Holiday Guide: Find unique shops, delicious eats and festive activities in Iowa City

Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
·6 min read

Finding the perfect gift can be intimidating.

Mom, slyly claiming she doesn't want a thing; that fashion-forward cousin, always a trendsetter; dad, he's the master of possessing every conceivable gadget; your brother, whose tastes veer into the obscure; and that new in-law, a complete mystery.

The overabundance of businesses in the Iowa City area makes the holiday shopping experience stress-free. Johnson County's gift-giving season is far from stressful but an adventure, an unforgettable experience cemented as a cherished memory. Think cozy lunches with your shopping partner, encounters with Santa Claus, indulging in seasonal treats, and finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Here are the best places to finish up your shopping list with a handful of delectable places to stop for a treat as well.

More: Enjoy DJs, stage performance and live music this weekend in Iowa City

Best Gift options:

The Record Collector specializes in new and used vinyl, as well as used CDs and special orders, with a keen taking to the oddities and rarities. The Record Collector is located at 116 S Linn St.
The Record Collector specializes in new and used vinyl, as well as used CDs and special orders, with a keen taking to the oddities and rarities. The Record Collector is located at 116 S Linn St.

The Record Collector

116 S. Linn Street, Iowa City

Located in the heart of downtown Iowa City, the Record Collector is a longstanding favorite. The establishment is a must-stop place for music enthusiasts, specializing in new and used vinyl, as well as used CDs and special orders, with a keen focus on the oddities and rarities. The downtown staple also embraces modern hits and popular music from much of the last century. The Record Collector is the perfect place to find a unique, one-of-a-kind present for the music lover in your life.

Flowers by Jacqueline

224 S. Linn Street, Iowa City

Whether you need a gift to bring to a holiday party or want a seasonal bouquet for the festive season, Flowers by Jacqueline is the place to go. As one of the top florists in Iowa City, the floral arrangements are exceptional and can be curated to fit your needs. Jaqueline's also does custom gift baskets and delivers in Iowa City and the surrounding area, as well as nationwide delivery through a reliable florist network. It's a great way to bring Iowa City to friends and family who are not in town for the holidays.

Leash on Life is a local pet supplies store with two locations, one in Iowa City and the other in North Liberty. Pictured above is the North Liberty location located at 650 Pacha Pkwy #5. Leash on Life is opened from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Leash on Life is a local pet supplies store with two locations, one in Iowa City and the other in North Liberty. Pictured above is the North Liberty location located at 650 Pacha Pkwy #5. Leash on Life is opened from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Leash on Life

Iowa City and North Liberty

Whether shopping for a pet lover or a furry friend, Leash on Life is a one-stop shop for all things cute animals. The pet supply store is known for high-quality pet supplies and healthy pet food alternatives, bolstered by a team of pet experts. If a new pet is on the wish list this year, Leash on Life can get the ball rolling for the necessary supplies while they also help steer you toward a local shelter to adopt.

Prairie Kitchen Store is a kitchen supply store on the northside. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Prairie Kitchen Store is a kitchen supply store on the northside. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Prairie Kitchen Store

160 N. Linn Street, Iowa City

Prairie Kitchen Store is a staple in the Northside neighborhood. The brick-and-mortar shop believes in an in-person shopping experience with hundreds of cooking gadgets, specialty foods, and essential cookware and bakeware to peruse. You will surely find a perfect gift at Prairie Kitchen Store, whether for the casual baker or the cooking connoisseur.

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Catherine's supplies brand-name dresses, jeans & accessories for women located at 7 S Dubuque St. Catherine's is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Catherine's supplies brand-name dresses, jeans & accessories for women located at 7 S Dubuque St. Catherine's is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Catherine's

7 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City

Catherine's is a longstanding cornerstone in the Iowa City community. With a large selection and specifically curated inventory for customers, from clothing, shoes, and accessories, Catherine's has its pulse on the trends. Customers can find designer items that might not be carried at department stores or find a new favorite brand sold exclusively at Catherine's.

Other places to shop:

Ten Thousand Villages: Located in the Pedmall, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Akar Design: Located at 257 Iowa Ave., open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday

The Haunted Bookshop: Located at  219 N Gilbert St., open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

More: Hawkeyes keeping it local: See which Iowa athletes own businesses in the Iowa City area

A holiday treat:

Oasis Falafel is an atery serving kebabs, gyros & other Middle Eastern street foods in laid-back setting open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oasis is located at 206 N Linn St.
Oasis Falafel is an atery serving kebabs, gyros & other Middle Eastern street foods in laid-back setting open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oasis is located at 206 N Linn St.

Oasis Falafel

206 N. Linn Street, Iowa City

A favorite on the northside is Oasis Falafel, which is a great place to stop for lunch while in the throes of holiday shopping. Oasis Falafel, a fast-casual restaurant best known for its falafel, offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, with each bite full of fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Crêpes de Luxe Cafe is a cozy, creative, French-inspired crepe restaurant located at 309 E College St.
Crêpes de Luxe Cafe is a cozy, creative, French-inspired crepe restaurant located at 309 E College St.

Crepe De Luxes

309 E. College Street, Iowa City

Crepe de Luxes is celebrating 14 years in Iowa City this month. It's a great place to visit for an energy boost before finishing your list. From sweet to savory options and a full coffee bar, Crepe de Luxes appeals to a broad range of preferences with a sizeable menu.

St. Burch Tavern serves steaks, seafood & other American plates, plus cocktails & brews served in a sophisticated setting, open to 9.m. daily.
St. Burch Tavern serves steaks, seafood & other American plates, plus cocktails & brews served in a sophisticated setting, open to 9.m. daily.

St. Burch Tavern

127 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City

Located at the intersection of Dubuque St. and Iowa Ave. in the downtown corridor, St. Burch Tavern is one of the coziest dinner restaurants in town. The restaurant is inspired by timeless taverns and supper clubs that once were a dime a dozen. With a happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., St. Burch Tavern is a great way to end the day with a menu full of classic American dishes. It's also one of the few places in Iowa City to indulge in fresh oysters.

Other places to eat:

Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar: 209 N Linn St.

Formosa:  221 E College St.

Bread Garden Market: 225 S Linn St.

Holiday-themed activities:

The ICPL is giving people a space to wrap holiday gifts secretly away from family who might try to sneak sneaky peeks at their gifts. During the library's hours of operation, people can bring in five presents that need to be wrapped all month long.
The ICPL is giving people a space to wrap holiday gifts secretly away from family who might try to sneak sneaky peeks at their gifts. During the library's hours of operation, people can bring in five presents that need to be wrapped all month long.

DIY Gift Wrapping at the Iowa City Public Library

Once the shopping is done, bring the gifts to the Iowa City Public Library for drop-in DIY Gift Wrapping. The Iowa City Public Library is setting aside space to wrap holiday gifts. People can bring in five presents that need to be wrapped during the Library's regular hours all month long. The library supplies materials like scissors, gift wraps, tape, ribbons, and bows, but guests can bring their own materials as well.

FilmScene at the Chauncey Building located at 404 E College St.
FilmScene at the Chauncey Building located at 404 E College St.

Filmscene's Holiday Classic Series404 E. College Street, Iowa City

Filmscene is spreading yuletide cheer by bringing festive favorites to the big screen, from classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "White Christmas" to newly minted additions to the holiday canon," Die Hard" and "You've Got Mail." Catch your favorite holiday film in a new viewing experience.

The Holiday Pop-Up Market starts on Nov. 9 and runs till Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Black Hawk Mini Park.
The Holiday Pop-Up Market starts on Nov. 9 and runs till Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Black Hawk Mini Park.

Holiday Pop-Up Market sponsored by Greenstate Credit Union

The downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market, sponsored by GreenState Credit Union, returns to provide a festive and unique shopping experience. The market will see a rotating list of businesses throughout December, with three different shops each time. The Holiday Pop-Up runs through Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Black Hawk Mini Park.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached atJRish@presscitizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City Holiday guide 2023: The best places to shop, eat and mingle