Holiday Hoopla: Cedar Falls Most Magical Holiday Tradition

Every November, downtown Cedar Falls transforms into something straight out of a holiday movie. Twinkling lights, decorated storefronts, holiday music and thousands of excited faces set the scene for one of the biggest celebrations of the season.

And everyone's wondering the same thing: "How will Santa arrive this year?"

Welcome to Holiday Hoopla, Cedar Falls' month-long holiday celebration. And around here, we know how to kick things off.

One Big Night of Holiday Magic

Bundle up and head to River Place Plaza, where downtown Cedar Falls throws a holiday party you won't soon forget.

Live music fills the air from the outdoor stage. Favorite holiday characters mingle with the crowd, stopping for photos, hugs and plenty of laughs with the kids. There's entertainment, excitement and a whole lot of holiday cheer as thousands gather to celebrate the start of the season.

And then comes the moment everyone's been waiting for.

Santa Knows How to Make an Entrance

Forget the ordinary sleigh ride. In Cedar Falls, Santa's arrival is a closely guarded secret, and every year brings a new surprise.

He's arrived by airplane. He's come by boat. One year, he even popped out of a giant jack-in-the-box!

The crowd waits, the anticipation builds and suddenly, there he is. Santa has arrived, and the holiday season is officially underway.

Then, just when you think the evening couldn't get any better, fireworks light up the sky over the Cedar River.

It's the kind of night kids talk about all the way home. And the kind of tradition families return for year after year.

The Celebration Continues All Month

The kickoff may be the biggest night, but Holiday Hoopla is just getting started.

Throughout the season, downtown Cedar Falls keeps the festivities going with something for just about everyone.

Stop by Santa's Workshop to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the decorated streets. Watch ice sculptors turn blocks of ice into works of art, catch a holiday movie at the historic Oster Regent Theatre or bring the kids for a morning of pancakes and holiday fun.

And the grown-ups aren't left out. Special shopping nights, festive drinks, restaurant events and evenings out with friends add a little holiday cheer of their own.

With sparkling lights, creative window displays and festive greenery throughout downtown, even a simple stroll feels special.

Shop, Dine and Stay Awhile

Here's the thing about Holiday Hoopla: it's hard to fit all the fun into just one visit.

Spend an afternoon browsing locally owned boutiques, bookstores and specialty shops for gifts you won't find just anywhere. Warm up with coffee or a sweet treat, then settle in for dinner at a downtown restaurant.

Better yet, make a weekend of it. Book a cozy place to stay, catch a holiday performance and give yourself another day to enjoy everything Cedar Falls has to offer.

After all, the best part of the holidays isn't checking things off a list. It's the time you spend together.

Plan Your Holiday Hoopla Visit

Holiday Hoopla kicks off in late November and keeps the celebration going throughout the holiday season.

Explore our upcoming holiday events to find your favorites, and visit the official Holiday Hoopla website for the latest schedules and details.

Explore Holidays in Cedar Falls