Art & Life

Holiday Happenings

Marcus Cinema sign
Marcus Cinema Nov. 16, 2019. PHOTO BY JESSICA MCWILLIAMS

On Nov. 22, “Frozen 2” and “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” will be released in theaters for Disney and Mr. Rogers fans everywhere. Tickets to “Frozen 2” could be a wonderful gift for a younger sibling or cousin for Christmas if you want to spend time together rather than give toys that will be broken in a week.

Marcus Theaters has student specials on Thursday and discount tickets on Tuesday. Dec. 20, “Star Wars: Rise of the Skywalker” will be released in theaters. The final film in the Skywalker series may break as many box office records as  “Avengers Endgame.”

On various dates in December, Marcus Theaters will be showing the retro Christmas movies Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “Elf,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Polar Express,”  and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and the tickets will be just $6. 

Who doesn’t cry from laughing while watch ing “Elf”? “The Polar Express” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” are childhood books brought to life on the big screen.  Take a break from crazy holiday shopping to eat popcorn and watch your favorite movie.

Nov. 24

Free Holiday Dinner

Hope Lutheran Church on Bowling Street is hosting a free community dinner and bingo night starting 5 p.m.  Enjoy an evening of good company free food and good conversation. Don’t forget to stay for bingo after  dinner.

Nov. 29

Tannenbaum Forest in Amana

The Amana Colonies hosts an event called the Tannenbaum Forest, held on the four Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Experience 17th century old world traditions. It’s free but a $5 donation to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is suggested.

Nov. 30

Holiday Bazaar

The History Center on Second Avenue will host a Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be free children’s activities and many vendors selling unique gifts. The Paramount Theater will also show a Celtic Yuletide ceremony.

Dec. 1

Paws and Claws

Lindale Mall will host a Paws & Claus event for pet parents to get their pets pictures with Santa from 6 – 8 p.m., Lindale Mall stated that all doors but the door behind Cheddars will lock at 6 p.m.

Santa Claus will be at Lindale Mall the rest of November and most of December to take pictures with children and families be sure to get in line early to aviod long lines.

Dec. 6

Live Music and Book Sale

Dec. 6 from 4 – 7 p.m. the Marion Public Library will have family friendly actives such as ornament making live holiday music performed by local musicians featuring the Tuba Ensemble and Santa’s Saxes. There will also be a Friends of the Library Holiday Book and Music sale.

Dec. 7

“The Nutcracker”

The Paramount Theater will be showing the “Nutcracker Ballet” at 2:30 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. Students under 17 or in college are eligible for half price tickets if purchased in person or over the phone.

Free holiday pet photos from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4330 Czech Ln. Cedar Rapids with a free will donation to raise money for Critter Crusaders.

Dec. 8

Free Holiday Concert

Dec. 8 Mount Mercy University will host a free holiday concert and cookies with San ta. Cookies with Santa will start at 1:30 p.m. in the Sisters of Mercy University Center Common with the concert at 2:30 p.m. To register for the event online visit eventbrite.com.

Dec. 17

African American Holiday Traditions

From 7 – 8 p.m. at the African American Museum there will be a one-hour presentation on African American holiday traditions.

Dec. 31

Noon Year’s Eve

The Cedar Rapids Public Library will be hosting a Noon Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. – noon. The event has a balloon drop and other family friendly activities.

Image courtesy of Jessica McWilliams | Kirkwood Communiqué

Categories: Art & Life