Cookie and peppermint walks and a gingerbread house party: Eastern Iowa food events

It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas for this week's food events.

Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk

Enjoy horse drawn carriage rides, cocoa and popcorn, holiday music and a tree lighting ceremony, plus the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, escorted by the Marion Fire Department. Stroll Uptown Marion, where participating businesses will hand out peppermint treats to celebrate the season.

' When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday

' Where: Marion Square Park, 1107 Seventh Ave., Marion

' Cost: Free

' Details: uptownmarion.com

Prelude to Christmas Bazaar and Cookie Walk

The Amana Church Holiday Bazaar features homemade foods: yeast breads, jams, jellies, salsas, plus handmade craft items, woodworking, needlework, Christmas décor, ornaments for your tree and unique treasures. Stop by the Cookie Walk for home-baked Christmas cookies, candies and holiday treats.

' When: Bazaar noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Cookie Walk begins noon Saturday until cookies run out; pick up a reservation time beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday

' Where: Amana Church, 1112 26th Ave., Middle Amana

' Cost: Cookie box of four to five dozen cookies for $25

' Details: (319) 622-3639

Holiday Cookie Walk

Support the Friends of the North Liberty Public Library and stock up on baked goodness at this cookie sale.

' When: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday

' Where: North Liberty Public Library, 520 W. Cherry St., North Liberty

' Cost: $6 per dozen cookies

' Details: (319) 626-5701

Museum Guild Cookie Walk

Grab some taste treats, either by the pound or individually priced, at this cookie walk during the Old World Christmas Market at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

' When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday

' Where: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids

' Cost: $8 per pound of cookies

' Details: (319) 362-8500, Ext. 203

Gingerbread House Party

For $5 get everything you'll need to make a gingerbread house, with proceeds going to Willis Dady Homeless Services at this even sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors.

' When: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday

' Where: Lindale Mall, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids

' Cost: $5

l Details: (319) 393-9399