The Cedar Rapids area has 7 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Santa's Holiday Photo Experience in Cedar Rapids on November 27 to New Year's Family Story Time and Craft in Cedar Rapids, on December 30. Every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Iowa, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 7 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Cedar Rapids for 2026, in Cedar Rapids and Marion
- First: Santa's Holiday Photo Experience, Cedar Rapids, November 27. Runs latest: New Year's Family Story Time and Craft, Cedar Rapids, through December 30
- Every event here charges admission or a ticket; check each host
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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Christmas events for kids in Cedar Rapids
6 confirmed events for kids in Cedar Rapids, soonest first.
Santa visit
Santa's Holiday Photo Experience
- When: Friday, November 27, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (daily until Dec 24, closing at 5:00 pm on the last day), 11 am to 5 pm
- Where: Lindale Mall (Santa Set across from Von Maur), Cedar Rapids
- Cost: Photo prices not listed on the page
Details, tips and host
Lindale Mall in northeast Cedar Rapids hosts Santa's Holiday Photo Experience on a dedicated Santa set across from Von Maur. The listing shows the visit starting Friday, November 27 at 11:00 am and running through December 24, when it ends at 5:00 pm.
The mall's events page does not list daily hours, photo package prices or whether reservations are offered, so families should check the mall's event listing or call the mall before going. Because the set is inside the mall, it is a handy stop for a cold December afternoon and can be combined with holiday shopping. Plan on a possible line on weekends and the days closest to Christmas.
Parent tip: Daily hours and photo packages are not listed, so check the mall's event page before you drive over.
- Host
- Lindale Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Lindale Mall (Santa Set across from Von Maur), 4444 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Story time with Santa
Santa, Snacks, and Stories
- When: Sun November 29 and Mon November 30, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Where: Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids
- Cost: $5 adults, $10 youth 12 and under, advance tickets only
- Ages: Infants through age 12 at child pricing
Details, tips and host
Santa visits the Brucemore mansion for two evenings, and kids are invited to bring their wish lists and pose for photos. Inside the decorated home, families will also find a holiday craft, a story time and a snack to take home, and can explore the first, second and third floors.
Entry is by staggered half-hour time slots from 5:30 pm, with the last entry at 7:30 pm. Every adult and child needs a ticket, and tickets are sold only in advance online, by phone or at the mansion, never at the door. Capacity is kept small so the evening feels intimate, and slots often sell out.
Parent tip: Book early since entry times sell out, and go straight to the mansion to check in. Online and phone orders carry a $4 processing fee.
- Host
- Brucemore (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Brucemore Mansion, 2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday show
Cozy Winter Family Program with Orchestra Iowa
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
- Where: Downtown Library, Beems Auditorium A/B, Cedar Rapids
- Cost: No fee listed
- Ages: All ages (babies through adults)
Details, tips and host
Orchestra Iowa visits the Downtown Library for a cozy winter afternoon built for the whole family. The program mixes festive music with winter-themed crafts, and hot cocoa is served while families work on their projects.
The library's calendar lists the program for Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in Beems Auditorium A/B. It is open to every age group, from babies and toddlers through adults, so it works for siblings of different ages. The listing does not mention registration or a fee, and it does not say the crafts are specifically Christmas themed, so think of it as a seasonal winter event with holiday music.
The Downtown Library is at 450 5th Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids.
Parent tip: The page lists no registration requirement, but check the event page for any update before you go.
- Host
- Cedar Rapids Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Downtown Library, Beems Auditorium A/B, 450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday lights
Holiday Nights
- When: Sun December 6, Thu December 10, Sun December 13, Thu December 17, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23 and Sun December 27, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Where: Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids
- Cost: $18 adults, $10 students ages 4 and up, free ages 3 and under
- Ages: Whole family
Details, tips and host
Brucemore opens its historic mansion in the evening for Holiday Nights, a chance to see the house lit up with thousands of twinkling lights and over a dozen Christmas trees. The estate describes the experience as one the whole family can enjoy.
The 2026 evenings are December 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 27, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Admission is $18 for adults and $10 for students ages 4 and up, and youth ages 3 and under are free. Brucemore supporters receive $5 off per ticket, and online and phone orders carry a $4 processing fee. Full tour details and the schedule are linked from the event page.
This is a self-paced mansion visit rather than a story time, so it suits kids who enjoy looking at lights and trees.
Parent tip: A $4 processing fee applies to online and phone orders. Check the event page for the tour schedule before choosing an evening.
- Host
- Brucemore (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Brucemore Mansion, 2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday show
25th Annual Cedar Rapids Area Merry TubaChristmas
- When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Where: Downtown Library, Library Commons, Cedar Rapids
- Cost: No fee listed
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The Cedar Rapids Area Merry TubaChristmas marks its 25th anniversary this year with a free-flowing public concert in the Commons on the first floor of the Downtown Library. Past performances have featured nearly 100 tuba players performing holiday music together, which makes it a loud, friendly show for curious kids.
The library lists the concert for Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, and all age groups are welcome. Seating is extremely limited, but there is plenty of standing room and visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs. Tuba players who want to take part can find pre-registration information at CRTubaChristmas.com.
The Downtown Library is at 450 5th Avenue SE.
Parent tip: Seating is very limited, so arrive early or bring a folding chair and plan to stand near the back with little ones.
- Host
- Cedar Rapids Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Downtown Library, Library Commons, 450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday story time
New Year's Family Story Time and Craft
- When: Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30 am
- Where: Downtown Library, Children's Program Room, Cedar Rapids
- Cost: No fee listed
- Ages: Geared to preK through 3rd grade, all ages welcome
Details, tips and host
Families can celebrate the coming new year with a special story time at the Downtown Library's Children's Program Room. The hour includes books, music and movement, and it is geared toward children from preschool through third grade, though the library says all ages are welcome.
After the stories, children stay to make a crown they can wear on New Year's Eve. The program is listed for Wednesday, December 30, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. It falls in the quiet week after Christmas, which makes it an easy morning outing when school is out.
The library's page does not list a fee or registration requirement. The Downtown Library is at 450 5th Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids.
Parent tip: Plan to stay for the craft after the story portion so your child can take the crown home.
- Host
- Cedar Rapids Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Downtown Library, Children's Program Room, 450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Cedar Rapids? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Marion
1 confirmed event for kids in Marion, soonest first.
Holiday show
Francis Marion Intermediate School Carolers
- When: Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am
- Where: Marion Public Library, Community Room, Marion
- Cost: No fee listed
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Students from Francis Marion Intermediate School come to the Marion Public Library to spread holiday cheer through caroling. They will sing a selection of carols for everyone in attendance in the library's Community Room.
The library lists the performance for Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:30 am. It is tagged for every age group, from babies and toddlers to adults, so it fits a morning outing with young children and can be paired with a browse of the children's section afterward.
The listing does not mention a fee or registration. Because the performance is only half an hour, arriving a few minutes early helps you find a spot with a good view for little ones.
Parent tip: The program is short at 30 minutes, so arrive a little early to get settled.
- Host
- Marion Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Marion Public Library, Community Room, 1095 6th Ave, Marion, IA 52302 (near Cedar Rapids)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Iowa Christmas train rides page.
Cedar Rapids Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 7 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Cedar Rapids and Marion
- Season
- November 27 to December 30, 2026
- Free events
- 0
- Kinds of events
- holiday show, Santa visit, story time with Santa and holiday lights
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Cedar Rapids Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Santa's Holiday Photo Experience in Cedar Rapids on November 27; the last runs to December 30. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Santa's Holiday Photo ExperienceCedar Rapids · Nov 27 to Dec 24
- Santa, Snacks, and StoriesCedar Rapids · Nov 29 to Nov 30
- Cozy Winter Family Program with Orchestra IowaCedar Rapids · Dec 5
- Holiday NightsCedar Rapids · Dec 6 to Dec 27
- 25th Annual Cedar Rapids Area Merry TubaChristmasCedar Rapids · Dec 12
- Francis Marion Intermediate School CarolersMarion · Dec 16
- New Year's Family Story Time and CraftCedar Rapids · Dec 30
Looking further afield? Our Iowa Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Des Moines, Davenport, Dubuque, Ames, Sioux City, Iowa City and Waterloo. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Cedar Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, one Christmas game involves a pickle. Families in NewBo hunt for a pickle ornament on the tree, a tradition said to be more than 100 years old, and the city has other holiday traditions to share with kids.
How Cedar Rapids celebrates
Cedar Rapids kicks off the season at Greene Square, where the annual tree lighting reached its 29th year in 2025, which puts its start in the late 1990s. The Holiday DeLight Parade was in its 34th year in 2017 and unofficially opened the season. In NewBo, families look for a pickle ornament on the tree, a tradition with claimed German and Bohemian roots. For decades, downtown department stores drew crowds to their holiday windows: Armstrong's opened in 1890, and Killian's ran from 1911 until it closed in 1982.
Christmas last year in Cedar Rapids
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the city held its 29th annual tree lighting at Greene Square. Families arrived at 4:30 p.m. for music, cocoa and s'mores, and Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell led the lighting at 5:30 p.m. The tree was a 25-foot Colorado blue spruce donated by the Craft family. The night before, the free Five Seasons Lights ceremony opened at McGrath Amphitheatre. Brucemore Mansion held Holiday Nights on nine evenings, with over a dozen Christmas trees, and Hawkeye Downs hosted a free Santa Village on weekends.
Fun facts about Christmas in Cedar Rapids
Killian's had a talking Christmas tree named Mary Christmas, and Santa and his reindeer perched on top of the store's signs. Armstrong's built a five-story building in 1950, and its tree rose from the second story all the way to the roof. Its animated elves are on display each December at The History Center, and Killian's Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves can be seen at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. Armstrong's life-sized nativity, from the late 1950s, was restored after the 2008 flood.
Traditions today
- Greene Square tree lighting: A free evening with music, cocoa and s'mores before the mayor lights a tall spruce in downtown Cedar Rapids.
- Five Seasons Lights: A free, walk-through display of lights and decorations at McGrath Amphitheatre, opened with a lighting ceremony in early December.
- Holiday Nights at Brucemore: Self-guided evening tours of the historic mansion, decorated with over a dozen Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling lights.
- Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs: A free Santa Village open on December weekends, with photos with Santa for $5.
- The NewBo Christmas pickle: Families hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first person to find it wins the fun.
- Armstrong's elves at The History Center: The store's old animated elves come out every December for families to see.
A fact for kids
In Cedar Rapids, the Christmas tree hides a pickle. Families look for a pickle ornament in the branches, and whoever spots it first gets the credit.
Questions about Christmas in Cedar Rapids
When did the Cedar Rapids tree lighting start?
It began in the late 1990s. The city called the December 2025 ceremony its 29th annual tree lighting, which counts back to about 1997. It takes place at Greene Square in downtown Cedar Rapids and marks the start of the holiday season each year, with the mayor and city council members taking part.
What happened at the Cedar Rapids tree lighting last year?
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, guests gathered at Greene Square at 4:30 p.m. and the lighting began at 5:30 p.m. The mayor and council members led it, and families enjoyed live entertainment, holiday music, family activities, cocoa and s'mores. The event was free and open to everyone.
Where does the Cedar Rapids Christmas tree come from?
It is donated by a local family. In 2025 it was a 25-foot Colorado blue spruce from the Craft family of Cedar Rapids, and in 2021 the tree came from the Mylhousen family in southwest Cedar Rapids. The tree stands at Greene Square, where the mayor leads the lighting each year.
Where is the Cedar Rapids tree lighting held?
It is held at Greene Square Park, at 400 Fourth Avenue SE in downtown Cedar Rapids. In 2021 the evening also included family crafting at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Food trucks and a scavenger hunt have also been part of earlier lighting evenings. Our Cedar Rapids Christmas events guide on this page has this year's date.
What is the Cedar Rapids Holiday DeLight Parade?
It is a downtown evening parade that unofficially kicks off the Cedar Rapids Christmas season. The 34th annual parade was held on a Saturday evening, December 9, 2017, so it began in the 1980s. The same article also lists caroling and hot cocoa as a December tradition.
What is the Christmas pickle in New Bohemia?
It is a game where a pickle-shaped ornament is hidden in the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it wins. A local radio article called it the NewBo Xmas Pickle and said the tradition goes back over 100 years, with claimed German and Bohemian roots.
How can I play the Christmas pickle game with my kids?
Hide a pickle ornament deep in the branches after the tree is decorated, then let the kids search while you wait. The first one to find it wins the fun. The Cedar Rapids version comes from NewBo, where the tradition is said to be over 100 years old.
What was Killian's department store?
Killian's was a downtown Cedar Rapids department store that operated from 1911 until it closed in 1982. Its street-level windows at Third Avenue and Second Street SE were a well-known holiday attraction, and Santa and his reindeer stood on top of the store's signs each Christmas.
What was Armstrong's in Cedar Rapids?
Armstrong's was a department store that opened in 1890 at 2nd Street and 2nd Avenue SE, across from Killian's, and closed in 1991. In 1950 it built a five-story building covering a whole city block. It was known for big Christmas decorations, including a very large garland and a tall tree.
Where can I see the old department store Christmas figures today?
Armstrong's animated elves are on display each December at The History Center, 800 2nd Avenue SE. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves from Killian's windows are on view at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW. Check each museum's hours before visiting.
Who was Mary Christmas in Cedar Rapids?
Mary Christmas was Killian's talking Christmas tree, known for its female voice. When the Lindale Mall and Iowa City stores were sold, the tree moved downtown. It was one of many animated treats that drew families to the store's holiday windows before Killian's closed in 1982.
What is the story of the Armstrong's nativity?
A life-sized nativity debuted at Armstrong's in the late 1950s. The Smulekoff's store later bought it and displayed it, and it was restored after being damaged in the 2008 flood. The story shows how some old Cedar Rapids Christmas displays have been kept for later generations to see.
What is Five Seasons Lights in downtown Cedar Rapids?
Five Seasons Lights is a free, walk-through display of festive lights and decorations at McGrath Amphitheatre in downtown Cedar Rapids. It opened with a lighting ceremony on December 5, 2025, and is described as an annual tradition. It is an evening outing, so bundle up little ones.
What is Holiday Nights at Brucemore?
Holiday Nights are self-guided evening tours of Brucemore Mansion in Cedar Rapids. In 2025 they ran on nine evenings between December 4 and December 28, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., with over a dozen Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling lights inside. Tickets were required.
What is Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs?
It is a free-admission Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from December 5 to 21 in 2025. Photos with Santa cost $5, and inflatable wristbands and concessions cost extra. Kids can visit Santa and enjoy the holiday setting.
What is the Cedar Rapids caroling tradition?
One family tradition in Cedar Rapids is to pick up hot cocoa from the Blue Strawberry and then go caroling at area nursing homes and senior living centers. A local radio article listed it among five fabulous Cedar Rapids Christmas traditions, alongside the Holiday DeLight Parade and the NewBo pickle.
How can I explain the old department store windows to my kids?
Tell them that before online shopping, families went downtown to see Christmas come alive in store windows. Killian's had Santa on its signs and a talking tree, and Armstrong's had animated elves. Today, kids can still meet some of those characters at The History Center and the Czech and Slovak museum.
Where can kids see a giant Christmas tree in Cedar Rapids?
The city's main tree stands at Greene Square, where a 25-foot Colorado blue spruce was lit on December 6, 2025. Historically, Armstrong's famous indoor tree rose from the second story to the top of its building. For this year's lighting date, see our Cedar Rapids Christmas events guide on this page.
Where can kids see Christmas lights in Cedar Rapids?
Kids can walk through Five Seasons Lights at McGrath Amphitheatre, and Brucemore Mansion decorates with thousands of twinkling lights during Holiday Nights. Noelridge Greenhouse also held a Lights and Blooms evening in 2025. Our Cedar Rapids Christmas events guide on this page lists this season's confirmed dates.
What makes Christmas in Cedar Rapids distinctive?
Cedar Rapids pairs a Christmas pickle game, said to have German and Bohemian roots, with department store memories. The old store windows had a talking tree and animated elves, and the downtown tree lighting at Greene Square offers cocoa and s'mores for the whole family.
Sources
- Five Fabulous Cedar Rapids Christmas Traditions, KDAT
- Cedar Rapids announces annual tree lighting date, CBS 2 Iowa
- City of Cedar Rapids Greene Square Tree Lighting, Tourism Cedar Rapids
- Holiday displays: Killian's and Armstrong's, KHAK
- Holiday events in Eastern Iowa, December 2025, KHAK
- 2025 Five Seasons Lights, Downtown Cedar Rapids
- Cedar Rapids sets a date to light up the square for Christmas, KRNA
Cedar Rapids Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Cedar Rapids this year?
We confirmed 7 for the 2026 season. Good places to start: Holiday Nights (Dec 6 to Dec 27), Cozy Winter Family Program with Orchestra Iowa (Dec 5) and New Year's Family Story Time and Craft (Dec 30). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Where can kids meet Santa in Cedar Rapids?
2 events here include a visit with Santa. Popular picks are Santa's Holiday Photo Experience (Nov 27 to Dec 24) and Santa, Snacks, and Stories (Nov 29 to Nov 30). Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Are there Christmas story times for kids in Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Library story times are usually free and walk-in; ones with a meal or a show are ticketed.
Is anything on for kids in Cedar Rapids on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes, three events run on Christmas Eve or later. New Year's Family Story Time and Craft runs through Dec 30 and Holiday Nights runs through Dec 27.
Do we need tickets or reservations?
For 7 of the 7 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Cedar Rapids?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Cedar Rapids Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.