116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Five Seasons Lights coming to Cedar Rapids’ McGrath Amphitheatre
New walk-through extravaganza begins at 4 p.m. Dec. 1, with lighting at 4:30
CEDAR RAPIDS — The McGrath Amphitheatre is turning into a beautiful sight to make you happy at night, walking through a winter wonderland.
VenuWorks, which manages the outdoor space for the city of Cedar Rapids, is flipping the switch at 4:30 p.m. Friday, and every evening through Dec. 31. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for the nonprofit organizations welcoming visitors at the entrances.
The accessible site means patrons of all ages and abilities can ooh and ahh their way through a light tunnel, pass by a 25-foot tree, an 18-foot gingerbread house, a full-sized sleigh, a Sugar Plum Fairy and other seasonal attractions along the Cedar River at 475 First St. SW.
Santa will be waiting for wish lists from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 23, seated on an elaborate throne, sheltered from the elements. He’ll also accept letters in Candy Cane Lane every evening. Food and beverages will be sold Thursdays to Saturdays, and live entertainment will add some jingle each Friday and Saturday.
If you’re ready to pump up your step count, dig out those holiday horrors from the back of your closet and lace up your tennies Dec. 16 for the Ugly Sweater 5K-ish fun walk/run, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the nearby Sunner Memorial Park, 701 Valor Way SW. Registration is $15 ages 18 and up and $12 ages 4 to 17.
If you go
What: Inaugural Five Seasons Lights
Where: McGrath Amphitheatre, 475 First St. SW, Cedar Rapids
When: Dec. 1 to 31, 2023
Opening: 4 p.m. Dec. 1; 4:20 p.m. program, 4:30 p.m. lights go on
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, lights and music, with food service on Thursdays; 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, lights, live music and food service; 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, lights, live music, food service, as well as visits with Santa 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free, donations accepted for nonprofit workers greeting visitors
Details: creventslive.com/events/2023/five-seasons
Extra: Ugly Sweater 5K-ish Fun Walk/Run, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16; registration link at creventslive.com/events/2023/five-seasons
Michael Silva, executive director of VenuWorks of Cedar Rapids, came up with the idea for the free, walk-through lighting extravaganza.
“He had this idea that had been mulling around in his head, of wanting to bring something to the community that hasn’t been done before,” said Diane Smith, director of marketing and ticketing for the local VenuWorks operation. “That was last spring. We started talking about it and working on it, and here we are.”
“The McGrath Amphitheatre is the perfect location to host this event and we can’t wait to see downtown aglow with holiday lights,” Silva said in announcing the event.
“It is a wide-open space with a lot of area and ability for people to walk around and enjoy the site. We have power on the ground already,” Smith added. “We've got a lot of support systems already there, thanks to Cedar Rapids Parks and Rec (department).”
Smith didn’t have the final cost for the project, but said that sponsorships from area businesses and staffing from nonprofit organizations will defray the costs, keeping the event free for patrons.
If the weather decides to be frightful, check McGrath Amphitheatre’s social media sites for cancellations.
Security measures are in place to keep the attraction safe around the clock. And of course, Smith reminds any mischief makers that Santa is watching, too.
Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com
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