Images from Prelude to Christmas in the Amana Colonies, Iowa

Last Updated on December 4, 2016 by Jody Halsted

We spent Sunday in one of our favorite Iowa areas: the Amana Colonies. I've written many times about the Amana Colonies but I just wanted to share some photos from our day.

We visited the Tannenbaum Forest in the Festhalle Barn behind the Visitor's Center. The girls were both happy to see Santa- he had candy canes!

In the Tannenbaum Forest were dozens of trees decorated by various Amana entities and a huge 3 story German Christmas Pyramid.

Of course we can't go to the Amana Colonies without eating wonderful German food… Wursts, schnitzel, chicken, kraut… Mmmm…

And we stopped at the woolen mill because I forgot to bring gloves. We saw ladies spinning alpaca wool. Apparently they can also spin dog fur…

We wandered the village, stopping in shops for toys, wine, cheese and other “necessities”. I loved the gingerbread house contest displayed in the General Store.

We love the Amana Colonies. It's a great Iowa getaway any time of the year.