Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Shoppers filled the Hawkeye Downs Expo Center on Sunday, Dec.

21, buying last-minute Christmas gifts as local buyers said brick-and-mortar stores are more reliable than online orders + it helped them save money while supporting the local economy.

No one was hurt after a fire struck a Cedar Rapids home on Saturday at about 4:00 p.m. Firefighters quickly controlled the blaze at the 7200 block of Rolling Ridge Dr and confirmed a witness had escaped along with four dogs and two cats.

Fire crews battled a large industrial fire at the 1100 block of Ingleside Drive SW on Saturday night, containing damage to one building and piles of baled cardboard while keeping the area clear for safety; no injuries were reported.

Tannenbaum Forest brings holiday tradition to the Amana Colonies this December inside a historic barn.

Dozens of decorated Christmas trees plus a large German Christmas pyramid add festive charm to the display, which is free to visit while donations support local charities.

Two Iowa National Guard soldiers wounded in Syria on Dec.

13 returned Saturday to Johnston and are now receiving care at a dedicated military facility while their families support their recovery, according to the Guard.

A local Fareway cooking segment in Cedar Rapids shows holiday bakers how to lighten cookies, breads, and bars — by using applesauce or Greek yogurt in place of some butter and reducing sugar by one-quarter — and advises using only one swap per recipe to keep treats tasting good.

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.

Chris Thile Concert

7:30-10 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — $30 – $68 — Experience the genre-defying musical genius of Grammy Award-winner Chris Thile in an evening of captivating performances.

Waterloo Black Hawks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-9:05 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Check the FloHockey broadcast for all the action as the Black Hawks take on the RoughRiders in a thrilling hockey matchup.