Christmas by the Lake
An Amazing Holiday Festival
Dates: December 2-3, 2022
Event Description: Saturday’s events include horse drawn carriage rides, a craft show, outdoor market, the crowning of prince and princess, a petting zoo, s’mores for kids, Christmas Karaoke, a visit with Santa, family matinees at the Lake Theatre, special entertainment at the Clear Lake Arts Center, strolling Dickens characters, a lighted parade, and fireworks over the frozen lake. Kick off the weekend with a holiday concert at the Surf Ballroom!
Clear Lake’s Christmas by the Lake has won several tourism awards for best holiday festival!
Thursday, December 1st:
Lights on 5K 5:30pm
One Vision’s Kinney-Lindstrom Center
Register at lightson5k.org
Friday, December 2nd:
Lorrie Morgan: Enchanted Christmas
Surf Ballroom, doors open at 7pm
Catch the holiday spirit at the Surf!
Tickets are $30 advance, $35 at the door and can be purchased at surfballroom.com
Saturday, December 3rd: (subject to change):
Breakfast with Santa 7-11am
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (1101 9th Ave S)
Presented by the Knights of Columbus with the Boy Scouts, enjoy
pancakes, sausage, milk, juice, and coffee provided by Cabin Coffee!
$6 per person, no advance ticket sales, pay at the door.
Clear Lake Middle School (1601 3rd Ave N)
There will be donuts and coffee in the morning and a sloppy joe meal deal for $5 in the afternoon.
There will also be a bake sale and door prizes.
Clear Lake Regular Baptist Church
Enjoy free cookies, cocoa, & coffee
Clear Lake Arts Center
Clear Lake Public Library
2 sessions, 10:30am & 11:30am, ages 3-6
Lakeview Room
Clear Lake Dance Team Fundraiser
VFW
C.A.R.E.S. Fundraiser
Crowning of Prince & Princess 11am
Clear Lake Bank & Trust
Click here to register for the Prince & Princess Contest
Family Matinee, Elf (PG) 11am
Lake Theatre
Free admission with a donation to the food bank (cash or non-perishable items).
Simply Nourished Outdoor Christmas Market 11am-3pm
N 3rd St (along City Park)
Petting Zoo 11:30am-3:30pm
City Park
Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
Performance times, 12:30pm, 2:30pm & 4:00pm
Clear Lake Arts Center
Live Cello and Piano Performance 12:30-3pm
Holistic Harmony
Christmas Karaoke & S’mores 1-4pm
400 Block of Main Avenue
Professor Von Air Balloon Artist 1-4pm
Zion on Main (corner of 5th & Main)
Zion Dock Activities 1-4pm
400 Block of Main Avenue
Cookie decorating, inflatables, kid’s activities, a Winter Princess photo opportunity, snacks, hot drinks & entertainment.
Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus 1-4pm & 6-7pm
Santa’s House in City Park
FSB Warming House 1-4pm
Farmers State Bank
Enjoy warm drinks & popcorn inside FSB (210 1st Ave N)
Horse Drawn Sleigh & Carriage Rides 2-4:30pm
Boarding locations: Wilcox Furniture and Ge-Jo’s
Strolling Dickens Characters 2-5pm
Main Avenue & Downtown
Victorian characters sing and mingle with the crowd.
Lighted Parade and Spectacular Fireworks Finale over the lake begin at 5:07pm
Parade begins at 8th & Main and will travel down Main Avenue and N Lakeview Drive.
Fireworks display will begin after the parade.
Click here for the Parade Application.
Jazz Coalition Big Band 7pm
EB Stillman Auditorium (1601 3rd Ave N)
Founded in March 2005, the Jazz Coalition Big Band contains some of North Iowa’s finest jazz musicians.
Thanks to a generous donor, admission is free. During this season of giving, free will monetary or food donations are accepted at the door.
Sunday, December 4th:
Family Matinee, Polar Express (G) 11am
Lake Theatre
Free admission with a donation to the food bank (cash or non-perishable items).
Polar Bear Plunge presented by Clear Lake Jaycees 12:30pm
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 band and all participants will receive a BOGO token to enjoy a cocktail or beer at the party.)
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.
Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus 1-4pm
Santa’s House in City Park
Festival of Trees ends after 26 years, read more here.
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