Co-founder and artistic director of Revival Theatre Company Brian Glick is combining nostalgia with the glitz of Chicago and New York City for this year’s holiday decorations in downtown Cedar Rapids. This is Glick’s second year decorating downtown. He described it as “quite the undertaking at times” but added that because he’s been able to […]
Holidays
Cedar Rapids tree lighting at Greene Square Park will be virtual this year

The holidays will look a bit different this year due to the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean traditions have to end — including the city of Cedar Rapids’ holiday tree lighting. As with many activities this year, the lighting of the tree in Greene Square is going virtual. It will be streamed on the city’s […]
Make it a meowy Christmas and a happy howliday for animals at the Iowa City shelter

Reindeer are better than people, and so are cats and dogs. And in the season of giving, they deserve to be rewarded for it. Once again, the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center is inviting the public to meet their residents and shower them with gifts at the Holiday with the Hounds open house, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday. Free snacks […]
Take a break from presidential candidates this weekend to enjoy holiday events in Cedar Rapids
Christmas in the Amana Colonies

A thick sheet of slush lines 220th Trail, the road that runs through the Amana Colonies. It’s Dec. 13th, 2017, close enough to Christmas that I’m excited, but not too excited, for the seven inches of snow now filling my boots. Naturally, I’ve lost my parents on our annual Prelude to Christmas trip; luckily, I […]
Make the most of the holiday weekend with local, festive events

There’s one weekend left before it’s time to settle in with family and friends, overeat, open presents and generally bask in yuletide cheer. Whether you’ve not quite gotten into the festive spirit or you’ve been belting carols since Halloween, here are a few weekend activities to kick-start your holiday. […]
Holiday traditions out of eastern Iowa, from conventional to crab legs
UR Here: Finding the nativity in your own community

Whether one believes in the literal or religious truth of the Christmas story or not, it remains a powerful and influential tale, obviously for Christians, but even for many non-Christians. Over the years, as the Yuletide celebration commences, I have often discovered new ideas in this simple yet profound tale. This year, the story of the nativity has helped me understand something about what is important for community. […]
Nine local Etsy shops to browse this holiday season
Holiday craft fairs are like real life Etsy — and benefit local artists
Watch an Iowa man propose via New Year’s Eve flash mob

A West Des Moines resident proposed to his girlfriend amid a flash mob of more than 100 people this New Year’s Eve, and the footage is pretty adorable. Groom-to-be Sean Ratliff incorporated dancers from Becky Nalevanko’s Dance and Tumbling studio along with choreography by his friend Carlton Oglesby, KCCI reports. With the help of his […]