December 2023
Happy Holidays! Hansen's Dairy stores will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Photo of the Month
We're huge fans of the comedy holiday movie "Christmas Vacation" and last year we had a ton of fun recreating scenes from the film — dairy farm style.

We're back again this holiday season with another video starring our own #FarmerBlake, once again at our manure pit as Cousin Eddie. The video was released online on the one-year anniversary of our first viral video in which Blake, also at our manure pit as Cousin Eddie, declared our "sh*itter was full."

This year our "Christmas Vacation" fandom doesn't stop at videos. Scroll down to our December Treat of the Month for another fun take! We're serious, Clark.
Store hours

Waterloo
Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
*CLOSING AT 4 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR'S EVE
*CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR'S DAY

Cedar Falls
Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
*CLOSING AT 4 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR'S EVE
*CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR'S DAY
Spend $30, get a free gallon of milk!
Must present coupon at purchase. Use code FREEMILK when shopping online for store pickup!

A Very Dairy Christmas
Have you reserved your tickets yet for A Very Dairy Christmas?

Our annual holiday event is Saturday, Dec. 9, at Hansen's Dairy Tour Center in Hudson. Guests can choose from two sessions: 1-2:30 p.m. or 3-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and older, $15 ages 3-12, and free for kids 2 and under.

This family-friendly event includes a visit with Santa, and each family will receive a professional 5x7 photo of themselves with the jolly old elf himself. Kids will also have the chance to write a letter to Santa,🎅🏻 and we’ll make sure it gets to the North Pole. (Santa tells us he’ll write back!)

Unique to A Very Dairy Christmas🐄🎄 is the chance to see a dairy calf up close and create a dairy-themed Christmas ornament!

Guests will also enjoy sampling from a holiday charcuterie spread filled with locally sourced cheeses, meats, crackers, jams, fruits and more. We'll also have a selection of decadent holiday sweets. Think Winter Snowball and Old-Fashioned Gingerbread cake pops!

Those who bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Salvation Army Christmas drive will be entered into a drawing to win a Hansen's Dairy gift basket.

Only 75 tickets will be sold for each session. Tickets are only available online at hansendairy.com.
Treat of the Month
Treat yourself to somethin' real nice with our December Treat of the Month, the
Cousin Eddie Shake.

Named for the rube character in "Christmas Vacation," this treat is as simple as Cousin Eddie himself — but packed with rich, creamy Christmas flavor. We take a small Chocolate Brownie shake and top it with chocolate whipped cream and a mini candy cane.

You're probably asking, "You serious Clark?"

We're as serious as a black dickie under a white sweater. This treat is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year. Or at least through December at both stores for just $4.49.
Pizza of the Month
Planning a holiday fiesta? We can help with our December Pizza of the Month, the Taco Pizza!

The Taco Pizza features taco sauce, taco-seasoned beef and refried beans topped with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, and taco chips for a satisfying crunch.

Pick up a large 14-inch Taco Pizza all month long at our Cedar Falls store for just $21.99.
Give the gift of local goodness
Are you looking for a unique gift for that certain someone? ​​Give the gift of local goodness with a Hansen's Holiday Gift Basket!

Think caffeinated coziness with our Warm & Fuzzy Basket of local coffee, tea and cookies. Buying for a food afficionado? The Local Foodie Basket features Iowa-made meats (Wagyu!), cheese and candy. For something extra special try our Smoke Show Basket, a stunner of a gift filled with smoky meats and cheeses.

Baskets are made to order and must be prepaid, so call or stop in to any Hansen’s Dairy store or order online for pickup. As with all local food, items are subject to availability and substitutions of similar products may be made.
Warm & Fuzzy, $35
Cottonwood Canyon Coffee
Tea Cellar Teas
Laughlin Mini Honey Bear MC&M Snickerdoodles
Hansen's Coffee Mug
Local Foodie, $45
Hansen’s Cheese Curds
Candy Kitchen Fudge
Wagyu Summer Sausage
Edgewood Pork Sticks
Crackers
Smoke Show, $55
Smoked Baby Swiss
Apple Smoked Cheddar
Smoked String Cheese
Wagyu Summer Sausage Edgewood Smoked Beef Sticks
Crackers
Holiday cheese trays
Pre-order a Meat & Cheese Tray for your holiday gatherings. We've got two sizes available to fit your guest list.

Place your order online, or stop in or call either of our stores:
• Waterloo, (319) 234-3309
• Cedar Falls, (319) 266-3044

Please allow 3 days notice before pickup time.
Half Tray $40, serves 8-12 people
Two varieties of Wisconsin cheeses
Hansen’s Cheese Curds
Wagyu Summer Sausage
Edgewood Locker Pork Sticks
One sleeve Toasteds crackers
Full tray $60, serves 16-20 people
Two varieties of Wisconsin cheeses
Hansen’s Cheese Curds
Wagyu Summer Sausage
Edgewood Locker Pork Sticks
Two sleeves Toasteds crackers
Celebrate with Egg Nog
From the punch bowl or right from the half-gallon, pour yourself a cup of joy with Hansen's Egg Nog!

A seasonal favorite, our egg nog is made in our on-farm creamery October through December for your fall and winter festivities.

Rich and creamy with warm notes of nutmeg and vanilla, it's perfect all by itself or mixed with your favorite spirits. (We won't tell Santa.)

For even more Christmas cheer, kick back with a cup and watch this video starring Hansen's Egg Nog and Farmer Blake.
Stay cozy with hot chocolate
’Tis the season for hot cocoa, and Hansen’s Dairy chocolate milk makes the best!

Out shopping? Grab a cup of comfort in these creamy flavors:
  • Original
  • Salted Caramel
  • Mint
  • Mocha
  • Double Chocolate

Only $1.39 per 12 oz. cup, available all month at both stores!
Holiday ice cream flavors
Does it ever get too cold for ice cream? We don’t think so either! That’s why our fun winter flavors are back for your enjoyment all season long.

Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Candy Cane are sure to get you in the spirit of the holiday!

Available in a treat from the dip cabinet at each store, or take a half-gallon or pint home with you!
Meet the Moo Crew
Our Moo Crew spotlight this month shines bright on Kaleigh Bruns, kitchen manager at our Cedar Falls store.

Kaleigh's creativity and kitchen know-how can be credited for our tasty made-to-order subs, pizza, deep fried cheese curds, ice cream Treats of the Month and other delicious items on the menu.

Learn more about Kaleigh in this video.
Customer of the Month
Our December Customer of the Month is a frequent customer at our Waterloo store.

Lea Anne Snell and her family say they strive to shop local as much as possible to help local businesses thrive. We're honored to be among the Cedar Valley small businesses frequented by the Snells.

The family appreciates the freshness and quality of locally produced foods, including ours.

"My favorite is the cheese curds, my husband's is good ol' milk, and my boys love your ice cream," Lea Anne says.

Thanks, Lea Anne! Customers of the Month receive a $5 gift certificate to use at our stores and two free hands-on tour passes to the farm (a $40 value). You could be chosen by filling out an entry form at our stores or through your comments on our Facebook and X pages.
Cow of the Month
Our pick for the December Cow of the Month is a no-brainer.

Santa turns 9 years old on Dec. 14 and is the second-oldest cow on the farm. (Applebees, AKA "Queen Bees," is the oldest).

At milking time, Santa insists on being the first cow in the milking parlor. In her lifetime she has produced 182,000 pounds of milk — to share with her namesake on Christmas Eve, we presume.

Her similarities with the jolly ol' elf end at her name, however. St. Nick is generous and kind. Our Santa is, well, kind of a grinch.

Her gruff demeanor and tendency to be naughty instead of nice can be credited for her longevity, says Herd Manager Blake Hansen. "These types of cows tend to live longer because they are tough bullies who don't take any (you-know-what)," he says.

In short, Santa will not be pushed around. Ho Ho NO! Something tells us she'll find a lump of coal in her stocking on Christmas morning.
Cooking with Hansen's
Frosting is one of the simplest things you can make. This is my mom's recipe, the one I used on cinnamon rolls I used to sell at local farmer's markets. It's perfect for cookies, cakes, rolls and anything else needing frosting this holiday season.

Click here for a printable recipe. For more simple, delicious recipes using local and seasonal foods, go to www.juliegrunklee.com. Enjoy!
Simple Frosting
Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Ingredients
  • 4-6 ounces Hansen’s Dairy Milk*
  • 1 cup (1/2 of a 1-pound container) Hansen’s Dairy Butter, softened*
  • 1 2-pound bag of powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
* Items that can be purchased at Hansen’s Dairy stores
Directions
  • Place butter, powdered sugar, vanilla & about 2 ounces of milk in a large mixing bowl. I use an electric stand mixer with a guard to help prevent messes, but you could also use a hand mixer.
  • Slowly start mixing ingredients on lowest speed until moisture is incorporated.
  • Continue to slowly add milk, 1 ounce at a time mixing on low speed, until frosting reaches desired consistency.
  • Use as is or add food coloring as desired.
  • To make chocolate frosting, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa & adjust milk amount to desired consistency. 
  • Frosting will keep in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for several months.
Hansen's Dairy Cedar Falls
123 E. 18th St. • 319-266-3044
Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Closing at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve
and New Year's Eve
Closed on Christmas Day
and New Year's Day

Hansen's Dairy Waterloo
3015 Kimball Ave. • 319-234-3309
Daily: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Closing at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve
and New Year's Eve
Closed on Christmas Day
and New Year's Day
Hansen's Dairy Farm, Hudson
8461 Lincoln Rd.
Daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
8461 Lincoln Rd
Hudson, IA 50643
 (319) 242-1074