The holidays have arrived, Cedar Rapids! Dive into our guide for all the top festive events. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, this guide will show you all the holiday wonders Cedar Rapids has to offer.
One highlight this season is Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland I, where impressive light displays and synchronized music create a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Another notable event is Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland II, featuring unique interactive light exhibits that encourage participation. And don’t forget that Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland V is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it showcases innovative designs and a festive atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cedar Rapids
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland VII
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland VI
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland V
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland II
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland I
- Jolly Holiday Lights VII (Altoona)
- Jolly Holiday Lights II (Altoona)
- Holiday Nights ‘N Lights VII (Ottumwa)
- Holiday Nights ‘N Lights II (Ottumwa)
- Holiday Nights ‘N Lights I (Ottumwa)
See these and even more events listed below!
Cedar Rapids Holiday Light Displays
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland I
What to Expect:
Drive-through storybook in lights with super-sized elements.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure at Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center features a drive-through storybook in lights, where imagination meets reality. The event includes super-sized toys, animals, and whimsical characters brought to life through clever light animations. It is a celebration of storytelling with shimmering snowflakes and special effects adding a new dimension to the experience.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland I
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland II
What to Expect:
Drive-through storybook in lights with super-sized toys and animals.
Description:
Step into a realm where imagination meets reality, and the magic of Christmas comes to life in a grand and unprecedented fashion. This experience promises to captivate your senses and transport you to a larger-than-life storybook adventure. Shimmering snowflakes and whimsical characters come to life through clever light animations, each element designed to leave you in awe and wonder. The innovative concept pushes the boundaries of Christmas entertainment, delivering a unique and unforgettable journey for all ages.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland II
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland V
What to Expect:
Drive-through Christmas light show with super-sized toys and animals.
Description:
Step into a larger-than-life storybook adventure filled with synchronized lights, whimsical characters, and festive melodies, where the spirit of Christmas shines brightly in every detail.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland V
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland VI
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with super-sized toys and characters.
Description:
Step into a larger-than-life storybook adventure where imagination meets reality. Synchronized lights and special effects bring Christmas to life in an unprecedented fashion. Journey through super-sized toys, animals, and whimsical characters, all set to festive melodies. This innovative concept delivers a unique and unforgettable journey for all ages.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland VI
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland VII
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with super-sized toys and characters.
Description:
Step into a larger-than-life storybook adventure where dazzling lights and special effects bring the magic of Christmas to life. Journey through super-sized toys and characters, and enjoy festive melodies and whimsical animations.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland VII
Jolly Holiday Lights II
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with light displays and holiday music.
Description:
Jolly Holiday Lights is an immersive holiday event featuring light displays, holiday music, and a Wish Shop, offering a variety of new and traditional activities for all ages.
Where: Altoona | More Info: Jolly Holiday Lights II
Jolly Holiday Lights VII
What to Expect:
Immersive light and music experience with a Wish Shop.
Description:
Jolly Holiday Lights at the Outlets of Des Moines features immersive light displays paired with holiday music, a Wish Shop, and various special events for all ages.
Where: Altoona | More Info: Jolly Holiday Lights VII
Holiday Nights ‘N Lights I
What to Expect:
Dedicated to soldiers with proceeds benefiting Wapello County Veterans.
Description:
Holiday Nights 'N Lights is a festive light spectacle at Greater Ottumwa Park featuring over 80 lighted displays, holiday music, and a wreath photo opportunity.
Where: Ottumwa | More Info: Holiday Nights ‘N Lights I
Holiday Nights ‘N Lights II
What to Expect:
Extensive lighted displays and holiday music in a 24-acre park setting.
Description:
Holiday Nights 'N Lights features over 80 lighted displays and holiday music in Greater Ottumwa Park, offering photo opportunities for visitors.
Where: Ottumwa | More Info: Holiday Nights ‘N Lights II
Holiday Nights ‘N Lights VII
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display in a public park setting.
Description:
Holiday Nights ‘N Lights VII is a spectacular display of lights and decorations at Greater Ottumwa Park, transforming the area into a vibrant and festive environment.
Where: Ottumwa | More Info: Holiday Nights ‘N Lights VII
Mt. Pleasant Festival of Lights VI
What to Expect:
Holiday lighted displays along a 1.6-mile route.
Description:
The Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights features over 140 holiday lighted displays, including a gingerbread man, tractors, candy canes, and Santa Claus, along a 1.6-mile route in the Midwest Old Threshers Campground.
Where: Mt. Pleasant | More Info: Mt. Pleasant Festival of Lights VI
Holiday Lights I
What to Expect:
Annual fundraiser with a festive light display.
Description:
The Holiday Lights event at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah features a festive display of lights, benefiting Helping Services for Youth and Families through free-will donations.
Where: Decorah | More Info: Holiday Lights I
Holiday Lights IV
What to Expect:
Unique holiday light display with live entertainment and community activities.
Description:
The Holiday Lights event at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah features a festive display of lights, live music, Santa, and a live nativity scene. Enjoy free soup, cookies, and hot chocolate while exploring the beautifully lit grounds.
Where: Decorah | More Info: Holiday Lights IV
Holiday Lights VI
What to Expect:
Unique light displays and live entertainment.
Description:
The Holiday Lights event at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah features a festive display of lights, live nativity scenes, holiday choirs, and visits with Santa. Enjoy free soup, cookies, hot chocolate, and POKEY PETE rides while exploring the beautifully lit grounds.
Where: Decorah | More Info: Holiday Lights VI
Five Seasons Lights II
What to Expect:
Daily light displays and live entertainment.
Description:
Five Seasons Lights is a holiday event in Cedar Rapids featuring daily light displays, live entertainment, and visits with Santa. Enjoy local music and festive atmosphere while strolling through the beautifully lit McGrath Amphitheatre.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Five Seasons Lights II
Five Seasons Lights IV
What to Expect:
Extensive light displays with live entertainment and local music.
Description:
Five Seasons Lights IV is a holiday event in Cedar Rapids featuring extensive light displays, live entertainment, and local music. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully illuminated McGrath Amphitheatre while enjoying food and beverages. The event is free and open to the public daily throughout December 2024, making it a memorable experience for all.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Five Seasons Lights IV
Cedar Rapids Holiday Markets and Shopping
Old World Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional Czech and Slovak food offerings and unique local crafts.
Description:
The Old World Christmas Market at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library offers a delightful celebration of culture and community with local handcrafted items, delicious treats, and entertainment for all ages. This event features a holiday vendor market, traditional Czech and Slovak food offerings, and various activities including family holiday crafts and ornament personalization.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Old World Christmas Market
Jingle & Mingle
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping with festive window displays and activities for all ages.
Description:
Jingle & Mingle is an event where families can find unique gifts during holiday open houses, stroll through beautifully decorated windows, and enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Jingle & Mingle
Cedar Rapids Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cirque Dream: Holidaze
What to Expect:
Whimsical holiday show with aerial circus acts and original music.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a family-friendly holiday spectacular that combines Broadway-style production with contemporary circus arts, featuring world-renowned performers, aerial acts, jugglers, and acrobatics.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Cirque Dream: Holidaze
Orchestra Iowa Pops
What to Expect:
Outdoor concert celebrating community with The Eagles' hits.
Description:
Join Orchestra Iowa for a new outdoor concert experience featuring the 7 Bridges Band performing hits from The Eagles. Celebrate community along the banks of the Cedar River in an informal, everyone-friendly atmosphere.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Orchestra Iowa Pops
Home Alone in Concert
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of John Williams' score.
Description:
Home Alone in Concert features the beloved holiday film accompanied by a live orchestra performing John Williams' iconic score, bringing new life to the timeless Christmas classic.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Home Alone in Concert
Movie Magic
What to Expect:
Free movie screening with coloring contest winners announcement.
Description:
A free showing of the holiday classic "Elf" at the historic Oster Regent Theatre, with the announcement of coloring contest winners.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Movie Magic
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Annual fundraiser with decorated trees and silent auction.
Description:
Festival of Trees is an annual event featuring beautifully decorated trees, silent auction, and various holiday activities to support medical care in the Cedar Valley.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Festival of Trees
Cedar Rapids Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Acres I
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities for all ages.
Description:
Christmas in Hometown Le Mars offers a variety of activities including a hot breakfast buffet with Santa's Elves, a Christmas Scavenger Hunt, ice skating, and axe throwing. The event also features a holiday train, reindeer round, and a Brown Family Christmas Show. There are opportunities for kids to meet Santa, participate in cookie decorating, and enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo.
Where: Le Mars | More Info: Christmas Acres I
Christmas Acres II
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities for all ages.
Description:
Christmas in Hometown Le Mars offers a variety of activities including a hot breakfast buffet with Santa's Elves, a Christmas scavenger hunt, ice skating, and axe throwing. The event also features a holiday train ride, reindeer viewing, and a Brown Family Christmas Show. Additionally, there are opportunities for cookie decorating, creating mini masterpieces, and pony rides. The event concludes with oversized games and a petting zoo.
Where: Le Mars | More Info: Christmas Acres II
Christmas Acres VII
What to Expect:
Diverse holiday activities for all ages.
Description:
Christmas in Le Mars offers a variety of festive activities including a hot breakfast buffet with Santa's Elves, a Christmas scavenger hunt, ice skating, and axe throwing. The event also features a holiday train ride, reindeer round, and a Brown Family Christmas show. Additionally, there are opportunities for cookie decorating, creating mini masterpieces, and meeting Santa Claus.
Where: Le Mars | More Info: Christmas Acres VII
Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival and festive community events.
Description:
The Holiday Hoopla Kickoff marks the beginning of a month-long celebration in Cedar Falls Downtown District, featuring Santa's arrival, merchant open houses, and various family activities.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience with trolley rides.
Description:
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza, where you can bring your letter to Santa and receive a handwritten reply. The event also includes free trolley rides between the Cedar Falls Community Center and River Place Plaza.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides
Breakfast at the North Pole
What to Expect:
Santa-themed breakfast event with holiday characters.
Description:
Join Santa and his friends for a fun morning of pancakes, sausage, coffee, and beverages at the Cedar Falls Community Center.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Breakfast at the North Pole
Woodland Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive nature and art experience.
Description:
Woodland Wonderland is an immersive event where nature and art blend together, offering a serene and educational experience amidst the natural beauty of Hartman Reserve.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Woodland Wonderland
Baby It's Cold Outside
What to Expect:
Live ice sculpting and s'mores in the downtown district.
Description:
Live ice carvers create delicate works of art while carolers and s'mores add to the festive atmosphere throughout the downtown district.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Baby It's Cold Outside
Reindeer Games
What to Expect:
Live ice carvers and s'mores.
Description:
Reindeer Games features live ice carvers, s'mores, and carolers throughout the district, offering a fun event for the entire family.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Reindeer Games
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Iowa City (25 miles)