The Local Hub

Holiday Lights at the Lake - Drive Through Event
2025-12-02 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-04 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-05 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.

Trivia & Music BINGO
2025-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | 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

Pride Poetry at Studio 13
2025-12-02 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Studio 13, 13 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Join us the first TUESDAY of each month for Pride Poetry hosted by Lilo B. – No cover– Anyone can perform: poetry, spoken word, short stories & more– Donations for LGBTQ charities each month– Fabulous food & drink deals– Karaoke with Dawsi after the showDoors open at 7Sign up starting at 7:30Show starts at 8

Hunt for the Elves - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | 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

Holiday Lights at the Lake - GLOW Walk Through
2025-12-03 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | West Overlook Campground, 4053 West Overlook RD NE, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Join us for an EXTRA FESTIVE walking evening where you become part of the show! Each guest receives a free glow item at the gate, compliments of Lepic-Kroeger, REALTORS! *Complimentary glow items 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.

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.

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

Kölsch Service at Field Day Brewing
2025-12-04 17:00 - 22:00 UTC | Field Day Brewing Co, 925 Liberty Way, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Experience this unique German drinking tradition right here in North Liberty, Iowa.

Kölsch service is a beer drinking and service style that is native to Cologne, Germany. During a Kölsch service, a patron orders a drink and it is promptly refilled at or before they finish. Each time a glass is dropped, a notch is marked on the coaster. The drink is served in small glasses that take 2-3 drinks to finish. This keeps the beer cold and fresh and rids the hassle of flagging down a bartender between pours. To indicate you are finished, place the coaster atop your glass. Your coaster serves as your ‘tab’ and you checkout with the bartender/server.

Come enjoy this unique tradition with us and our freshest batch of Kölsch!

100+ Women Who Care Q4 Giving Event
2025-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Centennial Park, 1565 St. Andrews Drive, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Please join while we make an impact on our community during our Q4 giving event of 2025 on Thursday, Dec. 4, inside the new Hy-Vee Center at Centennial Park in North Liberty.

𝟱:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟲:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺.→ Networking, complimentary drinks and appetizers (provided by Hy-Vee)𝟲:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺. 𝘁𝗼 𝟳:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺.→ Hear from Q3 winner, I’m Glad You Stayed Project→ Q4 Nominations𝟳:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺.→ Stick around for a tour of Hy-Vee Center & Amphitheater and more networking.
Building North Liberty’s Next Stage — the capital campaign that helped support building the new event hall and outdoor stage in Centennial Park — was the beneficiary of the Chapter’s Q4 2024 donations, so come see what your donation helped bring to fruition!

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝟏𝟎𝟎+ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬:→Members may nominate any 501(c)3 in Johnson County. You can join the night of the event by donating $100 and signing up for our emails.→The event sponsor or a board member will randomly draw (3) nominations.→Each person drawn has (3) minutes to pitch why the 501(c)3 they nominated should be selected. Only the member called from the nomination slip may make the pitch.→Members anonymously vote on nominations.→The organization with the majority of votes will be the recipient of every member’s $100 donation for that quarter.

The Nutcracker
2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
The Englert Theatre and Nolte Academy are proud to present Iowa City’s annual production of The Nutcracker. This holiday classic comes to life with performances by dancers from Nolte Academy and features a live orchestra conducted by Carey Bostian. The ballet showcases exquisite costuming, enchanting sets, and captivating choreography under the direction of Nolte Ballet Director and Nutcracker Artistic Director, Loren Williams.

A Christmas Past in historic West Branch
2025-12-05 09:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-06 09:00 - 20:00 UTC | Main Street West Branch, 127 W. Main Street, West Branch, Iowa, 52358, United States
𝑨 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕 is set to return on Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6, 2025 in historic West Branch, Iowa (just 6 miles from Iowa City down I-80). Join us for West Branch’s traditional holiday festival featuring timeless activities throughout Main Street and beyond, including horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides, photos with Santa, train display, festival of trees, silent auction, treats around the fire and more!
Check back for more details!

Note: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Reservations (required) will open at 10:00am on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at mainstreetwestbranch.org/christmas

Register by November 21st for the Gingerbread House Contest: Join the West Branch PTO’s first annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest—enter your creation and see (and vote for) the displays during Christmas Past Weekend. $5 Entry fee. All ages welcome! Full rules.

Register by November 19th for the Snowball Sprint 2K Run/Walk: Join the 2nd Annual Snowball Sprint at Cubby Park! Festive holiday attire encouraged! Register by Nov 19th to get the official Snowball Sprint Sweatshirt. Open to all ages and abilities!

Something For My Sibling: Help your kids experience the JOY of giving! Reserve a time for your child(ren) to pick out and wrap a FREE gift for a sibling (or loved one) during A Christmas Past. Hosted by Izzy’s Treasures.

Chili Cook-Off at The Black Rose: NEW this year! Sign up to compete and show off your own chili recipe! Guests will get to taste each entry and vote for the winner of the Golden Ladle! $5 entry fee per chili. Sampling fee TBD.

‘It’s the Season Downtown - Festive Fridays
2025-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Celebrate the season with Festive Fridays—a new weekly holiday tradition in Downtown! From November 21 to December 19, enjoy carols, shopping, family-friendly fun, and special events like the Gingerbread House Competition and Living Windows.
Hop on the Holly Trolley, running every Friday from 5-8 p.m., and visit a new store or restaurant each week. Downtown shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues are encouraged to stay open until 8 p.m. to join in the festivities.

FRIDAY, NOV 21 – ‘TIS THE SEASON KICKOFF– Gift tag decorating with IC Press Co-op in the Pop-up Shops– Holiday Kids’ Market Open Hours– Wilson’s Orchard selling hot cider and apple cider donuts– Window Display Contest– Carolers and live outdoor performances (Featuring a sneak peek of The Nutcracker by Nolte Dance Academy)

FRIDAY, NOV 28 – FESTIVE IN FLEECE– Ugly sweater night for families visiting town– Festive drink specials at local bars and restaurants

FRIDAY, DEC 5 – COCOA & KERNELS – FilmScene serves up popcorn at the Pop-up Shops while promoting their holiday classics series– ICDD will provide complimentary cocoa at the Pop-up Shops

FRIDAY, DEC 12 – GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITIONS– Gingerbread house competitions at Poindexter (tickets COMING SOON!)

FRIDAY, DEC 19 – LIVING WINDOWS – Festive Fridays ends with a magical evening of living window displays!– Businesses will bring their windows to life with living displays

Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs
2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-06 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.

Holiday Cookie Walk
2025-12-06 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | North Liberty Library, 520 W. Cherry St, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Just in time for the holidays, let us do your baking for you! Get your homemade holiday cookies and candies here in the library meeting rooms. $10 per pre-packaged dozen. Proceeds benefit the FRIENDS of the North Liberty Library.

We appreciate our generous volunteers who bake for us! Sign up to bake for this year’s sale! Decorated cookies are the most popular, but a variety that can be used to build a cookie gift tray is perfect. Contact Jennie Garner at the library or email Friends of the Library at friendsnorthlibertylibrary@gmail.com to volunteer to bake cookies this year.

Holiday Vendor Fair
2025-12-06 08:00 - 12:00 UTC | North Liberty Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Local vendors will have items on display and available to purchase in Roberts Gymnasium.
To sign up as vendor, contact Matt Meseck at mmeseck@northlibertyiowa.org or call (319) 626-5716. State if you need electricity.

Holiday Market
2025-12-06 08:00 - 13:00 UTC | Robert A Lee Community Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert St, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Shop our annual holiday markets for unique handmade gifts while supporting local farmers and artisans! Enjoy a wide variety of seasonal products and food. Free entry; vendors located in the 1st floor gym and 2nd floor social hall.
Saturdays, Nov. 15 and Dec. 6 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Robert A. Lee Rec CenteR

Tractor Wagon Rides sponsored by Hills Bank
2025-12-06 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.

Holiday Retail Open House
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Join our downtown shops for the annual Holiday Retail Open House!
Each participating retailer will be hosting a holiday party at their store that includes snacks, drinks, or a small gift for you at each stop.
Participating stores and gifts to come.

Holiday Showcase
2025-12-06 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Hy-Vee At Crosspark Road, 3285 Crosspark Rd, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Saturday, December 6th | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us for our final Holiday Showcase of the year, a festive celebration filled with excitement, community, and plenty of holiday cheer! Whether you’re finishing up your gift shopping or simply looking for a fun seasonal outing, this event is the perfect way to kick off December.

What to Expect:A wide selection of vendors featuring unique, handcrafted, and specialty holiday itemsLots of samples to taste, try, and enjoySeasonal favorites and exclusive offerings you can only find at our showcaseA warm, welcoming atmosphere to get you in the holiday spiritBring your friends, family, and festive energy — you won’t want to miss this final celebration of the season!We can’t wait to see you there!

Winter WANDERland
2025-12-06 11:00 - 21:00 UTC | Field Day Brewing Co, 925 Liberty Way, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Join us for Winter WANDER-land, a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration where Field Day Brewing Co. and Tin Roost transform into a connected festive village. Guests can stroll the illuminated pathway between both restaurants and wander freely back and forth to enjoy an entire day packed with holiday experiences.

This year, we’re bringing back the fan favorites that create pure seasonal joy:
Santa’s Return – Meet Santa and capture unforgettable holiday photos. Face Painting & Ornament Making – Creative, hands-on fun for kids and families. Real Reindeer Encounters – Get up close with Santa’s reindeer for a magical moment. Meet Anna, Elsa & Kristoff – Your Frozen friends are back to spread winter cheer.

With festive activities happening at both Field Day Brewing Co. and Tin Roost, the heart of Winter WANDER-land is the simple thrill of exploring—wandering the glowing pathway, discovering new experiences at every stop, sipping seasonal drinks, and making memories that last long after the snow melts.

Stay tuned for the full schedule of activities and times at both locations — coming soon!

Santa Saturdays - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-06 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.
