WEEKENDER BLOG

Holiday Hoopla

From the end of November through December, you can be transported to the North Pole via Holiday Hoopla. Everything is happy with the spirit of the holidays. You can visit Santa’s workshop, listen to live music or join in on family-friendly activities for kids. It's a month-long celebration in the Cedar Falls Downtown District. For updates, check the Holiday Hoopla website or Facebook page of the Cedar Falls Downtown District.   
 

Annual Holiday Events

November 2025

Festival of Trees
Since 1989, MercyOne Festival of Trees has grown and evolved into one of the Cedar Valley’s most cherished annual events. The week long event not only showcases decorated trees, wreaths and lanterns, it also hosts special events. The festival serves as a fundraiser to support MercyOne hospital through the hospital's Auxiliary membership. November 18-23, 2025. Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls. 319-268-3161.

Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
Join the merchants in downtown Cedar Falls as Holiday Hoopla gets underway with Santa's big arrival on Friday, November 28, 2025, kicking off a month of hoopla events in the Cedar Falls Downtown District! Special Hoopla events take place November 28 thru December 20, 2025. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

Small Business Saturday
Enjoy this day with downtown Cedar Falls! There will be plenty of fun and frivolity as you celebrate the power of shopping locally with our area small businesses. November 29, 2025. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213

Santa's Workshop (Holiday Hoopla)
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza. Don't forget to bring your letter to Santa with return address included so Santa can send you his reply.  Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

December 2025

Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides - Thursdays (Holiday Hoopla)
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza. Don't forget to bring your letter to Santa with return address included so Santa can send you his reply. The Trolley does a loop from the Cedar Falls Community Center and the River Place Plaza. You are encouraged to park at the Community Center or surrounding financial institutions and check out the beautiful lights, smell of the garland and wonderful caroling as you enjoy the trolley. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

• Thursdays: December 4, 11, and 18, 6-8 PM
• Saturday: December 13 and 20: 10am to noon. 

Jingle & Mingle (Holiday Hoopla)
Enjoy merchant open houses, stroll the sidewalks, smell the fresh greenery and enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights. December 4, 2025, 5pm-8pm. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.  

Breakfast at the North Pole (Holiday Hoopla)
Pancakes will be flying high during Breakfast at the North Pole at the Cedar Falls Community Center. Enjoy sausage, coffee, beverages, and stacks of pancakes with plenty of syrup! Santa and all his favorite holiday friends will be there to join in on the fun all morning Saturday, December 6, 8am-11am in the Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

Woodland Wonderland
Holiday-inspired family activities, live reindeer, photo opportunities, and more. Registration and more details are available beginning November 1st and can be found HERE (click the "events" button). December 6 & 13, 2025. Hartman Reserve, Cedar Falls. 319-277-2187

Santa's Workshop - Saturdays (Holiday Hoopla)
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza. Don't forget to bring your letter to Santa with return address included so Santa can send you his reply.  December 13 and 20, 2025, 10am to noon.  Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213. 

Eat, Drink & Be Merry (Holiday Hoopla)
A different spin on Hoopla Cheer--Eat, Drink & Be merry will be a fun event happening December 11-13! You will receive a bingo card of all the drinks and/or specials at each participating bar & restaurant. You will have all weekend long to get it completed instead of just one night. December 11-13, 2025. Downtown District, Cedar Falls.
319-277-0213

Movie Magic (Holiday Hoopla)
Enjoy a free showing of "Happy Feet 2" in the nostalgic Oster Regent Theatre in the Cedar Falls Downtown District. December 13, 2025, 10am. Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213. 

Baby It's Cold Outside (Holiday Hoopla)
The streets of the Cedar Falls Downtown District come alive with holiday magic. Shop and then watch as ice sculptors create delicate works of art with their chainsaws. December 18, 2025, 6pm-8pm. Downtown District, Cedar Falls.
319-277-0213.

Reindeer Games (Holiday Hoopla)
The streets of downtown Cedar Falls will be alive with Reindeer Games hosted by select downtown Cedar Falls businesses. December 20, 2025, 10am-1pm. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

Holiday Shopping

Cedar Falls is one of the most festive shopping destinations you can find. Storefronts of local family-owned businesses come alive with unique holiday window displays, inviting you to step inside to discover the perfect gift you've been searching for.

@cupofjoe.cedarfalls

Visitors can wander through more than 40 locally owned shops in the Downtown and College Hill Districts to find everything from books, records, clothing, ornaments, jewelry, and sweets to arts and crafts.
 

@thnook.cf

The Nook has an impressive collection of books and gifts, including earrings, candles, mittens, and more. The atmosphere is so cozy and inviting. With the option to build your gift box, you can pick your gifts, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and nestle into a cozy statement sofa by the beautifully lit tree while they wrap for you.

Mohair Pear is open seven days a week in the College Hill District and has been the place to find unique and affordable gifts since 1995. You’ll love their handmade specialty items and a large selection of body jewelry. Also in the area is the UNI Bookstore, which has everything for the student or Panther Sports fan on your list.
 

@myraggededge

Browse unique treasures created by local artists at the Ragged Edge Art Bar and Gallery while you enjoy a delicious holiday cocktail that blends unique flavors and ingredients crafted by a skilled mixologist.

Whether you travel with friends or family, shopping in Cedar Falls is best experienced with an appetite! Enjoy the scents of cinnamon and chocolate as you taste seasonal treats and dishes from area restaurants and shops.

If you're searching for the perfect gift to bring to your upcoming holiday gatherings, check out Here’s What’s Poppin’. They offer holiday tins filled with delicious gourmet popcorn that your host will surely appreciate. Alternatively, you can pick up a gift card to benefit businesses in the College Hill or Downtown Districts.
 

Our local shops offer something for everyone!  

Check out our complete guide to shopping in Cedar Falls > 

Advertising leading to this page paid for in part by the Iowa Tourism Office.