Week ahead brings many holiday events

Noelle Konieczny/Staff Writer

It was the day after Thanksgiving, and all through downtown, every creature was stirring, making Christmas-like sounds. They readied their hot chocolate and Christmas cookies too, all in the hopes that you would come through. Outside on the ground, with snow all around, there’s a Santa Claus House, and even Christmas character cutouts.

On Nov. 26, at 6 p.m., the second annual Holiday Hoopla returns to downtown Cedar Falls.

The first official Holiday Hoopla kicked off last year on Nov. 27, 2009. The new Main Street tradition met with rave reviews. Holiday Hoopla had a huge attendance last year, and hundreds watched as Santa repelled from a roof, and to the horror of children around the Cedar Valley, almost fell.

This year, after Santa arrives in some spectacular, undisclosed way, there’s a “March Down Main Street” parade for the lighting of the Main Street Sculpture Tree at First and Main St., followed by Winter Fireworks.

There will be live music and entertainment, food and special shopping deals for all of the people on your Christmas list.

Holiday Hoopla gives people the chance to get into the spirit of Christmas, hang out with your friends, grab a cup of hot chocolate and listen to Christmas carols.

Jingle and Mingle on Main is the after effect of Holiday Hoopla. Every Thursday night in December, there are free horse and trolley rides, in-house refreshments, and many Christmas savings.

On Dec. 4, there will be a Running of the Santa’s race at 9 a.m. Registration is from 8-9 a.m. at the Cedar Falls Community Center on 6th and Main St.. Registration is $15 and includes breakfast and a Santa hat. You can share the holiday love by bringing a new unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army Toy Drive. The present can range from infant to 18, and cannot exceed $25. There will be prizes awarded to the “Biggest Team,” “Best Dressed Santa,” and “Best Costume.”

On Saturday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you can enjoy a free showing of The Polar Express at the Oster Regent Theatre.

Hope to see you there!