Hunt for the Elves - Downtown Iowa City
2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-11 10:00 - 17:00, 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 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

Tractor Wagon Rides sponsored by Hills Bank
2025-12-13 10:00 - 16:00 | 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.

Third Eye Open: A Day Retreat to Awaken Inner Vision
2025-12-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Anahata Wellness Co-op, 2441 Coral Court, Suite 3, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Third Eye Open: A Day Retreat to Awaken Inner Vision

Your intuition isn’t a mystery—it’s a muscle with a little bit of magic . It grows stronger when you slow down, listen deeply, and follow those little nudges that whisper ‘this way.’

Come spend the day awakening your inner oracle! Through a joyful blend of gentle yoga, meditation, kriya, oracle cards, intuitive tools & intuitive play, you’ll learn to clear energetic cobwebs, activate your third eye, and remember the wisdom that’s been inside you all along.

Through movement, stillness, and sacred play, you will: Open the subtle energetic channels of intuition and insight Cultivate inner stillness to hear and trust your inner voice Deepen self-trust through embodied awareness Strengthen your connection to inner and universal guidance Feel clarity, synchronicity, and expansion unfold

During our time together, you’ll get to explore and create with intuitive tools, such as: Oracle Card Play Journaling & Automatic Writing Create-Your-Own Divination Set Quantum Hypnosis Healing Technique

The guidance you seek is already within you. Step into your knowing, open your inner eye, and let your intuition joyfully lead the way.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 13, 9a-4pWHERE: Anahata Wellness Co-opINVESTMENT: $113 includes lunch provided by Stack Wellness Cafe. Space is limited to 20 participants.

Holiday Hoopla
2025-12-13 08:00 - 12:00 | Clear Creek Amana Middle School, 311 W Marengo Rd, Tiffin, IA, 52340, United States
Celebrate the Holiday Season Together!
Bring the whole family for a festive morning of memories, laughter, and holiday fun on December 13th!

8:00–10 AM — Breakfast With Santa (Ticketed)Kick off the day with a magical breakfast and early access to our Hoopla games. Get your tickets here: Coming soon

10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Free Holiday Fun!
Activities Include: Meet Santa Ornament Decorating Delicious Cookies Snowball Toss Candy Cane Fishing Game

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

Gingerbread House Competition
2025-12-12 17:00 - 22:00 | Poindexter Coffee, 210 Dubuque St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Gather your friends or family and join us for a creative and cozy evening of gingerbread house building and friendly competition at Poindexter at Graduate Hotel. Whether you’re looking to put your artistic talents to the test or simply enjoy a relaxed holiday activity, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Join us on Friday, December 12th, and choose the time slot that works best for your group: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. Attendees will have a hour and a half for decorating, followed by a 30 minute awards ceremony.

A $60 Group Ticket Includes:
– Space for up to 4 people– A homemade gingerbread house from The Eat Shop– Homemade frosting for decorating– An assortment of candy for decorating– A chance to win a Downtown District gift card!
Please Note:
– Space is very limited! Only 30 team tickets are available– Attendees are welcome to bring additional candy for decorating, as long as everything is 100% consumable– This event is family friendly and open to all ages!– Attendees will provide the ticket buyer’s last name at check-in – There are no physical or digital tickets

Warm seasonal NA and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at Poindexter, along with a curated snack menu.

Holiday Lights at the Lake - Drive Through Event
2025-12-12 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-11 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-09 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-08 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.

‘It’s the Season Downtown - Festive Fridays
2025-12-12 17:00 - 20:00 | 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

Swisher Sip & Shop with Santa
2025-12-11 16:00 - 19:00 | Black Squirrel Tap, 72 2nd Street SE, Swisher, Iowa, 52338, United States
Join us in Downtown Swisher for a Sip & Shop w/ Santa on Thursday, Dec. 11th from 4-7pm. Shopping, music, specials, food & drinks.

Sign-up at Vault Boutique to win a Jolly Gift Basket full of goodies!
Plus, enjoy SPECIALS at the following participants:

Vault Boutique• 20% off your ENTIRE purchase if dressed in an Ugly Sweater or wearing a holiday hat. 10% off your ENTIRE purchase if not dressed up.• Spend over $50, get a FREE gift• Snacks & Drinks

Swisher Sips (inside Rose Barn) featuring your favorite caffeinated and non-caffeinated tea bombs, protein shakes and tea kits.

Plum Creek Boutique• Holiday Specials• Drinks & Snacks

AO 3D Osterkamp Hydro Farms (inside Rose Barn)• Plants, Holiday Decor, Planting Pots and more!

Rose Barn• VENDORS

Black Squirrel Tap• Jolly Drink Specials• FREE Pudding Shot to those dressed in Holiday Attire!• Live Music w/ Casey Klein (5-8pm)• Visit with Santa starting at 4pm

Toddler Takeover
2025-12-10 09:00 - 12:00 | 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 | 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 | 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

English as a Second Language
2025-12-08 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!

Book Club | “How About Now” by Kate Baer
2025-12-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Sidekick Coffee & Books, 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
Sidekick Coffee & Books meets on the second Monday of every month!

Join us on Monday, December 8 at 10 am to chat about “How About Now” by Kate Baer
Purchase the Book Here >>> bit.ly/HowAboutNow_BookClub

About the Book
The third full-length poetry collection from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Kind of Woman. Renowned poet Kate Baer returns with a bold and compassionate collection that confronts the march of time in a shifting world. With her trademark candor and curiosity, Baer explores what it means to grow older, to release children into the wildness of their own lives, and to reclaim the ever-evolving self. Raw, luminous, and urgent, this collection channels Baer’s own journey to middle age into poems that are profoundly intimate yet resound universally, identifying the beauty, resilience, and fragility that arrive in every stage of life.

Grab a coffee, bring your thoughts, and join the conversation.
Everyone’s welcome!

The Nutcracker
2025-12-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-06 19:30 - 21:30 | 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.

Holiday Lights at the Lake - Walk Through Event
2025-12-07 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.

KidLit Pizzazz Festival
2025-12-07 14:00 - 17:00 | 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 | 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.

Sunday Morning Yin Yoga
2025-12-07 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.
