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🎅 Christmas by the Lake: Clear Lake’s Magical Holiday Festival
🎅 Christmas by the Lake: Clear Lake’s Magical Holiday Festival
📍 Clear Lake, Iowa
📅 Weekend of December 6, 2025
✨ Welcome to the Award-Winning Christmas by the Lake! ✨
Join us for one of Iowa’s most beloved and celebrated holiday events — Christmas by the Lake in Clear Lake! This award-winning weekend festival is full of holiday cheer, family-friendly activities, and magical moments for all ages.
🎄 From lighted parades and fireworks to breakfast with Santa and the famous Polar Bear Plunge — there’s something for everyone! Bring your loved ones, bundle up, and make holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
🌟 Festival Highlights
🎽 Thursday, December 4th
Lights on 5K (5:30 PM)
📍 One Vision’s Kinney-Lindstrom Center (1200 N 9th St W)
Dress up in festive lights and run (or walk) for a cause! All proceeds help buy gifts for individuals with disabilities supported by One Vision.
👉 Register at lightson5k.org
Candy Cane Fun Run (5:45 PM)
Kids can run alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus! Every participant earns a special medal.
👉 Register at lightson5k.org
🎄 Friday, December 5th
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (5:30 PM)
📍 Clear Lake City Park Bandshell
Kick off the weekend as the tree lights up the park! 🎁 Donations for the Clear Lake Food Bank are encouraged.
“The Christmas Story” Nativity Event (5–8 PM)
📍 Clear Lake Baptist Church (2810 US Hwy 18 W)
Over 800 nativity scenes, cookies, and Christmas joy await. (Also open Saturday 9 AM–3 PM)
🎅 Saturday, December 6th
Breakfast with Santa (7:30–10 AM)
📍 St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (1101 9th Ave S)
Enjoy pancakes, sausage, and coffee from Cabin Coffee! 🍳 $5 per person (ages 5 and under free).
Holiday Bake Sale & Crafts + Luncheon (8:30 AM–1:30 PM)
📍 United Methodist Church (508 2nd Ave N)
Shop homemade goodies, crafts, and enjoy a delicious lunch 🍪🥧
Holiday Art Market (10 AM–4 PM)
📍 Clear Lake Arts Center (17 S 4th St)
🎨 Discover handcrafted gifts and meet local artisans.
BINGO with C.A.R.E.S. (10 AM–3 PM)
📍 VFW (219 Main Ave)
Play BINGO and support Clear Lake students’ safe prom night.
Pizza & Photos with the Grinch & Cindy Lou Who (10 AM–3 PM)
📍 Lakeview Room (10 N Lakeview Dr)
🍕 Snap photos and enjoy lunch — proceeds benefit the Clear Lake Dance Team.
Prince & Princess Party (10:15 AM)
📍 Clear Lake Bank & Trust (322 Main Ave)
👑 Register your 3–5-year-old to be crowned Christmas royalty!
Story Time for Ages 3–6 (10:15 AM & 11:30 AM)
📍 Clear Lake Public Library
Festive stories, songs 🎵, crafts ✂️, and cocoa ☕.
Family Matinee: Elf (11 AM)
📍 Lake Theatre (4 N 4th St)
🎬 Free with a food-bank donation!
Live Cello & Piano (11 AM–2 PM)
📍 Holistic Harmony (313 N 8th St)
Relax to beautiful holiday melodies 🎻.
Christmas Karaoke & S’mores (1–4 PM)
📍 Zion Dock Overhang (500 Main Ave)
Sing your heart out 🎤 and toast marshmallows 🔥.
Carriage & Hayrack Rides (1–4 PM)
📍 Boarding at Wilcox Furniture & Ge-Jo’s
Enjoy scenic rides through downtown 🛷.
Petting Zoo & Pony Rides (1–4 PM)
📍 Clear Lake City Park
🐴 Meet and ride friendly animals!
Visit with Santa (1–4 PM & 6–7 PM)
📍 Santa’s House, City Park
📸 Bring your camera and wish list!
Balloon Artists (1–4 PM)
📍 Zion on Main (500 Main Ave)
🎈 Professor Von Air creates custom balloon art!
Zion on Main Activities (1–4 PM)
Games, inflatables, crafts, and photos 📸 with Marshall & Baby Yoda.
Card Making Workshop (1–4 PM)
📍 Clear Lake Public Library
Create handmade Christmas cards ✉️ while enjoying hot cocoa ☕.
🎇 Lighted Parade & Fireworks Finale (5:07 PM)
📍 Main Avenue & Seawall
Watch floats sparkle down Main Street followed by a breathtaking fireworks display 🎆.
👉 Parade applications available online!
🧊 Sunday, December 7th
Holiday Bazaar & Vendor Market (9 AM–3 PM)
📍 Clear Lake Middle School (1601 3rd Ave N)
🛍️ Shop vendors, enjoy donuts 🍩, lunch 🥪, and door prizes!
Family Matinee: The Grinch (11 AM)
📍 Lake Theatre
🎬 Free with food or cash donation — sponsored by CLB&T Insurance.
Polar Bear Plunge (10:30 AM–1:30 PM)
📍 Clear Lake City Beach
❄️ Presented by the Clear Lake Jaycees — check-in begins 10:30 AM at the VFW.
Plungers take the icy leap at 12:30 PM followed by a warming party at Tap’d 🍻 with live music!
Proceeds support Toys for Tots and Clear Lake Kids & Families In Need.
👉 Register online or Venmo @ClearLake-Jaycees.
Visit with Santa (1–4 PM)
📍 Santa’s House in City Park
🎅 Don’t miss your last chance for holiday photos!
❤️ Why You’ll Love Christmas by the Lake
✨ Family-Friendly Fun: Petting zoos, pony rides, Santa visits and more!
🏘️ Local Culture: Enjoy Clear Lake’s small-town charm and award-winning hospitality.
🌨️ Scenic Beauty: Snowy lake views and twinkling lights create the perfect holiday backdrop.
🎁 Make this holiday season unforgettable — join us in Clear Lake for Christmas by the Lake, December 6–7, 2025!
👉 Learn more at www.clearlakeiowa.com