We’ve put together this handy guide to help you know where to see Santa in & around Cedar Rapids!!
*Be sure to call ahead to confirm dates and hours, as they are subject to change!
Santa at the History Center | Rudolph’s Return
November 18th 10am to noon
Do you remember the magic of walking through the holiday displays at Armstrong’s Department Store? The last holiday display shown at Armstrong’s will be available again at The History Center for Rudolph’s Return!
Enjoy family photos with Santa by Above and Beyond Photography, horse & carriage rides, crafts, holiday treats, museum tours and more!
Tickets: $7.00 general admission; free to members of The History Center.
Santa at Brucemore (Santa, Snacks & Stories)
November 27th and November 28th 5-7:30 PM
Santa Clause is coming to Brucemore, and he wants to meet all the little ones in Cedar Rapids to make sure they made the Nice List this year. So, kids, make sure to bring your wish list to share with Santa, and adults, have that camera ready for the perfect snapshot! While at Brucemore visiting Santa, check-out the other holiday activities inside the mansion, including a craft and story time.
This event has limited capacity to keep the evening intimate and special. Tickets are only available for purchase in advance. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375 and a staff member will assist you with your transaction.
- $10.00 per child – Infant through age 12 qualify for child pricing and must have a ticket.
- $5.00 per adult – all adults accompanying children to this event must have a ticket for entrance
- Brucemore donors – Sign-in prior to purchasing tickets or call (319) 362-7275 to receive your discount!
Santa Brunch
November 26th & December 17th 9am to 1pm
Join Cedar Ridge for their Sunday brunch buffet with a Special Guest, Santa Claus! The brunch buffet will be offered from 9:00-1:00pm and reservations are required. Brunch is $17.99 for adults, $9.00 for children 6-12 and 5 and under eat for free! The buffet includes, carved beef brisket, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, hot off the griddle pancakes, and MORE. Tax, alcoholic beverages, and gratuity are additional. Reservations will fill up fast, so don’t wait to make your reservation!
Cocoa & Cookies with Santa
December 2 10am to 2pm
Santa at Bass Farms
December 2nd 10am to 4pm
It’s the most wonderful time of year! Bring your own camera and list for Santa!
This event is FREE and inside! Come warm up with some hot cocoa while the kids color with holiday printables and wait line line to meet with Santa.
Cookies with Santa
December 9th 9-11:30am
Cedar Rapids Moms have caught wind of some jolly news: SANTA is swapping the North Pole for Cedar Rapids! 🎅 Bundle up the kiddos and join us for a merry Cookies With Santa at Ushers Ferry on December 9th, 2023. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event.
Santa at Lindale Mall
December 1, 2023 – December 24, 2023 | Lindale Mall
Capture the magic of the season with Santa photos at Lindale Mall! Visit Santa’s set (location details) for a fun photo experience. Book your visit now to lock in the day and time of your choice and receive a free phone call from Santa, powered by Portable North Pole. Don’t miss out on this festive opportunity to celebrate the joy and wonder of Christmas.
(Location of the set is by Famous Footwear)
Monday – Friday: 11am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: Noon-6pm
Santa at Tannenbaum Forest (Amana)
December 1-3| Tannenbaum Forest in Amana
Let Tannenbaum Forest become a tradition for your family on Prelude to Christmas weekend Dec 1-3 with Santa Claus. Or come on Children’s Weekend Dec. 8-10 for a visit with Santa, his reindeer, or a fun movie event. While visiting the Colonies during the time of Tannenbaum Forest you can also take part in the Amana Pickle Hunt. Based on legend of the German Pickle Ornament, it’s said that an old German Christmas custom was to hang a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree late on the evening of December 24th and the first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning would receive an extra gift.
3rd Annual Linn County Christmas
December 16 10am to noon | 201 Central City Rd, Central City, IA
Santa at Newbo Market
Every Sunday before Christmas (starting Dec 4th) from Noon-4:00 p.m. | Newbo City Market
The big man himself will be back at the Market every Sunday before Christmas! This year, Santa at NewBo City Market will not only be representing the spirit of the season but also the diversity of our community! Check our Facebook page or subscribe to our email newsletter for weekly updates on Santa’s arrival!
Pints with Santa | Lion Bridge Brewing Company
December 20th 5-7 PM
Join us for a celebratory evening with the one, the only, SANTA CLAUS! This family friendly event is free to join. Spend your evening at Lion Bridge enjoying a hot chocolate bar and free photo opps!
Tell us where you’re seeing the big guy in red around Cedar Rapids!
A previous version of this article was posted Nov ’21 by Valerie Earnest.
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