Enjoy the festive wonders of Cedar Falls with our detailed event guide. From Cedar Falls regulars to first-time tourists, this guide highlights the season's top events.
One popular attraction lighting up the holiday season is Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, featuring a breathtaking drive-through light show that captivates visitors. Another charming event is the MercyOne Festival of Trees, showcasing beautifully decorated trees while supporting a great cause. And the Holiday Hoopla Kickoff is something you definitely don't want to miss, with fun activities that bring the community together in celebration. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cedar Falls
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland (Cedar Rapids)
- MercyOne Festival of Trees
- Holiday Nights ‘N Lights (Ottumwa)
- A Christmas Carol (Cedar Rapids)
- Home Alone with a Live Orchestra (Cedar Rapids)
- Cirque Dream: Holidaze (Cedar Rapids)
- Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
- Orchestra Iowa Pops (Cedar Rapids)
- Santa's Workshop - Saturdays
- Breakfast at the North Pole
See these and even more events listed below!
Cedar Falls Holiday Light Displays
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with special effects.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure is a drive-through light show at Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The event features a synchronized light display with festive melodies and special effects, including shimmering snowflakes and whimsical characters. It is a unique storytelling experience that brings the magic of Christmas to life in a grand and unprecedented fashion.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Holiday Nights ‘N Lights
What to Expect:
24-acre light display with holiday music and wreath photo op.
Description:
Holiday Nights ‘N Lights is a festive light spectacle located in Greater Ottumwa Park, featuring over 80 lighted displays, holiday music, and a wreath photo opportunity.
Where: Ottumwa | More Info: Holiday Nights ‘N Lights
Cedar Falls Holiday Markets and Shopping
Jingle & Mingle
What to Expect:
Holiday open houses with decorated windows and holiday lights.
Description:
Jingle & Mingle is an event where you 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
Small Business Saturday
What to Expect:
Local shopping event with special deals and activities.
Description:
Small Business Saturday in Cedar Falls is a day to celebrate local shopping with numerous merchants offering special deals and activities.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Small Business Saturday
Cedar Falls Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
What to Expect:
Santa's surprise arrival and fireworks display.
Description:
The Holiday Hoopla Kickoff is a festive event in the Cedar Falls Downtown District, featuring Santa's arrival, live music, entertainment, and fireworks. It is a special evening capped off by a spectacular fireworks display over the Cedar River.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
MercyOne Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday events with decorated trees and festive activities.
Description:
The MercyOne Festival of Trees is an annual holiday celebration at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls, featuring decorated trees, family-friendly events, and a variety of activities including Girls Night Out, Veterans Holiday Breakfast, and Santa's Workshop.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: MercyOne Festival of Trees
Movie Magic
What to Expect:
Free holiday movie screening with a coloring contest.
Description:
Watch a free showing of the classic holiday film "Elf" at the historic Oster Regent Theatre, with the announcement of coloring contest winners.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Movie Magic
Cirque Dream: Holidaze
What to Expect:
World-class circus acts and original holiday music.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a family-friendly holiday spectacular featuring a world-renowned cast of performers, aerial circus acts, and original music. The show combines Broadway-style production with contemporary circus arts, including sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, and breath-catching acrobatics. It includes new twists on seasonal favorites like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Jingle Bells." The event is set amidst new sets, scenery, and storylines, making it a delightful experience for all ages.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Cirque Dream: Holidaze
Home Alone with a Live Orchestra
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of John Williams' score accompanying the classic holiday film.
Description:
Home Alone with a Live Orchestra features John Williams' charming score performed live to picture by Orchestra Iowa, showcasing Macaulay Culkin's iconic performance as Kevin McCallister defending his home against bungling thieves.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Home Alone with a Live Orchestra
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Dazzling adaptation with professional actors, stunning sets, and puppetry.
Description:
A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale of redemption, following Ebenezer Scrooge's journey from a nasty curmudgeon to a benevolent saint. This adaptation features first-class professional actors, gorgeous costumes, stunning sets, and puppetry, with over two dozen timeless Christmas carols woven throughout. The ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present, and Future alternately horrify and amuse, making this a spectacular theatre event filled with haunting special effects and tremendous humor.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Orchestra Iowa Pops
What to Expect:
Outdoor concert with The Eagles' hits.
Description:
Join Orchestra Iowa for an exhilarating outdoor concert experience featuring the hits of The Eagles, presented by The 7 Bridges Band and the entire symphony. Celebrate community along the banks of the Cedar River in an informal, everyone-friendly atmosphere.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Orchestra Iowa Pops
Cedar Falls Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa's Workshop with trolley rides.
Description:
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza, where you can drop off letters to Santa and receive a handwritten reply. Enjoy free trolley rides between the Community Center and the Plaza, offering a loop of beautifully decorated lights and garland.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides
Breakfast at the North Pole
What to Expect:
Breakfast with Santa and holiday friends.
Description:
Join Santa and his friends for a fun morning of pancakes, sausage, and beverages at the Cedar Falls Community Center.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Breakfast at the North Pole
Woodland Wonderland
What to Expect:
Nature-focused educational programs and exhibits.
Description:
Woodland Wonderland is an event that celebrates nature with activities and exhibits showcasing the beauty of the natural world. It features educational programs, interactive displays, and opportunities to connect with the environment.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Woodland Wonderland
Santa's Workshop - Saturdays
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa's Workshop with handwritten replies.
Description:
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza, where you can drop off your letter to Santa and receive a handwritten reply. Enjoy the beautifully decorated lights and festive atmosphere.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Santa's Workshop - Saturdays
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Waterloo (6 miles)
- Marshalltown (41 miles)