Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
holiday_markets_and_shopping

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Holiday Hoopla Kickoff

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Cedar Falls' Holiday Hoopla! This beloved event series kicks off with Santa's grand arrival, followed by festive activities throughout the downtown district. Enjoy live entertainment, trolley rides, ice sculpting, and opportunities to visit Santa's workshop. Families can delight in special events like 'Breakfast at the North Pole' and a free movie screening.

What to Expect

Santa's arrival and multiple festive holiday events.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Cedar Falls

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and individuals seeking festive holiday activities.

Vibe

Festive, cheerful, community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Special Events & Promotions

  • Santa's grand entrance and fireworks
  • Jingle & Mingle shopping event
  • Breakfast at the North Pole
  • Eat, Drink & Be Merry BINGO
  • Free movie screening of 'Happy Feet 2'
  • Ice sculpting demonstration
  • Santa's Workshop visits
  • Free Holly Trolley and horse-drawn trolley rides
  • Mail a letter to Santa for a reply
  • Window Wonderland decorating contest

Tags

holiday marketSanta visitsfamily friendlytrolley ridescommunity celebrationfestive foodholiday traditionice skatingChristmas Villageseasonal activities

Location

Cedar Falls Downtown District
310 E 4th Street
Cedar Falls, IA
50613

Event Details

Duration

Varies by event

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown District

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Community Main Street, Inc.

Food & Drink

Participating bars & restaurants for 'Eat, Drink & Be Merry' event.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for Santa's grand entrance and the fireworks display to secure a good viewing spot.
  • Check the specific dates and times for each 'Holiday Hoopla' event, as they vary throughout the season.
  • Dress warmly and in layers, as many activities take place outdoors, especially during the evening events.
  • Take advantage of the free Holly Trolley rides on Thursdays to easily navigate between different event locations.
  • Don't forget your camera for 'Breakfast at the North Pole' to capture memorable moments with Santa and his friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times for the Holiday Hoopla events?

The Holiday Hoopla events run from November 28th through December 20th, with specific activities scheduled on various Thursdays, Saturdays, and a weekend in December. Please refer to the event details for precise timings.

Are there any costs associated with attending Holiday Hoopla events?

Many events are free, including Santa's arrival, trolley rides, and the movie screening. 'Breakfast at the North Pole' has a ticket price of $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Other activities may have associated costs with participating businesses.

Where can I find parking during the Holiday Hoopla events?

Information regarding parking in the Cedar Falls Downtown District can be found on their website. It's recommended to check for available street parking or nearby lots.

Can I bring my pet to the Holiday Hoopla events?

The general pet policy for the Cedar Falls Downtown District is no pets allowed, with exceptions for service animals.

How can I participate in the 'Eat, Drink & Be Merry' event?

To participate, you will receive a BINGO card from participating bars and restaurants. Complete the card and turn it into Santa's mailbox at the corner of 2nd and State Streets to be entered.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

Follow us for updates and more events!