Celebrate the holiday season with many wonderful family-friendly events happening in the Iowa City area. From visits with Santa to kids events and local shopping—grab your calendar and start planning to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Many holiday events in the Iowa City area are recurring throughout this special season. Be sure to look for an “*” next to the name of the event to indicate that it is recurring or has multiple dates.
Special thanks to our friends at The Bails Team Urban Acres Real Estate for making this holiday events guide possible!
What: Holiday Lights at the Lake*
Where: West Overlook Campground, Iowa City
When: Thanksgiving thru New Years Eve, Sunday-Thursday 5:30-8:30pm, Friday and Saturday 5-9pm
Details: Get the family in the car and drive through one of our area’s best light displays. Over a mile of different holiday and winter themes are set up. Wednesdays are pedestrian only. Santa will also be there on Wednesdays and Sundays before Christmas. $10 per car or $5 per pedestrian. Proceeds benefit the Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County.
What: Tannenbaum Forest*
Where: Festhalle Barn, Amana Colonies
When: Weekends 11/29 thru 12/22. Fridays 12pm-7pm, Saturdays 10am-7pm, Sundays 11am-4pm
Details: See over 70 trees uniquely decorated by area organizations and businesses. Santa will also be there on multiple dates so check his schedule. Admission is free and free-will donations benefit the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
What: Santa Saturdays*
Where: Film Scene at the Chauncey, Iowa City
When: Saturdays 11/30, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 11:30am-2:30pm
Details: Santa makes a stop at the Film Scene at the Chauncey on Saturdays. Kids can also drop off their letters to Santa. Bring your camera to capture timeless memories.
What: Teddy Bear Room*
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, Iowa City
When: 11/30-12/31
Details: This is an experience like no other. Enter a room filled with hundreds of teddy bears and decorated for the holidays. Everyone is encouraged to take pictures and immerse themselves in the holiday magic. New this year is Storytime in the Teddy Bear Room on 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17 at 9:30am
What: Downtown Tractor Wagon Rides*
Where: Corner of Washington St & Clinton St, Iowa City
When: Saturdays 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21
Details: Get yourself in the holiday spirit with a FREE ride around downtown in a decorated wagon pulled by an antique tractor. Rides go from 10am-4pm.
What: Hunt for the Elves*
Where: Downtown Stores, Iowa City
When: 11/30-12/31
Details: Can you find the elves hiding at local shops and restaurants? Get the stamp or write in the name of the elf on the scavenger hunt card. Once you find 10 elves, turn in your completed card to Iowa Book or the Iowa City Public Library for a prize and get entered for the grand prize.
What: Holiday Pop-Up Market*
Where: Black Hawk Mini Park, Downtown Iowa City
When: 11/21-12/24
Details: Local businesses rotate throughout the season for a unique shopping experience. Check the website for the schedule.
What: Free DIY Gift Wrapping*
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 11/15-12/31
Details: Stop in during library hours to wrap gifts away from prying eyes. Wrapping supplies are provided or bring your own.
What: Wrapping Room*
Where: North Liberty Public Library, North Liberty
When: 12/7-12/10, 12/19-12/23
Details: Head to the library to wrap gifts in secret. Wrapping supplies are provided or bring your own.
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What: Alternative Black Friday
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 11/29 2pm
Details: Instead of heading to the busy mall, kids can get creative at the self-guided craft stations and make something for themselves or to give as a gift.
What: Tree Fest Weekend
Where: Colony Acres, North Liberty
When: 11/29-12/1
Details: Kick off the holiday season at Colony Acres. Pick out the perfect Christmas tree and holiday greenery or browse their shop. Santa will be visiting from 11am-2pm on Friday and Saturday or purchase tickets for a special experience for a Merry Morning with Santa. Sunday will feature horse-drawn carriages so make your reservation.
What: It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
Where: Riverside Theater, Iowa City
When: 11/29-12/15
Details: The holiday classic comes to the stage as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. Head to their website to get your tickets.
What: Small Business Saturday
Where: Downtown Iowa City
When:11/30
Details: Show your support for the local business scene. There will also be FREE parking at the downtown parking ramps.
What: Sunday Fun Day: Winter Painted Rocks
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 12/1 2pm-4pm
Details: Get started on some seasonal fun by painting rocks with winter scenes.
What: The Nutcracker
Where: Englert Theater
When: 12/6-12/8
Details: Get your tickets for one of the five performances of the enchanting holiday classic featuring dancers from Nolte Academy and a live orchestra.
What: A Christmas Past
Where: Downtown West Branch
When:12/6-12/7
Details: The holiday spirit comes alive in West Branch. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, marshmallow and hotdog roasting, campfire donuts, a miniature train display at the fire station, holiday crafts, a cookie walk, festival of trees, a special visit with Santa, a Snowball Sprint Run/Walk, and the Fa-La-La-La-Llamas. Check out their website for the full schedule.
What: Breakfast With Santa
Where: North Liberty Rec Center, North Liberty
When: 12/7 8am-12pm
Details: Join Santa for a hot breakfast courtesy of the Lions Club with complementary family photos with crafts and kids’ activities. This event is free but reservations are required.
What: Holiday Vendor Fair
Where: North Liberty Rec Center, North Liberty
When: 12/7 8am-12pm
Details: Local vendors, crafters, and makers will have goods available to purchase or check out the cookie walk with proceeds going to Friends of the Library.
What: Eastside Artists Annual Show and Sale
Where: Masonic Building, 312 E College St, Iowa City
When: 12/6 10am-8pm, 12/7-12/8 10am-5pm
Details: Local artists and makers showcase unique pieces as well as have items available for purchase.
What: Solon Annual Christmas Tree Walk & Arts Festival
Where: Solon United Methodist Family Life Center, Solon
When: 12/7 10am-3pm
Details: Get in the holiday spirit and check out the scavenger hunt, crafts, vendor and bake sale, silent auction, soups, sandwiches and homemade desserts. Santa will also be there from 12:30-2:30.
What: Christmas in Kalona
Where: Kalona YMCA, Historic Village, and Downtown Kalona
When: 12/7 9am-5pm
Details: Head out to Kalona for the holiday market, golf cart parade, carriage rides, tree walk, cookie decorating, ornament making, caroling, a visit from Santa, and a Christmas movie at the library. Check out the website for the full schedule of activities.
What: Holiday Thieves Market
Where: Hyatt Regency, Coralville
When: 12/7 10am-6pm, 12/8 10am-3:30pm
Details: This FREE fine arts show has been a tradition for 50+ years and features pieces for sale from several artists and makers. Find one of a kind items ranging from prints, sculptures, glassware, wood, and so much more. Be sure to check out their silent auction as well.
What: Holiday Retail Open House
Where: Downtown Iowa City
When: 12/7 10am-5pm
Details: Participating downtown shops will be hosting their own holiday event with a small snack, beverage, or treat available to you.
What: Arts & Crafts Bazaar
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 12/7 10am-3pm
Details: Shop for one of a kind items created by local artists and crafters. Proceeds benefit the ICPL Friends Foundation.
What: Santa at Sidekick
Where: Sidekick Coffee & Books, Iowa City
When: 12/7 2pm-4pm
Details: Santa makes a special visit to Sidekick books. While there grab some coffee, pastries, and do a little Christmas shopping.
What: Winter Wander-land
Where: Liberty Way between Field Day and Tin Roost, North Liberty
When: 12/7 11am-9pm
Details: Create holiday memories at this event with something for everyone. Tin Roost and Field Day will feature unique holiday dishes and cocktails with activities at both locations. There will be facepainting, kids activities, a holiday scavenger hunt, reindeer, Santa, and meet Elsa, Anna and Kristoff from Frozen. Check their website for the schedule of events.
What: Holiday Hoopla
Where: Tiffin Elementary School, 104 N Park Rd, Tiffin
When: 12/7 10am-12pm
Details: This FREE event is open to everyone. Decorate cookies, participate in the snowball toss, go candy cane fishing, and of course Santa will be there.
What: Aisle of Lights
Where: Coralville
When: 12/8 5pm-9pm
Details: Thousands of luminarias create a magical scene in Coralville. Area businesses and organizations host a variety of activities including a light show, an ice sculpture, live music, and more. Check the website for more details and locations of events.
What: Sunday Fun Day: Gingerbread Houses
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 12/8 2pm-4pm
Details: Get creative by designing your own gingerbread house using a variety of craft materials.
What: Madrigal Dinner
Where: James Theater, Iowa City
When: 12/13-12/15 6:30pm
Details: An immersive dinner theater experience featuring outstanding singers, dancers, and music. Ticket reservations required.
What: Very Merry Christmas in Swisher
Where: Downtown Swisher
When: 12/14 4pm-7pm
Details: Head to Swisher for a fun-filled holiday evening. Activities include kids crafts, cookie walk, cookie decorating, horse-drawn wagon rides, tree walk, a lighted Christmas parade, and Santa at Kava House at 6:30. Check their website for event times and more information.
What: Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Where: Springmier Library, 311 Marengo Road, Tiffin
When: 12/14 10am-12pm
Details: Join Mrs. Claus for storytime and cookie decorating.
What: Breakfast with Santa
Where: Hyatt Regency, Coralville
When: 12/14 8:30am and 11am
Details: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for a very special breakfast at the Hyatt Regency. This event has holiday crafts and activities for the kids and a delicious breakfast including a pancake station, made to order omelets, and glazed ham.
What: Holiday Market
Where: Robert A Lee Recreation Center, Iowa City
When: 12/14 8am-1pm
Details: Local vendors come together and offer a variety of handmade goods, seasonal gifts, and food for purchase.
What: Sunday Fun Day: Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 12/15 2-4pm
Details: Make your very own Rudolph out of a toilet paper roll.
What: Brunch with Santa at Backpocket Brewing
Where: Backpocket Brewing, Coralville
When: 12/15 10am-2pm
Details: Join Santa for brunch! Breakfast will include a pancake bar, scrambled eggs, cheesy hashbrowns, and more. Visit their website to make your reservation.
What: World Club: Put Your Shoes Out for St Nickolas
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 12/17 4pm
Details: Children learn about how kids in Europe have their own holiday traditions. They’ll have the opportunity to make their own paper shoes and fill them with goodies to take home, just like St. NIckolas!
What: Take and Make Snowman Craft
Where: Coralville Public Library, Coralville
When: 12/18
Details: Pick up a snowman craft kit at the Children’s desk while supplies last.
What: Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas
Where: Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, Coralville
When: 12/20 7pm
Details: Enjoy a night filled with the enchanting music of the violin performing holiday classics as well as other favorite songs.
What: Irish Christmas Ceili
Where: Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, Coralville
When: 12/21 3pm
Details: Join the Champagne Academy of Irish Dance and Tara McGovern for an afternoon of dance, music, and holiday fun.
What: Winter Solstice Celebration
Where: Robert A Lee Recreation Center, Iowa City
When: 12/21 2pm-5pm
Details: Celebrate the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. Learn about traditions around the world and make some fun seasonal gifts.
What: Yarn Wrapped Ornaments
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 12/22 2pm-4pm
Details: Make your own yarn wrapped ornaments to put on your tree or give as a gift.
What: Brunch with Santa
Where: Cedar Ridge, Swisher
When: 12/22 9am-1pm
Details: Santa is a special guest at Cedar Ridge’s brunch buffet. Featuring carved brisket, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and more. Visit their website to make your reservation.
What: Holiday Crafting Hoopla
Where: Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City
When: 12/23 1pm-3pm
Details: If you’re looking for a last minute activity before Christmas the library has you covered. They’ll have supplies to make some winter crafts.
