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Things to do this week in Eastern Iowa (12/22/25 - 12/27/25)
Six festive events from around Eastern Iowa
The Gazette
Dec. 22, 2025 11:01 am, Updated: Dec. 22, 2025 1:51 pm
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COMMUNITY
Brucemore Holiday Nights
With over a dozen Christmas trees and thousands of lights, this breath-taking view of Brucemore is sure to bring Christmas alive for the whole family. These self-guided tours give you the opportunity to indulge in the cozy splendor of the season.
When: 4 to 7:30 p.mm. Monday, December 22
Where: Brucemore Mansion, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids
Cost: $18 adults; $10 students
Celebrate Kwanzaa
The African American Museum of Iowa and W.I.N. (Women In NAACP) are hosting a Kwanzaa celebration honoring African American heritage, culture and unity. The event will include cultural performances, activities for all ages, food, local artisans and opportunities for learning and reflection on the significance of Kwanzaa.
When: 12 to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 27
Where: African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Cost: Free
CIRCUS
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Bursting with festive charm, comedy and magic, this highflying spectacle showcases the extraordinary talents of the world’s most elite cirque performers. From gravity-defying acrobatics to jaw-dropping feats of strength and agility, every act is set to a modern soundtrack of beloved Christmas classics.
When: 7 p.m. Monday, December 22
Where: Paramount Theatre, 123 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Cost: $42+
MOVIES
Movies at the Paramount: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
The Paramount Theatre invites the community to celebrate in a way that’s fun, festive and meaningful with Holiday Movies at the Paramount. This features the PG-13 rated film starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo.
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 23
Where: Paramount Theatre, 123 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Cost: $15
Movies at the Paramount: “Elf”
Preshow activities include a meetand- greet with Buddy the Elf and children’s crafts. The PG-rated film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 23
Where: Paramount Theatre, 123 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Cost: $15
MUSIC
Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Extravaganza
This one-of-a-kind holiday concert experience blends the beauty of traditional carols with high-octane rock anthems, cinematic classical reimaginings, and heartwarming favorites — all brought to life in glowing candlelight, with a dazzling stage set and immersive light show.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 23
Where: Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 1301 Fifth Street, Coralville
Cost: $19+
Find more events around Eastern Iowa at hooplanow.com. Plan your weekend with the Hoopla newsletter and Chew on This. Sign up for these free newsletters now.
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