Trolls, Santa, and Shopping -- Eastern Iowa Weekend Events

Happy Thanksgiving/Black Friday Weekend! Here are some of the events happening here in Eastern Iowa this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:

Trolls LIVE!
- U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Times
  - November 29th at 6 p.m.
  - November 30th at 10 a.m.
  - November 30th at 2:30 p.m.
  - December 1st at 1 p.m.
- "The journey begins when the Trolls’ Hug Time is unexpectedly put at risk. Knowing that the only way to save it is by doing what the Trolls do best, Poppy hosts a toe-tapping, Trolls-tastic show, jam-packed with all the epic music, glitter, humor and happiness only the Trolls can create."
- Tickets start at $22 - get yours HERE
Matilda the Musical
- Theatre Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Times
  - November 29th at 7:30 p.m.
  - November 30th at 7:30 p.m.
  - December 1st at 2:30 p.m.
- "Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, the story of an extraordinary little girl with an unbounded imagination – and a bit of magic – who proves you can overcome anything."
- Tickets range from $22 to $55 - get yours HERE
8th Annual Black Friday Sip & Shop
- Cedar Ridge Winery in Swisher
- November 29th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- "Shop with local businesses while tasting wine for free at Cedar Ridge Winery! There will be giveaways, door prizes, and raffles that you DO NOT want to miss."
Holiday Hoopla Kick-Off!
- Downtown Cedar Falls
- November 29th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- "Santa Claus is coming to the Cedar Falls Downtown District! Don’t miss his grand entrance on Friday, November 29th as he arrives to help us kick off the Holiday Hoopla seasonal celebration in the district! Shop and dine in the Cedar Falls Downtown District, then join us on Main Street for live musical entertainment at 6:00 pm. Mrs. Claus will be in the workshop for visits with the kids before she joins Santa after his arrival and their magical march down Main to turn on the sculpture tree and watch the fireworks over the Cedar River."
Small Business Saturday in The District
- Czech Village & New Bohemia Districts in Cedar Rapids
- November 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- "Over 30 businesses in the district are providing coupons, gift cards, promotional items, and more that will go into the Shop Small American Express Bags. Cedar Rapids Main Street will also be putting in District Dollars which can be spent at any participating business."
- The first 200 patrons can pick up their bags starting at 10 a.m. next to the giant cherry
Downtown Iowa City Small Business Saturday
- Downtown Iowa City
- November 30th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- "Each year, Small Business Saturday launches our month-long holiday activities: Santa Saturdays, Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, and the Downtown Hunt for the Elves"
Shop Small Saturday 2019
- Mount Vernon & Lisbon
- November 30th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- "You can expect hourly community cash giveaways, a Home Business Expo at the First Street Community Center, and various discounts, treats, and giveaways at participating merchants."
Anamosa 'Festival of Lights' Parade and Holiday Kick-Off
- Downtown Anamosa
- November 30th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  - 5th Annual Reindeer Run at 9 a.m. - get registered HERE
- "Parade of Lights starts at 6 p.m.! Santa will arrive by horse-drawn wagon and you can catch a ride following the parade til 9 p.m.! Lots of other events throughout the day as well!"
RoughRiders Hockey
- Cedar Rapids Ice Arena
- November 30th at 7:04 p.m.
- vs. Waterloo
- Unity Point Health Night Fan Giveaway
- Tickets range from $12.75 to $25 - get yours HERE
Celtic Yuletide
- Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
- November 30th at 8 p.m.
- "Irish musicians join Michael onstage to perform age-old Celtic airs on the haunting uilleann pipes, fiddle, low whistles and the national drum of Ireland, the bodhran. They thrill the audience with their own frenetic traditional jigs and reels."
- Tickets range from $29 to $45 - get yours HERE
Holiday Bazaar
- The History Center in Cedar Rapids
- November 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Featuring local artisans/crafters and kids' activities
- Event is free
Downtown Teddy Bear Room (opening weekend)
- Hilton Garden Inn in Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Times
  - November 30th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  - December 1st from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  - Open daily through December 24th
- "Who doesn't want to visit a room full of over 300 teddy bears?! Yes, the Downtown Teddy Bear Room is exactly how it sounds, for 4 weeks, there will be an entire room at Hilton Garden Inn, filled with hundreds of teddy bears, big and small. Families, children, everyone is invited to come hug a bear, take photos, and spread the holiday cheer!"
Santa at NewBo City Market
- NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Times
  - November 30th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  - December 1st from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- "The big man himself is coming to the NewBo City Market, and he wants to hear about all your Christmas wishes!"
Paws & Claus
- Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids
- December 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- "Mix and mingle with other pet lovers while your furry friend takes a paw-satively adorable photo with Santa. There will also be some special treats for your fur babies!"
Christmas Party with Santa
- Longbranch Grand Ballroom in Cedar Rapids
- December 1st from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- "Enjoy cookies, juice, and crafts along with time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. You'll have time to create your Christmas list on-site or feel free to bring it along!"
- Event is free - get registered HERE