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2026 Downtown Holiday Kids' MarketSponsored by GreenState Credit Union
November 3 – 25, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
'Tis the season for little shoppers and big surprises! The Downtown Holiday Kids' Market, sponsored by GreenState Credit Union, returns to the Ped Mall this holiday season, giving kids the chance to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their holiday list while keeping their shopping a secret.
With a little help from Santa’s helpers, children can explore a market filled with locally sourced treasures, practice budgeting, and experience the joy of giving. Parents and guardians simply provide a list of recipients and a budget for each person, then let the holiday magic unfold while the kids shop and wrap their gifts!
🎁 HOW IT WORKS
– Check in: Visit the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market in Black Hawk Mini Park in the Pedestrian Mall. We recommend parking in the Dubuque Street Ramp or Tower Place Parking Ramp – the first hour is FREE!
– Make a list: Parents or guardians complete a quick form listing who their child is shopping for and the budget for each gift.
– Santa’s helpers guide kids through the market to find thoughtful gifts for everyone on their list while staying on budget.
– Wrap it up: Children get help wrapping their gifts and bundling everything up before returning to their families with their holiday shopping complete!
– Each shopping appointment lasts approximately 30–45 minutes and more than one child are welcome per shift! Siblings can shop together or seperate. Parents and guardians are welcome to grab a coffee or explore downtown while their little shoppers work on their holiday surprises.
🎁 Find gifts for parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and more, with items ranging from $5–$75. Every item is sourced from local Iowa City shops, supporting the small businesses that make our downtown community special.
🛍️ Reserve Your Shopping Time – Advance appointments are encouraged to secure your preferred shopping time. Drop-in shoppers are welcome when space allows, including openings from appointment no-shows. The overflow shop is welcome for general shopping too!
www.downtowniowacitymarket.com/products/downtown-kids-market-sponsored-by-greenstate-credit-union
Make holiday memories, support local businesses, and let the kids take the lead on gift-giving this season!
✨ Explore more holiday programming and activities downtown: downtowniowacity.com/events/tis-the-season
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Black Hawk Mini Park At Ped Mall Iowa City, Iowa City,IA,United States
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