The Local Hub

Santa Saturdays - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-20 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.

Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs
2025-12-20 13:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-21 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!
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.

Holiday Lights at the Lake - Drive Through Event
2025-12-20 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-21 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-22 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-23 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-24 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-25 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-26 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-27 17:00 - 21:00 UTC | 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.

Winter Solstice Gathering
2025-12-20 18:30 - 21:00 UTC | Anahata Wellness Co-op, 2441 Coral Court, Suite 3, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join us in sacred candlelit celebration of the longest night of the year — a turning point where stillness gives birth to light. Our Winter Solstice Gathering weaves together ritual, movement, sound, and community in a warm and luminous evening.

Our gathering will begin by turning inward through a guided meditation to honor the closing of one cycle and prepare the spirit for the returning light. We open to nature & one another through galdor, an ancient vocal blessing offered to the plants that will steep into our shared tea ceremony — an invocation of release, gratitude and renewal. From this gentle opening, you’ll be guided into yin yoga accompanied by live violin, inviting deep rest and reflection beneath the winter’s quiet sky. Between stillness and sound, Winter Solstices will be shared — tales to stir the heart and honor the season’s introspection.

As the evening draws to a close, we’ll gather for a charcuterie and cocktail social hour, connecting in conversation and celebration of light’s return.

Date: Saturday, Dec 20, 6:30-9pm Duration: 2 hours of ceremony and yoga, followed by a 30-minute social hourLocation: Anahata Wellness Co-opWhat to bring: A yoga mat, bandana or light cloth to cover the eyes, cozy layers, and an open heartInvestment: $50 Space is limited to 22 participants.

Your GuidesErica Miller, inSpirit healing arts & yoga, offers her love in meditation & yin yoga.Natalie Brown, Sounds Heal Studio, shares her gift of the violin.Sarah Thompson, Starlight Yoga, guides us in the ancient blessing of galdor.Shiva Sundari Matthews, Mandala Collective, weaves delight through Winter Solstice tales.

Come to honor the dark, to welcome the light, and to celebrate the beauty of transition together.

The Englert Ball
2025-12-20 20:00 - 23:30 UTC | The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
The Englert Ball is back by popular demand! Enjoy live performances by James Tutson & The Rollback and Dan Padley & friends. We’ll have specialty drinks, light snacks + dessert, surprise grab bags, silent auction, and late-night pizza. Let’s celebrate art in style with our music community!

All proceeds from the evening will support our annual year-end fundraiser, helping to sustain local arts for many years to come.

Sponsored by: Ulysses Modern, Hands Jewelers, Underground Printing and Willow & Stock

Ticket Options:
$240 – Duo Package:Includes two tickets, two Neon Level Memberships, and access to the Pre-Ball Lounge Gathering featuring music by Dan Padley playing songs from Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, charcuterie boards from New Pioneer Co-op, and an Englert Ball toast.

$130 – Full Price Ticket:Includes performances by James Tutson + The Rollback, light snacks + dessert, surprise grab bags, silent auction, and late-night pizza, and an Annual Neon Level Membership.

$50 – Under 30 / Student Ticket:Includes performances by James Tutson + The Rollback, light snacks + dessert, surprise grab bags, silent auction, and late-night pizza, and an Annual Neon Level Membership.

$65 – Friends of the Englert (Our Members):for our current members! Includes performances by James Tutson & The Rollback, light snacks & dessert, surprise grab bags, silent auction, and late-night pizza
Need the ticket link? Please email us at membership@englert.org and Sarah or Paige will get back to you ASAP

Sunday Morning Yin Yoga
2025-12-21 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | 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.

Hunt for the Elves - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-21 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-23 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-24 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-25 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-28 10:00 - 17:00 UTC and 1 more date | 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

Reindeer Games
2025-12-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-29 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Make your winter break extra playful with Reindeer Games! These special activities add a little extra magic to your museum visit with creativity, curiosity, and hands-on fun. Each Reindeer Game features a unique theme and activity designed to spark imagination and keep young minds active while school is out.

12/22 – Code with BeeBots: Get your gears turning as you guide BeeBots through a series of frosty challenges! In this tech-inspired Reindeer Game, kids will practice basic coding and problem-solving skills by programming friendly little robots to navigate a winter-themed obstacle course.

12/29 – Snowflake Shadows: Discover the beauty of winter light and shadow in this art-meets-science activity! Craft your own snowflakes using tissue paper, cardstock, and other materials, then bring them to life on our shadow screen. Explore how light passes through, bounces off, or is blocked by your creations while experimenting with color and shape.

1/2 – Make & Mural for the Year of the Horse: Let’s get ready to welcome the Lunar New Year with creativity! In this art studio session, families will help the museum prepare for our upcoming Lunar New Year celebration with the Midwest Chinese Academy on February 17. Create your own horse-themed craft to take home, then add your artistic touch to a collaborative mural that will become part of the celebration’s festive backdrop.

English as a Second Language
2025-12-22 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!

Teddy Bear Story Time
2025-12-23 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

Pajama Party
2025-12-23 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Get comfy at The Iowa Children’s Museum! Kids (and grown-ups) are invited to spend the day in their favorite pajamas while enjoying fun, pajama-party activities throughout the museum. George the Puppet will be popping in throughout the day as guests enjoy fort building, a pretend hot cocoa bar, and a “cozy to-do list” filled with playful activities. It’s a perfect opportunity to break in those holiday jammies and enjoy a relaxed day of play during winter break.

The Pajama Party theme was chosen during our Use Your VOICE Day event, when kids and families cast their votes for museum characters. George the Puppet won the election with a platform built around wearing your jammies, and we’re excited to bring his vision to life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Holiday Lights at the Lake! Walk Through Event
2025-12-28 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | West Overlook Campground, 4053 West Overlook RD NE, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
HAPPY 5th Birthday, Holiday Lights at the Lake!

Join us in celebrating Holiday Lights at the Lake’s 5th Birthday with complimentary cake at the walk through entrance! (While supplies last). 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

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!
