Christmas is fast approaching, which means Santa will soon be coming to town. For many children, visiting Santa is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the holiday season. There’s nothing quite like cozying up on Santa’s lap to reveal all of this year’s Christmas wishes. We’ve put together a list of where to see Santa in the Iowa City area to ensure that all of the local girls and boys can make their Christmas wishes heard.
FilmScene
Lucky for us, Santa found time to break away from the hustle and bustle of the North Pole to schedule four trips to Downtown Iowa City this holiday season. Iowa City’s good boys and girls are welcome to come down to FilmScene in Downtown Iowa City to share their Christmas wishlist and snap a picture with jolly old Saint Nick. Santa will be eagerly awaiting his visitors from 11:30am–2:30pm on November 25th as well as December 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
Where: FilmScene, 118 E. College Street
When:
- Saturday, November 25th from 11:30am–2:30pm
- Saturday, December 2nd from 11:30am–2:30pm
- Saturday, December 9th from 11:30am–2:30pm
- Saturday, December 16th from 11:30am–2:30pm
Coral Ridge Mall
While you’re doing your holiday shopping, make sure to stop by and visit Santa at the Coral Ridge Mall. Santa loves having visitors, and is open for kids to come visit Monday–Saturday 11:00am–7:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm–6:00pm. This Santa is also quite the entertainer, and has scheduled special nights, such as Pet Nights on Mondays from 5:00–7:00pm, Holiday PJ Night on December 8th from 5:00–7:00pm, and Ugly Sweater Night on December 1st from 5:00–7:00pm. Santa can get pretty busy visiting with all the little girls and boys, so if you would like to avoid waiting in line you can book your special time with Santa ahead of time.
Where: Center Court at the Coral Ridge Mall
When:
- Monday–Saturday: 11:00am–7:00pm
- Sunday: 12:00am–6:00pm
Special Hours:
- 12/15–12/23: 9:00am–9:00pm
- 12/17: 9:00am–8:00pm
- Christmas Eve: 9:00am–5:00pm, Break 12:30pm–1:30pm
Coralville City Hall
Santa Claus is coming to town for the Coralville Aisle of Light celebration. On December 10th from 5:00–7:30pm, all of the good girls and boys in the area are welcome at Coralville City Hall for hot chocolate, cookies, live music, and photos with Santa in his sleigh.
Where: Coralville City Hall, 1512 7th St, Coralville, IA 52241
When: Sunday, December 10th from 5:00–7:30pm
Amana Colonies
Every year, the Amana Colonies create a winter wonderland at the Tannenbaum Forest—a magical environment full of 40 decorated, live Christmas trees. This enchanted forest is one of Santa’s favorite spots in the area, and he makes several stops throughout the holiday season. Make sure to stop by to see the beautiful trees and visit with Santa!
Where: Tannenbaum Forest, Amana
When:
- Friday, November 25th: 3:00pm–5:00pm
- Saturday, November 26th: 11:00am–6:00pm
- Sunday, November 27th: 11:00am–3:00pm
- Friday, December 2nd: 4:00pm–8:00pm
- Saturday, December 3rd: 2:00pm–8:00pm
- Sunday, December 4th: 12:00pm–3:00pm
- Saturday, December 10th: 1:00pm–5:00pm
- Sunday, December 11th: 12:00pm–3:00pm
- Saturday, December 17th: 12:00pm–3:00pm
- Sunday, December 18th: 12:00pm–3:00pm
Kalona
As part of their holiday celebrations, each year the city of Kalona hosts a “Christmas in Kalona” event, where visitors can take pictures with Santa as well as participate in other Christmas events such as cookie decorating, ice skating, carriage rides, and more.
Where: Kalona Chamber of Commerce
When: Saturday, December 2nd
While Santa can be seen throughout the month in the Iowa City area, there’s nothing more magical than the idea of spotting him as he arrives to your home in the early hours on Christmas morning. For the past month, children have been dreaming of the plump man in red making a trip to their home with presents in hand. However, because he has millions of homes to visit in just one night, spotting Santa isn’t an easy task. But, if you listen carefully, you might just hear the jingle of his sleigh or the pounding of reindeer hooves. Whether you see him or not, you can rest easy knowing that Santa is always close to home and in your heart.
