Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

AAA is offering Iowans a free Tow to Go ride-and-tow service from 6 p.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. December 1 for last-minute backup rides—available within a 10-mile radius as a safe option during Thanksgiving travel.

The service aims to reduce impaired driving as travel picks up this holiday season.

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center is celebrating its team members' awards from the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 2025 Iowa Hospitality Showcase in Des Moines as Catering Sales Manager Ande Long was named one of the 40 Women to Watch and Executive Chef Jim Vido earned runner-up in the Iowa Culinary Competition. The hotel— Iowa’s only AAA Four Diamond teaching hotel at Kirkwood Community College— supports excellence in hospitality.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is coming to the Paramount Theatre—123 3rd Ave. SE—for a family-friendly show on November 30 at 7:30 p.m. The show mixes circus acts with holiday music and new performances from international artists.

For over 20 years, a Cedar Rapids resident decorated a small tree along I-380 after 9/11 to bring joy to travelers; she died on Aug.

8 and her niece Haley Willett will continue the tradition—ensuring a cherished landmark remains for those nearing home. Family members say the tree is a warm symbol of hope during the holiday season.

Rick Schuler will perform his tribute show Rocky Mountain High: A John Denver Christmas at the Paramount Theatre on 123 3rd Ave. SE in Cedar Rapids on Sunday, Dec.

7 at 2 p.m. He will sing covers of John Denver's holiday songs including Christmas for Cowboys and Rocky Mountain Christmas while tickets cost $66.10 to $81.10.

Tyson plant closures have reduced packer capacity and raised cattle market volatility, leaving Iowa producers worried about lower cash bids—traders are watching as futures lock limit-down and feedlots review risk management options.

Gas prices in Iowa increased by an average 7.8 cents over the past week ahead of Thanksgiving—raising fuel costs for travelers during the busy holiday travel period.

Iowa State University officials said they are launching a 12‑month semiconductor training program funded by a three‑year, $30 million grant from the National Science Foundation to fast‑track students into semiconductor jobs.

The program will start in February with virtual classes until summer while partnering with community colleges and local industry experts such as Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids.

City forestry crews and certified arborists are pruning public and right-of-way trees during the dormant season to boost tree health and clear urban hazards.

Officials urge residents to leave trimming to professionals since improper cuts can lead to disease — experts say techniques like cutting back to the branch collar are essential.

Controlled burns scheduled for two parks in Cedar Rapids were postponed Monday due to fog and rain, and the Parks and Recreation Department said they will be rescheduled when weather conditions improve.

A national survey from BBB’s Give.org showed that only 32% of over 1,500 respondents were aware of federal funding cuts for charities in 2025—most viewed the planned cuts and recent DEI changes negatively.

The study advises donors to verify charity details before giving to help support vulnerable groups.

Two traffic cameras on Interstate 380 in Cedar Rapids will start issuing warnings on December 2 after the Iowa DOT approved their return following a change in law; tickets will be sent starting January 1.

The cameras are located at J Avenue on the northbound side and First Avenue on the southbound exit of the S curve to help control speed and improve safety.

Thanksgiving Eve Dueling Pianos

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Olympic South Side Theater — $25 — Experience a night of musical requests from classic hits to today's favorites.

Waterloo Black Hawks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Cost info not specified — Catch the action as local hockey teams face off in an exciting match.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling fusion of circus artistry and holiday music in a magical winter wonderland.

Veterans Holiday Meal

4-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Building — Free — Enjoy a traditional holiday meal with fellow veterans and active military members.

Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair

9 AM – 2 PM — Groundswell Cafe — Supports local youth programs — Discover local crafts, baked goods, and live music this holiday season.

Madison Capitols vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

4:05-5:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Stream available — Catch the action as the Madison Capitols face the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in this exciting hockey showdown.

Photos with Santa at PCI Pediatrics

9-11 a.m. — PCI Medical Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy cookies and crafts while capturing a magical moment with Santa.

We The Kingdom Christmas Concert

6:00-8:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticketed event — Celebrate the season with festive music and fan-favorites from We The Kingdom.

Disney's Frozen: Live Theatre Production

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Theatre Cedar Rapids — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical tale of sisterhood and adventure in a winter wonderland.

Disney's FROZEN at Theatre Cedar Rapids

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting tale of sisterhood and acceptance this holiday season.