Santa hosting many CF Main Street events

Santa, a holy jolly soul, is visiting Cedar Falls every Thursday, as he has been for many years. This is Holiday Hoopla’s 17th event, hosting Santa at Main Street. People come from all around to see Santa’s workshop. 

Santa said, “I try to choose something special each year just for Cedar Falls. I like to make a grand entrance so everyone can start feeling Christmas magic right away! I have to consult with my friends the ‘Hoo Herd,’ to make sure it is doable, and they always pull through, they are the best group of elves around.”

Holiday Hoopla has many ways to get everyone into the festive mood. Jingle and mingle happened on Dec. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. There were fun activities that happened all around Main Street. While attendees visited Santa’s Workshop, they could stop by and browse the shops and grab a sweet treat. The trolley gave rides from the Cedar Falls Community Center to the Plaza. The trolley looped for the whole three hours. 

Santa chose to do the Jack in the box because “I thought it would be a fun surprise! The elves (Hoo Hered) suggested it because they love making toys with springy pop-outs, and I thought—what better way to pop into town myself?”

Breakfast was served on Dec. 6 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Cedar Falls Community Center. 

Santa enjoyed the trolley rides and said, “I sure do  love seeing the trolley and all its lights while I’m seeing families. It makes everything feel even more like Christmas, and it helps people explore downtown before and after visiting me.”

Santa had a red mailbox next to the stairs leading up to the stage, so visitors could drop their letters to Santa in the mailbox. 

The trolleys can run when it snows Santa said “Most of the time—yes! The trolleys are pretty tough. But if there’s LOTS of snow or ice, they sometimes have to take a little break so everyone stays safe. Safety first—even during holiday magic!”

Santa and elves will be in his workshop on Dec. 18 from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday Dec. 13 and 20, his elves will be there too from 10 a.m. to noon.

Santa said his favorite memory of the event is “Oh, my whiskers, I have so many! But I especially love watching kids see the big tree lit up downtown. Their faces glow just as brightly! I also love waving to families as they stop by the workshop—it warms my heart faster than hot cocoa!”

Santa said the setup for the workshop “goes pretty quickly! We start early so everything is sparkling and ready before I arrive. The elves add magical touches, and everything is ready just in time for doors to open.”

Trolley rides happen only on Thursday Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. The trolleys loop from the Cedar Falls Community Center to the Plaza. On that day, there is also going to be a horse drawn trolley ride for people who want a scenic route.