Illustration of Santa in a knitted red suit in a wooden armchair as two small children show him paper lists by a fireplace (Winter WonderLOO)
Christmas Markets

Winter WonderLOO

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

Experience the magic of Winter WonderLOO, Downtown Waterloo's holiday celebration! Join in for delightful visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a special screening of 'Smallfoot' at the Hope Martin Theatre, and the lively Jingle Bar Hop. Write letters to Santa, enjoy festive tunes, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

All ages $

Plan Your Visit

Last year

Neighborhood

Downtown Waterloo

Featured Performers

  • Local artists

Food & Drink

Food and holiday treats available during Festive Flick, drink specials during Jingle Bar Hop.

Location

Downtown Waterloo · Waterloo, IA Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, cheerful

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low (indoor and outdoor components)

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for the Jingle Bar Hop to secure one of the first 250 tickets and receive a special swag bag.
  • Check the specific dates and times for Santa visits, as they are only available on select Saturdays in December.
  • Bring your own letters to Santa to drop in the mailbox at Anton's Garden for a chance to receive a response.
  • Consider the Jingle Bar Hop as a great way to explore and support various downtown businesses in one afternoon.
  • Snacks will be available for purchase at the Festive Flick, so plan accordingly if you wish to enjoy refreshments during the movie.

Special Events & Promotions

  • First 250 Jingle Bar Hop ticket buyers receive a swag bag.
  • Santa available before Festive Flick movie.

Links & Contact

Run by Main Street Waterloo

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winter WonderLOO?

Winter WonderLOO is Downtown Waterloo's annual holiday season celebration featuring a variety of festive events and activities for all ages.

Are there any costs associated with Winter WonderLOO events?

Many events are free, such as writing letters to Santa and the Festive Flick. The Jingle Bar Hop requires a ticket purchase, and some food/drink may have associated costs.

Where can I find more information about specific event times?

Specific dates and times for each event are listed in the 'dates_open' field and on the event's main page.

Is the Jingle Bar Hop a guided tour?

No, the Jingle Bar Hop is a self-guided crawl, allowing participants to visit participating downtown Waterloo businesses at their own pace.

Can I meet Santa at any time during the event?

Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for visits on specific Saturdays in December. Santa will also be present at the Festive Flick from 4-5pm.

Browse Christmas in Waterloo

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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