Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Lindale Mall is hosting holiday events this season that include Santa’s Photo Experience running through Dec.

24, Cookies and Cheer at 11 a.m. on Dec. 6 with games and face painting, a handmade craft show on Dec. 20–21, school concerts on Dec. 12, 17 and 18, and a Kids’ Holiday Craft Corner on Dec. 14—all while the mall extends shopping hours through Christmas Eve.

On Giving Tuesday, the Junior League outside Craft’d Coffee Shop filled a truck with household items and matched cash donations to help foster youth move into their first apartment with contributions accepted until December 13—local Chick-fil-A owner Brennan Harding and his wife launched a buy one, give one event to donate extra chicken sandwiches to the Salvation Army, Mission of Hope, and Friends in the Park.

Eastern Iowa cities will hold a second Small Business Saturday on December 6 after heavy snow disrupted last weekend's event—both Iowa City and Waterloo are extending festivities, with Iowa City offering free downtown parking to give shoppers another chance to support local small businesses.

Grammy-nominated musician Jim Brickman will perform his annual Christmas show, The Gift of Christmas, with guest performers Luke McMaster and John Trones at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.9 at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids — his old school holiday show will bring a classic feel reminiscent of Bing Crosby and Andy Williams to local audiences.

Iowa’s WARN system reported that 488 workers will face layoffs from seven employers this holiday season in cities including Cedar Rapids—cuts affect industries such as healthcare, banking, tech and manufacturing.

Some companies, including Toyota Financial Services and RELCO, will reduce staff on various future dates, and affected workers will begin job searches as the holidays approach—intensifying local economic challenges.

Iowa rivers have kept high nitrate levels this fall after a wet spring followed years of dry conditions, and water works did not need to run their nitrate removal system since levels stayed below EPA limits.

Local water authorities and advocates are asking for more funding to add extra sensors — a move they say is needed to protect the quality of our drinking water.

Today, Cedar Rapids City Council approved changes to the QTS data center agreement at Big Cedar Industrial Park — the updated plan now limits the project to seven phases with each phase having a 300,000 square feet building and a $250 million investment — and adds related property owners along with a $300,000 per phase contribution to a community fund.

A McDonald’s franchisee has proposed rezoning at 3414 Mount Vernon Rd. SE for a new drive-thru that would tear down Community Savings Bank & demolish two duplexes, displacing four residents.

Residents voiced concern over traffic & pedestrian safety near Erskine Elementary School as the city planning commission will hold a hearing on Dec. 4.

All four traffic cameras on I-380 in Cedar Rapids are now active after city leaders appealed a DOT decision; the two that were off resumed on Dec 2 to issue warnings until next month and will start ticketing speeders 11 mph over the limit on Jan 1, 2026—with the other two already issuing tickets.

The Department of Transportation found that 44 percent of trucking schools are not meeting standards and nearly 3,000 schools may lose certification within 30 days—raising safety concerns and prompting Kirkwood Community College to stress improved ESL training for future drivers.

Kirkwood urges students to focus on proper training to help prevent accidents on the road.

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.

Holiday Trivia Night

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free to attend — Test your knowledge with festive trivia questions in a joyful holiday atmosphere.

Holiday Movie Screening: Elf

2-6 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket proceeds benefit Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive screening of Buddy the Elf's adventures.

Dinosaur Adventure

6:00 PM - 7:30 AM — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — VIP packages available — Experience a fun-filled night with dinosaurs and exclusive perks.

Cedar Rapids Roughriders vs. Sioux City Musketeers

7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Cost varies — Catch an exciting hockey showdown between local rivals on FloHockey.