This goes without saying, but there are a TON of holiday events happening around Eastern Iowa this December! Here's a list with some of the big ones:

*The list does not include craft and vendor markets in Eastern Iowa - you can check out that list HERE!*

*For holiday light displays, check out another article HERE!*

Prelude to Christmas

• Amana Colonies
• Theme Weekends
  • Shop Small Weekend: November 29th through December 1st
  • Amana Traditions Weekend: December 6th through December 8th
  • Children's Weekend: December 13th through December 15th
  • Christmas Sweater Weekend: December 20th through December 21st
• Check out a full schedule HERE

Wonderland Holidays

• Washington, Iowa
• Events from November 30th through December 19th
• Featuring a lighted parade, visits with Santa, a live animal Christmas Show, an ugly sweater bar crawl, a candlelight tour of homes, and more
• Check out a full schedule of events HERE

CHH Winter Bazaar

• 408 E Linn St, Coggon
• Sunday, December 1st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Featuring vendors, kids' activities, a toy & supply drive, food, and more

A Christmas Carol

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Sunday, December 1st at 3 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Santa Village

• Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids
• November 28th through December 24th
• Days/Times
  • Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sundays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • December 23rd & 24th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Featuring selfie stations, a coloring & craft station, a letters to Santa station, putt putt golf, inflatables, a holiday market, concessions, and live music
• Admission is free - photos with Santa are $5 and wristbands for the inflatables are available for purchase

Tree-Lighting Ceremony

• Hotel Julien Dubuque
• Wednesday, December 4th 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!"

Window Walk & Static Christmas Parade

• Main Street, Manchester
• Thursday, December 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• "Discover the magic of our town as we transform our storefronts into winter wonderlands. Stroll through our streets, marvel at the festive displays, and enjoy the holiday spirit."

Magical Night 2024

• Uptown Mount Vernon
• Thursday, December 5th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Featuring a Christmas market, visits with Santa, crafts, live entertainment, a bake sale, tractor trolley rides, hot cocoa, and more

Jingle and Mingle

• Cedar Falls Downtown District
• Thursday, December 5th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Enjoy merchant open houses, stroll the sidewalks, smell the fresh greenery and enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights."

Hiawatha's Tree Lighting

• Village Center Plaza, Hiawatha
• Thursday, December 5th at 5:30 p.m.
• "Meet Santa, sing carols with Linn County Ukulele Club, enjoy delicious hot cocoa and enjoy a fun holiday tradition!"

Merry Little Christmas Party

• Scheels, Coralville
• Thursday, December 5th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa, hot cocoa, Christmas activity pages, and more

Mt. Pleasant Holiday on Main

• Downtown Mt. Pleasant
• Thursday, December 5th at 6 p.m.
• Featuring a lighted parade, vendors, food, live music, visits with Santa, carriage rides, and more

Trolley Rides & Santa's Workshop

• River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls
• Dates/Times
  • Thursday, December 5th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 12th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 19th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "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."

The Nutcracker

• Englert Theatre, Iowa City
• Dates/Times
  • Thursday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m. (preview)
  • Friday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 7th at 1 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 8th at 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 8th at 6:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jingle on Main

• Downtown Independence
• Friday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring a tree lighting, s'mores, crafts, visits with Santa, barrel train rides, horse drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo, and more

A Christmas Past

• Main Street, West Branch
• December 6th & 7th
• Featuring horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides, photos with Santa, a train display, a festival of trees, a silent auction, treats, a 2k, and more

Christmas in the Village

• Village of East Davenport
• December 6th & 7th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa, fireworks, trolley rides, live entertainment, a petting farm, and more

Deck the District

• NewBo/Czech Village District, Cedar Rapids
• December 6th through 8th
• Events include a tree lighting celebration, a Christmas pajama party concert, a Very Cherry Holiday, the Old World Christmas Market, NewBo Gingerbread House Party & House Decorating Competition, and more
• See a full schedule of events HERE

City of Cedar Rapids Tree Lighting

• Greene Square Park, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, December 7th from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• "This free, family-friendly event will include fun, family-friendly activities, photo opportunities, and holiday treats!"

Orchestra Iowa & Ballet Quad Cities Present: The Nutcracker

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, December 7th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk

• Uptown Marion
• Saturday, December 7th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, popcorn, hot cocoa, and more
• "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."

Christmas in Kalona

• Downtown Kalona
• Saturday, December 7th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring kids' activities, photos with Santa, a live nativity, live music, a Christmas tree walk, a lighted golf cart parade, and more

Pictures With Santa Paws

• K9Acres Off-Leash Dog Park, Marion
• Saturday, December 7th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Bring your tail-waggin' sidekick, because we're turning the North Pole into a BARKtastic photo studio! Santa's got a cookie and hot cocoa craving, so we'll have plenty to keep us warm! Our on-site photographer will be capturing the magical moments, ensuring you'll have cherished memories to share with friends and family. But don’t forget to bring your own camera! This is a FREE event, but a monetary donation to our off-leash dog parks is greatly appreciated!"

Hiawatha Reindeer Run

• Fay M Clark Memorial Park, Hiawatha
• Saturday, December 7th 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

NewBo City Market Tree Lighting Ceremony

• NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, December 7th at 5 p.m.
• Featuring hot cocoa & candy canes and caroling by the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale

Winter Wander-land

• Field Day Brewing Co. and Tin Roost, North Liberty
• Saturday, December 7th at 11 a.m.
• "Celebrate the magic of the season at Winter Wander-land, an immersive holiday experience designed for guests to wander between Field Day Brewing Co. and Tin Roost and enjoy festivities at both locations! With something for everyone, you’ll find holiday delights waiting around every corner."
• Featuring food and drink specials, visits with Santa, face painting, kids' activities, reindeer, a scavenger hunt, and more

Maddie Poppe: Tis the Season

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Sunday, December 8th at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Main Street Holiday

• Main Street, Center Point
• Sunday, December 8th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring a tree lighting, music, hot cocoa, a soup supper, face painting, hay rack rides, and more

It's a Wonderful Life in Maquoketa

• Maquoketa Green Space & Main Street
• Sunday, December 8th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Featuring food, a live nativity, games, a vendor fair, visits with Santa, a tree lighting, horse wagon rides, and more

Aisle of Lights

• Coralville City Hall
• Sunday, December 8th from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring caroling, ice carving, live music, miles of light luminarias, and more

World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

• Five Flags Center, Dubuque
• Tuesday, December 10th at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jingle + Mingle in the Village

• Czech Village, Cedar Rapids
• Thursday, December 12th from 4 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
• "Most businesses will have Holiday Sips + Nibbles plus a gifted BELL to get you Jingling while you Mingle your way thru the Village! Restaurants will have Holiday Inspired cocktails & entrees."
• Stocking Stuffer Saturday will be held on December 14th from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Ho Ho Ho in NewBo

• NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
• Thursday, December 12th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Over 20 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 in the neighborhood including our version of “White Out BINGO”, the Washington High School Madrigal Choir, Goldfinch & Roasters hot chocolate lighted bicycles, and the Iowa Running Company holiday carolers."

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

• Cedar Falls Downtown District
• December 12th through 14th
• "You will receive a bingo card of all participating bars & restaurants. This way you will have all weekend long to get it completed. Turn in the completed BINGO card to Santa's mailbox at the corner of 2nd and State Streets."

Lucky's District Bar Crawl

• Czech Village, Cedar Rapids
• Friday, December 13th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Featuring a costume contest, a scavenger hunt, live music, and more
• Pre-register at Lucky's on 16th for $20 - day-of registration is $25

Holiday Tubas: 50th Anniversary

• Old Capitol Museum, Iowa City
• Friday, December 13th at 12:30 p.m.
• "The University of Iowa School of Music and the Pentacrest Museums invite guests to enjoy the classic holiday tunes on the Pentacrest. Come inside the Old Capitol Museum to warm up with treats after."

Alisabeth Von Presley’s “Christmas In The Key Of A”

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Friday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Holiday Movie Night

• Five Flags Center, Dubuque
• Friday, December 13th at 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
• Showing Elf and Christmas Vacation
• No ticket required

Christmas Tree Walk

• Lawrence Community Center, Anamosa
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, December 13th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 14th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 15th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• "Stroll through our beautiful display of decorated trees, enjoy live music, shop local vendors, savor holiday cookies, and don’t miss a special visit from Santa!"

2024 Ugly Sweater 5kish Run/Walk

• McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, December 14th at 4 p.m.
• "Registration fee includes a t-shirt (limited), a Sweater ornament (limited), a coupon for a drink at Five Seasons Lights beverage barn and other fun swag provided by sponsors."
• Register online HERE

Buddy the Elf Party

• Hiawatha Public Library
• Saturday, December 14th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• "Join us for 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."
• Join the waitlist HERE

Holiday on 1st

• Downtown Monticello
• Saturday, December 14th at 8 a.m.
• Featuring visits with Santa, live music, touch-a-truck, cookies & hot chocolate, crafts, a tree walk, and more

Swisher's A Very Merry Christmas Celebration

• Downtown Swisher
• Saturday, December 14th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring a lighted Christmas parade, horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, llamas, a holiday tree walk, crafts, live music, visits with Santa, and more

Holiday on Main

• Downtown Central City
• Saturday, December 14th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Featuring a vendor fair, visits with Santa, food, and more

SantaCon Davenport Pub Crawl

• Downtown Davenport
• Saturday, December 14th at 12 p.m.
• "SantaCon, short for Santa Convention, is a pub crawl in which you are required to dress head-to-toe as SANTA."

Jingle Bar Hop

• Downtown Waterloo
• Saturday, December 14th from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Each participant will get drink specials, free cover at all participating bars, food specials at select locations, and a task list to make the day even more fun!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Movie Magic

• Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls
• Saturday, December 14th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• "Enjoy a free showing of "Elf" on Saturday, December 14th 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!"

Ballet Quad Cities’ The Nutcracker

• Adler Theatre, Davenport
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, December 14th at 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 14th at 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 15th at 2 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Tuesday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m.
• "Imaginative and fun for children to seniors and everyone in between, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more."
• Purchase tickets HERE

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation:  A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase

• Adler Theatre, Davenport
• Tuesday, December 17th at 6 p.m.
• "Join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and laughs as we celebrate the timeless classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, with a special 35th Anniversary screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chevy Chase, and his wife Jayni."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It's a Christmas Tour

• Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
• Wednesday, December 18th at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Baby, It's Cold Outside

• River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls
• Thursday, December 19th 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."

Holiday Lights Parade

• Emmons Street, Hiawatha
• Thursday, December 19th at 5:30 p.m.
• "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."

Polar Express Pajama Party

• Putnam Museum, Davenport
• December 19th through 22nd
• "Plan to join us for four days of holiday fun 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

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

• Five Flags Center, Dubuque
• Friday, December 20th at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Trans Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Tour

• Vibrant Arena, Moline
• Friday, December 20th at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Winter Solstice Luminary Walk

• Prairie Creek Recreation Area, Maquoketa
• Friday, December 20th at 5 p.m.
• "Enjoy a campfire, hot cocoa, and walk the lighted trails as we celebrate the winter solstice and the coming of winter. Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance. For more information or to register, call (563) 652-3787 or email conservation@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov"

Orchestra Iowa Pops III: Holiday Spectacular

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, December 20th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 21st at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 22nd at 2 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

• Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls
  • Friday, December 20th at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Des Moines Civic Center
  • Saturday, December 21st at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Saturday, December 28th at 7:30 p.m.

Reindeer Games

• River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls
• Saturday, December 21st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• "Help Santa and his reindeer with their big flight on Christmas Eve! Games, activities and treats for all ages! A special surprise of a Trolley on a Saturday!"

Winter Solstice Celebration

• Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, Iowa City
• Saturday, December 21st from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• "Come and celebrate the official first day of winter and the shortest day of the year! Explore traditions from around the world and enjoy a cup of hot cider or cocoa while making festive gifts. All are welcome!"

A Magical Cirque Christmas

• Adler Theatre, Davenport
• Monday, December 23rd at 7:30 p.m.
• "Embrace the holiday spirit with A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Movies at the Paramount: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Monday, December 23rd at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Winter Bounce

• Five Flags Center, Dubuque
• December 28th & 29th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "This exciting two-day event, in partnership with Tough Entertainment, features an array of inflatable attractions, obstacle courses, laser tag, and mini golf, providing fun for families and kids of all ages."
• Purchase tickets HERE