Visit our full events calendar
All events are free unless noted
Now Playing: Zootopia 2 (PG)
Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers.
Dec. 1st-5th: 7 PM; Dec. 6th/7th: 1, 4, & 7 PM Dec. 8th-10th: 7 PM
Lake Theatre, 4 N. 4th St.
$5 adults, $4 children 12 and under
One Vision’s Lights On 5K
Get ready to light up the night at One Vision’s 13th Annual Lights On 5K Run/Walk on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Clear Lake! Whether you’re a runner or walker, come dressed in your festive best, add some glow, and join us in supporting One Vision’s mission to stand with and support people with disabilities in pursuing their best life. In addition to the race, bring the whole family to enjoy Santa’s Workshop and other fun kids’ activities. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season together!
Every registration, donation, and dollar raised will go directly toward providing holiday gifts for individuals served by One Vision who otherwise may not receive any. Let’s make the season brighter together!
Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
NEW INDOOR LOCATION due to the cold! Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center, 115 N 20th St.
Lights On 5K $33, Kids Candy Can Fun Run $15
Trivia Thursday
Think you know it all? Gather your friends and put your knowledge to the test every Thursday at Lake Time Brewery for a night of fun, friendly competition, and craft beer! The trivia topics change weekly, so make sure to check our Facebook page for updates. Whether you’re a history buff, pop culture fanatic, or just love a good challenge, there’s something for everyone. Great prizes, great brews, and great times await—see you there!
Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Follow Lake Time Brewery on Facebook
Lake Time Brewery, 801 Main Ave.
Karaoke at TAP’d
Kick off your Christmas by the Lake weekend with karaoke at TAP’d! For 139 Weeks TAP’d & MOJO Productions All Star Karaoke have brought karaoke to Clear Lake! Jared & his crew are constantly updating the song book & coming up with new on stage effects to make it so much fun!
Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Christmas Story Nativity Event
Kick-off your holiday season with “The Christmas Story” Nativity Event during Clear Lake’s Christmas By the Lake celebration. Our event features a display of over 800 nativity scenes, free cookies, and a joyful Christmas atmosphere. Open to the public at no cost.
Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5 PM-8 PM
Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 9 AM- 3 PM
Visit Clear Lake Baptist Church’s website
Clear Lake Baptist Church, 2810 US Highway 18 W
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us to kick off Christmas by the Lake weekend with a tree lighting ceremony in City Park. This year we are collecting donations for the Clear Lake Food Bank. Bring to the tree lighting or drop off at the Chamber in advance.
Friday, December 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Click here for the livestream on Facebook
Clear Lake City Park
Tacos & Tequila Anniversary Party
We’re celebrating one year of Bistro Nineteen with an open house style evening featuring our buffet-style taco bar and tequila cocktail pairings from Karon. It’s a relaxed, come-and-go celebration designed for great food, great drinks, and great company. This event is open to everyone, and you do not need to be a member to attend.
Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5 PM- 8 PM
Legacy 19 Golf Course, 3331 19th St SW, Mason City
$16 in advance, $20 day of (price covers food only)
Live Music at TAP’d
Hideaway Honey makes her way to TAP’d for a Christmas by the Lake Friday Show! Hideaway Honey is buzzzzzzing with sweet lyrics and stinging hooks. An internationally award-winning songwriter and Nashville recording artist from Iowa, USA, Hideaway Honey spins heartfelt stories from the heartland to horse show arenas nationwide — blending ’90s country, rock, pop, and folk into an Americana sound that’s bold, bright, and dripping with soul. Hideaway Honey takes the stage @ 9!
Friday, December 5, 2025 from 9 PM – Midnight
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Karaoke Night at Rumorz
Grab the mic, grab a drink, and let your inner rockstar shine every Friday at Rumorz Bar & Grill! Ice cold drinks, all your favorite songs, no judgment — just good vibes! Kicks off at 9PM so bring your crew, belt it out, and make it a night to remember.
Friday, December 5, 2025 starting at 9 PM
Follow Rumorz Bar & Grill on Facebook
Rumorz Bar & Grill, 1210 South Shore Dr.
🎄Christmas by the Lake 🎅
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.
Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7, 2025
Click here for full event details
Annual Cookie Walk, Crafts & Holiday Sales
The United Methodist Church is hosting its Annual Cookie Walk, Crafts & Holiday Sales during Christmas by the Lake weekend.
In addition to the cookie walk, crafts and holiday sales, Our Methodist Women will be serving fresh-baked cinnamon rolls from 8:30-11:30 AM, and soup, sloppy joes and pie from 11 AM-1 PM.
Proceeds from the event will go toward local missions.
Saturday, December 6th from 8:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Follow United Methodist Church on Facebook
United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N.
Holiday Art Market
Discover unique holiday gifts at our Christmas Art Market! Explore 10 artist booths featuring handcrafted treasures, ornaments, and seasonal finds. Celebrate the season with art, creativity, and community.
Saturday, December 6th from 10 AM- 4 PM
Follow Clear Lake Arts Center on Facebook
Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St.
Elf Movie (PG)
Elf free showing with food bank donation. Doors open at 10:15 AM!
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11 AM
Follow Lake Theatre on Facebook
Lake Theatre, 4 N. 4th St.
Visit with Santa
Visit with Santa at his house in Clear Lake’s City Park!
Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 – December 21 from 1 PM- 4 PM
Additional Hours Saturday, December 6th from 6 PM- 7 PM
How to Visit Santa in City Park
Clear Lake City Park
Live Music at TAP’d
David Simmons always brings an entertaining mix of classic rock, new country, blues and pop to his shows at Tap’d. Join us for a special afternoon with some holiday favorites tossed into the playlist. Celebrate the holidays in beautiful Clear Lake, IA! David takes the stage @ 2pm!
Madison Kolbet makes her way to Clear Lake for Christmas by the Lake 2025! Madison comes from NE Iowa to play us some country music for the evening! Madison takes the stage @ 9pm!
Saturday, December 6, 2025, Shows at 2 PM and 9 PM
TAP’d, 313 Main Ave.
Christmas by the Lake Bazaar
Come do some Holiday Shopping with all of the amazing vendors/crafters! Over 50 vendors, door prizes, & lunch available (money going back to the school DC trip)!
Sunday, December 7, 2025, 9 AM – 3 PM
Click here to visit the Facebook event
Clear Lake Middle School, 1601 3rd Ave. N.
Polar Bear Plunge
Join us for the most exhilarating event of the year – the Clear Lake Polar Bear Plunge 2025! Get ready to dive into the icy waters of City Beach and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush. This in-person event is not for the faint-hearted! Whether you’re a seasoned polar bear plunger or a first-timer, this is your chance to conquer the cold and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Registration is a donation to the local Toys for Tots + Clear Lake Kids & Families In Need Fund. Registration cost is $60 which includes a Polar Bear Plunge Sweatshirt. Register by 11/6 to guarantee size and registrations after that will be on a first come first serve basis.
Sunday, December 7, 2025, 9 AM – 3 PM
10:30 AM: Check-in/Registration and pre-party for Plungers at the VFW in Clear Lake. All participants will receive a drink token at the VFW.
12 PM: Check-in/Registration moves to the Yacht Club
12:30 PM: Plungers take the plunge!
1 PM: Warming Party at Tap’d (Tap’d will have a band)
Clear Lake City Beach
$60
The Grinch Movie (PG)
The Grinch free showing with food bank donation. Doors open at 10:15 AM!
Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 11 AM
Follow Lake Theatre on Facebook
Lake Theatre, 4 N. 4th St.
Writing Group
Bring a pencil and some paper (or grab your laptop) and join a community of writers. Use the time to work on a project or join in on the prompts and games provided. The group meets from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday nights whenever the library is open.
Monday, December 8, 2025 from 6PM – 7PM
Clear Lake Public Library, 200 N. 4th St.
BINGO Night at the VFW
Good times for a good cause! Proceeds from every game support local charities and veteran programs. VFW BINGO happens the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Must be 21+ to play.
Monday, December 8, 2025, 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Clear Lake VFW, 219 Main Ave.
BINGO Night at Reserve 173° Bar & Grill
Get ready Clear Lake! We’re bringing the one and only Bingo Daddy to Reserve 173° Bar & Grill for a weekly night of laughs, prizes, and good vibes.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 6PM – 8PM
Follow Reserve 173° Bar & Grill on Facebook
Clear Lake VFW, 219 Main Ave.
VFW Bags Night
VFW weekly bean bag night is every Wednesday. Sign up at 6:30pm, play begins at 7pm. $1 entry per person, prize money awarded each week. Bring a snack to share if you like!
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 6:30PM – 9PM
Clear Lake VFW, 219 Main Ave.