Looking for things to do during December in Iowa City?
Check out these events going on throughout the month in our collection of curious communities.
Find more things to do by visiting our events calendar or to submit your own event here. Sign up for our free events e-newsletter #ICtheWeekend.
Holiday Lights at the Lake
Holiday Lights at the Lake
Nov. 26-Dec.31
West Overlook Campground
Coralville
Embrace the festive spirit and make Holiday Lights at the Lake your treasured holiday tradition! As you drive through the enchanting West Overlook Campground, you’ll be captivated by our fifth annual community celebration. A magical mile of dazzling animated light displays awaits, complete with a captivating animated tunnel and countless sparkling arches and holiday figures.
West Overlook Campground is transformed into a whimsical winter wonderland. Delight in the playful antics of dancing polar bears, be awed by the giant poinsettia pot and forest, and join in the fun as we take you “Under the Sea”- a display new for 2025!
Take a heartwarming journey down “Memory Lane,” where a vibrant collection of illuminated trees pays tribute to cherished loved ones.
Many beloved displays are making a delightful return, including the “Farming in Iowa” area featuring “Snowmerican Gothic,” a joyful twist on Grant Wood’s timeless “American Gothic.”
All proceeds support The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County.
The Mousetrap
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap – Riverside Theatre
Nov. 28-Dec. 14
Riverside Theatre
Iowa City
November 28 – December 14, 2025 at Riverside Theatre
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays – 7:30pm
Sundays – 2:00pm
Synopsis: A timeless “who done it” with a twist ending that has famously been performed for 70+ years on London’s West End. When a young couple opens a bed and breakfast on the English countryside, their first guests turn out to be six odd and shadowy figures, each with secrets to hide. A snowstorm cuts the house off from the outside world just as a notorious murderer is revealed to be on the loose, and each guest becomes a suspect.
**There will be a talkback with the performers and director hosted by Miriam Gilbert following the Sunday, 11/30 matinee performance. This event is free and open to the public; you do not need to attend that day’s performance to attend the talkback.
Tractor Wagon Rides
Tractor Wagon Rides Sponsored by Hills Bank
Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20
Downtown
Iowa City
There is no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season than with a Tractor Wagon Ride through downtown. Enjoy a FREE whimsical ride in a decorated wagon pulled by a classic tractor from Bass Farms.
Rides run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, departing every 15 minutes. Hop on outside of Hills Bank, located at the corner of Washington and Clinton Streets.
Riders will receive a candy cane and can cozy up with a blanket for a festive ride around the city.
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker
December 4-7
The Englert Theatre
Iowa City
The Englert Theatre and Nolte Academy are proud to present Iowa City’s annual production of The Nutcracker, Dec. 4-7, 2025.
This holiday classic comes to life with performances by dancers from Nolte Academy and features a live orchestra conducted by Carey Bostian.
The ballet showcases exquisite costuming, enchanting sets, and captivating choreography under the direction of Nolte Ballet Director and Nutcracker Artistic Director, Loren Williams.
White Christmas
White Christmas
December 5-14
Coralville Center for the Performing Arts
Coralville
Revisit your favorite Irving Berlin tunes in this heartwarming musical adaptation of the timeless film. Bob and Phil (originally played by Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye) don’t know it yet, but they are taking their song-and-dance act to a lodge in Vermont. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.
University of Iowa Band Extravaganza
University of Iowa Band Extravaganza
December 7
Xtream Arena
Coralville
This year’s Band Extravaganza will feature an afternoon of enjoyable music by the the Iowa Symphony Band, Johnson County Landmark, and the Hawkeye Marching Band with the Golden Girl, Drum Major, Iowa Spirit Squads, Iowa Dance Team, and Herky. Our special guest band this year is the Trojan Marching Band from West High School in Iowa City.
The Picture Show: BAMBI
The Picture Show: BAMBI
December 13, 14 & 18
FilmScene
Iowa City
Free for Kids! Adult Admission $5! Kids, don’t forget to pick up your Picture Show Passport. Bring your Passport back to FilmScene each Picture Show screening for stickers, prizes and more!
“More than any self-declared masterpiece in the Disney catalog, Bambi has earned the right to be called timeless, because its concerns are transcendent and universal.”—Scott Tobias, The A.V. Club
In this life-changing adventure, Bambi sets off with his best friends Thumper and Flower to explore the wonders and challenges of the woods—and fulfill his destiny as prince of the forest. Full of humor and heart, and featuring awe-inspiring animation, Bambi remains a family favorite, ready to delight a whole new generation.In striving for realism, the artists behind the film heard lectures from animal experts, made field trips to the Los Angeles Zoo, watched specially filmed nature footage shot in the forests of Maine, and even studied the movements of two fawns that were donated to the studio.
Team USA vs. Team Ukraine Women’s Wrestling Dual
Team USA vs. Team Ukraine Women’s Wrestling Dual
December 18
Xtream Arena
Coralville
The USA vs. Ukraine Friendly will take place Thursday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa. Immediately prior, a few girls high school duals will take place with Iowa City High battling Cedar Rapids Washington at 5pm. City High will then battle cross town rival Iowa City West beginning at 6pm. The event is presented by the IWWC, the Iowa City Area Sports Commission, and the City of Coralville. In lieu of tickets, fans are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support the Coralville Community Food Pantry.
The Iowa City Area Sports Commission, in partnership with the Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club (IWWC), is proud to welcome back the Ukrainian Women’s Wrestling Federation to Wrestle Town, USA. Team Ukraine will join Team USA next month for a two-week training camp with the Iowa Hawkeye Women’s Wrestling program. The camp will conclude with a USA vs. Ukraine “friendly” hosted by the Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club.
Bring a nonperishable food item and experience an unforgettable night in Wrestletown, USA.
Iowa Children’s Museum STEM Family Free Night
STEM Family Free Night
Dec. 26, 5 – 8 p.m.
Iowa Children’s Museum
Coralville
Join us on the last Friday of each month for free museum admission and a special STEM activity, sponsored by Collins Aerospace!
NOON Year’s Eve with Cinderella
NOON Year’s Eve with Cinderella
Dec. 31, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Field Day Brewing Co.
North Liberty
Ring in the New Year early with Cinderella! 
Join us at Field Day Brewing Co. for our annual Noon Year’s Eve Party, now bigger and better than ever! We’ve expanded into the entire taproom to make room for all the magic, memories, and merry-making your family can handle.
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