Holiday Traditions, Events & Festivals

Celebrate the Season in C.R.

Stay tuned. More information will be added as updates are available. Have an event to share, submit it to our calendar.

December Events 2025
Holiday Eats
Holiday Shopping
New Years Events

December Events 2025

Dec. 2, 2025
Santa, Snacks and Stories, Brucemore
Santa Claus is coming to Brucemore, and he wants to meet all the little ones in Cedar Rapids to make sure they made the Nice List this year. So, kids, make sure to bring your wish list to share with Santa, and adults, have that camera ready for the perfect snapshot!

Dec. 4-5, 2025
Noelridge Lights & Blooms, Noelridge Greenhouse
Noelridge Greenhouse will glow with color and warmth as Lights & Blooms: A Tropical Holiday Adventure welcomes visitors on Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, from 5–8 p.m.

Dec. 4-6, 2025
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Playtime Poppy at Kennedy High School Theater
Perfect for your littles, Playtime Poppy Children's Theatre engages, educates and entertains through interactive children's theatre productions.

Dec. 5, 2025
Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk, Uptown Marion
Family Fun in Marion with Christmas in the Park and Peppermint Walk! Join us for this annual celebration the first Friday in December in City Square Park and Uptown Marion. We will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus escorted by the Marion Fire Department and Police Department.

Dec. 5-21, 2025
A Christmas Carol, The Giving Tree Theatre
Step into the magic of the holiday season with A Christmas Carol by Christopher Schario—a heartwarming and theatrical retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic. In this uniquely intimate adaptation, a company of six performers—accompanied by a live fiddler—bring to life the powerful story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption.

Dec. 5-28, 2025
Five Seasons Lights, McGrath Amphitheatre
Stroll through an enchanting wonderland of holiday lights while enjoying local music, making memories and so much more! Don’t miss Cedar Rapids’ holiday glow up on the banks of the Cedar River. FREE and open to the public daily.

Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21 2025
Santa Village, Hawkeye Downs
Join us for a holiday experience like no other in Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs in 2025! All ages are welcome to this FREE community event. Celebrate the holiday season at Hawkeye Downs for visits with Santa, crafts, activities, games, photo opportunities, and more!

Dec. 6, 2025
Natures Noel, Indian Creek Nature Walk
‘Tis the season for handcrafted holiday decor, unique gifts and homemade baked goods when Nature’s Noel arrives the first Saturday in December. Across the Nature Center’s grounds visitors can find beautiful fresh-cut evergreens fashioned into wreaths, centerpieces, kissing balls, swags and yule logs, all available for purchase to make your home festive for the holidays! Local vendors, both indoors and outdoors, offer shoppers the chance to find rare gifts perfect for everyone on their list. Bring the kids along for holiday-themed crafts and a chance to meet Santa!

Dec. 6, 2025
St. Ludmila's Christmas Market, St. Ludmila Catholic Church
What better way to start the holiday season than the smell of fresh pine and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts? This annual event features many crafters and vendors, a silent auction, fresh greenery arrangements, cookie & candy sales, Cafe Ludmila and our famous Kolaches.

Dec. 6, 2025
A Very Cherry Holiday, Cherry Building
Cherry Building Annual Holiday Open House - visit local artist studios and galleries, non-profits, and entrepreneurs. Special workshops and gift sales at the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio, Friends of the Library Book Sale, live holiday music by the Five Seasons Chamber Music, children's photo opportunity with Kevin the Santa.

Dec. 6, 2025
The Nutcracker: Featuring Orchestra Iowa & Ballet Quad Cities, Paramount Theatre
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker! In partnership with Ballet Quad Cities, Orchestra Iowa brings this beloved story to life in this enchanting holiday tradition. Follow Clara’s journey through a dazzling world of glimmering snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in a performance filled with beautiful music and timeless splendors.

Dec. 6, 2025
Magical Mount Vernon, Uptown Mount Vernon
Enjoy community favorites like visits with Santa at Mount Vernon Bank, Animatronics at the Presbyterian Church, and the Living Nativity at Memorial Park.

Dec. 6, 2025
Hiawatha Reindeer Run, Fay Clark Park
Each participant will receive a stocking hat with their registration along with hot cocoa, candy canes, cookies and an opportunity to take fun pictures in a giant snowglobe! Don't forget to wear your best holiday attire, prizes will be given to the best dressed! Bring your holiday cheer and a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots!

Dec. 6, 2025
Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair, Groundswell
Celebrate the season with neighbors, makers, and music at our Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair! Browse unique, handmade gifts from local vendors, enjoy tasty bites, and soak in festive live music—all while supporting Matthew 25’s mission to build a stronger, healthier Cedar Rapids community.

Dec. 6, 2025
Happy Llama-Days with Llama Santa, Prairie Patch Farm
Admission: Tickets on Sale November 19th, on website prairiepatchfarm.com

Dec. 6-7, 2025
Old World Christmas Market, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Old World Christmas Market is inspired by traditional European markets, but with our own Midwest magic. Experience a delightful market with local handcrafted items, delicious treats, entertainment and activities for people of all ages.

Dec. 7, 2025
Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas, Paramount Theatre
Rocky Mountain High Experience®, A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler, America’s Top John Denver Tribute, is an intimate experience that will take you back to the ’70s when John Denver’s music permeated the radio airways.

Dec. 7, 2025
Art at Brucemore: Double Glass Holiday Tree, Brucemore
Brucemore is partnering with the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio to bring this popular workshop back to the Art at Brucemore series – but this year it’s double the trees, so double the fun! Participants will design a beautiful double glass tree decoration using warm glass techniques.

Dec. 7, 2025
Santa Cares, Lindale Mall
Join us for a special visit with Santa Cares on Sunday, December 7th, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Santa Cares offers a calm, supportive photo experience designed for guests with sensory, physical, and developmental needs.

Dec. 7, 14, 21, 2025
Santa at the Market, NewBo City Market
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is back at NewBo City Market! Join us for festive fun every Sunday from December 7 through December 21, from 11am to 2pm. Bring your family and friends to meet the jolliest man in town and get into the holiday spirit!

Dec. 8, 2025
Pet Night with Santa, Lindale Mall
Bring your pet to Lindale Mall for a dose of holiday cuteness on December 8th from 4:00–7:00 PM! Mix and mingle with fellow pet lovers while your furry friend strikes a paw-sitively adorable pose with Santa.

Dec. 8, 2025
Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute, Paramount Theatre
Join us for a nostalgic evening of love, joy, and timeless music as RAIN – A Beatles Christmas Tribute brings the spirit of the season to life. Hear holiday favorites alongside the legendary sounds of the Beatles.

Dec. 9, 2025
Jim Brickman The Gift of Christmas, Paramount Theatre
Get ready for a holiday season filled with music, laughter, and joy with Jim Brickman's charming and witty stage presence, combined with his incredible piano skills, make for a truly unforgettable Christmas music experience.

Dec. 9, 2025
Jingle & Mingle Ladies Night Out, Kingston's Steakhouse & Event Venue
Gather your girlfriends and join us for a sparkling night of joy, laughter, cocktails, Christmas Cheer....and of course, shopping!

Dec. 11, 2025
Ho Ho Ho in NewBo, New Bohemia District
Ho Ho Ho in NewBo is back for its sixth year as Cedar Rapids’ premier shopping and dining destination celebrates the holiday season. Most neighborhood shops will be open until 8pm on Thursday, December 11, offering sips, nibbles, or a special promotion, or two.

Dec. 11, 2025
Santa Paws, McGrath Amphitheatre
Bring your pups to our first ever Santa Paws celebration at Five Seasons Lights for free photos with Santa, wagging tails and festive fun. Santa will be accepting free will donations for the Iowa Humane Alliance. Come for the lights, stay for the smiles, and make lasting memories with your furry family this holiday season. 5-8pm

Dec. 12, 2025
Christmas in the Key of A, Paramount Theatre
Step into the sparkle of Alisabeth Von Presley’s “Christmas in The Key of A.” This isn’t just another holiday show. It’s a full-on family-friendly spectacular bursting with Show-stopping holiday hits, Side-splitting comedy skits, Outrageous, over-the-top costumes, Choreography so electric, you’ll be dancing in your seat and special guest stars will bring the magic to life!

Dec. 13-14, 2025
Winter Market, Kingston Yard
Join us in turning cold weather into cozy community traditions! Shop from local vendors at this outdoor market just 2 weeks before the holidays!

Dec. 13, 2025
Amy Friedl's Christmas at the Paramount, Paramount Theatre
Amy Friedl’s Christmas at the Paramount is an annual holiday extravaganza at the beautiful and historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids! Mixing traditional Christmas songs with contemporary Holiday favorites, it’s an evening full of laughter and beautiful music.

Dec. 13, 2025
24th Annual Merry TubaChristmas, Downtown Public Library
Open and free to all, join the Cedar rapids Public Library for a festive and fun celebration! Past performances have included nearly 100 tuba players gathering together to perform holiday music.

Dec. 13, 2025
Photos with Santa, PCI Pediatrics
Santa Claus is coming to town! Kids of all ages are invited to PCI Medical Pavilion 2 for cookies, activities, crafts, and a photo op with Santa himself. Bring your phone to capture the magic and create lasting memories!

Dec. 13, 2025
Santa at the Grove, Big Grove Cedar Rapids
Ho ho ho! Santa’s making a special stop at Big Grove Cedar Rapids! Join us for jolly photo fun on Saturday, December 13, from 11 AM–2 PM. Perfect for families, kids, and anyone who loves holiday cheer!

Dec. 16, 2025
Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular, Paramount Theatre
Following over a decade touring the world as one of the most successful magic shows in history, the Champions Of Magic team return with a spectacular celebration of the season, featuring thrilling illusions, grand-scale magic with a holiday twist and festive surprises to entertain all ages.

Dec. 18, 2025
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Alliant Energy PowerHouse
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for 40 years! The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

Dec. 19, 2025
Holiday Brass Ensemble, Lion Bridge Brewing Company
Get into the holiday spirit with a special performance by a talented brass ensemble! Join us on Friday, December 19th from 6–8 PM as they fill the taproom with your favorite public domain Christmas classics.

Dec. 19, 2025
Maddie Poppe Christmas Concert, The Olympic South Side Theater
Iowan and American Idol winner performs in Cedar Rapids.

Dec. 20, 2025
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings, The Olympic South Side Theater
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Cedar Rapids. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas Carols on Strings at The Olympic South Side Theater under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Dec. 20, 2025
A Winter's Evening with Ryanhood, CSPS Hall
An evening of songs and storytelling, heartstrings and laughter, A Winter’s Evening with Ryanhood is a live holiday touring show based on the duo’s record, On Christmas, that showcases the high-energy, big-harmony, dueling acoustic guitar approach that Ryanhood fans across the country have come to expect.

Dec. 20-21, 2025
Orchestra Iowa Pops III: Holiday Spectacular, Paramount Theatre
Celebrate the season with Orchestra Iowa’s Holiday Spectacular—a grand tradition filled with joyful music and festive cheer! With plenty of surprises and jolly good fun, it’s the perfect way to share the magic of the season with family and friends.

Dec. 20-21, 2025
Made in Iowa Merry Market, Hawkeye Downs Expo Center
Discover a wide variety of handmade goods, delicious treats, unique crafts, and one-of-a-kind art from talented local makers, bakers, crafters, and artists at Made In Iowa Merry Market, Iowa’s the premier artisan market. With more than 60 vendors expected, Made In Iowa is one of the region’s largest markets.

Dec. 22, 2025
A Magical Cirque Christmas, Paramount Theatre
A Magical Cirque Christmas is a dazzling holiday variety show that captivates audiences of all ages. Bursting with festive charm, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming magic, this high-flying spectacle showcases the extraordinary talents of the world’s most elite cirque performers.

Dec. 23, 2025
Movies at the Paramount - Elf, Paramount Theatre
This holiday season, the Paramount Theatre invites the community to celebrate in a way that’s fun, festive, and meaningful with Holiday Movies at the Paramount presented by David Maier and Matthew McGrane. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control. Pre-Show activities include: Meet Buddy the Elf, kids crafts, interact with CR Animal Care & Control.

A Christmas tree viewed through the sculpture in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Holiday Eats

Stay tuned as we update 2025 Holiday Eats information! Some local restaurants will be offering holiday take out specials to feed the whole family, while others are offering holiday popups!

Holiday Pop-ups:

Check back soon to see more restaurants​​ that are typically open over the holidays!

Holiday Shopping

We all know the holidays can be stressful, from deciding who’s going to make the turkey, to addressing and stamping the holiday cards. Whether you’re a shopper who likes to plan ahead, or a procrastinator who waits until the last minute, it’s our goal to help you cross everyone off your shopping list this season!

  • Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District: Shop dozens of local retailers offering unique and personal gifts for everyone on your list - from outdoor gear to vintage wear to vinyl records!
  • Uptown Marion: Be sure to stop into Scout of Marion, The Marion Chocolate Shop and the many locally owned businesses - from clothing to home decor to sweet treats.
  • Cedar Rapids Shopping Centers: There are two main areas of town with abundant shopping opportunities within a few blocks. The Lindale Mall area is on the Northeast side of town and the Westdale area is on the Southwest side of Cedar Rapids. Both areas are surrounded with multiple shopping plazas and a variety of stores and restaurants to make for a complete day of shopping!
  • Don't forget the unique treasures you can find out our local museum stores including the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Brucemore, The History Center and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.
People singing and wearing red Christmas sweaters and angel costumes

New Years Events

Make your plans to ring in the New Year in Cedar Rapids!

All that Glitters First Night Celebration, DoubleTree By Hilton Cedar Rapids
Come join us for a night of glitz and glamour at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. Get ready to dance the night away, enjoy delicious food, and ring in the New Year in style. This in-person event promises to be the highlight of your year.

New Year's Eve at SpareTime, SpareTime Cedar Rapids
Join us to welcome 2026 with epic celebrations, all day and night long! All of our New Year’s Eve parties include bowling and shoe rental, hand-tossed pizza, soft drinks, AND a $10 Game Zone arcade play card for each guest! There’s no better way to kick off a new year than with Games, Lanes, Food, and FUN.

The Great Gatsby NYE Ball 2026, Ideal Theatre
Step into an era where excess was the standard and elegance the expectation. On New Year’s Eve, The Ideal becomes what it was meant to be: a gilded ballroom of art deco opulence, where sequined gowns shimmer beneath chandeliers and the air hums with anticipation. A limousine at your door. A red carpet beneath your feet. Four hours of live jazz. Midnight champagne. New Year’s Eve 2026 belongs to Gatsby — and to you.

Westwood's NYE Dance Party Part II, Otis' Tailgators Sports Bar
Westwood return's to Tailgator's to throw another epic NYE bash! Westwood is an indie pop band from Cedar Rapids, IA - playing a mix of covers and originals.

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Cedar Rapids Tourism

The Cedar Rapids Tourism Office markets the Cedar Rapids area as a destination for tourism, conventions, meetings, sports events and special events through active partnerships with tournament directors, convention and meeting planners, and through engagement with leisure travelers. The Tourism Office attracts events to the Cedar Rapids area that will continue to be the economic driver for hotels, attractions, restaurants and local businesses.
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