Join Hawkeye Downs and T&D Party Wagon on Saturday, December 5, for a family-friendly Holiday Lights Bus Tour through Eastern Iowa!
Gather your favorite people, pack some snacks, and let someone else handle the driving while you enjoy an evening of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Your ticket supports Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs, helping us bring free holiday magic to our community.
BUS TOUR DETAILS
$45 per person (ages 3+)
All ages welcome
Dress your best! Festive holiday attire is encouraged.
Departs at 5:00 PM from the North Expo Center doors at Hawkeye Downs Santa Village
Returns to Hawkeye Downs approximately 8:00–8:30 PM
OUR HOLIDAY LIGHTS LINEUP
🎅 START: Hawkeye Downs Santa Village
Our evening begins at Santa Village! Meet at the North Expo Center doors and be ready to roll at 5:00 PM. Bus tour check-in will begin at 4:30PM inside Santa Village. We encourage our riders to stop into Santa Village anytime between 1:00PM and when wheels are up at 5:00PM to snag some photos in our selfie stations, shop the holiday market, or catch some independent holiday films before we hit the road.
🌟 Holiday Lights at the Lake | Iowa City
Enjoy a dazzling drive through West Overlook Campground, featuring animated displays, sparkling arches, holiday figures, and an animated light tunnel.
🎶 Driftwood Lane Lights | Fairfax
Double the stops, double the sparkle! We’ll visit two light displays along Driftwood Lane.
✨ Five Seasons Lights | Cedar Rapids
Step off the bus and into the glow at McGrath Amphitheater! We’ll walk through the outdoor holiday light display, so bundle up and bring your camera.
🎄 RETURN: Hawkeye Downs Santa Village
We’ll wrap up our evening back at Hawkeye Downs, arriving approximately 8:00–8:30 PM. Timing may vary with traffic and display lines.
🍪 BRING YOUR FAVORITE TREATS
Food and nonalcoholic drinks are welcome on the bus! This is a family-friendly event, and NO alcohol is permitted. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for our outdoor walking stop. (Psst! You can expect some sweet treats from our little volunteer elves at Santa Village!)
Make a memory with your family while helping Santa Village create holiday memories for others.
Thank you to T & D Party Wagon for helping us bring our fundraiser to life this holiday season! Learn more about their services at https://tanddpartywagon.com/ 🔗
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How much are tickets? What about kids?
Tickets are $45 per person for ages 3+. Children two and under are free.
What's the plan if there is bad weather?
If there is severe winter weather, we will notify guests by 2:00PM on Saturday, December 5th. Refunds will not be issued. We will be working with T&D Party Wagon to reschedule this event if winter weather affects the schedule.
My availability changed. Are my tickets refundable?
No. Tickets are non-refundable. If you can't attend, you will not be able to receive a refund. However, we can transfer tickets to another individual with a valid email address.
I can't be there right at 5:00PM. Can the bus wait for me?
No. The bus will be leaving promptly at 5:00PM to ensure all holiday light stops are made in a timely manner, and guests return to Hawkeye Downs between 8:00 and 8:30PM.
Is the bus handicap accessible?
No. T&D Party Wagon's bus for this event is NOT handicap accessible.
How many tickets can I purchase? Is there a maximum?
There is no maximum number of tickets allowed per purchase. However, the maximum number of tickets for this event is 30.
Is there food on the bus?
Hawkeye Downs will have sweet treats for our light tour guests! Food and beverages are welcome. Please bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
I'm 21+. Can I bring alcohol?
No. This is a family-friendly experience, and no alcohol is permitted.
Will there be photos taken?
Hawkeye Downs staff and volunteers may take photos and videos during the light tour. Please understand that your voice and/or likeness may be used in Hawkeye Downs advertising materials, including social media.
I have another question. Who do I contact?
Please contact Jennifer Lawrence at Hawkeye Downs at (319) 365-8656.