Cedar Rapids Sets a Date to Light Up the Square For Christmas

On December 4, the tradition continues as the Cedar Rapids city Christmas tree has been selected and will be lit in a public ceremony in Greene Square.

Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation has a full slate of related events

Via press release and Facebook post, we've learned the official tree-lighting will take place at 5:30 on Saturday, December 4. But prior to that, there will be more family fun taking place downtown. At 4 p.m. will begin an hour of "family crafting" at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

Greene Square will be abuzz with activities from 4-5:30 including a scavenger hunt, storytime, and holiday music by the tree. With food trucks available in the downtown area throughout the night, prepare for the festive event that kicks off the entire holiday season here in Cedar Rapids. In addition, there will be a donation drive to collect hats, gloves, and mittens for community children. These items will be distributed in December at the Northwest Recreation Center.

This event kicks off the season for many in earnest and provides the opportunity for all of our favorite downtown shops, bars and restaurant to show off to their regulars and new visitors alike.

The city tree actually arrives this Monday

After asking for donations from the community for trees to be used as the city Christmas tree, this year's selection comes from the Mylhousen family of southwest Cedar Rapids. Before it can be lit in the Square it has to get there and be placed which will happen on the following schedule Monday, November 29:

• Approximately 7:30 a.m. – Tree cutting at [private address]
• Approximately 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. – Tree arrives at Greene Square
•  Approximately 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. – Tree set and decorated at Greene Square

You may have already decked your own halls for the Christmas season, and whether it be a spread to put Clark Griswold to shame or something a bit more subtle, it could win you a thousand dollars. Before Cedar Rapids gets set to "light up the square", help us "Light Up Eastern Iowa"! Download our free mobile app and send us photos of your best and brightest, most creative holiday lights. Get official rules and details here.