In midst of snowy weekend, Cedar Falls Holiday Hoopla rings in Christmas season

The annual month-long Cedar Falls Holiday Hoopla celebration began Nov. 28, featuring the Christmas kickoff at the River Place Plaza. Each year, Santa’s arrival is a big event followed by a parade, music and fireworks over the Cedar River. This year was not unlike years past, when weather conditions threatened the turnout. The Holiday Hoopla celebration went on, and as the snow began falling, the fireworks lit up the sky. 

Locally, Cedar Falls kids’ outlook on the festivities is positive.

Freshman Ava Feldick said she typically only attends the kickoff with her family, but that it’s usually pretty fun.

Feldick also said she likes to watch the fireworks.

“I go to the parade, and we watch the fireworks together.”

Freshman Tiffany Johnson said she has been an avid Holiday Hoopla attendee for 10 years. 

“This is my 10th year. My mom took me starting when I was 4.”

Johnson said one of her favorite years of the kickoff was during COVID-19.

“One of my favorite years going was the COVID year,” she said. “They didn’t really do much, but they had a light show. You would be in your car, and you would just drive downtown. It was so cool.”

Johnson also said that this year was particularly fun, and the number of people who went surprised her. In addition, the fireworks show was adored by many. 

“They had a very good outcome of people; there were a lot more people than there were last year. The fireworks were actually also better than last year, and then the snow at the end was like the perfect last touch.”

Johnson said that she consistently enjoys hot chocolate from Urban Pie during the kickoff.

“They have a little stand, and their hot chocolate is so warm. I always go there, and I just think the consistent amount of people in the community contributing is great.”

While Johnson said she doesn’t remember her first year, she says she has high hopes for the progress Holiday Hoopla has made in recent years. 

“Well, the first time I went, I obviously don’t remember, but it has definitely changed a lot. Especially because in school, we are talking about communities, and just seeing how much our community has grown there is a simple way of bringing everybody together.”

Johnson said everyone should head downtown to try out the many Holiday Hoopla events.

“I just hope more people go because even though it’s getting crowded there, it’s still really fun.”

The festivities continue throughout the month, including trolley rides, Santa’s workshop and other family-friendly events. Find additional information on Holiday Hoopla in downtown Cedar Falls here.