Holiday Tours at Brucemore (December 2 – December 28 @ Brucemore) During the holiday season, Brucemore is a sight to be seen. With thirteen trees and garlands galore, the mansion is decked out on all four floors. Holiday Mansion Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday with scheduled time between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For more information on tours, times, and admission, visit our website.

Tannenbaum Forest 2019 (December 2 – December 22 @ Festhalle Barn) This is a must do holiday event.  Tannenbaum Forest is a holiday tradition for many of our visitors. Come see the twinkling lights of over 40 decorated real Christmas Trees, visit Santa at selected times, and see our 17 foot German style Christmas pyramid! A good will offering is collected with proceeds benefiting the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Suggested $3 donation.

Gingerbread House Workshop! (December 4, 6:00 – 8:00 pm @ Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio) Sugar and spice and everything nice!  Make a Gingerbread house out of clay and create a new family heirloom for the holidays! Join us for our first Gingerbread House Workshop! In this class we will have a clay formed house already made, you will then add a decorated roof , cut out windows and doors, embellish the outside with as many sugar plums/candycanes you want, and then you will glaze/paint the house however you desire. We will then fire your house in our kiln and it will be available for pickup right on time for Christmas. Bring the entire family and make a gingerbread village. This is going to be a fun night full of holiday cheer! Cost is $25.00 per house/person

Magical Night 2019 (December 5, 4:00 – 7:00 pm @ City of Mount Vernon) This is Mount Vernon’s annual celebration of holiday magic! Magical Night is an evening of holiday festivities in Mt Vernon. The event will include a lighting ceremony, thousands of luminarias, trolley and train rides along First Street, strolling carolers, pictures with Santa, a live nativity including a live camel, music and dance concerts, a Holiday Bazaar and open houses along Mount Vernon’s historic Main Street District.

Deck the District 2019 (December 6-8, Czech Village New Bohemia Main Street District) Holiday Fun in the Czech Village – New Bohemia Main Street District

Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk (December 6, 4:00 – 8:00 pm @ Marion Square Park) Rich in traditional holiday activities, Christmas In The Park kicks off the holiday season for Marion. You won’t want to miss this family event that has been a tradition in Uptown Marion for over 25 years. Enjoy horse drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa & popcorn, holiday music and the lighting ceremony. Don’t forget the jolly man himself! Santa and Mrs Claus arrive in style escorted by the Marion Fire Department. Stroll Uptown Marion and visit shops filled with one of a kind, unique goods and services. Shoppers will receive a peppermint treat at participating businesses and may enter for a chance to win gift certificates.

Storytime and Activities Featuring The Polar Express (December 6, 7:00 pm @ Barnes & Noble) All aboard! Come in your PJs and join us for a magical evening as we host our annual Storytime of the beloved holiday favorite, The Polar Express. Hot chocolate and cookies to follow (Café stores only).

Reindeer Run (December 7, 9:00 am @ Fay M Clark Park, City of Hiawatha) Join in on the holiday spirit with Santa and his Reindeer. The run will begin at Clark Park, with cocoa, coffee, cookies and SANTA before and after the race! Registration will be available at www.imathlete.com starting November 1st, 2019.

Holiday Fun at PCI! (December 7, 9:00 – 11:30 am @ Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa P.C.) Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to PCI Medical Pavilion! Enjoy small crafts, story time, coloring, stickers, delicious holiday cookies and, of course, a chance for your little ones to sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas list. Please bring a camera or phone to take photos. You don’t want to miss this fun event!

Nature’s Noel (December 7, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Indian Creek Nature Center) Join us for our annual holiday fundraiser featuring fresh green decor, artisanal gifts, frozen soups, appetizers, baked goods and, of course, family fun. We’ll have festive children’s crafts, magical winter nature walks, visits with Santa and a variety of holiday vendors. Brewhemia will be onsite with coffee and hot chocolate available for purchase, and don’t forget to stop by Noel’s Attic for a selection of gently-used holiday décor! Shop early for the best selection! Sponsored by Friends of Indian Creek Nature Center to benefit the Nature Center. Free admission.

Christmas in Kalona 2019 (December 7, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm @ KAlona Community Center) Join us for our annual Christmas in Kalona Festivities! We have activities for all the ages, so bring your family to Celebrate and enjoy the Christmas spirit all around town! Activities include: Walking Stocking & Business Bingo, Face Painting & Cookie Walk, Holiday Costume Contest, Toy Drive, Cookie Decorating & Ornament Decorating, Vendor and Craft Market, Missions Market (Alternative Giving), Wine Tasting, Carriage Rides and Pictures with Santa!

Footprint Painting Party (December 7, 9:30 – 11:00 am @ The Potters’ Obsession) Looking for the perfect gift? Let us help. Bring in your little one and we will help with the rest. We will add a name and date to your plate. $25/plate. Reservations required.

Kid N Canvas (December 7, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Hy-Vee Collins Rd) Snow Tree – Kid N Canvas classes are for kids about 8 to 16. Join us at Hy-Vee (279 Collins Rd NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402) cafe on Saturday Morning 10 am. $20 per painting, please only 1 painter per ticket. All supplies (canvas, paints, brushes and apron) are provided for you, but please on clothes that are ok to get paint on. Class lasts about 1.5 to 2 hrs. Hy-Vee is providing a $10 gift card (per ticket) to shop with while your kids are painting. Check in at 9:45 am, painting starts at 10 am.

Gingerbread House Decorating Party (December 7, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm @ Ely Public Library) The tradition continues on Saturday, December 7th anytime from 10am – 2pm! Be sure to register for your house (one provided per family – additional houses may be purchased at $5 each). This favorite family tradition is brought to you by the Friends of the Ely Public Library! Registration required.

Storytime and Activities Featuring How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (December 7, 11:00 am @ Barnes & Noble)Even the grinchiest of grinches can’t deny this heartwarming classic! Join us for Storytime and activities, and receive a free Advent calendar, while supplies last. Plus, get a coupon for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4 (Café stores only).

Winter Wonderland (December 7, 1:00 – 3:00 pm @ NW Recreation Center) The weather outside is frightful, but the fun at NW Rec is delightful! Bring the whole family in out of the cold for activities for young and old: bounce house, cookie decorating, magic reindeer food, hot cocoa bar, photo booth, face painting, scavenger hunt, Christmas crafts, lots of other activities and most important, SANTA!! He will be flying in just for us and you can take pictures for FREE! COST: $2 Adults and $1 for Youth (17 and under) at the door. This price includes all activities once inside. All proceeds go to the NW Recreation Center to support youth activities in our community.

City Tree Lighting (December 7, 4:00 – 6:00 pm @ Greene Square Park) Bring your family downtown and kick-off the holiday season on Saturday, December 7 with indoor and outdoor activities for children at the library and Greene Square from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Enjoy storytelling and caroling at Greene Square beginning at 5:00 p.m., then watch the official City tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and take a family photo in front of it to share with your friends. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted for Toys for Tots.

Community Christmas Sing-Along (December 7, 6:00 – 6:46 pm @ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints) Join us at the close of the Nativity Celebration for a Community Sing-Along. Enjoy the sound of traditional Christmas music as we gather together as a community to usher in the Christmas Season with song and friendship. All ages and voices welcome! This is a free event.

Soup with Santa (December 8, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm @ Palo Community Center) Join us for our fifth annual Soup with Santa event. This year’s event will be held at the Palo Community Center on Sunday December 8th. We will have some delicious soups, drinks, craft stations and a special appearance by Santa himself. Come out, get a good lunch, tell Santa what you would like for Christmas and enjoy some fun. Lunch will be served from 11-2 and Santa will be in the building from 12-2. Freewill donations encouraged. All donations used towards the events and improvements in the community that WLCG does.

Holiday Magic at the Play Station (December 8-9, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm @ The Play Station) Join us for Holiday Magic! We’re bringing all the Holiday fun right here to The Play Station! Kids and parents can join the fun by meeting Santa and take pictures! That’s not all….will be having arts & crafts, cookie decorating, Giggles the Elf will be doing Balloon Twisting and will also have lots of Holiday Games and Activities!

Santa, Snacks, and Stories (December 8, 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 pm @ Brucemore) Enjoy a festive and memorable evening of holiday tradition! Children will participate in a craft, listen to holiday stories, and give Santa their wish-lists. In between activities, the first and second floors of the decked-out mansion will be open for exploration. Admission: $7-10/child, $5/adult

The Arc’s 2019 Holiday Party (December 8, 1:00 – 3:00 pm @ Mercy Cedar Rapids) Consumers, families and friends of The Arc, please join us in the Hallagan Center at Mercy Cedar Rapids for Santa, Hot Cocoa Bar, Cookie Decorating, Crafts, Games, Balloon Twisting, Photo Booth, and more! Fun for the whole family! This fun holiday event is open to individuals with special needs and their families. Please RSVP with number attending no later than Monday, December 2nd.

Old Fashioned Christmas Sing-A-Long (December 8, 5:00 – 8:00 pm @ Sts Peter and Paul Community Center, Mount Vernon) Join the fun at this Old Fashioned Christmas Sing-A-Long!  Hot chocolate and cookies will be served following the singing, which begins at 5PM. Santa Claus will visit!

Broke Holidays (December 10, 6:00 – 7:30 pm @ Cedar Rapids Public Library, Downtown) Celebrate the holidays in (cheap) style by making (cheap) gifts with friends at the library. Spread some cheap holiday cheer this year!  Register NOW for this one-of-a-kind evening. While listening to cheesy (yet heartwarming!) carols, we’ll make winter gifts to share: a super glam Sharpie coffee/cocoa mug, a tiny (plastic) tub of luxurious coffee scrub, and spare-no-cardboard holiday cards to display or share.  Join the fun!  Space and materials are limited; registration required.

Christmasy Crafts Weekly (December 11 & 18, 9:30 – 11:30 am @ Kidcreate Art Studio) This is your child’s chance to create Christmas themed crafts, just in time for the holiday season. What a great way to get your child excited about the best time of the year! We’ll make jumbo size ornaments out of clay, silly little snowmen and a 3D picture of Santa that pops right off the page in this extremely popular class. Ages: 3-6 years. Cost: $46.80 member/$52 non-member

Ely Winterfest (December 14, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm @ City of Ely) Make your way to downtown Ely on Saturday December 14 from 8am – 5pm for a day of FREE family-friendly fun! Ely’s Downtown Businesses will be hosting their 4th annual Winterfest celebration! This is a perfect way to get a little shopping in; all while supporting locally owned businesses and enjoying some amazing free Holiday themed activities. This is a day you won’t want to miss!

Christmas With Mrs. Claus (December 14, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm @ The Granger House Victorian Museum) Experience a fun morning with Mrs.Claus while helping Keep Your Neighbors Warm! Mrs. Claus will share fun facts from the North Pole while children enjoy cookie decorating, crafts and a tour of the Granger House, learning about the holidays in the late-19th century. Then sit in the parlor while Mrs. Claus shares a story about giving during the holiday season. Ages: 4-10 years. Cost: Donation of a cold weather item. Participation is limited, registration is required.

Breakfast With Santa (December 14, 9:00 – 11:00 am @ Hy-Vee Collins Rd) Enjoy breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 14 from 9-11 a.m. Photo opportunities available. FREE ornament craft for kids. Breakfast buffet $7.99, kids 12 and under $3.99 (beverage included)

Ornament Making Party (December 14, 9:30 – 10:30 am @ Kidcreate Art Studio) All New Ornaments! Join us for an ornament making party. We will set up 4 stations, each with a different ornament project. These ornaments will make great keepsakes or holiday gifts! This is a great class for siblings to attend together! Come and create ornaments right along with your child. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Cost: $13.50 member/$15 non-member

Scooter’s – Let It Snow (December 14, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Scooter’s Coffee Edgewood Rd SW) The Roaming Canvas will be painting “Let It Snow” at Scooter’s Coffee on Edgewood Rd. This painting looks more complicated than it really is, so don’t let yourself be intimidated! I paint it right along with you step-by-step, and help you out when I can. This event is for all ages and it starts at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 14th. Only $30.00 per person (including tax), and payment is required in advance. There are limited spaces available, so please make sure to purchase your ticket and reserve your spot. Come alone or with a group of friends for some fun and refreshments – either way you’ll have a wonderful time!

Glass Holiday Ornaments (December 14, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm @ Iowa Ceramics Center and Art Studio) We create HUNDREDS of glass ornaments in this ever popular series of workshops.  Everyone in the workshops will create 2-3 handmade ornaments from glass, that you will cherish for many years to come. Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $20

Hubert’s Holiday Program (December 14, 1:00 – 3:00 pm @ the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library) Come enjoy a wintery hedgehog book, games, and hot chocolate with Hubert, the hedgehog! We will have story time with Hubert at 1pm and 2pm with games and crafts between. Although we love our hedgehog friends, there will not be a live hedgie at the museum.

Slide In Movie Night (December 14, 5:00 – 8:00 pm @ The Play Station) Join us for Slide in Movie Night on Saturday, December 14, 2019 we will be showing The Holiday Classic Polar Express on our big screen projector system! Enjoy the movie, play on our indoor play adventure area and enjoy time with family! Discounted Admission – $7 after 5pm. Adults are always free! We will also have $1 Popcorn in the concessions! The movie will start between 5:45pm-6pm!

Reindeer Games (December 14, 6:30 – 9:30 pm @ Kids First Gymnastics) It’s Christmas time, and what better way to celebrate the fun holiday then playing all sorts of winter games! For a night with your spouse or to yourself! It is inside, so no matter the weather outside, it is a good experience! Think of it as a huge, padded playground! Kids will come home exhausted! Kids have a great time! This event replaces Parents Night Out. Ages 5-14

Holiday Tours at Brucemore (December 16 – December 28 @ Brucemore) During the holiday season, Brucemore is a sight to be seen. With thirteen trees and garlands galore, the mansion is decked out on all four floors. Holiday Mansion Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday with scheduled time between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For more information on tours, times, and admission, visit our website.

Tannenbaum Forest 2019 (December 16 – December 22 @ Festhalle Barn) This is a must do holiday event.  Tannenbaum Forest is a holiday tradition for many of our visitors. Come see the twinkling lights of over 40 decorated real Christmas Trees, visit Santa at selected times, and see our 17 foot German style Christmas pyramid! A good will offering is collected with proceeds benefiting the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Suggested $3 donation.

Cute Christmas Craft Workshop (December 16, 9:30 – 10:30 am @ Kidcreate Art Studio) Does your young artist love to get messy with paint? Do you hate to clean up after them? Then this is the perfect class for both of you! Your child will use their fingers to paint a Christmas tree complete with a colorful string of lights. This is going to be a messy one so please dress your child appropriately. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Ages:18 months – 6 years. Cost: $13.50 member/$15 non-member

Santa, Snacks, and Stories (December 16, 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 pm @ Brucemore) Enjoy a festive and memorable evening of holiday tradition! Children will participate in a craft, listen to holiday stories, and give Santa their wish-lists. In between activities, the first and second floors of the decked-out mansion will be open for exploration. Admission: $7-10/child, $5/adult

Prairie Poms Christmas Dance Clinic (December 17-20, College Community School District) Calling kiddos Kindergarten – 5th Grade! Come out and enjoy your time with the Poms for clinics on Tuesday, December 17th and Thursday, December 19th with a performance on Friday, December 20th at the Varsity Basketball Game! Learn a production routine, play freeze dance, make new friends, sing songs, and have a JOLLY good time! Times will become available SOON!

Christmas Clay Class Homeschool Workshop (December 19, 1:00 – 3:00 pm @ Kidcreate Art Studio) What’s the best thing about Christmas? The crafts, of course! We’ll have a holly jolly time as we play with clay, learn simple art techniques, create Silly Santa’s and so much more. Ages: 5-12 years. Cost: $25.20 member/$28 non-member Signing up siblings? Sign up additional children for $14 each- that’s 50% off! This is a special discount available just to homeschooled families.

Pajama Story Time: The Night Before… (December 19, 6:30 pm @ The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art) You may know the classic poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” but the books we’re reading tonight will put a new twist on it! These silly stories feature characters like pirates and dinosaurs! Don’t miss these goofy bedtime stories and a take-home art project perfect for this time of year. Pajama Storytimes are free for kids and their adult companions. Wear your PJ’s and bring a stuffed friend to cuddle with.

Family Workshop Cocoa Mugs (December 21, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm) Just in time for winter–grab some friends and family to make a Cocoa Mug by using slab buiding techniques.  Then decorate it however you like—you are only limited by your imagination! Kids ages 8 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $18

Storytime and Activities Featuring Construction Site on Christmas Night (December 21, 11:00 am @ Barnes & Noble) It’s Christmas time at your favorite construction site! After the trucks finish their big, important job, they receive their very own Christmas surprise. Activities to follow, plus, get a coupon for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4 (Café stores only).

Family Film: Three Nuts for Cinderella (December 21, 1:00 – 2:30 pm @ the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library) An annual holiday tradition in many European countries, and now at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Three Nuts for Cinderella is a familiar fairytale with some unique twists. The film stars Libuše Šafránková as the title character, a young woman who is treated terribly by her stepmother and stepsister. But soon a handsome prince comes knocking. Cinderella does not simply fall into the prince’s arms, however. In this version, he must actively pursue the young woman – who is a skilled sharpshooter prone to wearing hunting outfits. Cinderella also has three wish-granting magic hazelnuts at her disposal and an owl for a “fairy godmother.” Will the prince win her over in the end? Snacks and coffee provided. This film is in Czech with English subtitles. 83 minutes, 1973. Cost: $5 for adults; $2 for 18 years and under.

Slide In Movie Night: The Polar Express (December 21, 5:00 – 8:00 pm @ The Play Station) Join us for Slide in Movie Night on Saturday, December 21, 2019 we will be showing The Holiday Classic Polar Express on our big screen projector system! Enjoy the movie, play on our indoor play adventure area and enjoy time with family! Discounted Admission – $7 after 5pm. Adults are always free! We will also have $1 Popcorn in the concessions! The movie will start between 5:45pm-6pm!

Date Night: Holi-Dazzled Snow Globes (December 21, 5:30 – 8:30 pm @ Kidcreate Art Studio) Do you have plans that don’t include your little ones? Do you want to see a movie that isn’t animated or enjoy a dinner that doesn’t include french fries? Sign your kids up for their own night out. This fun holiday-themed class is a great way to start your child’s holidays! In this class, the kids will get crafty and creative as they design and create dazzling snow globes! Please pack a nut free snack and a drink for your child. Ages: 3-9 years.  Cost: $33.30 member/$37 non-member. Signing up siblings? Sign up additional children for $18.50 each, that’s 50% off!

Holiday Tours at Brucemore (December 23 – December 28 @ Brucemore) During the holiday season, Brucemore is a sight to be seen. With thirteen trees and garlands galore, the mansion is decked out on all four floors. Holiday Mansion Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday with scheduled time between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For more information on tours, times, and admission, visit our website.

Santa’s Toy Shop Mini-Camp (December 23-24, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Kidcreate Art Studio) No School Day- Winter Break! Kids love toys! What would they create if they could design their own? At this camp, children become Santa’s helper as they design and create toys they can really play with. The kids will experience working with different materials such as Model Magic® clay, air-dry clay, watercolor paints, and more. Projects include a bobble head, a mini bowling game, a bean bag toss and more. Please pack a nut free snack and drink for your child each day. Ages: 5-12 years. Cost: $70.20 member/$78 non-member

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Workshop (December 23, 1:00 – 4:00 pm @ Kidcreate Art Studio) No School Day- Winter Break! Who’s the most famous reindeer of all? Rudolph of course! Model Magic ® clay will be used to create this adorable reindeer, red nose and all. Please pack a nut free snack and drink for your child. Ages: 4-9 years. Cost: $33.30 member/$37 non-member

Olaf and Friends Mini-Camp (December 26-27, 1:00 – 4:00 pm @ Kidcreate Art Studio) No School Day- Winter Break! If you’re as excited for the Disney® movie Frozen 2 as we are, come join us on an Arendelle adventure! We’ll travel through the kingdom with Olaf and his friends, using paint, clay, and so much more to create many icy masterpieces. We’ll even get in touch with our ice powers and create our very own snow globes and learn how to draw Olaf! This is a camp Frozen fans won’t want to miss! Frozen 2 is due out in theaters on 11/22/2019. Please pack a nut free snack and drink for your child each day. Ages: 4-9 years. Cost: $70.20 member/$78 non-member

Mommy’s Time Off: New Year’s Craft Party (December 31, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Kidcreate Art Studio) No School Day- Winter Break ! This drop off class is great for mommies, daddies or whoever wants a little break! Let your kids express their creativity while you enjoy some time to yourself. Mom, you deserve a break from your crazy holiday schedule! Send your young artist to Kidcreate to make all they will need for a fabulous New Year’s Eve celebration. We will create noisemakers, party poppers, and New Year’s Eve hats. What a fun way to ring in the New Year! Please pack a nut free snack and a drink for your child. Ages: 3-9 years. Cost: $33.30 member/$37 non-member *Signing up siblings? Sign up additional children for $18.50 each, that’s 50% off!

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! (December 31, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Cedar Rapids Library Downtown) It’s time to ring in the new year! The Cedar Rapids Public Library will be celebrating early with its extraordinary balloon drop and a special count down to noon!

Noon Year’s Eve 2020 Celebration (December 31, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm @ The Iowa Children’s Museum) 5…4…3…2…1…Happy NOON Year! Let’s ring in 2020 (a few hours early). We will be celebrating with party hats, noisemakers, special activities, and a big countdown at 12 noon for the balloon drop! All activities included in museum admission.