Come enjoy downtown Iowa City this winter season and experience that nostalgic, warm feeling that the holidays provide! Downtown Iowa City knows how to celebrate the festivities and no matter what level of merriment you seek, we’ve got you covered. Throughout this holiday season, we aim to showcase downtown Iowa City attractions, retailers, entertainment venues, and traditional holiday activities.

This two month long celebration provides something for everyone—from the Holiday Pop-Up Market in Black Hawk Mini Park to FREE tractor wagon rides  sponsored by Hills Bank, and photo-ops with Santa!

‘Tis the Season Holiday Kickoff

Friday, November 15

Come kick off your holiday shopping on Friday, November 15th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm in the heart of Downtown Iowa City! Holiday cheer will be in the air and your favorite retailers will have all the festive goodies available for purchase. From caroling to free cider, to window display contests and holiday lights, it’s the perfect time to kickoff the season’s festivities!

Our Pop-up Markets will be making a reappearance in Black Hawk Mini Park. Wilson’s Orchard and Farm will be selling trees, the kid’s market will be open, and the Downtown District will be handing out complimentary cider.

An old-school trolley will be making the rounds around the downtown, taking shoppers to and from the downtown and Northside Neighborhoods. A variety of carolers will be singing throughout the evening, and last but not least, our holiday lights will be turned on for the first time this season.

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Holiday Kid’s Market sponsored by GreenState Credit Union

November 4 – November 20

The Downtown Holiday Kid’s Market returns for its fourth year from November 4 until November 20, 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Kids have the opportunity to shop for everyone on their holiday lists with the assistance of Santa’s helpers. Parents or guardians can submit a list of all the gifts that need to be purchased, the budgets for each person, and then wait while the kids shop in secret. Once their shopping is complete, children receive help wrapping the gifts and getting them bundled before returning to their parents with their holiday shopping complete!

Each child will have around 30 – 45 minutes to shop for everyone on their list. Santa’s helper will help kids stick to their budget, make sure they find something for everyone on their lists, and shop efficiently.

Drop-in shopping appointments will be available, but to ensure your shopping time, customers can reserve their shopping times in advance.

Santa Saturdays

Saturdays November 30, December 7, 14, & 21

Santa is making four special trips to Downtown Iowa City to meet the area’s good girls and boys. Families are invited to visit Santa as he makes his stops at FilmScene in the Chauncey. Kids are encouraged to drop off their letters and wishlists. Santa will be visiting FilmScene at the Chauncey from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (404 E College St, Iowa City, IA). Visitors and families are welcome to visit Santa and capture their own photos.Drop-in shopping appointments will be available, but to ensure your shopping time, customers can reserve their shopping times in advance.

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Holiday Pop-Up Market Sponsored by GreenState Credit Union

November 21 – December 24

The Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market sponsored by GreenState Credit Union returns this holiday shopping season to provide a festive and unique shopping experience in Black Hawk Mini Park. The market will see a rotating list of businesses popping in and out of them throughout November and December with three different shops at each time.

Come shop the Holiday Pop-Up Market to find a new small business to love or visit one of your favorites. From baked goods, clothing, jewelry, art, and more, there’s something for everyone to shop!

Nov 4 – 20

Kid’s Holiday Market

Nov 21 – 24

Wilson’s Orchard, Beno’s Flowers and Gifts, Fontenelle Supply Co.

Nov 25 – 27

Wilson’s Orchard, Beno’s Flowers and Gifts, Volition Skate Co.

Nov 28 – Dec 1

223 Baby Co., Beno’s Flowers and Gifts, Molly’s Cupcakes

Dec 2 – 4

Beno’s Flowers and Gifts, Valerie’s French Cooking, Bogs Vinyls Brian Brandsgard

Dec 5 – Dec 8

Beno’s Flowers and Gifts, Valerie’s French Cooking, Made Community

Dec 9 – 11

Beno’s Flowers and Gifts, Valerie’s French Cooking, Made Community

Dec 12 – 15

Beno’s Flowers and Gifts, Valerie’s French Cooking, Made Community

Dec 16 – 18

Om Gifts For Body & Soul

Dec 19 – 22

Om Gifts for Body & Soul, Molly’s Cupcakes, Wilson’s Orchard

Dec 23 – 24

Om Gifts for Body & Soul, Valerie’s French Cooking

Teddy Bear Room at the Hilton Garden Inn

November 30 – December 31

The Downtown Teddy Bear Room is exactly what you may imagine! For 5 weeks, there will be an entire room at the Hilton Garden Inn filled with hundreds of teddy bears, big and small.

Beginning on November 30th kids are invited to come hug a bear, take photos, and immerse themselves in a room full of holiday cheer. The room is open everyday from 10am – 8pm until December 31st. Grab a key at the front desk and make your way upstairs to say hello to hundreds of bears!

NEW this year is Teddy Bear Story Time with the Iowa City Public Library. Story times will take place in the Teddy Bear Room at the Hilton Garden Inn and will run for a half hour.

Tuesday, December 3 @ 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 10 @ 9:30 a.m
Tuesday, December 17 @ 9:30 a.m.

Holiday Market at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center

November 16 & December 14

Our annual holiday markets provide a wonderful opportunity to purchase thoughtful handmade gifts for your friends and loved ones while supporting local farmers and artisans. Vendors will offer a wide variety of products including homemade, handcrafted, seasonal gifts, and food available for purchase.

There is no entry fee, and vendors will be set up in both the 1st floor gymnasium and the second floor social hall of the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center.

Two chances to shop!

• Saturday, Nov. 16: 8am – 1pm
• Saturday, Dec. 14: 8am – 1pm

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play by Joe Landry

November 29 – December 15

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 30

Small Business Saturday is an event that began in 2010 as a way to encourage people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Small Business Saturday has become a national holiday campaign, and Downtown Iowa City as a regional center of locally-owned businesses once again will celebrate the importance of shopping locally. The City of Iowa City will be offering FREE PARKING in all downtown ramps for Small Business Saturday.

Tractor Wagon Rides sponsored by Hills Bank

Saturdays November 30, December 7, 14, & 21

There is no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season than a Tractor Wagon Ride around downtown. Enjoy a FREE whimsical ride in a decorated wagon pulled by an antique tractor provided by Bass Farms. Rides start at 10:00 a.m. and go until 4:00 p.m. 

Available times will be on a first-come-first-serve basis and are 100% free. Rides will be every 15 minutes until 4:00 p.m. Come to Hills Bank in downtown at the corner of Washington St. & Clinton St. to check in, wait in line, enjoy activities, and hop on the rides. Riders will get a candy cane and option of grabbing a cozy blanket to bundle up in for the ride around the city.

Downtown Hunt for the Elves

November 30 – December 31

Elves are hiding throughout Downtown Iowa City shops and restaurants! Join the Downtown Hunt for the Elves, a FREE kid-friendly scavenger hunt in downtown Iowa City, starting Saturday, November 30th. 

Once you have found the elves in each participating store, find their name, use the stamp provided at each business, or write the name of the elf on the card to show proof you found it. Turn in your completed cards after finding 10 or more elves to Iowa Book or the Iowa City Public Library in the Kid’s Department to receive a small prize and be entered to win a grand prize gift basket.

Holiday Retail Open House

December 7, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Join our downtown shops for the annual Holiday Retail Open House!

Each participating retailer will be hosting a holiday party at their store that includes snacks, drinks, or a small gift for you at each stop.

The Nutcracker

December 6 – 8

The Englert Theatre and Nolte Academy are proud to present Iowa City’s annual production of The Nutcracker! Five performances will be presented starting Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8. This holiday classic comes to life with performances by dancers from Nolte Academy and features a live orchestra conducted by Carey Bostian. The ballet showcases exquisite costuming, enchanting sets, and captivating choreography under the direction of Nolte Ballet Director and Nutcracker Artistic Director, Loren Williams.

Arts & Crafts Bazaar at Iowa City Public Library

December 7

Don’t miss the return of the Annual ICPL Arts & Crafts Bazaar on Saturday, December 7th. There will be a wide selection of unique, one-of-a-kind gifts, from quilts and hand-knitted items to jewelry, holiday ornaments, and more, all donated by local artists and crafters. All proceeds from this year’s sale will benefit the ICPL Friends Foundation to support the collections and services of the Iowa City Public Library.

Nolte Madrigal Dinner

December 13 – 15

Hear ye, hear ye! Nolte Productions’ Third Annual Madrigal Dinner returns to The James Theater this December 13-15! This elegant evening of entertainment and dining is a not-to-miss extravaganza and dazzling production with outstanding music, top-caliber singers, a joy-filled atmosphere, and a scrumptious chef-curated meal. You’ll be transported to 16th century England during The Madrigal: A Winter Revel with singing and instrumental music, dance, and good conversation. Save the date!

Free Drop-In DIY Gift Wrapping

November 15 – December 31

Need to wrap some holiday gifts in secret? Someplace where prying eyes can’t see? Let ICPL help! We’ll have Drop-in DIY Gift Wrapping in the 2nd floor Digital Media Lab from November 15 – December 31 during library hours.

There will be assorted holiday gift wraps, ribbons and bows, or you can bring your own. We’ll have scissors, tape, and plenty of space for you to wrap your gifts in peace. Limit of 5 gifts per person please.

Eastside Artists Annual Show & Sale

December 6, 7 & 8

The 2024 Eastside Artists Annual Show and Sale is coming up! Join us for an exciting event featuring local artists and their work. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see and purchase unique pieces from some of the area’s most talented artists. Mark your calendars and we look forward to seeing you there!