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Events for Families

Holiday Hoopla Kickoff - Thank you for joining us!

Santa Claus is coming to the Cedar Falls Downtown District! Don’t miss his grand entrance on Friday, November 29th as he arrives to help us kickoff the Holiday Hoopla seasonal celebration in the district! Shop and dine in the Cedar Falls Downtown District, then join us at the River Place Plaza for live musical entertainment at 6:00pm.This year's arrival is going to be the best yet, so mark your calendars to enjoy the magic of the holidays with us!Mrs. Claus will be in the workshop for visits with the kids before she joins Santa after his arrival and their magical march to turn on the sculpture tree and watch the fireworks over the Cedar River.It is truly a magical time of year in the Cedar Falls Downtown District!

Jingle & Mingle - A Holiday Hoopla Event

Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:00-8:00
The Holiday Hoopla fun continues...Shop the Cedar Falls Downtown District during Jingle and Mingle Thursday, December 5th from 5-8pm! Enjoy merchant open houses, stroll the sidewalks, smell the fresh greenery and enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights. Make memories with the little ones as you enjoy other fun activities that will be taking place from 6-8pm! Children can visit Santa at his workshop at the River Place Plaza. Free Holly Trolley rides will leave from the Cedar Falls Community Center throughout the evening doing a loop to the Plaza. Bundle up and soak in the magic of downtown during Holiday Hoopla in Cedar Falls!

Breakfast at the North Pole - A Holiday Hoopla Event

Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:00am -11:00am
‍Pancakes will be flying high again this year at “Breakfast at the North Pole” on Saturday, December 7th from 8 – 11 a.m. at the Cedar Falls Community Center! Santa and all his favorite holiday friends will be there to join in on the fun all morning! Don’t forget your camera to capture some great memories! Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door.

Tickets Available Now!

Eat, Drink & Be Merry- A Holiday Hoopla Event

Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 pm - Saturday, Dec 14, 8pm
Eat, Drink & Be Merry will be a fun event happening December 12th- December 14th! You will receive a BINGO card of all participating bars & restaurants. This way you will have all weekend long to get it completed. Turn in the completed BINGO card to Santa's mailbox at the corner of 2nd and State Streets.

Movie Magic - A Holiday Hoopla Event

Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 am
Enjoy a free showing of "Elf" on Saturday, December 14th at 10 a.m. in the nostalgic Oster Regent Theatre in the Cedar Falls Downtown District. A gift to the community, this showing is for children and families of all ages! In addition, Coloring Contest winners will be announced at the showing. Need not be present to win.

Baby It's Cold Outside - A Holiday Hoopla Event

Thursday, Dec. 19, 6-8 pm
The streets of the Cedar Falls Downtown District will be alive with holiday magic during Baby, It's Cold Outside, Thursday December 19th from 6-8pm. Watch as our ice sculptor creates delicate works of art with his chainsaw. This is an amazing sight to see as large chunks of ice become recognizable right before your eyes. In addition to the ice sculptor, enjoy s'mores at the Plaza and trolley rides on the Holly Trolley as well as the Horse Drawn Trolley.

Reindeer Games -A Holiday Hoopla Event

Saturday, December 21, 10am-1pm
‍Help Santa and his reindeer with their big flight on Christmas Eve! Games, activities and treats for all ages! A special surprise of a Trolley on a Saturday!

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Recurring Holiday Hoopla Experiences

Santa's Workshop

Visit Santa & Elves on Thursday, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 6-8 pm OR Saturday Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21, at 10 am -1 pm at the River Place Plaza.

Trolley Rides (ONLY Thursdays)

Take a free trolley ride in the Downtown District Thursdays Dec. 5, 12, 19, 6-8 pm at the River Place Plaza. Starts at the Cedar Falls Community Center and will do a loop between the Community Center and the River Place Plaza.

Santa 50613

From Nov. 29 - Dec. 19
Mail Santa a letter in the red 50613 mailbox at 2nd & State Streets by the River Place Plaza and receive a handwritten reply from him! Be sure to include your full name and return address.

Coloring Contest

From Nov. 29 - Dec. 12.
Get additional copies here or pick up at Farmers StateBank or the Cedar Falls Public Library. Drop off your completed entry form in theSanta 50613 mailbox located at the Plaza. Winners will be announced Saturday, Dec. 14 at Movie Magic. Download your copy here!

Window Wonderland

Check out all the lovely windows decorated throughout the Downtown District and cast your vote for your favorite at this link until December 19th! Each of the windows were judged prior to the Holiday Hoopla Kickoff event by a lovely group of volunteers. Those winners and their categories are below.