Celebrate the magic of the season in Iowa City with our comprehensive guide. For those who know Iowa City's every corner and those just beginning to explore, our guide reveals hidden holiday gems.
Popular events include the enchanting Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars, where beloved characters take to the ice in a dazzling display. Another highlight is the Holiday Promenade, featuring whimsical decorations and festive activities for all ages. And the Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing an impressive light display synchronized to music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Iowa City
- Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars (Des Moines)
- Holiday Promenade (Des Moines)
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Des Moines)
- Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker (Des Moines)
- Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure (Cedar Rapids)
- Santa’s Rock N Lights (Urbandale)
- Iowa Stage Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol (Des Moines)
- Sinterklaas Day (Orange City/Pella)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (Des Moines)
- Julefest (Elk Horn/Kimballton)
See these and even more events listed below!
Iowa City Holiday Light Displays
Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with super-sized toys and characters.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure is a drive-through light display featuring synchronized lights and special effects, transporting visitors through a larger-than-life storybook adventure filled with super-sized toys and whimsical characters.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Adventure
Santa’s Rock N Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with over 700 feet of dancing light tunnels.
Description:
Santa's Rock N Lights is a drive-through Christmas light show featuring over one mile of spectacular lights synchronized to music, including dancing light tunnels, larger-than-life 3D sculptures, and traditional lights.
Where: Urbandale | More Info: Santa’s Rock N Lights
Iowa City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Promenade
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony and extended shopping hours.
Description:
The Holiday Promenade is a free celebration in Downtown Des Moines featuring holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly fun. It includes a tree lighting ceremony and encourages Historic East Village retailers, restaurants, and attractions to remain open until 9 p.m.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Holiday Promenade
Iowa City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Blue Violin Candlight Christmas
What to Expect:
Intimate violin performance with over 500 candles.
Description:
Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas features an intimate performance blending music and dance with the soulful voice of the violin, creating an atmosphere of elegance and fascination. The event includes original music, holiday favorites, and unique bluegrass renditions, with guest performers adding to the musical magic.
Where: Coralville | More Info: Blue Violin Candlight Christmas
Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars
What to Expect:
High-flying acrobatics and innovative lighting.
Description:
Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars brings Disney's brightest stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, and stunning set designs. Journey through timeless tales and today's favorites, including Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana, with dynamic moments that take place on and above the ice.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars
A Charlie Brown Christmas
What to Expect:
Faithful stage adaptation of a beloved animated special.
Description:
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a faithful stage adaptation of the classic animated television special, where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Ballet Des Moines presents The Nutcracker, a professional production of the quintessential holiday ballet. The story follows Clara and her Nutcracker as they journey through a distant land where a prince battles mischievous mice and flowers waltz. Choreographed and directed by a team of dance professionals from Central Iowa, this performance is set to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Ballet Des Moines Present: The Nutcracker
Iowa Stage Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
A classic tale of redemption and transformation.
Description:
Iowa Stage Theatre Company presents a timeless adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," following Ebenezer Scrooge on a transformative journey as four ghosts teach him about the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Iowa Stage Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
What to Expect:
High-energy acrobatic performances with elaborate costumes and sets.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a dazzling holiday show featuring world-class acrobats, aerialists, and musicians performing to festive music.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Iowa City Other Holiday Activities
Weihnachtsfest
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with a lighted parade and family activities.
Description:
Celebrate Weihnachtsfest in Manning with a lighted parade, Santa's arrival, outdoor food truck, carriage rides, live music, and family activities.
Where: Manning | More Info: Weihnachtsfest
Julefest
What to Expect:
Free admission to festive holiday activities and exhibitions.
Description:
Julefest is an annual celebration in the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, featuring current exhibitions, live piano music, festive decorations, cookies, crafts, and seasonal drinks. The event includes activities at the museum's Design Store and Genealogy & Education Center, with free admission.
Where: Elk Horn/Kimballton | More Info: Julefest
Sinterklaas Day
What to Expect:
Dutch-themed games and puppet show.
Description:
Sinterklaas Day in Orange City is a festive celebration where children and families gather to see the arrival of Dutch Santa and his white horse. The event features Dutch games, a puppet show, and a parade, all set in the charming Dutch Village.
Where: Orange City/Pella | More Info: Sinterklaas Day
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Community holiday celebration with diverse activities and attractions.
Description:
Winterfest at Bayliss Park features a holiday lighting ceremony, Santa's Workshop, reindeer, festive photo ops, face painting, free hot cocoa, ice sculpting, an outdoor movie, art activities, crafts inside the museum, live music, food trucks, giveaways, horse carriage rides, bike rides, and snow.
Where: Council Bluffs | More Info: Winterfest
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Coralville (3 miles)
- Cedar Rapids (25 miles)
- Marion (26 miles)
- Muscatine (30 miles)