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.

November Events 2026

December Events 2026

Holiday Eats

Holiday Shopping

New Years Events

November Events 2026

Nov. 28-29, 2026
Made in Iowa Holiday Market, Hawkeye Downs Expo Center
Experience the best of Iowa's artisans, bakers, and crafters, all under one roof. Shop with 150 vendors from across Iowa. From unique handmade items to delicious local treats, there's something for everyone!

Discover all things Thanksgiving in Cedar Rapids.

December Events 2026

December 4-27, 2026 (Nightly 4:30-9:00pm)
Five Seasons Lights, McGrath Amphitheatre
Join us for our 4th Annual Five Seasons Lights, presented by Farmers State Bank, on the McGrath Amphitheatre grounds! Walk-through the maze of holiday displays, soak in the festive atmosphere and capture memories with your loved ones.

December 18-19, 2026
Made for Her Merry Market, Hawkeye Downs
Your last stop to holiday shop. Experience the best of Iowa's artisans, bakers, and crafters, all under one roof. Shop with 65 vendors from across Iowa. From unique handmade items to delicious local treats, there's something for everyone!

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

Holiday Eats

Stay tuned as we update 2026 Holiday Eats information! Some local restaurants will be offering holiday take out specials to feed the whole family, while others are offering holiday popups!

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!

Check back for 2026 New Years Activities.

Author

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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