– Celebrate the Start of the Holidays with Trolley Rides, Pop-Up Markets, and Festive Carols –
(Iowa City, IA) – November 13, 2024 – The holiday magic is back in Downtown Iowa City! This Friday, November 15th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Iowa City Downtown District invites the community to join the annual ‘Tis the Season Holiday Kickoff. The evening will be filled with festive fun, local shopping, and plenty of holiday cheer, marking the official start of the holiday season. Highlights include free trolley rides, carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, and the magical moment when holiday lights are turned on for the first time, setting the stage for weeks of programming ahead.
Shoppers can stroll through their favorite downtown stores, who will be keeping their doors open late offering unique gifts, special offers, and an abundance of holiday spirit. From locally made treasures to one-of-a-kind finds, downtown retailers are ready to help everyone get into the gift-giving mood. Guests can sip complimentary cocoa while enjoying enchanting carols from local ensembles and the dazzling debut of this year’s holiday lights. To add to the fun, businesses are competing in a window display contest, encouraging visitors to admire the creativity. Visitors can scan the QR code on the posters hanging in the storefronts to vote for their favorite display.
“The ‘Tis the Season Holiday Kickoff is the perfect way to embrace the magic of the season while supporting the local businesses that make Iowa City special,” said Katie Carpenter, Director of Special Events for the Iowa City Downtown District. “There’s nothing like the holiday season in Downtown Iowa City. From unique gifts and cozy restaurants to festive events, every corner of Downtown is alive with holiday spirit.”
Schedule of Events
5:00 PM
- Holiday Pop-Up Market with Hot Cocoa Bar in Black Hawk Mini Park
- Free Trolley Rides
- Saxophone with Damani Phillips at Market/Linn St near Coffee Emporium
- Carols with Old Gold A Capella in Ped Mall near The Graduate
- Ali Hval’s Scribble Trees Lighting
6:15 PM
- Carols with Iowa Hawkapellas in Ped Mall near The Graduate
7:00 PM
- Dolce Brass in Black Hawk Mini Park near Pop-Ups
- Carols with Intersection A Cappella at Market/Linn St near Coffee Emporium
Black Hawk Mini Park in the Ped Mall will transform into a hub of holiday magic with the return of the Holiday Pop-Up Market, sponsored by GreenState Credit Union. This year, Wilson’s Orchard and Farm will bring the charm of the season with their holiday trees for sale, alongside a curated selection of gifts from Downtown retailers at the Holiday Kid’s Market. Adding to the excitement, an old-school trolley will offer free rides throughout the Downtown and the Northside neighborhoods. Perfect for transporting shoppers between stops or simply enjoying the charming sights, the trolley will stop at Washington Street near Discerning Eye and Linn Street near Prairie Kitchen Store.
Another highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of Downtown’s holiday lights, officially marking the start of the season’s celebrations. Visitors can marvel at the glow of the beloved Scribble Trees by Ali Hval, with even more trees installed this year, creating an even more vibrant and colorful display. The holiday arch, designed by Beno’s, will provide the perfect backdrop for holiday photos, while plantings by Willow & Stock complete the picturesque scene.“The Scribble Trees are back on the Ped Mall and more numerous than ever,” said local artist Ali Hval. “Inspired by the fluid energy of linear gesture drawings, thousands of feet of neon rope lights twist and loop around tree trunks, creating whimsical moments with colorful light. We hope these glowing scribbles bring warmth, joy, and a touch of cheer during the coldest days of winter.”
Don’t miss this festive kick off to the season and join us this Friday to experience all the joy that Downtown Iowa City has to offer. For more details on the holidays, visit www.downtowniowacity.com/events/tis-the-season.
