Best Bets: Nature’s Noel

Indian Creek elves have whipped up a flurry of swag to deck your halls outside and in. Doors open at 9 a.m., but the line forms way in advance to snap up fresh greenery wreaths, centerpieces, kissing balls, yule logs - and swag. But that's not all. Shoppers also will find frozen soups and appetizers, handmade wares, cookie dough and baked goods, live music, Santa and Vesta the fox keeping the season bright. The event is expanding, too, with children's crafts, nature walks, a scavenger hunt, and coffee and cocoa to warm you from the inside out.

Nature's Noel

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (12/1), Amazing Space, Indian Creek Nature Center, 5300 Otis Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids; free admission; Indiancreeknaturecenter.org/gallery/natures-noel/