Holiday Traditions in Cedar Rapids

Click Here for New Year's Eve Dining Information

HOLIDAY EVENTS 2022

• Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk in Marion. Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy traditional holiday activities and visit shops filled with one-of-a-kind, unique goods on Friday, December 2.

• Natures Noel at Indian Creek Nature Center December 3. 

• Deck The District in Czech Village/New Bohemia Mainstreet District.

• Old World Christmas Market at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library December 3 & 4. 

• Ho Ho Ho in NewBo shopping and dining spectacle takes place December 8.

• Christmas in the Key of A with Alisabeth Von Presley December 9.

• Christmas with Jim McDonough and His Orchestra: The 20th Anniversary Tour at the Paramount Theatre December 10.

• Deck the Stalls at the Iowa Equestrian Center December 11.

• Celtic Angels Christmas at the Paramount Theatre December 11.

• Holiday Mansion Tours at Brucemore. With thirteen trees and garlands galore, the mansion is decked out on all four floors during this annual holiday tradition.

  • ​Don't miss more holiday fun at Brucemore like Glass Holiday Trees, Clay Holiday Gnomes, Ceramic Holiday Tree Luminaries, a Self-Guided Holiday Experience and Santa, Snacks, and Stories!

• TCR Presents Meet Me in St. Louis throughout the month of December.

• Miracle on 34th Street at the Giving Tree Theatre thoughout December. 

• NewBo Gingerbread House Party at the NewBo City Market December 17. 

• Photos with Santa at the Lindale Mall throughout December.

• Visit CSPS Hall throughout December for Holiday inspired concerts and local music.

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. 

HOLIDAY HOTEL SPECIALS

• Enjoy a cookie staycation at the Kirkwood Hotel December 9-11. Find a partner, pick a date, and get your reservation now for a holiday baking and cookie decorating event you won't want to miss! Included in your package are luxurious accommodations for two, holiday baking and cookie decorating, a continental breakfast and more! 
• Hosting for the holidays? The Hampton and Homewood Suites have a spare room for extended family, friends and even cousin Eddie. Both hotels are offering special holiday room rates as well as savings on holiday parties. 

HOLIDAY EATS

• Winter & Christmas Cookie Kits are available at Bistro 3 Nineteen for the holiday season!
• Order your Christmas feast from Edith Lucielle's Bait Shack & Wing Depot - they will focus on the feast and you can focus on your family and friends. Call 319-320-6064 to order.
• It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Feedwell Kitchen & Bakery! All of your holiday favorite breads, pastries, sweets, and savory items are ready to preorder. Call us at 319-409-6905, email at info@feedwellcr.com, or stop in to pickup a form to fill out. Orders must be placed by noon on Sunday December 18th.
• Spend more time with family and less time at the grocery store and kitchen by ordering from Hacienda Las Glorias! Fajita feast are availible for pick-up Christmas Eve. Call either location to order. 
• The Hotel at Kirkwood has cookie kits availible for purchase! Deck out your own festive cookies at home this year. Call 319-398-5665 to place your order. Not into cookies? Try one of their take home holiday cheesecakes for order!
• Let Sugarfire Cedar Rapids cater your Christmas dinner! Order smoked turkey, brisket or pulled pork and apir it with some of their tasty sides. Place your order by December 18. 

OPEN CHRISTMAS

• The Hotel at Kirkwood is ready to serve you for the holidays! If you're joining us at The Class Act on December 24th or 25th, enjoy half-priced bottles of select wine. Call 319-848-8777 for reservations.  
• Chophouse Downtown is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for you and your family to enjoy.

Stay tuned as we continue to update 2022 Holiday Eats information! Many local restaurants will be offering holiday take out specials to feed the whole family. While most places are closed on holidays, some restaurants in our community are open on Christmas Day.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

• Amy Friedl Stoner's New Year's Eve at the Paramount Theatre Featuring Luke Vierel December 31. 
• Great Gatsby New Year's Eve Ball at The Ideal Theater & Bar. Wear your flapper dresses and zoot suits and allow the high-energy Bluetone Jazz Collective to entertain you throughout the evening.
• Take the kids to the FunStation for the Kids New Years Eve Party! Your ticket includes all day access to the event from 10am to 8pm including play maze, climbing walls, ad more!
• May City Bowl is ready to celebrate the new year! Call 319-362-0136 to reserve a lane for your friends and family to enjoy.
• Enjoy the fun at the New Year's Eve Party at North Point! 8 Seconds will be performing at North Point this year, and party favors and champagne at midnight will be provided for everyone! Come celebrate the end of 2022 and the new 2023! 
• Ring in the New Year with games, lanes, food, and fun at Sparetime Entertainment! We’re welcoming 2023 with epic celebrations all day and night long. Our family-friendly events are unforgettable fun for both kids and adults. Or, celebrate After Dark at our late-night party!
• Stop at the Cedar Rapids Public Library for Baby and Toddler Noon Years Countdown! Space is limited; registration required.

NEW YEARS EVE EATS

• Enjoy a 6 course wine paired dinner at the Goldfinch Tap & Eatery on New Years Eve. 
• Cobble Hilll Restaurant is now accepting reservations for the New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Dinner on Dec. 31st! Join us for a 6 course menu to ring in 2023, with additional option of wine pairing. Call 319-366-3177 or email cobblehillrestaurant@gmail.com to book. 
• Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery is having an NYE Pairing Dinner! Get your tickets now. 
• The six-course prix fixe meal with drink pairings at LP Street Food will have you on cloud 9 to start 2023. Walk-in space will be VERY limited, we recommend making a reservation so you don’t miss out!
• Celebrate New Years Eve and New Years Eve Eve with Crosbys! To make your reservation,  give us a call at (319) 200-4449.
• The hip-stir is serving up a Prix Fixe for New Years! Cal 319-200-5465 to reserve your spot. 
• Kick off your New Year's Eve celebration with us at The Class Act Restaurant! ($100 Per Couple*) Call 319-848-8777 for reservations.
• Bid Adieu to 2022, and Swagat 2023 with DELHICACY specially crafted 6 Course Tasting menu on NYE! Reservation required at www.delhicacycr.com/reservation. 
• Spend New Year's Eve at 350 First for Chef inspired plates and LIVE music! Kevin Moore will be playing on December 31st from 7PM-10PM. Reserve your spot now. 

Check back soon to see more restaurants​ that are typically open over the holidays! Their menus and hours may vary from their regular offerings and schedule.