Dec. 1, 2025 – The holiday season is here, and the library has programs to help you embrace the spirit of the season. Find details below for an interactive activity before the annual city Tree Lighting in Greene Square, a Friends of the Library book sale, holiday music, and chances to make your own presents in our Maker Spaces.
Visit our calendar for more winter programs, including a "Lord of the Rings" movie and craft series, a tea time celebration of Jane Austen's 250th birthday, Dolly Parton's Birthday Party, special Saturday story times, a NASA film night, Family Karaoke, Superb Owl Party, Cat Cafe, and more.
Please note the Downtown and Ladd libraries will be closed Dec. 24-25, will close at 5 pm Dec. 31, will be closed Jan. 1 and will be closed Jan. 18-19.
Holiday Programs:
The Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library will sell new and gently used books during the Very Cherry Holiday event. Very Cherry features studio and gallery open houses, workshops and art for sale in the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio, the Friends book sale, live music by Five Seasons Chamber Music, and Kevin the Santa. Shop for giftables, children's books, vintage and collectible books, and more, with proceeds supporting the Friends and the library.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 am-4 pm
Cherry Building, 329 10th Ave. SE
Help decorate a winter fairy village at the library before heading out to Greene Square to enjoy the annual Tree Lighting.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 3:30-4:30 pm
Downtown Library, Children’s Program Room
Music Medley with the Collins Aerospace Band
Enjoy an hour of music provided by Collins Aerospace's Concert Band. The band will play a medley of holiday and patriotic music with a splash of “Hello Dolly” and ABBA.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 6:30-7:30 pm
Downtown Library, Whipple Auditorium
Saturday Story Time: Special Guest Ms. Carly from Music Together
Celebrate the sounds of the season in this joyful holiday music class with special guest Ms. Carly from Orchestra Iowa's Music Together. Children will sing, dance, and play instruments to favorite winter and holiday songs from around the world. Through movement and musical play, little ones will explore rhythm, melody, and expression while sharing the spirit of the holidays. It’s a festive and heartwarming way to make musical memories together!
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10-10:30 am
Downtown Library, Children's Program Room
The public is invited to attend and participate in the annual Cedar Rapids Area Merry TubaChristmas. Participants can register to play a tuba online at CRTubaChristmas.com. Past performances have included nearly 100 tuba players gathering together to perform holiday music. Join us for a festive and fun celebration of the season! Please note seating is limited; however, there is plenty of standing room and people are welcome to bring their own chairs.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 3-4 pm
Downtown Library, Commons
Need to complete or make a last-minute holiday gift? Register for this event and get assistance with your project from one of our Maker Space librarians.
Fridays, Dec. 12 & 19, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Downtown Library, Maker Spaces
Register for Dec. 12
Register for Dec. 19
McKinley STEAM Academy Jazz Band Holiday Concert
The McKinley STEAM Academy Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band will perform seasonal music in the library Commons. These groups are made up of 6th-8th grade students from curricular instrumental music classes. Each group rehearses outside of regular school hours and looks forward to sharing their music with the community!
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 11-11:30 am
Downtown Library, Commons