WEEKENDER BLOG

Holiday Hoopla - Santa's arrival and workshop at River Place Plaza   

Holiday Hoopla is the Cedar Falls Downtown District’s annual, month-long celebration. The month of December offers activities for the kids, shopping, and holiday contests! Check out Santa's Workshop located at River Plaza Place. For updates, check the Holiday Hoopla website or Facebook page of the Cedar Falls Downtown District.   

November 28, 2025
Santa Arrives 
Visit the Cedar Falls Downtown District for this year's Holiday Hoopla Kickoff from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. for this special event with live music, entertainment and Santa and Mrs. Claus’ arrival. Every year, it’s a surprise how they will make their entrance. This very special event is capped off by FIREWORKS!  

November 29, 2025
Small Business Saturday
This day celebrates and helps you discover small businesses. By shopping local, you support small business owners and the community!
 

December 4, 2025, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Jingle & Mingle
Find unique gifts for everyone on your list during holiday open houses as you shop and stroll the sidewalks to view the beautifully decorated windows, smell the fresh greenery and enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights. Fun activities for little ones will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. FREE Holly Trolley rides will leave from the Cedar Falls Community Center throughout the evening doing a loop to the Plaza.
 

December 6, 2025, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Breakfast at the North Pole
Join Santa and all his favorite friends at the Cedar Falls Community Center for a fun morning of food and photo ops.
 

December 11, 6:00 p.m.-December 13, 2025, 8:00 p.m.  
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
You will receive a BINGO card of all participating bars & restaurants and have from December 11 through December 13 to complete it. Turn in the completed BINGO card to Santa's mailbox at the corner of 2nd & State Streets.
 

December 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Movie Magic
Enjoy a free showing of "Happy Feet 2" at the historic Oster Regent Theatre. 

December 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Baby It’s Cold Outside 
There will be an ice sculptor, s'mores at the Plaza and trolley rides on the Holly Trolley.
 

December 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Reindeer Games
The streets of downtown Cedar Falls will be alive with Reindeer Games hosted by select downtown Cedar Falls businesses. Activities and treats for all ages.
 

Thursdays (December 4, 11, 18) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Saturdays (December 13, 20) 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
Santa's Workshop
Visit Santa & Elves at River Place Plaza. 
 

Thursdays (December 4, 11, 18) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Trolley Rides 
Free trolley rides in the Downtown District will do a loop between the Cedar Falls Community Center and the River Place Plaza. December 4 and 18 there will also be horse drawn trolley rides for a smaller Downtown loop.

Shop the District

It’s never too cold to shop the quaint and locally-owned shops of the downtown district! Pick up a cup of java, stroll the district and enjoy the window displays. Then, shop for the special people on your gift-giving list. Don't forget to pick up food to-go after a long day of shopping. Or, simply order takeout and enjoy shopping online from your favorite shops from the comfort of home!

Travel Iowa listed the Cedar Falls Downtown District as one of 12 downtown districts having great shopping during the holidays and all year long. Find the article HERE. 
 

Light Display

Don't forget to view the fantastic light display at Santa's Workshop located at River Place Plaza, at the corner of 2nd and State Streets. It's the perfect backdrop for a photo op! 

More fun! 

And, shopping isn't the only fun to be had in the district. Every year, shops decorate their windows and create a Window Wonderland. Kids can also mail Letters to Santa by dropping their letters in the red 50613 mailbox at 2nd & State Streets by River Place Plaza from November 28-December 18. There's also a coloring sheet for the kids!  

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that events and activities may change. Visit the Facebook page and website of the Cedar Falls Downtown District before traveling to any scheduled events. 
 

Would you like to find more Things to Do or a Place to Eat & Drink while you’re in Cedar Falls? Stop by the Cedar Falls Visitor Center at 6510 Hudson Road or give us a call at 319-268-4266. Find more events taking place in Cedar Falls on our Annual Events page. 

We’d be happy to help!

Holly Trolley rides Thursday, December 4, 11, & 18, 2025

1. things to do