Cedar Rapids, Iowa – December 9, 2025 – According to a new joint statement from the Claus Coalition, an alliance of Santas throughout Iowa, 9-out-of-10 Santas officially recommend doing your last-minute Christmas shopping at the Made in Iowa Merry Market on Dec 20-21 at Hawkeye Downs.

The Made in Iowa Merry Market is a festive two-day small business-focused holiday shopping experience. Shoppers will find more than 65 Iowa makers, bakers, artists, crafters, and small businesses offering handmade goods, unique gifts, seasonal treats, and plenty of holiday cheer – just in time for Christmas.

After reviewing “extensive milk-and-cookie data,” the Santas agree: “we see everything, and this one’s the real deal.” They’re also begging shoppers to “stop purchasing those last-minute gas-station gifts.For the love of candy canes, shop local,” the Santas insist. “We’re tired. The elves are tired. Even the reindeer are tired.”

This season, shoppers can enjoy FREE admission simply by asking one of one of the 65 participating vendors for a promotion code and then reserving tickets online.

“We want to make it easy and fun for the community to shop locally this holiday season,” said event organizer Cynthia Freese. “Offering complimentary admission through our vendors gives shoppers one more reason to come discover all the incredible Iowa-made products.”

Admission Information
Free Admission: Reserve tickets online and enter any vendor’s booth number as the promo code.
At the Door: Didn’t reserve tickets online? Admission is $5 at the door.
Children: Kids under 12 attend free.

Event Details
Made in Iowa Merry Market
December 20 & 21
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Tickets & Info: https://madeiniowa.org/merrymarket/

Made in Iowa is dedicated to uplifting creators across the state by organizing markets that support small businesses and connect them with their community.

About Made in Iowa

Made in Iowa curates high-quality vendor markets celebrating the talent and creativity of Iowa’s makers. Events regularly feature 150+ vendors from dozens of communities across the state and thousands of attendees. Upcoming Made in Iowa dates include Dec. 20–21, Jan. 31–Feb. 1, and April 18. The Made for Her Market – a celebration of women and the things they love – takes place March 14, 2026. Learn more at MadeInIowa.org.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact: Chris Sherman at 830-444-0004 or chris@madeiniowa.org