Good morning, Iowa City.

Eastern Iowa will host a variety of holiday events—ranging from light displays and Santa visits to festive markets—with the Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights at Midwest Old Threshers Campground running from 5:30 to 9 p.m. through Dec.

31 and towns like Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Amana Colonies offering activities with varying costs; families will also find free events like Five Seasons Lights in Cedar Rapids and other local gatherings featuring tree lightings, parades and craft workshops. This season, many communities will celebrate with events that promise festive experiences for all ages.

Last Friday marked the kick-off of Festive Fridays in downtown Iowa City—sponsored by the Iowa City Downtown District—that will offer free trolley rides, seasonal entertainment and extended shopping hours until Dec.

19.

University of Iowa religious studies professor Jay Holstein died on November 14th after a brief illness at age 87—he was known for a teaching style that made students question life and think deeply.

He spent over 50 years inspiring thousands with his classes and earned awards for his engaging approach to learning.

Governor Kim Reynolds pardoned two turkeys (Wing-ding and Tailfeather) at the Governor's mansion on Tuesday morning ahead of Thanksgiving and proclaimed the birds, raised by Iowa Turkey Federation President Josh Berg, as symbols of the state's turkey industry.

Nurses at University of Iowa Health Care teamed with nonprofit HACAP to deliver food boxes to cancer patients facing rising treatment costs and food insecurity.

Since launching the program in July, nearly 500 boxes have been delivered—providing immediate support during a challenging time.

The Iowa Hawkeyes beat Ole Miss 74-69 in the Acrisure Classic with Bennett Stirz scoring 29 points to improve the team’s record to 6-0; a wind advisory is in effect until 11 a.m. today for counties including Black Hawk — high winds may cause hazards with unsecured objects and tree limbs.

On Tuesday, Iowa and Ole Miss, both 5-0, played at 8:30 p.m. CT at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, Calif.

Each team was led by a senior point guard as they aimed to extend their unbeaten records — the game was broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Trivia at the Den

7-9 p.m. — St. Burch Tavern — Free entry — Engage your brain and compete for a chance to win a $50 gift card with your trivia team.

Gutenberg! The Musical! Tickets

7:30 p.m. — Kinnick Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic musical journey of Gutenberg in an iconic venue.

Poetry Exchange Workshop

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Porch Light Literary Arts Centre — Free entry — Engage in a collaborative and supportive environment to share and discuss poetry.

The Storyteller Mic

10:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. — AlleyCat — $4 White Claws and Bombs — Share your songs, poems, or weekend tales at this vibrant open mic night.

Monday Open Comedy Mic

8-11:30 p.m. — AlleyCat — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with comedy followed by karaoke at this local nightlife spot.

UI Jazz Jam Sessions

7-10 p.m. — Sanctuary Pub — Free entry — Community jazz musicians jam together for an uplifting evening of music and creativity.

Bingo Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of free Bingo at a local favorite spot.

Trivia Night at the Den

7-9 p.m. — St. Burch Tavern — Free entry — Challenge your knowledge and compete for fun prizes at this weekly trivia event.

Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Riverside Theatre — $18 – $42 — Experience a thrilling 'who done it' with a twist as guests become suspects in a snowbound B&B.

Iowa City Fab Lab Fall Holiday Open House

10 AM – 4 PM — Iowa City Fab Lab — Free entry — Explore creative holiday gifts with hands-on activities and live demonstrations.