Celebrate the Holidays in Waterloo

Here’s your date-by-date guide to the city’s most magical holiday events!

🎭The Sound of Music🎭

The Waterloo Community Playhouse will be putting on one of the world’s most beloved musicals this holiday season. The Sound of Music tells the inspiring true story of Maria and the von Trapp family, blending iconic music, heartfelt storytelling, and powerful themes as they navigate a world changed by the rise of Nazism. This treasured Rodgers & Hammerstein classic is the perfect way to begin your holiday season!

📍 Hope Martin Stage, Waterloo Center for the Arts

📅 Performances:
Nov 21, 22 – 7:00 PM
Nov 23 – 2:00 PM
Nov 29, 30 – 2:00 PM
Dec 4 – 7:00 PM (Pay What You Can)
Dec 5 – 7:00 PM
Dec 6, 7 – 2:00 PM

🎟️Admission:
Adult - $25.00
Student Rush - $15.00 At the door only
Child - $10.00

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✨Illuminate the Gardens✨

Experience the first-ever Illuminate the Gardens! Stroll through the Cedar Valley Arboretum’s glowing pathways, lit by thousands of shimmering lights and dazzling displays. Warm up by the fire pits with free hot cocoa and s’mores, and enjoy themed nights throughout the season — from Date Night and Family Night to Pet Night and special visits from Santa and carolers.

📅 November 28 – December 27
📍 Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
⏰ Open Thursday–Saturday, 5–9 PM

🎟️ Admission:
Members: $8 | Non-members: $10
Youth (5–17): $2 | Kids 4 and under: Free!

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🎅Waterloo Lights the Night🎅

Experience Waterloo's Free Holiday Kick-off!

Highlights:
Tree Lighting & Fireworks: Begins shortly after 6 PM.
Santa Claus: Stop by for photos and wish-list sharing!
Santa’s Stable Farm Animals: Petting zoo fun for all ages.
DJ XRay: Holiday hits to set the festive mood.
Christmas Cocktails available for purchase.
Free Treats: Enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.
Food & Shopping: Hungry Charlie’s Food Truck + fresh greenery and wreaths from Meyer’s Nursery.

Date & Time:
📅 Saturday, November 29
⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 Anton's Garden and Sycamore St

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🎨Holiday Ornament Festival🎨

Get crafty with the Waterloo Public Library at this family-friendly ornament-making workshop! Create your own one-of-a-kind decorations to make your home shine bright this holiday season.
🖍️ All materials are provided (While supplies last.)

📅 Saturday, December 6
⏰ 2–4 PM
📍 Waterloo Public Library

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🏠Christmas at Russell Square🏠

Step back in time and celebrate a traditional Christmas at the Grout Historic Houses. Tour two beautifully decorated historic homes, enjoy sweet treats, crafts, and live entertainment.
🎁 This event is free, but donations are encouraged to support the maintenance and care of the historic houses.

📅 Saturday, December 6
⏰ 5–8 PM
📍 Rensselaer Russell House Museum & Snowden

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🫖Yule Tide Tea🫖

Step into the magic of the season at the Yuletide Tea Party, hosted at the Snowden Historical House. Twinkling lights, holiday treats, and cheerful company await as you celebrate winter’s warmth with a festive blend of tea, tradition, and holiday spirit.

📅 Saturday, December 20
⏰ 10 AM–12 PM
📍 Snowden House

Registration deadline: December 16 (Registration is required to attend)

🎟️ Admission:
Adult Cost: $20.00
Adult Member Cost: $12.00
Child Cost: $20.00
Child Member Cost: $12.00

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🎉Noon Year’s Party🎉

Ring in 2026 with the Waterloo Center for the Arts! Celebrate with crafts, snacks, games, and a ball drop at noon. It’s the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration for families!

📅 Tuesday, December 31
⏰ 10 AM–12 PM
📍 Phelps Youth Pavilion, Waterloo Center for the Arts

🎟️ Admission:
Members: $5 | Non-members: $10
Register by December 30 online or by calling 319.291.4490

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