December 2023 Holiday Events in Eastern Iowa [LIST]

December 2023 Holiday Events in Eastern Iowa [LIST]

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Festive holiday events will take place all over Eastern Iowa this December! Here are some of the activities that you can look forward to:

If you're looking for holiday light displays in Eastern and Central Iowa, click HERE!

A Brucemore Christmas: Self-Guided Tours

  • Select dates through December 31st
  • Brucemore Mansion in Cedar Rapids
  • "This self-guided tour of three floors of the mansion is sure to fill you with holiday cheer! Explore our award-winning holiday experience, complete with over a dozen dazzling Christmas trees, sparkling seasonal décor, and a peek into the holiday seasons of yore at Brucemore. Follow in the footsteps of the families of Brucemore as you wander through three floors of history and holiday spirit."
  • Purchase tickets online HERE

Downtown Teddy Bear Room

  • November 25th through December 31st from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Hilton Garden Inn in Iowa City
  • "Teddy Bears Galore! The Downtown Teddy Bear Room is exactly how it sounds, for 5 weeks, there will be an entire room at the Hilton Garden Inn, filled with hundreds of teddy bears, big and small. Opening November 25th until December 31st; families, children, and everyone is invited to come hug a bear, take photos, and spread the holiday cheer."

Trolley Rides & Santa's Workshop

  • Thursdays from November 30th through December 21st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Santa's Workshop will also take place on Saturdays from November 25th through December 16th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • River Place Plaza in Cedar Falls
  • "Join us at the River Place Plaza to visit Santa, his elves and character friends. Don't forget to bring your letter to Santa with the return address included so Santa can send you his reply. The Trolley does a loop from the Cedar Falls Community Center and the River Place Plaza. We encourage you to park at the Community Center or surrounding financial institutions and check out the beautiful lights, smell of the garland and wonderful caroling as you enjoy the trolley." 

Noelridge Greenhouse Lights and Blooms

  • November 30th & December 1st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Noelridge Greenhouse in Cedar Rapids
  • "Visitors to this event will enjoy hot cider, punch, cookies, and popcorn while basking in the warmth and beauty of the greenhouse and its permanent collection of tropical plants. The Friends will design and sell holiday plant decor for the tabletop, mantel, porch, gifting, etc."
  • Admission is free, but canned food donations will be accepted

Jingle and Mingle on the Mississippi

  • Friday, December 1st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Freight House Farmers' Market in Davenport
  • "Jingle and Mingle on the Mississippi offers everything you love about the holidays and then some! Hot cocoa, fantastic live music, shopping, and everything in between! Enjoy live music from talented artists from various music genres in our main tent. Get ready to check off your holiday shopping list by browsing through a variety of small businesses offering the best local items in the QC. Bring the kiddos to our heated kid’s tent for fun, free, holiday-themed activities!"

Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk

  • Friday, December 1st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Uptown Marion
  • "Marion will shine bright this holiday season with the lighting of the community peace tree. Visit Santa, enjoy music from the Heart of Marion Community Choir and School of Rock. Enjoy traditional event activities including popcorn from El Kahir Shrine and hot cocoa while supplies last. Bring a new, warm-weather item to place inside and help Keep Your Neighbors Warm. Visit participating Uptown Marion merchants for the Peppermint Walk. Stores will be decked with holiday lights, decorations and music making this a great compliment to the Park activities."

Light Up Oxford

  • Friday, December 1st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Downtown Oxford
  • "A town wide holiday celebration that feels like a Hallmark movie"

The District Christmas Crawl

  • Friday, December 1st from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Participating Cedar Rapids Bars
    • Red Frog
    • CJ's Sports Bar
    • Kickstand
    • BoMac's
    • Chrome Horse
  • Scavenger hunts? Taking the crawl across the bridge? Live band? Costume Contests? You won't want to miss out on this event that is for sure."
  • $15 to register - pre-register at Lucky's on 16th

Santa Fest

  • Friday, December 1st from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Vue Rooftop in Iowa City
  • Featuring drink specials, a DJ, a photo booth, and more - costumes encouraged
  • Ages 21+
  • Purchase tickets HERE

A Merry Millwork Market

  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, December 1st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Saturday, December 2nd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Millwork District in Dubuque
  • Featuring vendors, a tree lighting, food, hot beverages, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa, and more

A Christmas Past

  • December 1st & 2nd
  • Main Street in West Branch
  • "Join us for West Branch’s traditional holiday festival featuring timeless activities throughout Main Street including horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides, photos with Santa, train display, festival of trees, silent auction, treats around the fire and more!"

Prelude to Christmas

  • December 1st through 3rd
  • Amana Colonies
  • "Join us for a weekend of special shopping, activities, and much more, including the annual Amana Church Christmas Cookie Walk and Holiday Bazaar. While you shop, eat, and sample, bundle up and join us at the Tannenbaum Forest to see over 60 unique Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. Throughout the Amana Colonies you’ll find gifts for the whole family to enjoy. "

The Nutcracker

  • December 1st through 3rd
  • Englert Theatre in Iowa City
  • Purchase tickets HERE

A Christmas Story

  • Dates from December 1st through 17th
  • Giving Tree Theater in Marion
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Christmas in Kalona

  • Saturday, December 2nd from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Downtown Kalona
  • "On the first Saturday of December, Kalona is filled with holiday cheer! Shopping experiences, kids activities, photos with Santa, live nativity, music, evening Christmas Tree Walk, and more."

Santa at the Farm

  • Saturday, December 2nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Bass Farms in Mount Vernon
  • "Join us for another year of Santa at the Farm! Come sit on Santa's lap and give him your Christmas Wish List!! Grab a picture with Santa while you are here! (Please bring your own camera)"

Santa's Arrival

  • Saturday, December 2nd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids
  • "Join us on Saturday, December 2nd, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, for Santa's Arrival event, located by Express in the common area. We will have exciting activities for everyone, including face painting, balloon artistry, live holiday music from Sheila Stevens, a dance performance from Prestige Dance Studio, and Pedal Taxi, which will bring Santa to the party. Santa will be greeting the children and then heading to the set at 11:30 am for photos with Cherry Hill."

Jesup Winter Festival

  • Saturday, December 2nd from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Land Of Corn Pavillion, Jesup
  • Featuring Santa, holiday decorations, games and crafts, a tree lighting, hot chocolate, and more

Lindsey Stirling: Snow Waltz Tour

  • Saturday, December 2nd at 8 p.m.
  • Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena in Cedar Rapids
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Orchestra Iowa & Ballet Quad Cities present The Nutcracker

  • Saturday, December 2nd at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
  • Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Reindeer Run

  • Saturday, December 2nd at 9 a.m.
  • Fay Clark Park in Hiawatha
  • "Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a jolly 3-mile fun run. Whether you run, walk, dance, or prance, it's all about spreading holiday cheer! Each participant will receive a festive stocking hat at check-in, plus plenty of fun surprises along the way including a unique photo opportunity, coffee, hot cocoa, candy canes, and cookies!"
  • Register online HERE

Live Nativity and Streets of Bethlehem

  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, December 2nd at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., & 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, December 3rd at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
  • The Bean Farm in Scotch Grove
  • "Join us for a night of wonder and awe as we recreate the miraculous birth of Christ and the bustling streets of Bethlehem. Step back in time and create lasting memories with your loved ones."
  • Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 5 to 14

Wyoming Christmas City Celebration

  • Sunday, December 3rd from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Main Street in Wyoming
  • "Visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause at the Library, take a horse driven wagon ride to view the city Christmas lights, enjoy dancing in the street, the betterment committee's soup supper at Memorial Hall, hot chocolate, cookies, bake sales.  Visit the three floors of Wyoming's Historical Museum, tour the beautiful Calkins House Museum, visit vendors at Calkins Barn, enjoy kids activities, purchase food and drink at out great eating establishments Racks,  Lalo's, and Wicks.  Watch out you may see the famous Grinch wandering around downtown, he might let you take a picture with him..."

Holiday Magic

  • Sunday, December 3rd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The Fun Station in Cedar Rapids
  • Featuring Santa, Giggles the Elf Balloon Twisting, cookie decorating, an arts & crafts station, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Meet Santa and His Live Reindeer

  • Tuesday, December 5th from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Scheels in Cedar Falls
  • "Pictures are welcomed and encouraged. Make sure to arrive early! Santa and his Reindeer leave to go back to the North Pole promptly at 7:00."

Jingle in Janesville

  • Wednesday, December 6th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Main Street in Janesville
  • Featuring a Lighted Golf Cart Parade, a vendor market, activities, and more

Window Walk & Static Christmas Parade

  • Thursday, December 7th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Downtown Manchester
  • "Start the Christmas Holiday off right in downtown Manchester!! Businesses will be decorated, a static float parade, Christmas Barrel Train ride, Santa & Mrs. Claus, s’mores, hot chocolate, chili, kids activities & more. Don’t miss a wonderful night in Manchester."

Maddie Poppe: Acoustic Christmas

  • Friday, December 8th at 8 p.m.
    • Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake
  • Saturday, December 9th at 7:30 p.m.
    • Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center in DeWitt
  • Sunday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m.
    • Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids

Alisabeth Von Presley's Christmas in the Key of A

  • Saturday, December 9th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Swisher's Very Merry Christmas

  • Saturday, December 9th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Downtown Swisher
  • "Join us for our Lighted Christmas Parade, *Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides*, Shop Local ‘n Social, Cookie Decorating, Princess Characters, Live Llamas, Holiday Tree Walk, Kids Crafts, Live Music & more! The Jefferson-Monroe Fire Department will bring Santa Claus through town in the Parade and make a stop at the end @ 6:30 for Hot Cocoa and to visit with the kiddos!"

Home Alone House Party

  • Saturday, December 9th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Knapp Creek Event Center in Walford
  • Featuring Santa Claus handing out Jell-O shots, X-mas photo backdrops & X-mas decor, a complimentary photo booth, a DJ, a premium nightclub light show, X-mas themed drink specials, Home Alone-themed bartenders, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Cocoa & Kittens

  • Saturday, December 9th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • S.A.I.N.T. Rescue in Cedar Rapids
  • "Join us at SAINT Cat Rescue for cocoa, cookies, kitties, & holiday fun! Make a craft or write a letter to Santa. Play with all our fun, fuzzy residents and who knows, maybe you'll meet your newest family member for the holidays!"

Deck the Stalls

  • Sunday, December 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Iowa Equestrian Center Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids
  • Includes horse rides, a hot cocoa bar, farm animals, a shopping village, an RC race track, and Santa
  • Admission is $5 at the door - cash only

Sara Evans: Go Tell It On The Mountain Tour

  • Sunday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Englert Theatre in Iowa City
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Celtic Angels Christmas

  • Tuesday, December 12th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

  • Wednesday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Adler Theatre in Davenport
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Ho! Ho! Ho! in NewBo

  • Thursday, November 14th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • NewBo District in Cedar Rapids
  • "Fifteen New Bohemia retail businesses and restaurants are participating, and many are offering beverage samples, treats, and specials. There will be a few additional surprises awaiting you while you’re here. Make your way to the heart of Cedar Rapids for an evening of shopping, dining, and exploring. ‘Tis the season for merriment (and supporting local)!"

The Living Story Live Nativity

  • December 14th through 16th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Marion
  • "Our live nativity attracts hundreds of individuals each year and we can’t wait to share the Christmas story while exploring the power of Jesus’ names! You'll drive-through our parking lot and experience all the wonder and celebration of the birth of Jesus, without exiting your vehicle."

Lorrie Morgan: Enchanted Christmas

  • Friday, December 15th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Five Flags Center in Dubuque
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Movie Magic

  • Saturday, December 16th at 10 a.m.
  • Oster Regent Theatre in Cedar Falls
  • "Enjoy a free showing of 'Polar Express' on Saturday, December 16th at 10 a.m. in the nostalgic Oster Regent Theatre in the Cedar Falls Downtown District. A gift to the community, this showing is for children and families of all ages! In addition, Coloring Contest winners will be announced at the showing. Need not be present to win."

Santa's Workshop & Holiday Market

  • Saturday, December 16th
    • Holiday Market from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Santa's Workshop from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Ushers Ferry Historic Village in Cedar Rapids
  • "Holiday Market: Drop by the holiday market from 1pm-5pm at Ushers Ferry Lodge and pick up some last minute gifts from local vendors. Admission to the market is free!"
  • "Santa's Workshop: Bring your little "elves" (ages 0-10) to Ushers Ferry to get their picture taken with Santa from 1pm-3pm. Build a toy, and bake and decorate cookies to take home. Drink some hot cocoa. Advance registration is required for the workshop. $6" - register online HERE

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Home Free: Home for the Holidays

  • Thursday, December 21st at 8 p.m.
  • Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Baby It's Cold Outside

  • Thursday, December 21st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • River Place Plaza in Cedar Falls
  • "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."

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

  • Friday, December 22nd at 7 p.m.
  • Adler Theatre in Davenport
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Meals With Santa

  • Dinner With Santa
    • Friday, December 1st from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Chick-fil-A Westdale in Cedar Rapids
  • Breakfast With Santa
    • Saturday, December 2nd from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • North Liberty Community Center
    • Register online HERE
  • Breakfast at the North Pole
    • Saturday, December 2nd from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    • Cedar Falls Community Center
  • Soup with Santa
    • Sunday, December 3rd from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    • Palo Community Center
  • Breakfast With Santa
    • Saturday, December 9th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    • Edgewood Rd Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids
  • Cookies With Santa
    • Saturday, December 9th from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
    • Ushers Ferry Historic Village in Cedar Rapids
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Brunch With Santa
    • Sunday, December 17th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Chrome Horse Saloon in Cedar Rapids
  • Santa Brunch
    • Sunday, December 17th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher
    • Reservations will fill up fast - Call 319-857-4300
  • Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa
    • Sunday, December 24th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • The Pedaler's Fork in Cedar Rapids

Craft/Vendor Markets

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Filed Under: Christmas, december, Eastern Iowa, events, nl
Categories: Articles, Featured, Iowa News

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