Christmas by the Lake

Christmas by the Lake: Clear Lake’s Magical Holiday Festival

Weekend of December 5, 2026

–

Welcome to the Award-Winning Christmas by the Lake in Clear Lake, Iowa: Join us in celebrating the holiday spirit at Clear Lake’s Christmas by the Lake event, a holiday festival that’s won several regional and statewide awards. Spanning the first weekend in December, this family-friendly festival promises a fun-filled variety of activities for all ages. Come to Clear Lake and create cherished holiday memories with your loved ones.

–

Festival Highlights:

Thursday, December 3rd:

Lights on 5K (5:30 PM)
One Vision’s Kinney-Lindstrom Center (1200 N 9th St W)
Kick off the festivities with One Vision’s 12th Annual Lights on 5K Run/Walk. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive costumes and lights. All proceeds from registrations and donations are used to buy holiday gifts for individuals with disabilities supported by One Vision. Register at lightson5k.org and support a great cause.
Candy Cane Fun Run (5:45 PM)
One Vision’s Kinney-Lindstrom Center (1200 N 9th St W)
Kids will have a chance to run with Santa and Mrs. Claus along the North Drive of One Vision’s main campus. Every participant will receive a commemorative medal to celebrate their achievement. Register at lightson5k.org.

Friday, December 4th:

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (5:30 PM)
Clear Lake City Park Bandshell
Join us to kick off Christmas by the Lake weekend with a tree lighting ceremony in City Park.
“The Christmas Story” Nativity Event (5 -8 PM)
Clear Lake Baptist Church, 2810 US Hwy 18 W.
This event features a display of over 800 nativity scenes, free cookies, and a joyful Christmas atmosphere on Friday 5-8pm and Saturday 9am-3pm.

Saturday, December 5th:

Breakfast with Santa (7:30-10 AM)
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (1101 9th Ave S)
Presented by the Knights of Columbus. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, milk, juice, and coffee provided by Cabin Coffee! $5 per person (ages 5 and under are free), no advance ticket sales, pay at the door. Santa will be available from 7:30-9:30 AM for photos.
Holiday Bake Sale & Crafts (8:30 AM-12:30 PM) and Luncheon (11 AM-1:30 PM)
United Methodist Church (508 2nd Ave N)
Discover unique holiday gifts and treats — cookies, candies, breads, crafts, books, and festive decorations. Start your morning with cinnamon rolls and hot coffee, then stay for a delicious lunch featuring sloppy joes, hot dogs, soup, and pie.
Holiday Bazaar & Vendor Market (9 AM-3 PM)
Clear Lake Middle School (1601 3rd Ave N)
Wind through rows of your favorite vendors in the Clear Lake Middle School gymnasium. Enjoy donuts and coffee in the morning and a sloppy joe meal deal for $5 in the afternoon. Don’t miss the bake sale and door prizes. All proceeds from the bake sale will benefit the high school Washington D.C. trip.
“The Christmas Story” Nativity Event (9 AM -3 PM)
Clear Lake Baptist Church, 2810 US Hwy 18 W.
This event features a display of over 800 nativity scenes, free cookies, and a joyful Christmas atmosphere.
Holiday Art Market (10 AM-4 PM)
Clear Lake Arts Center (17 S 4th St)
Get ahead start on your holiday shopping with unique, handcrafted gifts and art pieces. Enjoy a festive day with seasonal treats, and an opportunity to meet the artisans behind the creations.
C.A.R.E.S. Christmas by the Lake BINGO (10 AM-3 PM)
VFW (219 Main Ave)
Join the C.A.R.E.S. team for a festive round of BINGO. Proceeds help create a safe and memorable prom night for Clear Lake students.
Pizza & Photos with the Grinch & Cindy Lou Who (10AM-3PM)
Lakeview Room (10 N Lakeview Drive)
Meet the iconic Grinch and the adorable Cindy Lou Who for an unforgettable photo opportunity and pizza. All proceeds benefit the Clear Lake Dance Team.
Prince & Princess Party (10:15 AM)
Clear Lake Bank & Trust (322 Main Avenue)
Join us as we crown Christmas by the Lake Prince and Princess. Sponsored by The Other Place.
Story Time for Ages 3-6 (2 Sessions: 10:15 AM & 11:30 AM)
Clear Lake Public Library (200 N 4th St)
Story Time will be held at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the meeting room, featuring festive stories, songs, and a craft. A hot cocoa bar will be set up to enjoy. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Family Matinee: Elf (11 AM)
Lake Theatre (4 N 4th St)
Make a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the the food bank for free admission to this matinee showing of Elf.
Live Cello and Piano (11 AM-2 PM)
Holistic Harmony (313 N 8th St)
Stop in for a tea latte and enjoy beautiful live cello and piano music that may bring a tear to your eye.
Christmas Karaoke & S’mores (1-4 PM)
Zion Dock Overhang (500 Main Avenue)
Join Creative Sound and show off your singing skills. Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious s’more. Sponsored by Mediacom.
Horse Drawn Carriage, Horse Drawn Wagon and Tractor Pulled Hayrack Rides (1-4 PM)
Boarding locations: Wilcox Furniture (418 Main Ave) and Ge-Jo’s (12 N 3rd St)
Enjoy a fun ride around Clear Lake’s downtown district. Sponsored by Dean Snyder Construction.
Petting Zoo & Pony Rides (1-4 PM)
Clear Lake City Park
Pet your favorite furry friend or take a spin on a small pony ride. Sponsored by Fareway.
Visit with Santa (1-4 PM & 6-7 PM)
Santa’s House in Clear Lake City Park
Tell Santa exactly what’s on your Christmas list. Don’t forget to snag a photo with your camera or mobile device!
Balloon Artists (1-4 PM)
Zion on Main (500 Main Avenue)
Have Professor Von Air make the perfect balloon creation for your little one. Sponsored by Kingland.
Zion on Main Activities (1-4 PM)
Zion on Main (500 Main Avenue)
Activities include inflatables, special entertainment, 9-square, Gaga Ball, photos with Marshall (Paw Patrol) and Baby Yoda, coffee, cider, and crafts.
Card Making (1-4 PM)
Clear Lake Public Library (200 N 4th St)
Join us as we transform our meeting room to a Christmas card making workshop. Create cards to send to friends and family with stamps and embellishments. A hot cocoa bar will be set up to enjoy while you create.
Lighted Parade and Spectacular Fireworks Finale (5:07 PM)
Clear Lake Main Avenue & Seawall
The lighted parade begins at 8th Street & Main Avenue and will travel toward the lake, turning north along N Lakeview Drive. The Fireworks display will begin after the parade.

Sunday, December 6th:

Family Matinee: The Grinch (11 AM)
Lake Theatre (4 N 4th St)
Make a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the the food bank for free admission to this matinee. Sponsored by CLB&T Insurance.
Polar Bear Plunge presented by Clear Lake Jaycees (10:30 AM-1:30 PM)
Clear Lake City Beach
10:30 AM: Check-in/Registration and pre-party for Plungers at the VFW in Clear Lake. All participants will receive a BOGO token to enjoy a cocktail or beer.
12:00 PM: Check-in/Registration moves to the Yacht Club
12:30 PM: Plungers take the plunge!
1:00 PM: Warming Party at Tap’d (Tap’d will have a live band to enjoy!)
Warming tents will be onsite to change afterwards. When you check-in, you can provide your team name in order to be announced to plunge together. Fun costumes or outfits encouraged but not required. Registration is a donation to the local Toys for Tots + Clear Lake Kids & Families In Need Fund. A minimum donation of $60 will get you 2024 Polar Bear Plunge (navy blue crew neck) Sweatshirt. Want the sweet shirt but not wanting to fully commit to jumping in the lake? Join our Toe Dippers Club. You still get the swag, still get to attend the pre-party/post-party, still get the cold sensation with a tip of your foot, and our charities still get your support, its win-win-win. If you would like to donate and not dip, feel free to Venmo us at @ClearLake-Jaycees.
Visit with Santa (1-4 PM)
Santa’s House in City Park
Tell Santa exactly what’s on your Christmas list. Don’t forget to snag a photo with your camera or mobile device!

–

Why Visit Christmas by the Lake?

Family-Friendly Fun: From petting zoos and pony rides to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, there’s something for everyone.
Local Culture: Experience the best of Clear Lake with our unique blend of holiday traditions and modern entertainment.
Stunning Scenery: Enjoy the beauty of a frozen lake and the charm of our decorated town.

–

Stay updated!

For the latest schedule updates and event details, visit our website frequently. Don’t miss out on any of the holiday fun at Clear Lake’s Christmas by the Lake!