groups and individuals. The festival is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Wednesday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Ave. More than 1,000 people are expected to view the forest of beautifully decorated greens.

Following Thanksgiving there will be a host of other holiday-related activities as November winds down. Here's where you can find some Christmas spirit around Ames:

Small Business Saturday 'Shop Small' Day

Celebrate all that is unique about the small businesses of Ames by shopping “small” on Main Street, where there will be free swag bags for the first 200 adult shoppers and cookies and milk with Santa for the kids at the Depot Deli from 10 a.m. to noon. Many area businesses will open at 9 a.m. Activities are part of the Main Street Cultural District’s Snow Magic events.

Wreath-making workshop

Reiman gardens assistant director Aaron Steil will teach you how to assemble a holiday wreath, guiding you through the steps to use evergreens, specialty greens, and other materials to create your own seasonal decoration for your home. 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30. Learn more at www.reimangardens.com.

Art Mart Holiday Sale

Support the Ames and ISU artists, craftsmen, photographer, designers, and DIYers whose products include pottery, blown glass, jewelry, campus photos and accessories.
Most items sell for $3 to $20 and proceeds support individual artists, The Workspace & The Gaffers’ Guild.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Campanile Room, ISU Memorial Union. Learn more at www.sac.iastate.edu.

Thursday Night Mingle On Main

Downtown businesses will be open late on Thursdays for holiday shopping, special deals and treats. .
Part of the Main Street Cultural District’s Snow Magic events. 5 to 7 p.m. along Main Street. Learn more at
www.amesdowntown.org.

Crafty Cocktail Night: Holiday Garlands

After hours at Reiman Gardens you can try your hand at a creative project while you sip on adult beverages. Jessie Liebenguth will show you how to create a festive holiday garland during the BYOB event (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages allowed; must be 21 to attend). 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30, Reiman gardens, 1407 University Blvd. Learn more at www.reimangardens.com.

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