Celebrate the Season with Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation
Celebrate the Season with Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation
November 17, 2023
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – November 17, 2023 – The City of Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department is offering a variety of holiday events for all ages. Residents are invited to dive into the season with a special $2/person Thanksgiving Swim at Bender Pool the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 22, from 1-4 p.m.
A weekend of events follows with Noelridge Greenhouse Lights and Blooms: A Tropical Holiday Adventure, hosted by greenhouse staff and the Friends of Noelridge on Thursday, November 30, and Friday, December 1 from 5-8 p.m. at Noelridge Greenhouse, 4900 Council Street NE. Visitors will enjoy hot cider, punch, cookies, and popcorn while basking in the warmth and beauty of the greenhouse and its permanent collection of tropical plants, and shopping for winter plant décor and unique holiday gifts. Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item for HACAP.
Then, on Saturday, December 2, the annual official City of Cedar Rapids Tree Lighting will be held in Greene Square, 400 4th Avenue SE, from 4:30-6 p.m. Family activities (snowball fight, “reindeer” games for kids, candy cane hunt, holiday crafts, and a photo op) begin at 4:30 p.m. and lead up to the lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be available with refreshments for sale.
A Semi-Formal Winter Dance for ages 11-15 will be held after the tree lighting at Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW, from 7-10 p.m. Advance registration is required (program #314746-01) at CRREC.org. Admission is $5/resident, $6/non-resident.
Children ages 3-10 and their parents are invited to Winter Wonderland at Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW, on Saturday, December 9, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The holiday fun includes activities, crafts, games, and treats for only $5/child.
On the following Saturday, December 16, from 1-3 p.m., children ages 0-10 will have the chance to see Santa Claus and get their picture taken with him at Ushers Ferry Historic Village’s Santa’s Workshop. They will also build a toy, decorate cookies, and drink hot cocoa. Advance registration is required (program #314741-01) at CRREC.org. Admission is $5/resident, $6/non-resident.
Also, for those who need to snag a last-minute gift, a Holiday Market featuring local vendors will be open at the Ushers Ferry Lodge that same Saturday, December 16, from 1-5 p.m. Admission to the market is free.
For more information or to register for programs, visit the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department’s website: CRREC.org or call 319-286-5566.
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