The Local Hub

Hunt for the Elves - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-10 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-09 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-08 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-07 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 17:00 UTC and 4 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

Toddler Takeover
2025-12-10 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
With school back in session, it’s time to celebrate our littlest learners! Toddler Takeover offers new ways for little ones to learn and play! Throughout the event, caregivers can also discover how young children learn through different styles of play from our museum educators and get helpful tips to make playtime even more meaningful at home.

Please note: Activities from 9-10 a.m. are available during our Member-Only Hours only (Wednesday-Saturday). We open to the public at 10:00 a.m. and invite ALL little learners to join in the fun from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Toddler Takeover is sponsored by our friends at Learning Grove Center!

SIDEKICK STORYTIME: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
2025-12-09 09:30 - 11:00 UTC | Sidekick Coffee & Books, 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
Sidekick Storytime: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Join us for a heart-warming (literally!) Grinch-themed storytime, followed by a sweet craft inspired by the Grinch’s growing heart. Perfect for little Whos of all ages!

Teddy Bear Story Time
2025-12-09 09:30 - 10:00, 2025-12-02 09:30 - 10:00 UTC | Hilton Garden Inn, 328 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Snuggle up in the Teddy Bear Room at the Hilton Garden Inn for Teddy Bear Story Time! In partnership with the Iowa City Public Library, this special morning event invites little ones to enjoy stories that bring these fluffy, traditional, and timeless companions to life. Featuring charming tales like “Teddy Bear Postman” and “The Case of the Twin Teddy Bears,” books will be read amongst hundreds of teddy bear stuffed animals. Story time will also include short activities and participatory songs. This story time is designed for children ages 2-5, however, all ages are welcome.

WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn WHEN: Tuesdays Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 from 9:30am – 10:00am

KidLit Pizzazz Festival
2025-12-07 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Sidekick Coffee & Books, 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
KidLit Pizzazz Festival Sunday, December 7 2 – 5 PM | Author Meet & Greet 2:30 – 4:30 PM Sidekick Coffee & Books | 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave, Iowa City FREE

The KidLit Pizzazz Festival is back for its third year—and you’re invited!
Join for an afternoon celebrating children’s, middle grade, and young adult literature with a mix of holiday fun, family activities, and, of course, books.
Kick off the holiday season and get your shopping started with signed and personalized books from talented local authors and illustrators. Nothing makes a better gift than a story that lasts long after the wrapping paper is gone!
Here’s what’s in store: Author Meet & Greet + Book SigningsDiscover your next favorite story and have it signed on the spot.
Gift Wrap Station Wrap it up and cross a name off your shopping list.
Themed DrinksFestive sips for grown-ups and kids alike.
Craft StationA fun, creative stop for little hands.
Special Appearance by Dog ManSnap a picture with everyone’s favorite canine superhero!
Bring the whole family and join us for an afternoon of books, creativity, and holiday cheer.

Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs (sensory friendly time)
2025-12-07 13:00 - 18:00 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! Sensory-Friendly Day with ChildServe at Santa Village will be held on Sunday, December 7th from 11:00AM to 1:00PM!
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 Village at Hawkeye Downs
2025-12-06 13:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-05 18:00 - 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
2025-12-06 11:30 - 14:30, 2025-11-29 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
2025-12-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-29 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.

Afterschool Studio
2025-12-04 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join us on the first Thursday of each month for Afterschool Studio—special activities designed for elementary-aged kids and their families. Each session features a new hands-on challenge that blends science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Our museum educators will guide kids as they tinker, build, and create—while families learn and explore together.

No registration required; just stop by the museum and dive into the theme of the month!

Upcoming themes include:
October 2 – Lights and Shadows ExplorationNovember 6 – All Things TechDecember 4 – Make and Give: Light Up Card

K-Pop Demon Hunter Sing-Along Party
2025-12-03 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | North Liberty Library, 520 W. Cherry St, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Are you ready to seal the Honmoon? Join us for an evening of sing-along fun featuring your favorite tracks, create a K-Pop inspired ornament to take home and more. Feel free to dress up and bring that extra fandom flair to the event.

Contact Kayla or Zoe at the North Liberty Library with questions.

Sensory Friendly Night
2025-11-30 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!

Downtown Holiday Kid’s Market
2025-11-26 10:30 - 15:00, 2025-11-25 10:30 - 15:00, 2025-11-24 10:30 - 15:00 UTC | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
November 15th – November 26th Shopping Appointments
The Downtown Holiday Kid’s Market Sponsored by GreenState Credit Union gives kids the joy of shopping for everyone on their holiday list – with the help from Santa’s helpers! Children learn to give thoughtfully, stick to a budget, and experience the magic of finding local treasures all on their own.

Parents, grandparents, or guardians will complete a quick form listing who the children are shopping for, along with their budget. Santa’s helpers then guide the kids through the market to choose and wrap gifts in secret.

How it works:
– Check in at the Holiday Pop-up Market in Black Hawk Mini Park. We recommend parking in Dubuque Street Ramp or Tower Place and Parking Ramp.– Parents/guardians complete a quick form listing who the child is shopping for and each person’s budget.– Santa’s helpers guide the kids through the market to choose and wrap gifts in secret.– Parents can enjoy a coffee or explore downtown while their child/children shop!– After 40 minutes, children will have their gifts purchased and wrapped – ready for the holidays.

Gift details: Items range from $5-$75 and include options for parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and more. All products are sourced from local Iowa City shops. Stores are reimbursed for all items sold.

Shopping Time: Each family (more than one child are welcome per shift) will have about 40 minutes to complete their shopping and gift wrapping. During this time, parents are welcome to go grab coffee or explore the downtown shops.
