Five Iowa Activities to Jumpstart Your Christmas Spirit

Turkey day is behind us and if you're one of those traditionalists who doesn't like to start looking toward Christmas until after Thanksgiving, your time is now. Time to put up your tree, your decorations and even if you've resisted listening to Christmas music because you felt it was too early, we understand. We're here spinning your favorite festive tunes--whenever you're ready. But there are some other opportunities coming up here in Eastern Iowa that will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit in the coming weeks.

Fire and Ice Festival: The annual downtown Cedar Rapids tradition that includes the Holiday DeLight Parade and the Not So Silent Night caroling competition is back this weekend, on Saturday, December 3. Also part of the festivities is the lighting of the Five Trees for the Season starting November 30. Best of all, it's free family fun. Visit the Metro Economic Alliance website for full schedule of events.

John Tesh Big Band Grand Piano Christmas: Our favorite nighttime radio host comes to our neck of the woods for his Big Band Grand Piano Christmas Show at the Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque for two shows on Saturday.

Orchestra Iowa's "The Nutcracker": This beautiful presentation that's part of the Cedar Rapids tradition happens next Monday, December 5, at the Paramount Theatre. Find out more through the Paramount's website and sign up to win tickets to the show.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: TSO rocks the iWireless Center in Moline Thursday, December 8 with their unforgettable and unique Christmas concert. Don't forget, if you'd rather escape from the Iowa winter for the ultimate concert experience,  you can still sign up for our Trans-Siberian Orchestra Orlando Flyaway on December 17. Don't miss it!

Orchestra Iowa's "Holiday Spectacular": A little later in December, another holiday tradition returns to the Paramount with Orchestra Iowa's "Holiday Spectacular'', featuring two shows December 17-18.

[Via Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance]