Make the most of the holidays in Waterloo with our planner guide. Discover all the best events and activities. From longtime Waterloo dwellers to first-time guests, our guide illuminates the city's yuletide spirit.
One highlight of the season is the Holiday Hoopla Kickoff, where the city comes alive with festive activities and local charm. Another intriguing option is Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides, featuring delightful interactions with Santa and a scenic journey through beautifully decorated neighborhoods. And the Christmas by Candlelight event is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it offers a magical evening filled with twinkling lights and seasonal festivities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Waterloo
- Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides (Cedar Falls)
- Holiday Hoopla Kickoff (Cedar Falls)
- Christmas by Candlelight (Cedar Falls)
- Christmas in the Loft (Spencer)
- Santa's Workshop - Saturdays (Cedar Falls)
- Woodland Wonderland (Cedar Falls)
- Breakfast at the North Pole (Cedar Falls)
- Jingle & Mingle (Cedar Falls)
- Reindeer Games (Cedar Falls)
- Baby It's Cold Outside (Cedar Falls)
See these and even more events listed below!
Waterloo 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
Christmas in the Loft
What to Expect:
Cozy holiday market with local artisans and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Christmas in the Loft is a charming holiday event in Spencer, Iowa, where local vendors offer handmade gifts, unique decorations, and delicious treats. The market transforms an old loft into a cozy winter setting with twinkling lights, holiday music, and the scent of fresh pine.
Where: Spencer | More Info: Christmas in the Loft
Small Business Saturday
What to Expect:
Celebrating local businesses with a day of shopping and community spirit.
Description:
Small Business Saturday in Cedar Falls Downtown District offers a day filled with local shopping, community spirit, and festive atmosphere as residents celebrate the power of shopping locally.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Small Business Saturday
Waterloo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
What to Expect:
Santa's surprise arrival and fireworks display.
Description:
The Holiday Hoopla Kickoff marks the beginning of the holiday season in Cedar Falls, featuring Santa's arrival, live music, and fireworks over the Cedar River.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
Movie Magic
What to Expect:
Free movie screening with coloring contest winners announcement.
Description:
Watch a free showing of "Elf" at the historic Oster Regent Theatre, with the announcement of coloring contest winners.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Movie Magic
Christmas by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Intimate violin performance with over 500 candles.
Description:
Join Blue Violin for an intimate performance blending music and dance, featuring the soulful voice of the violin with Christmas songs, creating an atmosphere of elegance and mystique. The event includes original music, covers, and unique bluegrass renditions of holiday favorites.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight
35th Anniversary of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Celebration
What to Expect:
Nostalgic tribute to a holiday classic.
Description:
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with the Black Hawks, featuring special jerseys and a nostalgic evening.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: 35th Anniversary of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Celebration
Waterloo Holiday Giving Opportunities
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff
What to Expect:
Community-driven fundraising initiative.
Description:
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff is an event that marks the beginning of the annual fundraising drive, promoting community involvement and charitable giving.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff
Waterloo 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 your letter to Santa and receive a handwritten reply. Enjoy free trolley rides between the Cedar Falls Community Center and River Place Plaza, taking in the beautifully decorated lights and garland.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides
Breakfast at the North Pole
What to Expect:
Interactive breakfast event with Santa and holiday characters.
Description:
Join Santa and his friends at the Cedar Falls Community Center for a morning of pancakes, sausage, coffee, and photo opportunities.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Breakfast at the North Pole
Woodland Wonderland
What to Expect:
Nature-themed activities and programs.
Description:
Woodland Wonderland is an event that celebrates nature with activities and programs centered around the natural environment. It features refreshments and various outdoor activities, fostering a sense of community and connection with nature.
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. The event features Santa's Workshop on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Santa's Workshop - Saturdays
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 with chainsaws, while s'mores and carolers add to the festive atmosphere throughout the downtown district.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Baby It's Cold Outside
Reindeer Games
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with local businesses.
Description:
Reindeer Games is a family-friendly event where select downtown businesses host fun activities and treats, including s'mores and live ice carvers.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Reindeer Games
Meet Santa in Party Town
What to Expect:
Postgame skate and autographs with Santa Claus.
Description:
Meet Santa in Party Town is an event where fans can meet Santa Claus, participate in a postgame skate and autographs, and enjoy a Chick-fil-A Waterloo Cowbell giveaway, along with a Bloody Mary Bar and Bottomless Mimosas in The Cold Zone.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Meet Santa in Party Town
Hockey Fights Cancer Night & Postgame Jersey Auction
What to Expect:
Postgame jersey auction supporting cancer awareness.
Description:
The Hockey Fights Cancer Night & Postgame Jersey Auction is a special event where fans come together to support cancer research and awareness. The evening features a postgame jersey auction, highlighting the team's commitment to this important cause.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Hockey Fights Cancer Night & Postgame Jersey Auction
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Cedar Falls (6 miles)
- Marshalltown (42 miles)