Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Marion Parks & Recreation opened its ice loop Friday night at 7:00 p.m. after weather delays, featuring an ice-skating demonstration by the Eastern Iowa Figure Skating Club.

The loop now runs from Friday through Sunday as part of the city’s Christmas in The Park event.

Joanna Gaines is set to speak at the 2026 Women Lead Change Conference from April 21-22 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex & attendees are encouraged to register early for the event.

Cedar Rapids launched its holiday season tonight at the McGrath Amphitheatre with families enjoying cocoa, cookies, and live music.

Seven-year-old Jace, a local Make-A-Wish child, flipped the switch for the display + will receive a Disney World trip this February.

Eastern Iowa will host a variety of New Year's Eve events with activities for all ages, as families enjoy noon celebrations and adults attend parties with live music, costumes, and countdowns.

Cedar Rapids residents may find indoor and outdoor festivities scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 31 (NYE) to welcome 2026.

The Cedar Rapids holiday tree is now at Greene Square Park in time for today’s lighting ceremony from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.—the 25‑ft Colorado blue spruce was donated by the Craft family, with crane support provided by Coonrod Wrecker and Crane Service.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District held a work session on enrollment losses that left the district missing over $5 million due to a drop of 624 students, which may force the closure of up to six elementary schools and spur the expansion of full-day preschool programs—parent input is planned.

The first of Iowa's two deer gun seasons opens today and ends Dec.

10; a second season begins on Dec. 13 and lasts until Dec. 21. DNR biologist Jace Elliott advises hunters to review local rules carefully in western counties with buck only restrictions.

Iowa DOT winter operations administrator Craig Bargfrede warns that moderate to heavy snowfall may drop three to seven inches today and urges drivers to yield extra room for snowplows—after recent collisions.

Road conditions should be monitored as the storm unfolds.

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.

All that Glitters First Night Celebration

7-11:59 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — Check website for ticket info — Celebrate the New Year with live dueling pianos, a festive dinner buffet, and a midnight champagne toast.