It won't be hard to get into the holiday spirit here in Eastern Iowa this December! Here are some of the big holiday events happening across our half of the state, broken down into these regions:

• Linn County
• Johnson County
• Cedar Valley
• Dubuque Area
• Quad Cities Area
• Other Eastern Iowa Cities

*Looking for holiday light displays across Eastern & Central Iowa? Click HERE!*

*For craft/vendor markets happening in Eastern Iowa this holiday season, click HERE!*

LINN COUNTY

Santa, Snacks, and Stories

• Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids
• November 30th & December 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (entry times every 30 mins - last entry at 7 p.m.)
• "Santa Claus is coming to Brucemore, and he wants to meet all the little ones in Cedar Rapids to make sure they made the Nice List this year. So, kids, make sure to bring your wish list to share with Santa, and adults, have that camera ready for the perfect snapshot! Enjoy other holiday activities inside the mansion during this event, including a craft, story time in the Nursery, and a take-home snack."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Lights & Blooms

• Noelridge Greenhouse, Cedar Rapids
• December 4th & 5th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Stroll through the beautifully decorated tropical greenhouses. Enjoy holiday lights and refreshments. Shop for winter plant décor and unique gifts. Admission is FREE with the donation of a non-perishable food item for HACAP to help those facing food insecurity this holiday season."

Holiday Nights Self-Guided Tours

• Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids
• All tours run from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m.)
• Dates
  • Thursday, December 4th, 11th, & 18th
  • Sunday, December 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th
  • Wednesday, December 17th
  • Monday, December 22nd
• "With over a dozen Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling lights, this breath-taking view of Brucemore is sure to bring Christmas alive for the whole family. These self-guided tours give you the opportunity to indulge in the cozy splendor of the season while listening to traditional holiday tunes played on our 1929 Skinner player pipe organ."
• Daytime Tours also available
• Purchase tickets HERE

Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk

• City Square Park, Marion
• Friday, December 5th from 4 p.m.to 8 p.m.
• Featuring the lighting of the Peace Tree, horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa, and a demonstration from Eastern Iowa Figuring Skating

Five Seasons Lights Lighting Ceremony

• McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
• Friday, December 5th at 4:30 p.m.
• "VenuWorks of Cedar Rapids is excited to announce the return of Five Seasons Lights, a cherished holiday tradition, kicking off with a festive lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 5, 2025. This free, walk-through holiday light display is open to the entire community and promises another season of joyful memories for families and visitors alike."

Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs

• Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, December 5th, 12th, & 19th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 6th, 13th, & 20th from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 7th, 14th, & 21st from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Featuring inflatables, photos with Santa, a coloring & craft station, selfie stations, concessions, mini golf, holiday vendors, and more
• Admission is free - photos with Santa are $5 and inflatable wristbands & concession items have an additional cost

A Christmas Carol

• Giving Tree Theatre, Marion
• Select dates from December 5th through December 21st
• Purchase tickets HERE

Santa at the Farm

• Bass Farms, Mount Vernon
• Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "Grab a picture with Santa while you are here! (Please bring your own camera, BYOC). Get your holiday shopping list checked off! Our specialty food store has something for everyone on your list--wine, meat, jams and jellies, local honey, pickled items, candles, tea towels, soaps, crystals, ice cream and more! Face painting available by Regan’s Face Painting for an additional charge."

Magical Mount Vernon

• Mount Vernon, Iowa
• Saturday, December 6th from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa, a live nativity, food, shopping, and more

Hiawatha Reindeer Run

• Fay M. Clark Memorial Park, Hiawatha
• Saturday, December 6th at 9 a.m.
• "Each participant will receive a stocking hat with their registration along with hot cocoa, candy canes, cookies and an opportunity to take fun pictures in a giant snowglobe!"
• Register online HERE

Main Street Holiday

• Center Point Library
• Sunday, December 7th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring a tree lighting, a soup supper, BBQ, face painting, balloon creations, hayrack rides, and more

Hometown Holiday Market + Tasting

• Dan & Debbie's Creamery, Ely
• Saturday, December 13th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• "Join us for a festive and fun holiday market + tasting at Dan and Debbie's Creamery! Some of our retail partners will be here at the creamery sampling their delicious products. And while you are here you can browse local gifts for everyone on your Christmas list!"

Ely Winterfest

• Ely, Iowa
• Saturday, December 13th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Featuring horse-drawn sleigh rides, a holiday market, face painting, crafts, cookies, giveaways, and more

Breakfast With Santa

• Johnson Ave Hy-Vee, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, December 13th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• "Kids will love creating festive holiday crafts, writing their letters to Santa, and meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus in person! Don’t forget your cameras — you’ll want to capture the joy on their faces when they share their Christmas wishes."

Winter Wonderland

• Northwest Recreation Center, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, December 13th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring games, activities, crafts, treats, and more
• Event is suitable for ages 3 to 12
• Pre-registration is required, cost is $5 per child - call 319-286-5566, Option 1, and register for program #314741-01

Holiday on Main

• Downtown Central City
• Saturday, December 13th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• "As always, we will have visits with Santa & the Grinch, a parade of trees, and horse-drawn carriage rides throughout town, as well as many open businesses offering special treats or activities."

Mannheim Steamroller Concert

• Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
• Thursday, December 18th at 7:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Maddie Poppe Christmas Concert

• The Olympic South Side Theater, Cedar Rapids
• Friday, December 19th at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Christmas Bar Crawl

• NewBo & Czech Village District, Cedar Rapids
• Friday, December 19th at 5 p.m.
• Featuring a costume contest, a scavenger hunt, live music, prizes, and more

Meet Santa and His Reindeer

• Johnson Ave Hy-Vee, Cedar Rapids
• Sunday, December 21st from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa and his reindeer, hot cocoa, and holiday treats

Holiday in the Heights

• Redmond Park, Cedar Rapids
• Tuesday, December 23rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Featuring a cookie decorating station, horse & carriage rides, food, live music, a hot cocoa bar tent, visits with Santa, and more

Martini & Pajama Party

• Uptown Snug, Marion
• Saturday, December 27th at 7 p.m.
• "The comfiest, coziest, snuggiest party of the year is back and better than ever! Espresso Martinis and Cedar Ridge Old Fashioneds on tap! Slippers on your feet, drinks in both hands, and tunes all night."

Holiday Shows at the Paramount Theatre

• Orchestra Iowa with Ballet Quad Cities Presents: The Nutcracker
  • Saturday, December 6th at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
• Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas
  • Tuesday, December 9th at 7 p.m.
• Alisabeth Von Presley's Christmas in The Key of A
  • Friday, December 12th at 7:30 p.m.
• Amy Friedl’s Christmas at the Paramount
  • Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m.
• Champions of Magic Holiday Spectacular
  • Tuesday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m.
• Orchestra Iowa Pops II: Holiday Spectacular
  • Saturday, December 20th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 21st at 2 p.m.
• A Magical Cirque Christmas
  • Monday, December 22nd at 7 p.m.
• Holiday Movies at the Paramount (Elf)
  • Tuesday, December 23rd at 7 p.m.

JOHNSON COUNTY

Festive Fridays

• Downtown Iowa City
• Fridays from November 21st through December 19th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "...enjoy carols, shopping, family-friendly fun, and special events like the Gingerbread House Competition and Living Windows. Hop on the Holly Trolley, running every Friday from 5-8 p.m., and visit a new store or restaurant each week."

Santa Saturdays

• FilmScene in the Chauncey, Iowa City
• Saturdays from November 29th through December 20th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• "Kids are encouraged to drop off their letters and wishlists. Visitors and families are welcome to visit Santa and capture their own photos."
• Tractor Wagon Rides from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "Rides run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, departing every 15 minutes. Hop on outside of Hills Bank, located at the corner of Washington and Clinton Streets."

The Nutcracker

• Englert Theatre, Iowa City
• Dates/Times
  • December 4th through 6th at 7:30 p.m.
  • December 6th & 7th at 1 p.m.
  • December 7th at 6:30 p.m.
• "This holiday classic comes to life with performances by dancers from Nolte Academy and features a live orchestra conducted by Carey Bostian."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Light Up Oxford

• Downtown Oxford
• Friday, December 5th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa, a tree lighting, vendors, food & beverages, live performances, a live nativity scene, a photo booth, and more

Solon's Annual Christmas Tree Walk

• Solon United Methodist Church
• Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Featuring a bake & craft sale, a basket auction, a scavenger hunt, chicken noodle soup, visits with Santa (12:30 to 2:30), and more

Swisher's A Very Merry Christmas Celebration

• Downtown Swisher
• Saturday, December 13th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring a lighted Christmas parade, horse-drawn wagon rides, llamas, crafts, cookie decorating, live music, and more

UI Band Extravaganza

• Xtream Arena, Coralville
• Sunday, December 7th at 3 p.m.
• "Featuring the Iowa Symphony Band, Johnson County Landmark, and the Hawkeye Marching Band with the Hawkeye Golden Girls, Drum Major, Iowa Spirit Squads, Dance Team, and Herky, with special guests the Iowa City West High Trojan Marching Band."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jane Lynch's A Swingin' Little Christmas

• Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City
• Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m.
• "Classic holiday tunes come to life in this hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza! The party promises to be a delightful blend of comedy and music, ensuring a swingin’ good time."
• Also featuring featuring Kate Flannery & Tim Davis with The Tony Guerrero Quintet
• Purchase tickets HERE

Holiday Hoopla

• Tiffin Elementary School
• Saturday, December 13th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Featuring games, cookies, ornament decorating, visits with Santa, and more

Breakfast with Santa

• Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
• Saturday, December 13th from 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
• "Enjoy a delicious holiday breakfast buffet, featuring a pancake station, made to order omelets, and spiral glazed ham. Kids will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, have a photo-op with them on Santa’s chair, enjoy holiday crafts and activities, and make a special gift to take home."
• Purchase tickets HERE

The Englert Ball

• Englert Theatre, Iowa City
• Saturday, December 20th at 8 p.m.
• "Enjoy live performances by James Tutson & The Rollback.  We’ll have specialty drinks, light snacks + dessert, surprise grab bags, silent auction, and late-night pizza. Let’s celebrate art in style with our music community!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Santa Brunch

• Cedar Ridge Distillery, Swisher
• Sunday, December 21st from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• The buffet includes, carved beef brisket, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, hot off the griddle pancakes, and MORE.
• Reservations are required - call 319-857-4300

CEDAR VALLEY

Illuminate the Gardens

• Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Waterloo
• November 28th through December 27th
  • Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Closed Christmas Day
• "Experience the magic of the season as the gardens glow with thousands of lights and festive displays. Enjoy free hot cocoa and s’mores as you stroll through the illuminated pathways and warm up by the fire pits. Select evenings will feature special-themed nights, such as Date Night, Family Night, Pet Night, and visits from Santa and carolers."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jingle and Mingle

• Cedar Falls Downtown District
• Thursday, December 4th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Make memories with the little ones as you enjoy other fun activities that will be taking place from 6-8pm! Children can visit Santa at his workshop at the River Place Plaza. Holiday characters will be out to greet everyone as well. Free Holley Trolley rides will leave from the Cedar Falls Community Center throughout the evening doing a loop to the Plaza."

Jingle on Main

• Downtown Independence
• Friday, December 5th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• "The evening begins with the City Christmas Tree lighting at 5 PM, followed by horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, s’mores with the firemen, hot chocolate, and kids’ activities throughout downtown Independence."

A Christmas Carol

• Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls
• Select dates from December 5th through December 21st
• Purchase tickets HERE

Christmas at Russell Square

• Grout Historic Houses, Waterloo
• Saturday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Tour both historic houses, fully decorated for the season. Enjoy treats, crafts, entertainment, and more. This is a free event but donations are encouraged."

Santa and the Gingerbread Man

• Phelps Youth Pavilion, Waterloo Center for the Arts
• Saturday, December 6th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• "Join Santa and the Gingerbread Man for cookie decorating, craft making and games! There will also be a scavenger hunt in the Phelps Youth Pavilion, along with the perfect place to take pictures with Gingerbread Man or Santa!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Breakfast at the North Pole

• Cedar Falls Community Center
• Saturday, December 6th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• "Just $7 in advance or $8 at the door, price is per person for sausage, coffee, beverages, and of course stacks of pancakes with plenty of syrup! Santa and all his favorite holiday friends will be there to join in on the fun all morning!
• Purchase tickets HERE

Breakfast With Santa

• Hy-Vee, Waverly
• Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Home For the Holidays

• La Porte City Public Library
• Saturday, December 6th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• "Drop into the Museum to enjoy some winter-themed crafts and activities. We'll have tables filled with coloring pages, stickers, and so much more. Stay until 11AM to see Santa arrive on the big red fire truck! Santa will greet everyone and listen as you share your wishes for gifts. Stick around and complete every craft or take them home for later."

Breakfast with Santa & Friends

• Majestic Moon Party & Event Center, Waterloo
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, December 6th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Pet Hour - December 7th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (no food)
• "All you can eat pancakes & sausage buffet! Juice, Cocoa & Coffee included. Feast in your favorite Christmas jammies while surrounded by our enchanted holiday decor, visit with our characters then head over to our main event.... SANTA! After you visit with The Big Guy, each child will receive holiday goodies to take home with them."
• Cost is $14 for ages 13+, $7 for ages 6 to 12, and free (with an adult purchase) for ages 5 and under - professional photo with Santa is $10

Visits With Santa

• Anton's Garden, Waterloo
• Saturday, December 6th, 13th, & 20th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Featuring photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and cookies

Festive Flicks

• Hope Martin Theater, Waterloo Center for the Arts
• Wednesday, December 10th at 4 p.m.
• Showing Smallfoot
• Also featuring visits with Santa (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.), a holiday craft, and a complimentary snack
• Event is free - reserve your seats HERE

Meet Santa & His Reindeer

• Scheels, Cedar Falls
• Wednesday, December 10th from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, face painting, and balloon animals

Waverly’s Christmas Greetings on Main

• Downtown Waverly
• Thursday, December 11th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "The event features live window scenes, an ice carver, hot spots featuring free Nestle hot chocolate and other festive fun. Join thousands of locals and visitors in downtown Waverly for this beloved annual event!"

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

• Cedar Falls Downtown District
• December 11th through 13th
• "You will receive a bingo card of all participating bars & restaurants to go around and try their special menu items! You will have all weekend long to get it completed. Turn in the completed BINGO cards to Santa's mailbox at the corner of 2nd and State Streets."

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

• Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls
• December 12th & 13th at 7 p.m.
• "A new musical featuring songs by Dolly Parton" - Dolly does NOT appear
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jingle Bar Hop

• Downtown Waterloo
• Saturday, December 13th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "The first 250 registered will receive a goodie bag filled with items to help you through the day. Each participant will get drink specials, free cover at all participating bars, food specials at select locations, and more to make the day even more fun!"
• Also featuring a costume contest
• Ages 21+
• Register online HERE

Movie Magic

• Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls
• Saturday, December 13th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Showing Happy Feet 2

A Very Dairy Christmas

• Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy, Hudson
• Saturday, December 13th at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., & 12 p.m.
• "Enjoy the magic of the holidays at our annual event, A Very Dairy Christmas. Visit with Santa, pet a calf, play games, do a craft and feast on holiday charcuterie."
• Tickets must be reserved in advance - purchase them HERE

Brunch With Santa

• Waverly Area Veterans Post, Waverly
• Sunday, December 14th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Featuring brunch, a cookie walk/bake sale, a craft, cookie decorating, games, and photos with Santa

Baby, It's Cold Outside

• River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls
• Thursday, December 18th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Watch as our ice sculptor creates delicate works of art with his chainsaw. This is an amazing sight to see as large chunks of ice become recognizable right before your eyes. In addition to the ice sculptor, enjoy s'mores at the Plaza and trolley rides on the Holly Trolley. Don't forget to take the kids to visit Santa at his workshop at the River Place Plaza and then enjoy free trolley rides throughout the downtown."

Reindeer Games

• River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls
• Saturday, December 20th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• "Help Santa and his reindeer with their big flight on Christmas Eve! Games, activities and treats for all ages!"

DUBUQUE AREA

Tree-Lighting Ceremony

• Hotel Julien, Dubuque
• Wednesday, December 3rd from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• "Join us in our beautiful lobby as we unveil our stunning Christmas tree. Enjoy Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, music, a visit from Santa Claus, and a tree-lighting ceremony during this popular family event. Free and open to the public!"

Breakfast with Santa

• Hotel Julien, Dubuque
• Saturday, December 6th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• "Activities begin at 9 am, and breakfast will be served until 10 am. Each child will write a letter to Santa, create a tree ornament, and decorate a Christmas cookie. Children can eat free with a donation of a $15 unwrapped toy donation for Toys For Tots."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Cookies With Santa

• Goose & Giggles Play Cafe, Dubuque
• Saturday, December 6th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Featuring open play in the Cozy Winter Play Village, photos with Santa, a cookie decorating station, a hot cocoa bar, story time with Santa, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Scuba Santa

• National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque
• December 6th & 7th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• "Santa is making his annual stop at the River Museum and will be diving in the Gulf of Mexico exhibit, located in the Diamond Jo National River Center! Grab your family and friends for photos with Scuba Santa"
• Scuba Santa is included with a membership and general admission - purchase tickets HERE

Santa Visits Cornerstone Nursery

• Cornerstone Nursery, Dubuque
• Sunday, December 7th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Featuring drinks & snacks, kids' activities, visits with Santa, and an on-site photographer

The Grinch Stole Playtime

• Goose & Giggles Play Cafe, Dubuque
• Saturday, December 13th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Featuring open play in the Play Village, visits & photos with The Grinch, a Grinch craft, a Who-ville Treat Table, story time, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Grinch-Inspired Dinner & Movie Night

• Hotel Julien, Dubuque
• Sunday, December 14th from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• "Experience a night where cinema meets cuisine, enjoying a specially crafted multi-course dinner inspired by the iconic moments and mischievous magic of Jim Carrey’s Grinch. Plus, a special appearance by the Grinch himself!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

World Ballet Company: Nutcracker

• Five Flags Center, Dubuque
• Sunday, December 14th at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

QUAD CITIES AREA

Disney on Ice presents Mickey's Search Party

• Vibrant Arena, Moline
• Shows December 4th through 7th
• Purchase tickets HERE

Christmas in the Village

• Village of East Davenport
• December 5th & 6th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Featuring fireworks, crafts, wine tasting, an ice sculptor, a petting zoo, food & beverages, photo ops with characters, a magician, and more

Christmas in LeClaire

• LeClaire, Iowa
• December 5th through 7th
• Featuring an Ugly Sweater 5K, the Light Up LeClaire Parade, a silent auction, vendors, food, a balloon artist, a tree lighting ceremony, and more

Reindeer Day

• Family Museum, Bettendorf
• Saturday, December 6th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring live reindeer, games & crafts, and live performances
• "Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the City of Bettendorf's Pack-a-Police Car & Fire Truck Event! The Bettendorf Police and Fire Departments will be located outside between the Family Museum and the Bettendorf Public Library between Noon and 2 p.m."

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

• Adler Theatre, Davenport
• Sunday, December 7th at 3 p.m.
• "A new musical featuring songs by Dolly Parton" - Dolly does NOT appear
• Purchase tickets HERE

SantaCon 2025

• Downtown Davenport
• Saturday, December 13th at 11:45 a.m.
• "SantaCon, short for Santa Convention, is a pub crawl in which you are required to dress head-to-toe as SANTA."

The Nutcracker Presented by Ballet Quad Cities

• Adler Theatre, Davenport
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, December 13th at 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 13th at 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 14th at 2 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Polar Express Pajama Party

• Putnam Museum, Davenport
• December 18th through 21st
• "... featuring a hot cocoa bar, face painting, crafts, ornaments, Lights Out Reindeer Hunt throughout the Museum, The Polar Express on the GIANT Screen and so much more!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Christmas in Taylorville

• Capitol Theatre, Davenport
• Friday, December 19th at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

OTHER EASTERN IOWA CITIES

38th Annual Window Walk & Static Christmas Parade

• Downtown Manchester
• Thursday, December 4th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• "Stroll through downtown, enjoy the beautiful decorations, visit local shops, and take in the cozy small-town magic that makes this night so special. The Static Christmas Parade will feature creative holiday floats and displays you can enjoy as you wander."

Holiday on Main Parade

• Downtown Mount Pleasant
• Thursday, December 4th at 5:15 p.m.
• "Following the parade, Santa will be in his cottage for one hour."

Miracle on Vine Street

• Vine Street, West Union
• Thursday, December 4th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• "Get ready for an evening filled with holiday cheer, family fun, local shopping, and festive treats right here in downtown."

Hometown Christmas Celebration

• Downtown Bloomfield
• December 4th through 6th
• "Join our 3 day Hometown Christmas Celebration including: Ladies Night, Festival of Trees, Ugly Sweater 5k, Santa in his house, Lighted Christmas Parade, Free Movie, and more!"

Holiday Happenings

• Main Street, Charles City
• Friday, December 5th at 5:30 p.m.
• Featuring a lighted parade, fireworks, a lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, a soup supper, and more
• Horse-drawn wagon "Rides With Santa" on December 19th & 20th - reserve a ride HERE

Oelwein's Olde Tyme Christmas

• Downtown Oelwein
• Friday, December 5th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Featuring a bake sale, fireworks, a lighted parade, a craft fair, visits with Santa, cookie decorating, pony cart rides, food, an ugly sweater contest, and more

AHFA's Winter Wonderland

• Hotel Ottumwa
• Friday, December 5th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Homemade gifts for purchase, trees/decor silent auction, hot cocoa bar, fresh baked goods will be available beginning at 10am! Kim Bradfield and Santa will also be there from 5pm - 7pm to capture magical Christmas memories!"

Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Downtown Clinton
• Friday, December 5th at 6 p.m.
• "Walk the avenue and check out all the shops, family activities, and decorated store fronts from 4p-6p. Tree lighting events to start at 6p."

Albia’s Victorian Stroll

• Downtown Albia
• December 5th through 7th
• "Albia’s Victorian Stroll is a beloved annual celebration that transforms downtown into a nostalgic holiday wonderland, inviting visitors to “step back in time” and experience the charm of the Victorian era."
• Featuring breakfast with Santa, a festival of trees, luminaries, food, live entertainment, and more

Christmas Traditions

• Brooklyn, Iowa
• December 5th through 7th
• Featuring business open houses, community theater shows, carriage rides, crafts, breakfast with Santa, a vendor show, and more

38th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade

• Downtown Oskaloosa
• Saturday, December 6th at 7 p.m.
• Horse rides from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Jingle Around the Square

• Downtown Marengo
• Saturday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring a Santa Supper, visits with Santa & the Grinch, live performances, a lighted Christmas parade, and more

Norwegian Christmas Celebration

• Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah
• Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "Enjoy Norwegian holiday traditions like a Juletrefest (Norwegian Christmas tree party of singing around a decorated tree) with a visit from the Julenisse and Julebukker, costumed folk who roam the museum complex scaring away evil spirits."
• Also featuring goats, photo ops, crafts, live music, treats, and more
• Free admission for ages 17 and younger

Christmas on Main

• Dysart Community Building
• Saturday, December 6th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Featuring a pancake breakfast, games, crafts, visits with Santa, carolers, and more

Berry Merry Event

• Commercial Street, Strawberry Point
• Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• "Join us for a berry festive day of holiday shopping, treats, and cheer!"

Christmas in the Stables

• Wolfe Ranch of Quakerdale, Marshalltown
• Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Featuring vendors, treats, visits with the horses, crafts, cookie decorating, a raffle, adoptable cats, and more

Montezuma's Hometown Holiday

• Montezuma, Iowa
• Saturday, December 6th from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring a Santa Breakfast, a cookie walk, giant Candyland, luminary lighting, a vendor fair, carriage rides with Santa, and more

Christmas in Kalona

• Kalona, Iowa
• Saturday, December 6th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring live music, hot cocoa and cider, a live nativity, a lighted golf cart parade, a Christmas market, kids' activities, and more

Christmas in Keota

• Broadway Street, Keota
• Saturday, December 6th at 9 a.m.
• Featuring a craft & vendor fair, visits with Santa, a soup supper, live music, a tree lighting, carriage rides, BINGO, and more

Santa at the Santa Fe Depot Complex

• CB&Q Depot, Fort Madison
• Saturday, December 6th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• "The CB&Q Depot will be transformed into an amazing Christmas experience for kids of all ages! This is a free, family-friendly event, so don’t miss the chance to experience holiday magic at the depot. After meeting Santa and Mrs. Clause, kids can play in the new Children's Museum!"

It's a Wonderful Life in Maquoketa

• Main Street & Glovik Community Park
• Sunday, December 7th at 3 p.m.
• Featuring free soup & grilled cheese, a vendor fair, horse & wagon rides, visits with Santa, games, hot cocoa, a tree lighting, prizes, and more

Mannheim Steamroller Concert

• Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
• Thursday, December 11th at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Pop-Up

• 13th Street District, Marshalltown
• Thursday, December 11th from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Stroll through twinkling lights, sip on hot cocoa, and explore a curated selection of our local businesses open to you and hosting pop-up vendors offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and unique holiday finds inside! Enjoy pops of live music, festive refreshments and cheerful specials perfect for capturing the magic of the season. Families can delight in a traveling holiday activity for the kids, meet Santa and have their photo taken by Shots by Shanna Draper, and join in fun activities for all ages."

Water Street Lighted Parade

• Water Street, Decorah
• Friday, December 12th at 6 p.m.
• "As in past years, the parade will line up on South Avenue (behind Helms Funeral Home) and begin promptly at 6pm.The parade route will travel from Riverside Avenue to Water Street. The route continues through downtown and turns right on Mill Street at the Vesterheim Museum."

Cedar County Christmas Festival

• Cedar County Fairgrounds, Tipton
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, December 12th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 13th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 14th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring an indoor Christmas tree forest, live performances, visits with Santa, crafts, cookie decorating, a market, a bake sale, face painting, and more

Holiday on 1st

• Downtown Monticello
• Saturday, December 13th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa, a free-will meal, hot chocolate, live music, light tours, kids' activities, and more

Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Extravaganza

• Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
• Saturday, December 13th at 7 p.m.
• "This one-of-a-kind holiday concert experience blends the beauty of traditional carols with high-octane rock anthems, cinematic classical reimagining and heartwarming favorites; all brought to life in glowing candlelight."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Holiday LaserFest

• Washington Community Center
• Friday, December 19th at 7 p.m.
• "What You'll Experience - A Sky of Color: The room becomes a living canvas as precision lasers paint sweeping beams, shapes, and 3D-style patterns choreographed to the season’s best music. Holiday Hits, Reimagined: From timeless carols to modern classics, every track is scored to a custom light performance—feel the music and see it."
• Purchase tickets HERE

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READ MORE: Get in the Holiday Spirit at These Christmas Bars & Restaurants in Iowa