Welcome to your ultimate guide for holiday fun in Coralville! Discover all the best festive events and attractions. Whether you're a familiar face in Coralville or a new visitor, our guide shows you the season's highlights.
One of the most enchanting experiences is the Tannenbaum Forest, where beautifully decorated trees bring joy to all ages. Each tree tells a unique story, showcasing the creativity of local community members. Another delightful activity is Prelude to Christmas, featuring music, shopping, and family-friendly activities to embrace the spirit of the season. And you certainly don't want to miss the Downtown Hunt for the Elves, an engaging scavenger hunt that encourages exploration throughout the downtown area. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Coralville
- Tannenbaum Forest (Amana)
- Prelude to Christmas (Amana)
- Downtown Hunt for the Elves (Iowa City)
- The Nutcracker (Iowa City)
- Aisle of Lights
- Holiday Retail Open House (Iowa City)
- Nolte Madrigal Dinner (Iowa City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Coralville Holiday Light Displays
Aisle of Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display with resident and business participation.
Description:
Aisle of Lights in Coralville features thousands of luminarias along sidewalks, creating a beautiful winter evening scene. Area businesses and organizations host free activities for all ages, making it a community-driven event.
Where: Coralville | More Info: Aisle of Lights
Coralville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Retail Open House
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping with in-store festivities.
Description:
Join downtown shops for the annual Holiday Retail Open House, featuring holiday parties with snacks, drinks, and small gifts at each participating retailer.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: Holiday Retail Open House
Coralville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Live orchestra performance by local musicians.
Description:
The Nutcracker, presented by Nolte Academy and the Englert Theatre, features a live orchestra conducted by Carey Bostian. This holiday classic tells the story of Clara and her hero as they defeat the evil Mouse King and travel through a land of snow and sweets.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: The Nutcracker
Nolte Madrigal Dinner
What to Expect:
Immersive 16th-century themed dinner theatre experience.
Description:
The Nolte Madrigal Dinner is a 3-hour immersive dinner theatre experience set in 16th century England, featuring wassail and soft drinks, with beer and wine available for purchase. It promises a revelry-filled evening with a tour-de-Yuletide atmosphere.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: Nolte Madrigal Dinner
Coralville Other Holiday Activities
Tannenbaum Forest
What to Expect:
Unique Christmas tree display with local decorations and a giant German Christmas pyramid.
Description:
Explore over 70 beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the Festhalle Barn, each uniquely adorned by local businesses, organizations, and families. The entire barn is decked out for the season with Santa's Sleigh, festive photo opportunities, and a stunning 17-foot German Christmas Pyramid as the centerpiece. Admission is free, with free-will donations supporting the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital and local charities.
Where: Amana | More Info: Tannenbaum Forest
Prelude to Christmas
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with unique activities and authentic German traditions.
Description:
The Prelude to Christmas in the Amana Colonies is a cherished annual event marking the start of the holiday season. Visitors can explore shops filled with handcrafted goods, enjoy special promotions, tastings, and demonstrations, and participate in unique activities like the annual cookie walk and authentic German Christmas traditions. Highlights include the Tannenbaum Forest, visits with Santa Claus, and traditional Christmas tree lighting.
Where: Amana | More Info: Prelude to Christmas
Downtown Hunt for the Elves
What to Expect:
Interactive scavenger hunt with hidden elves in downtown shops and restaurants.
Description:
In downtown Iowa City, elves are hiding in shops and restaurants. Join the Downtown Hunt for the Elves, a free kid-friendly scavenger hunt starting on November 25th. Find each elf, use the provided stamp, and write the name on the card. Collect 10 cards to receive a small prize and be entered to win a grand prize gift basket.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: Downtown Hunt for the Elves
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Iowa City (3 miles)
- Cedar Rapids (23 miles)
- Marion (25 miles)
- Muscatine (33 miles)