The Local Hub

Hunt for the Elves - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-25 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-24 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-23 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-22 10:00 - 17:00 UTC and 8 more dates | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Elves are hiding throughout Downtown Iowa City shops and restaurants! Join the Downtown Hunt for the Elves, a FREE kid-friendly scavenger hunt in downtown Iowa City, starting Saturday, November 29th.

Once you have found the elves in each participating store, find their name, use the stamp provided at each business, or write the name of the elf on the card to show proof you found it. Turn in your completed cards after finding 10 or more elves to Iowa Book or the Iowa City Public Library in the Kid’s Department to receive a small prize and be entered to win a grand prize gift basket

Sensory Friendly Night
2025-12-28 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join us on the last Sunday of each month for Sensory Friendly Night!

This event is designed for families with members who experience sensory sensitivities, are on the autism spectrum, or who have any health needs that would make a quieter visit more enjoyable. We understand that the museum can be a bustling place. During Sensory Friendly Night, we provide adjusted sound levels and limit attendance to create a calmer environment. Families can explore the museum at their own pace. As always, we have KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ signage to help you navigate exhibits and sensory bags available for checkout at the front desk. Our Family Sanctuary is also available for guest use at any time.

Admission is free during Sensory Friendly Night, thanks to our friends at GreenState Credit Union.

Join us for a fun evening and let your child explore and learn in a comfortable and supportive environment!

English as a Second Language
2025-12-22 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-15 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | North Liberty Library, 520 W. Cherry St, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Are you looking to improve your English in a relaxed and supportive environment? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our ESL class is here to help you on your language journey.

What to Expect:• Casual Atmosphere: Enjoy learning in a low-key, friendly setting.• Interactive Sessions: Practice speaking, listening, and understanding English through engaging activities.• Supportive Community: Connect with others who are also learning English and share your experiences.

Conversations host, Alice, graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, IL in 2015, and then spent two years teaching English in Ukraine.
Come and join us at the library for a fun and educational experience!

Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs
2025-12-21 13:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-20 13:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-19 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-14 13:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-13 13:00 - 21:00 UTC | Hawkeye Downs, 4400 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Join us for a holiday experience like no other in Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs in 2025!
This FREE holiday event series will run from December 5th through December 21st on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the Hawkeye Downs Expo Center North Expo Hall. All ages are welcome to this FREE community event. No ticket or registration required. Celebrate the holiday season at Hawkeye Downs for visits with Santa, crafts, activities, games, photo opportunities, and more!

HOURS Friday 6:00PM to 9:00PMSaturday 1:00PM to 9:00PMSunday 1:00PM to 6:00PM
Santa Village will be CLOSED Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Here’s what to get excited about… Selfie stations, sponsored by Rinderknecht Associates, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Impact Embroidery & Balster Pediatric Dentistry Coloring & Craft Station, sponsored by Target Hills Bank Letters to Santa Station Peppermint Putt Putt Golf Station, sponsored by Basepoint Wealth Mrs. Claus’s Cozy Corner, in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival and Central Furniture Rescue

For just $5, guests can visit Santa for special holiday photos next to Santa’s Workshop, thanks to Kalona Mini Buildings. Santa will be available each night of the event until he flies into the sky on Christmas Eve.

Get ready to jump and play! The elves from H&H Fun Rides will host inflatables for kids inside Santa Village. Wristbands and tickets will be available for purchase in the Expo Center.

Guests are welcome to shop with local vendors at the Holiday Market. From clothing to ornaments to stocking stuffers and more, there is something for everyone in the market this winter.

Need a holiday treat? Hawkeye Downs will offer concessions, including hot cocoa, cookies, coffee, and other warm snacks.

On Sunday afternoons at 2:00PM and 4:00PM, we will host local celebrities reading holiday favorites in our special book corner near our fireplace.

Join local musicians for live holiday tunes in Santa’s Music Factory on Saturday nights from 6:00 to 8:00PM!

Sensory-Friendly Day with ChildServe at Santa Village will be held on Sunday, December 7th from 11:00AM to 1:00PM!

This public event series is FREE ADMISSION, with no registration or ticket required. More information is available on the Hawkeye Downs website at www.hawkeyedowns.org/santavillage.
Questions? Contact Hawkeye Downs at (319) 365-8656.

Santa Saturdays - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-20 11:30 - 14:30, 2025-12-13 11:30 - 14:30 UTC | FilmScene, 404 E. College St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Santa is making four special trips to Downtown Iowa City to meet the area’s good girls and boys. Families are invited to visit Santa as he makes his stops at FilmScene in the Chauncey. Kids are encouraged to drop off their letters and wishlists. Santa will be visiting FilmScene at the Chauncey from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Visitors and families are welcome to visit Santa and capture their own photos.

Tractor Wagon Rides sponsored by Hills Bank
2025-12-20 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
There is no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season than with a Tractor Wagon Ride through downtown. Enjoy a FREE whimsical ride in a decorated wagon pulled by a classic tractor from Bass Farms.

Rides run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, departing every 15 minutes. Hop on outside of Hills Bank, located at the corner of Washington and Clinton Streets. Riders will receive a candy cane and can cozy up with a blanket for a festive ride around the city.

PJ Storytime
2025-12-19 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Sidekick Coffee & Books, 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
Join us for PJ Storytime at Sidekick Coffee and Books!

Bring the kiddos in their comfy PJs and we will cozy up and read the Holiday classic “The Polar Express” and write letters to Santa. Each kiddo will receive a sleigh bell (while supplies last.) This event is FREE and open to all.

Office Christmas Party w/ Music Bingo
2025-12-17 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Field Day Brewing Co, 925 Liberty Way, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Does your company not throw a Christmas/Holiday Party? Don’t have any friends?
The answer is Office Christmas Party Music Bingo!
Wednesday, December 17th @ 7pmField Day Brewing Co. (North Liberty, IA)
FREE To PlayWin FREE beer/prizes!ALL AGES
Don’t worry, it’s not ALL Christmas Music!

#ThisAintYoMamasBingoNight#ThinkAndDrinkWednesdays

Santa at Sidekick Coffee and Books!
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Sidekick Coffee & Books, 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
Santa Claus will be at Sidekick on Sunday, December 14 from 2-4 PM! Swing by for Santa photos and last-minute Christmas shopping!
