Fort Madison setting up for holiday season

FORT MADISON - Now that Halloween has come and gone, costumes have been tucked away until next October, making room for the approaching holiday season.
The foliage has taken on its autumn hues, but before long, the colorful leaves will give way to the muted tones of winter. As the seasons change, families begin turning their attention to holiday traditions and community celebrations.
As Fort Madison prepares to welcome the season, residents can look forward to a variety of festive activities bringing friends, families and neighbors together.
The 16th annual Wine & Beer Walk is scheduled for Nov. 20, bringing an evening of tastings to downtown Fort Madison along Avenue G. The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m., with proceeds benefiting projects supported by the Fort Madison Beautification Foundation.
Ahead of the main event, a presale will be held Nov. 13 at Fort Madison Hy-Vee from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees can purchase their 2026 commemorative glasses for $15 during the one-night presale. Following the presale, glasses will return to their regular price of $20.
Now in its 16th year, the Wine & Beer Walk continues to bring residents downtown while supporting the work of the Foundation. Foundation member Tim Gobble credits the community’s continued involvement for making the event a lasting local tradition.
“The community continues to make this event something special. It’s a fun and unique way to experience downtown, visit our local businesses and kick off the holiday season, while supporting a great community cause,” he said.
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, will begin with the Fort Madison YMCA’s fourth annual Turkey Trot. Check-in is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. inside Turnwater Bar & Grill, with the 2-mile fun run and walk beginning at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fort Madison Family YMCA’s Annual Sustaining Campaign.

Later that morning, the Fort Madison Area Optimist Club will host its annual Community Thanksgiving at Fort Madison High School. Thanksgiving meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing an opportunity for community members to gather over a holiday meal.
Organizers work to ensure that no one in the community spends the holiday alone or goes without a meal. The event typically serves nearly 1,000 meals, making it a meaningful tradition for many Fort Madison residents.
The holiday festivities will continue Nov. 27 with Fort Madison’s annual downtown Parade of Lights. Scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving, the parade will feature illuminated floats traveling along Avenue G through downtown. Following the parade, the lighted displays will be relocated to Central Park, where they will remain on display throughout December.
For some, the Parade of Lights represents more than an annual holiday celebration. It is a tradition worth preserving and growing for future generations.
After serving coffee at the parade for the past nine years, local business owner Chris Swed has seen firsthand the excitement and community spirit the event brings to downtown Fort Madison. He hopes to see the parade continue to grow through the involvement of younger generations and new businesses.
“I would love to see this one specifically keep being pushed forward by younger people, new businesses, different people trying to add new floats and make it longer,” Swed said. “You have kids that are full of wonder, as much as the adults are, and I would love to see it continue on and grow.”
Fort Madison will welcome the Christmas season Nov. 28 with Mistletoe on Main, coinciding with Small Business Saturday. The family-friendly event will bring holiday festivities to the downtown area while encouraging residents to support local businesses. Participating businesses will offer special discounts, while visitors can enjoy warm beverages, seasonal treats and horse-drawn carriage rides. There may even be a special appearance from Santa Claus.
Beyond the decorations and festivities, these seasonal gatherings offer something even more meaningful: opportunities for neighbors to reconnect, support local organizations and share in the traditions that bring the Fort Madison community together.