Hey there, Cedar Rapids family!

We’re excited to bring you a special edition of our newsletter, packed with festive happenings to make your Christmas Eve truly magical. Whether you’re looking for cozy gatherings, live music, family fun, or a place to celebrate with friends, there’s something for everyone in Cedar Rapids today!

🌦️ Weather Update:

Expect some drizzle with a high of 40°F and a low of 37°F. Perfect weather for cozying up with some hot cocoa!

🎉 Must-Do Events:

Cuppa and Conversations
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 Ely Public Library
Bring your favorite morning beverage and enjoy some friendly chat.
Holiday Playland
🕤 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Line Drive Sports Complex
A festive spot for kids to enjoy holiday-themed activities.
Very Merry Movie Marathon Two
🕚 11:00 AM–6:30 PM
📍 Bricks Bar and Grill
Enjoy holiday classics all day long.
Open Play Mahjong
🕑 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
Challenge your mind and meet fellow game lovers.
Christmas Eve Card Giveaway
🕒 3:00–8:00 PM
📍 The District CR
Receive a card with a surprise inside!
Live Nativity
🕟 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Infuse Church CR
Experience the nativity scene with animals and a hot cocoa bar.
Five Seasons Lights Display
🕟 4:30–9:00 PM
📍 McGrath Amphitheater
A stunning maze of holiday lights perfect for a family stroll.

🧠 Fun & Games:

Trivia Night
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 NewBo City Market
Test your trivia skills and win prizes.
Game Night
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Lindale Neighborhood Pub
Bring your friends for some friendly competition.

🎶 Live Music:

Christmas Eve Organ Recital
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 First Presbyterian Church
A beautiful and traditional way to enjoy the holiday.
Skeeter Lewis All-Stars
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Old Neighborhood Pub
A lively and festive performance.
Dusty Baker Acoustic Set
🕘 9:00 PM–Midnight
📍 Cocktails and Company
Wind down your Christmas Eve with soulful tunes.

🎉 Christmas Eve Parties:

J.M. O’Malley’s Irish Pub
- Breakfast & Christmas Movies: 🕖 7:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Christmas Party: 🕑 2:00–6:00 PM
- Ugly Sweater Party: 🕕 6:00 PM–Close
  📍 J.M. O’Malley’s Irish Pub
  Enjoy a full day of festivities, from breakfast to late-night fun!
Otis Tailgaters Sports Bar
- Christmas Eve Pajama Party: 🕗 8:00 PM
  📍 Otis Tailgaters Sports Bar
  Games, treats, and stocking stuffers await—don your best pajamas!
Moco Game Room and Hot Dog Bar
- Christmas Eve Karaoke: 🕘 9:00 PM–1:00 AM
  📍 Moco Game Room and Hot Dog Bar
  Grab the mic and join the holiday cheer!

Special Thanks

A big shoutout to our sponsors, Gutschmidt Properties and Jean’s Team with CMG Home Loans.

Employee-owned and tenant-focused, Gutschmidt Properties creates sustainable spaces that make a real community impact. On December 18th, they’ll be holding an open house to celebrate the rebranding of their historic mansion, the Henderson House, to be The Smyth, in tribute to William Smyth, the civic leader who built the mansion in the mid-1800s. This rebrand is designed to recognize the mansion’s origins as a school and home for the community while also celebrating the change makers who shaped it. Learn about the future of The Smyth at the open house on December 18th from 4pm to 7pm, and remember: Every house has a story—write yours in a Gutschmidt home. Learn more at gutschmidtproperties.com.

Whether it’s your first house, an investment property, or your dream home, Jean’s Team with CMG Home Loans makes mortgage lending a home run. With competitive rates, great turnaround times, and programs for buyers, sellers, and those looking to refinance, Jean’s Team is ready to step up to the plate for you and make getting a home loan feel like pitching a perfect game, every time. Learn more at cmghomeloans.com/mysite/jean-sellnau. CMG Mortgage, Inc., CMG Home Loans, and CMG Financial, NMLS# 1820, as well as Jean Sellnau, NMLS# 6180, is an equal housing lender.

Thank you for being part of the Cedar Rapids Daily community. We can’t wait to see you at these events! Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring.

Warm regards,

The Cedar Rapids Daily Team

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Events for Wednesday, December 24th, 2025