Holiday Traditions, Events & Festivals

Nov. 2, 2024 -- 10 a.m.
Holiday Ornament Woodcarving, Wickiup Hill Learning Center
With the guidance of the Cedar Valley Woodcarvers, you will learn basic tool handling and carving. Start a new holiday tradition by creating a beautiful handcarved holiday ornament. Bring your own lunch. Materials and tools will be provided. Adults only- no experience needed.

Nov. 9, 2024 -- 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Taste of Iowa: Holiday Eats Edition, Dan & Debbie's Creamery
Join Dan & Debbie's tin sampling products from across the state and enjoy the best harvest season has to offer!

Nov. 14, 2024 -- 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mistletoe Market, Mercy Cedar Rapids
Find home and holiday décor; soaps; aprons; children’s gifts; jewelry; wood and metal works; and many other distinctive, one-of-a-kind items. More than 40 local vendors will have their unique, handcrafted merchandise on display and available for purchase beginning at Mercy’s 10th Street entrance and extending into the Hallagan Education Center.

Nov. 16, 2024 -- 10 a.m.
Rudolph's Return, The History Center
Do you remember the magic of walking through the holiday displays at Armstrong’s Department Store? The last holiday display shown at Armstrong’s will be available again at The History Center for Rudolph's Return!
​Enjoy free family photos with Santa by Above and Beyond Photography, horse & carriage rides, crafts, musical entertainment, holiday treats, museum tours and more!

Nov. 16, 2024 -- 7:30 p.m.
Orchestra Iowa Pops II: Home Alone in Concert, Paramount Theatre
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by Orchestra Iowa. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves.

Nov. 16-17, 2024 -- 10a.m. - 5 p.m.
Festival of Trees, Lindale Mall
Festival of Trees is a treasured holiday tradition that welcomes thousands to enjoy the magic of the season. Kids activities, live entertainment, a vendor market, and of course — incredible holiday decor featuring breathtaking trees!

Nov. 17, 2024 -- 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Art at Brucemore: Glass Wreath Ornament, Brucemore
Brucemore is partnering with the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio for another popular workshop, just in time to kick off the holiday season! In this workshop, you will design a beautiful wreath ornament made of glass.

Nov. 27, 2024 -- 7 p.m.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, Paramount Theatre
See all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in this musical rendition.

Nov. 30, 2024 -- 9 a.m.
4th Annual Linn County Christmas, Linn County Fairgrounds
This event will feature a variety of vendors for your last minute holiday shopping pleasure. Admission is $4 per person and includes entry into the prize drawing. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

Nov. 30, 2024 -- 7 p.m.
An Evening with Peter Billingsley & A Christmas Story, Paramount Theatre
This holiday season, join Peter Billingsley for a special tour featuring exclusive screenings of the beloved classic A Christmas Story. Each event includes a screening of the 1983 film and a moderated Q&A where Peter will share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, rare photos, and cherished memories from the iconic Christmas film.

Discover all things Thanksgiving in Cedar Rapids.

Dec. 1, 2024 -- 10 a.m.
Marion Winter Market 2024, American Legion Post 298
Enjoy an exciting day of discovery and celebration as you explore a diverse array of handcrafted goods and artisanal creations. Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts or simply want to support local talent, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with Iowa’s creative community. Best of all, this event is free to attend, with plenty of free parking available.

Dec. 1, 2024 -- 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Art at Brucemore: Glass Cookie Plate, Brucemore
Brucemore is partnering with the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio for a dough-licious addition to the Art at Brucemore series! In this workshop, participants will design a plate perfect for sharing cookies with all your favorite people this holiday season, including Santa.

Dec. 1, 2024 -- 3 p.m.
A Christmas Carol, Paramount Theatre
Bah! Humbug! One of the greatest stories in the history of English literature, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has enchanted audiences the world over and become a best beloved Christmas tradition for families everywhere. This powerful tale of redemption follows Ebenezer Scrooge on his epic journey from nasty curmudgeon to benevolent saint.

Dec. 5, 2024 -- 6 p.m.
Hand Lettering Ornament Class, Big Grove Brewery
Learn the relaxing skill of hand-lettering with a group of women and a craft beer (or drink of choice) in hand! This workshop includes one drink, all supplies and materials, light snacks, individualized instruction on brush calligraphy and an intentional holiday ornament project to end the night.

Dec. 5 - 6, 2024 -- 5-8 p.m.
Lights & Blooms Holiday Showcase, Noelridge Park Greenhouse
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Cedar Rapids Noelridge Greenhouse before the hustle and bustle of the season. The event is Free to the public and will showcase the permanent collection of plants in the seasonally decorated and lit Greenhouse, provide free music and refreshments, and be the perfect place for family photos. The event will collect canned goods and monetary donations for the local HACAP food bank.

Dec. 5 - 7, 2024
Elf the Musical, Jr., Playtime Poppy at Kennedy Highschool Theater
Perfect for your littles, Playtime Poppy Children's Theatre engages, educates and entertains through interactive children's theatre produtions.

Dec. 5 - 22, 2024 --
3rd Annual Holiday Fiasco - Die Hard -- is a Christmas Movie, Mirrorbox Theatre
In this world premiere parody musical, gruff cop John McClane leaves the friendly confines of NYC on Christmas Eve, only to be confronted by the three things that make him angriest: German terrorists, Los Angeles and female empowerment. This loving homage to everyone’s favorite holiday shoot-‘em-up features new twists, classic Christmas tunes like “Let It Snow,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and Ludacris’ “Area Codes.” Definitely not kid-friendly!

Dec. 6, 2024 -- 4-8 p.m.
Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk, Uptown Marion
Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy traditional holiday activities and visit shops filled with one-of-a-kind, unique goods.

Dec. 6-8, 2024
Deck the District, The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia
In collaboration with the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cherry Building, NewBo City Market, Czech Village Association and other partners, The District hosts a variety of holiday-themed events the first weekend in December across all the The District.

Dec. 6-22, 2024
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Giving Tree Theatre
In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas!

Dec. 6-26, 2024 -- 4:30-9 p.m.
Five Seasons Lights, McGrath Amphitheatre
Stroll through an enchanting wonderland of holiday lights while enjoying local music, making memories and so much more! Don’t miss Cedar Rapids’ holiday glow up on the banks of the Cedar River! Free and open to the public daily.

Dec. 7, 2024 -- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Natures Noel, Indian Creek Nature Walk
‘Tis the season for handcrafted holiday decor, unique gifts and homemade baked goods when Nature’s Noel arrives the first Saturday in December. Across the Nature Center’s grounds visitors can find beautiful fresh-cut evergreens fashioned into wreaths, centerpieces, kissing balls, swags and yule logs, all available for purchase to make your home festive for the holidays! Local vendors, both indoors and outdoors, offer shoppers the chance to find rare gifts perfect for everyone on their list. Bring the kids along for holiday-themed crafts and a chance to meet Santa!

Dec. 7, 2024 -- 9 a.m.
St. Ludmila's Christmas Market, St. Ludmila Catholic Church
What better way to start the holiday season than the smell of fresh pine and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts? This annual event features many crafters and vendors, a silent auction, fresh greenery arrangements, cookie & candy sales, Cafe Ludmila and our famous Kolaches.

Dec. 7, 2024 -- 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Nutcracker: Featuring Orchestra Iowa & Ballet Quad Citities, Paramount Theatre
A classic tale of holiday delight and fancy! Tchaikovsky’s enchanting symphony comes to life, complete with the dancers of Ballet Quad Cities. Sparkling costumes, whimsical characters, and a festive tale are guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

Dec. 7, 2024 -- 4:30 - 6 p.m.
City of Cedar Rapids Tree Lighting, Green Square Park
This free, family-friendly event will include fun, family-friendly activities, photo opportunities, and holiday treats!

Dec. 7-8, 2024
Old World Christmas Market, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Libary
Inspired by traditional European markets and highlight with Midwest magic, experience a delightful market with local handcrafted items, delicious treats, entertainment and activities for people of all ages.

Dec. 8, 2024 -- 10:00 a.m.
Gingerbread House Party: A Gingerbread House Decorating Competition, NewBo City Market
Join us at NewBo City Market on Sunday, December 8th for the NewBo Gingerbread House Party—a Gingerbread House Decorating Competition! Grab a drink, a gingerbread cookie, and let’s get decorating!

Dec. 8, 2024 -- 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Art at Brucemore: Double Glass Holiday Tree, Brucemore
Double the trees means double the fun! In this workshop, you will design a beautiful double glass tree decoration using warm glass techniques. Both trees will share a single stand, so you can create a forest of sparkling trees to brighten your home for the holidays. Projects include a wooden display stand.

Dec. 8, 2024 -- 2 p.m.
Live Celtic Chirstmas Music, Lion Bridge Brewing
Free and open to all ages, enjoy this lively event at Lion Bridge!

Dec. 8, 2024 -- 7:00 p.m.
Maddie Poppe: Tis the Season, Paramount Theatre
Iowa native Maddie Poppe rose to stardom after winning Season 16 of American Idol.

Dec. 9-10, 2024 -- 5-7 p.m.
Santa, Snacks, and Stories, Brucemore
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, don’t forget to bring your wish list to share with Santa, and adults, have that camera ready for the perfect snapshot! Check-out the other holiday activities inside the mansion, including a craft, story time, and take-home snack.

Dec. 12, 2024 -- 5:00 p.m.
Ho Ho Ho Holiday Shopping NewBo & Dining Spectacle, NewBo City Market
Ho Ho Ho Holiday Shopping Newbo & Dining Spectacle, 5-8 PM on Thursday, December 12. Get ready for a night of fun and festivities as we kick off the holiday season! Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment for all ages.

Dec. 13, 2024 -- 6 p.m.
The Chrstimas Crawl 6, Lucky's on Sixteenth
It's happening again! Join Lucky's for their 6th annual holiday bar crawl in Czech Village featuring live music, prizes, drinks, a scavenger hunt, costume contest and more!

Dec. 13, 2024 --7:30 p.m.
Christmas in the Key of A, Paramount Theatre
Get ready for a family-friendly spectacle that's bursting with fabulous holiday cheer with Alisabeth Von Presley’s “Christmas In The Key Of A” hitting the Paramount Theatre December 13th! This family-friendly spectacular is loaded with your favorite holiday hits, side-splitting skits, outrageous outfits, delightful guest stars, and choreography that'll have you dancing in your seats!

Dec. 14, 2024 -- 10:30 a.m.
Buddy the Elf Party, Hiawatha Public Library
Enjoy a magical "Buddy the Elf" party filled with festive fun, sweet treats, and cheer! Kids can enjoy crafts, games, and a sprinkle of magic, all inspired by Buddy's joyful adventures. Elves 5-12 are welcome and registration is required.

Dec. 14, 2024 -- 3 p.m.
23rd Annual Merry TubaChristmas, Downtown Public Lubrary
Open and free to all, join the Cedar rapids Public Library for a festive and fun celebration! Past performances have included nearly 100 tuba players gathing together.

Dec. 14, 2024 -- 4 p.m.
Ugly Sweater 5K-ish Fun Walk/Run, McGrath Amphitheatre
Wear your best ugly sweater/outfit to our 5kish fun walk/run! This fun, untimed, almost 3 mile event is for all individuals.

Dec. 14, 2024 -- 7 p.m.
Amy Friedl's Christmas at the Paramount, Paramount Theatre
Mixing traditional Christmas songs with contemporary Holiday favorites, it’s an evening full of laughter and beautiful music. Featuring a dynamite six piece band led by Luke Viertel, it’s just what you need to get you into the holiday spirit!

Dec. 14, 2024 -- 7:30 p.m.
Handel's Messiah Sing-Along, First Lutheran Church
Join the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale for Handel's "Messiah" Sing-Along. One of the Chorale's best sellers, this holiday masterpiece, featuring the resplendant Hallelujah Chorus, is sure to make you merry for the Christmas season!

Dec. 15, 2024 -- 10:00 a.m.
Deck the Stalls 2024, Iowa Equestrian Center Kirkwood
Join us Sunday, December 15th, 2024 from 10am - 4pm for a Holiday Open House at the Iowa Equestrian Center at Kirkwood Community College. Admission is just $10.00 per person - Children 2yrs and under are FREE! Your admission purchase includes the following: One Horse Ride, Hot Cocoa Bar, One Ride on the Mechanical Bull and more!

Dec. 16, 2024 -- 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Deck the Trails, Wickiup Learning Center
Get extra festive this year and add some holiday cheer to the trails at Wickiup! Make tree cookie and twig ornaments, some to keep and some to hang on our trees. Materials provided. Sip hot chocolate, listen to music, and enjoy a quiet creative time with others. For all ages. Cost $5/person.

Dec. 16, 2024 -- 7:30 p.m.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Paramount Theatre
This brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular is the longest running cirque holiday theatrical event. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage.

Dec. 19, 2024, 5-7 p.m.
Cocktails & Cocoa with The Clauses, Black Sheep Social Club
Enjoy an evening with Santa & Mrs Clause! Cookies, hot cocoa and gift bags for the kids!

Dec. 19, 2024 -- 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Hiawatha Holiday Lights Parade, 101 Emmons St., Hiawatha
Hiawatha comes alive with enchantment and merriment during it’s annual Holiday Lights Parade, a beloved tradition that brings the community together in the spirit of the season. Colorful floats covered in shimmering lights boast cheerful music while children’s eyes sparkle waiting to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus on the back of the Hiawatha Fire Truck.

Dec. 19-21, 2024 -- 5-7 p.m.
The Living Story, FaithLife Church
From the warmth of your vehicle, celebration the birth of Jesus and experience the drive-thru nativity with multiple stations, beautiful narration tracks and live animals.

Dec. 20, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025 -- 8 a.m.
Winter Trails Gnome Hunt, Wickiup Hill
The gnomes are back! Search high and low for 12 gnomes hidden along the trails. We invite you to enjoy the winter season as you explore a new (or favorite) Linn County park. Check out our events page and social media for trail maps to help you find the gnomes as they travel from park-to-park December-February. This is a free, self-guided event open to all ages. No registration needed.

Dec. 20-21, 2024 -- 7:30 p.m.
Orchestra Iowa Pops III: Holiday Spectacular, Paramount Theatre
Holiday Spectacular brightens the season, bringing yuletide cheer with the merriest of holiday music, sparkling lights, and a jolly good time for all. This year, tenor Ben Gulley and the Orchestra Iowa Holiday Chorus join the symphony to share songs of festive joy and glad tidings. With cherished classics and exciting surprises, it’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

Make your plans to ring in the New Year in Cedar Rapids!

We all know the holidays can be stressful, from deciding who’s going to make the turkey, to addressing and stamping the holiday cards. Whether you’re a shopper who likes to plan ahead, or a procrastinator who waits until the last minute, it’s our goal to help you cross everyone off your shopping list this season!

• Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District: Shop dozens of local retailers offering unique and personal gifts for everyone on your list - from outdoor gear to vintage wear to vinyl records!
• Uptown Marion: Be sure to stop into Scout of Marion, The Marion Chocolate Shop and the many locally owned businesses - from clothing to home decor to sweet treats.
• Cedar Rapids Shopping Centers: There are two main areas of town with abundant shopping opportunities within a few blocks. The Lindale Mall area is on the Northeast side of town and the Westdale area is on the Southwest side of Cedar Rapids. Both areas are surrounded with multiple shopping plazas and a variety of stores and restaurants to make for a complete day of shopping!
• Don't forget the unique treasures you can find out our local museum stores including the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Brucemore, The History Center and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Playtime Poppy Children's Theatre engages, educates and entertains our community through interactive children’s theatre productions and arts-integrated theatre education.