ia: The best of Iowa arts and culture

It's officially that time of the year, so take a trip to see "The Nutcracker." (Photo: Ballet Des Moines)

Ballet Des Moines gets cracking

Now that it’s Thanksgiving, the holiday season is full steam ahead. Ballet Des Moines is hitting the road to three cities to present nine performances of “The Nutcracker,” the classic Christmas story about Clara, the Mouse King and an enchanted kitchen gadget.

Oelwein, Dec. 1: Dance studios in the area team up with 25 Ballet Des Moines dancers to perform at the Williams Center for the Arts.

Des Moines, Dec. 12-15: Back on home turf, the dancers continue their holiday tradition with an extended weekend of performances at Hoyt Sherman Place.

Algona, Dec. 21-22: Just in the St. Nick of time, the company shares the stage with dancers from Algona, Bancroft, Humboldt and Clarion at the Ed & Betty Wilcox Performing Arts Center.

Dip into the realm of Middle Earth at this hobbit house. (Photo: Windy Goat Acres)

Stay in a cozy yurt, castle or hobbit house

On a secluded property just 9 miles east of Tama sits Windy Goat Acres, a working farm that’s home to dozens of goats, pigs, horses and even peacocks. The property also features six unique glamping spots perfect for winter getaways (or, really, any time of year).

The options include two yurt-style tents, two cabins, a rustic “castle” on a hill and a hobbit house plucked straight from Middle Earth. Guests who book a stay at any of the rooms can add optional upgrades and experiences, including an outdoor movie kit, hot cocoa bar, bunny feeding and even something called a “llama social.” Guests can also rent kayaks, snowshoes and other gear.

VIPs from Lost Pine Farm are part of the holiday festivities at the Vesterheim. (Photo: Vesterheim)

Celebrate Christmas in Decorah (with goats!)

Experience the annual Norwegian Christmas Celebration on Dec. 7 at the Vesterheim Museum in downtown Decorah. Partake in Norwegian folk traditions like the Juletrefest, which involves singing and skipping in circles around a Christmas tree. You can also make traditional crafts and watch the Nordic Dancers and costumed Julebekker as they roam the museum to clear out any evil spirits.

While you’re there, stop by the Vesterheim Heritage Park for a photo by the massive sculpture of a nisse (a gnome-like creature) and say hello to the goats visiting from Lost Pine Farm. Then enjoy free hot drinks and Norwegian treats around a fire on the patio outside Vesterheim Commons. Find all the details, including the lineup of folk art demonstrators, on the museum’s website.

The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future float into Cedar Rapids. (Photo: allevents in Cedar Rapids)

Ebenezer Scrooge takes the stage in Cedar Rapids

A national tour of “A Christmas Carol” comes to the grand old Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids at 3 p.m. Sunday. The show retells the classic story of the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future who visit Ebenezer Scrooge, inspire (and scare) him into becoming a kinder person, and, with any luck, warm the audiences’ hearts in the process.

Award-winning theater artist Scott H. Severance directs the project with elaborate costumes, sets and puppetry. This version also incorporates more than two dozen time-honored Christmas tunes and mixes chilling special effects with comedic moments.

Escape the cold this winter in Oskaloosa's newest entertainment venue. (Rendering: Trio Entertainment)

Trio Entertainment opens in Oskaloosa

A new leisure destination is officially open in Oskaloosa. Despite its name, Trio Entertainment offers more than a trio of activities in a new venue that includes an interactive movie theater, sports simulators (golf, tennis and pickleball) and a bar and restaurant. The building’s modern design incorporates colorful art by the local artist Markie Roake.

The name pays homage to town history, as Oskaloosa was built on three old coal mines nicknamed the trio. Civic leaders hope the $17 million project revamps the city’s year-round entertainment options.

The Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. (Photo: The Cathedral of the Epiphany)

Tour decked-out churches in Sioux City

Take a free tour of Sioux City’s churches in the first annual “Tour of Steeples” on Dec. 7. The tour is self-guided, so you can visit all 12 participating churches or just a few while they’re decorated for the holidays and filled with music and snacks. Each site has its own rich and singular history.

Freewill donations during the event will benefit a local soup kitchen and warming shelter.