“A Visit to the North Pole” theme sets the stage for 35th Annual Christmas Fantasy

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2026 will be held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 13, 14, 15, and 16, at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. The fun-filled theme will be, “A Visit to the North Pole!”

2026 Fantasy Schedule of Events
“Tingle ‘N Mingle” Happy Hour
The Friday evening “Tingle ‘N Mingle” happy hour will be held November 13, from 5-8 p.m. This annual Friday night happy hour event is a special opportunity to meet socially with friends and co-workers after work. All-you-can-eat hot and hearty hors d’oeuvres will be served plus desserts, candies, and spirits.  Each ticket includes all of the delicious food plus two beverage tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Returning this year is the Live Auction that will take place during this event at 7 p.m. Friday night. A limited number of specialty items and fun items, experiences and vacation rentals will be offered at this live auction.
 
Wine, Cheese and Dessert Event
Saturday evening, November 14, will host a special wine, cheese and dessert event sponsored by Eagle’s Landing Winery of Marquette, the Empty Nest Winery of Waukon and Madigan Winery of Lansing.  The event will begin at 7 p.m. Feel free to call 563-568-4177 to make a reservation.  The cost includes a wide variety of refreshments from these three wineries, meat and cheese buffet, crackers, dessert buffet, and viewing of the decorations.   

Brunch with Santa
For the third year, ‘Brunch with Santa’ will be offered Sunday from 9 a.m. to Noon serving a full brunch of eggs, ham, fruit, pancakes, cheesy hashbrown potatoes, biscuits and gravy and cinnamon rolls, sponsored by the Allamakee County Pork Producers, Iowa Pork Producers and Jet’s Meats.  A cash Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar will be offered. Feel free to make a reservation by calling 563-568-4177. Santa will also be available for visits and photos.

Fantasy Luncheon
The Monday Luncheon is sponsored by the Allamakee Cattlemen’s Association and will be held Monday, November 16. A full lunch will be catered by Empty Nest Winery and the Nutrition Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital. Be sure to call 563-568-4177 to make a reservation.

Visits and Photos with Santa Claus
Santa will be available for a visit and photos all day Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be ready with your cameras for a great photo opportunity!

General Viewing
The Christmas Fantasy 2026 event will be open to the public Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Monday, November 16, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Complimentary Christmas treats and cocoa will be available during all these public showings.

Silent Auction
Over 100 items will be offered on the Silent Auction again this year and all make great Christmas shopping opportunities. These items are all available for purchase throughout the weekend with the highest bidder winning the item when the auction ends at 6 p.m. Monday evening, November 16. Until that closing time, bidders can return, free of charge to the Fantasy and raise their bid. All silent auction items are decorated and donated to the Foundation.

Also again this year, Silent Auction and Live Auction items will be published on the Veterans Memorial Hospital Facebook page and website just prior to the event.

The 35th Annual Christmas Fantasy is planned and sponsored by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation, including Sue Blagsvedt, Vicki Bloxham, Dawn Clark, Kris Cote’, Chris Engstrom-Fosaaen, Patty Goltz, Kevin Hanson, Judy Herman, Sue Kratz, Ardie Kuhse, Craig Lensing, Reid Mahoney, Becky Mitchell, Barb Shull, Tim Smedsrud, Sue Stamper, Jeremy Strub, Kim Sylvester and Matt Teslow, assisted by Jane Dietrich, Rose Beardmore and Julie Thompson.