The Local Hub

Tractor Wagon Rides sponsored by Hills Bank
2025-12-13 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.

Hunt for the Elves - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-14 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-15 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-16 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-17 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-18 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-19 10:00 - 17:00 | 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

Try Hockey for FREE!
2025-12-13 11:00 - 13:30 | ImOn Ice Arena, 1100 Rockford Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, United States
Join the Youth RoughRiders Hockey Club for FREE hockey! Anyone interested in trying hockey 4-11 Years old. No skating experience necessary! 2 session times to choose from.

Register Here: https://www.roughridershockeyclub.com/…/try…/44395

Santa Saturdays - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-13 11:30 - 14:30 | 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.

Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs
2025-12-13 13:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-14 13:00 - 18:00 | 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.

Swisher’s A Very Merry Christmas Celebration
2025-12-13 16:00 - 19:00 | Swisher, Iowa, Swisher, Iowa, 52338, United States
A Very Merry Christmas Celebration in Downtown Swisher! Saturday, December 13th | 4–7 PM

Get ready for another fun-filled, festive evening in downtown Swisher at our annual Very Merry Christmas Celebration!

Enjoy a night full of holiday magic featuring: Lighted Christmas Parade Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides Real Llamas Live Princess Characters Kids Crafts Cookie Decorating Holiday Tree Walk Live Music Shop Local ‘n Social @ Vault Boutique & Plum Creek Boutique…and so much more!

The Jefferson-Monroe Fire Department will bring Santa Claus through town in the parade and stop by afterward (around 6:30 PM) for Hot Cocoa and photos with the kids outside Kava House!

Schedule of Events4:00–6:00 PM• Kids Crafts (Rose Barn)• Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides (by City Hall)• Live Princess Characters (by City Hall)• Real Llamas (Rose Barn)• Shop Local ‘n Social @ Vault Boutique & Plum Creek Boutique• Holiday Tree Walk• Cookie Decorating
6:00 PM – Lighted Christmas Parade on 2nd St.6:30 PM – Visit Santa Claus (in the shed outside Kava House)

Parade Participants:Have a business or organization that would like to enter a float in the Lighted Parade?It’s FREE to enter! Line-up starts at 5:30 PM at Jefferson Ave & 2nd St — no pre-registration required.
(Please, no Santa costumes on parade entries to avoid confusion for the kiddos—thank you!)

Note: Some activities are outdoors—please dress for the weather!

Holiday Lights at the Lake - Drive Through Event
2025-12-13 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-14 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-15 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-16 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-18 17:30 - 20:30 | West Overlook Campground, 4053 West Overlook RD NE, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Embrace the festive spirit and make Holiday Lights at the Lake your treasured holiday tradition! As you drive through the enchanting West Overlook Campground, you’ll be captivated by our fifth annual community celebration. A magical mile of dazzling animated light displays awaits, complete with a captivating animated tunnel and countless sparkling arches and holiday figures.

West Overlook Campground is transformed into a whimsical winter wonderland. Delight in the playful antics of dancing polar bears, be awed by the giant poinsettia pot and forest, and join in the fun as we take you “Under the Sea”- a display new for 2025!

Take a heartwarming journey down “Memory Lane,” where a vibrant collection of illuminated trees pays tribute to cherished loved ones.

Many beloved displays are making a delightful return, including the “Farming in Iowa” area featuring “Snowmerican Gothic,” a joyful twist on Grant Wood’s timeless “American Gothic.”

Drive Through tickets start at $10.00 for a family car or van. We accept cash or credit at the gate, or pre-purchased tickets via Eventbrite *extra fees apply.
Hours: 5:30pm-8:30pm, Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs5:00pm-9:00pm, Friday and Saturday*See Santa and Mrs. Claus every Wednesday and Sunday before Christmas!

This magical event shines brightly thanks to the incredible generosity of our community sponsors and the tireless dedication of volunteers. Guided by a passionate volunteer board of directors, every moment of the season is crafted with love.

All proceeds support The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County.

We invite you to explore the wonder at holidaylightsatthelake.com, where you can view a full list of cherished sponsors, find magical volunteer opportunities, and learn more about the heartwarming mission of The Bird House.

BBBS Night @ The Heartlanders!
2025-12-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Xtream Arena, 200 E 9th St. Suite 100, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join the Iowa Heartlanders and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County for an evening of hockey, fun, and community spirit. A portion of every ticket purchased will directly support the Big Brothers Big Sisters. Go Landers!

THANK YOU TO TICKET SPONSOR HARNEY OIL!
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Ugly Sweater Party with Live Music by D-LEW
2025-12-13 20:00 - 23:00 | Black Squirrel Tap, 72 2nd Street SE, Swisher, Iowa, 52338, United States
Tis the season to #GetSquirrely at our Annual Christmas Sweater Party on December 13th!

Deck yourself out in your best holiday attire (Ugly Sweater, Christmas Jammies, etc.) and join us for Live Music w/ D-LEW (8pm-11pm). Drink Specials and Holiday fun!!! Pull out all the shots and you may just be the lucky winner named Most Festive and go home with some sweet prizes!

Contest winner will be announced @ 10pm! **Ages 21+ **

Sunday Morning Yin Yoga
2025-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Anahata Wellness Co-op, 2441 Coral Court, Suite 3, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Sunday Morning Yin Yoga: A Soft Start to Your WeekEase into your Sunday with a gentle yin practice designed to open the body, quiet the mind, and nourish the spirit. This class invites you to slow down and soften through long-held, floor-based postures that support deep release and inner reflection.

Each session offers a peaceful container for rest and renewal — a chance to reset your energy and connect inward before the week begins. From time to time, sessions may include Reiki, sound healing, or oracle cards to gently deepen your experience.

All are welcome here — all levels, all bodies, all hearts. Come as you are, and step into your Sunday feeling restored, spacious, and centered.

Ultimate Santa Event
2025-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Anderson’s ATA Taekwondo, 990 238th St NE, North Liberty, IA, 52317, United States
Ultimate Santa Event! Sunday Dec 14th 1-4pm Anderson’s Taekwondo gym. Greeted by Buddy the elf! FREE pictures with Santa, Elsa and the Grinch. Fun kids gift station to pick out and have wrapped gifts for mom, dad and family. Door prizes and giveaways! Come join on all of the fun!

Santa at Sidekick Coffee and Books!
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00 | 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!

English as a Second Language
2025-12-15 18:00 - 19:00 | 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!

Teddy Bear Story Time
2025-12-16 09:30 - 10:00 | 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

Santa at Field Day
2025-12-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Field Day Brewing Co, 925 Liberty Way, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
North Liberty’s favorite Santa is back! Join us for a festive Family Night as the one and only Santa Rod brings his holiday magic to Field Day Brewing Co.
Bring the kids for a cozy evening filled with: Meet & Greet with Santa Rod 4 PM – 6 PM ½-Price Kids Meals from 4 PM – Close — perfect for a family night out Plenty of magical photo moments throughout the taproom
Whether it’s your child’s first Santa visit or your family’s favorite holiday tradition, this is the perfect night to slow down, make memories, and share in the wonder of the season.
No tickets needed — just bring your holiday spirit and get ready for unforgettable moments with Santa Rod.

Trivia & Music BINGO
2025-12-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Vue Rooftop, 328 S Clinton St Suite A, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
EAT, DRINK, AND TEASE YOUR BRAIN : Rally your team to win prizes each month!

Music Bingo: Every 1st TuesdayTrivia Night: Every 3rd Tuesday

Holiday Lights at the Lake - Walk Through Event
2025-12-17 17:30 - 20:30 | West Overlook Campground, 4053 West Overlook RD NE, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Join us in celebrating the holiday season at Holiday Lights at the Lake!
Holidaylightsatthelake.com

Immerse yourself in the enchanting light displays, stroll among the trees, and soak in the festive ambiance. We invite you to walk the event route, offering families and friends a memorable journey through a dazzling wonderland of lights and music. Our goal is to unite the community by creating cherished experiences for families and friends for years to come.

Enjoy music throughout the campground, cozy up at fire-pit warming stations, and explore our goodwill donation concessions.
Gates open at 5:30pm and close at 8:30pm. The average time to walk the full loop once is about 25-30 minutes and you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish! Well behaved dogs are welcome. Tickets are $5.00 per person (2 years old and under enter free). Cash, Credit, and Eventbrite vouchers are accepted at the gate. Free Parking is available in the West Overlook Day Use Parking Lot.

All entrance fees support The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County, while proceeds from concessions benefit Friends of the Coralville Lake.

Office Christmas Party w/ Music Bingo
2025-12-17 19:00 - 22:00 | 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

Cheers to the Years - Final Night at The Coralville Taproom
2025-12-19 11:00 - 21:00 | Backpocket Brewery, 903 Quarry Rd., Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join us as we raise one last pint together and celebrate all the memories we’ve made in Coralville! After years of great beer, great people, and countless unforgettable moments, we’re closing this chapter and moving production to Waterloo — but not without one final night of celebration.

Beer SpecialsEnjoy $3 pours of select beers and a lineup of fan-favorite classics.

This taproom has been home to so many stories — first dates, anniversaries, trivia nights, new beer releases, and everyday moments with friends. We can’t wait to celebrate everything this space has meant to us and to you.
