Good morning, Idaho Falls.

The Idaho Falls Fire Department is hosting the annual Fill the Ambulance Toy Drive now through December 12th—community members may bring new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0 to 18 to local fire stations, Maltese CrossFit, or Firehose Car Wash by 5 p.m. December 12th.

Zz Coffee and The Plant Box are blending craft coffee and low-maintenance houseplants at 545 Shoup Ave #110 in downtown Idaho Falls, operating in The Rogers building since their grand opening in August 2024.

Owners Kaitlynn Reagle and Chayla Rasmussen run separate businesses that share one space—attracting locals who enjoy a unique social experience.

EastIdahoNews.com reviewed unusual events from east Idaho history, including a 1913 horse theft by an escaped asylum inmate and firefighters repairing donated toys in 1933—stories that show a varied past.

The review also noted a fatal car accident in 1956 and an alligator sold as a Christmas gift in 1977—details that highlight the region’s quirky legacy.

The families of Dylan Rounds and Gabby Petito will help train local law enforcement to boost public safety at the College of Eastern Idaho on December 1st from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.—law enforcement experts will lead training on digital forensics and cell phone data analysis before a public safety forum in building six rooms 150-152.

Yessi Puerto Vallarta on East Sunnyside Road has been family-run—serving authentic Mexican recipes passed down for over 25 years in east Idaho.

Manager Maria Hernandez said customers praise popular dishes like Pollo a la Crema and Chile Rellenos, making the restaurant a local favorite.

Ricco Lanauze, owner of Tamales Inc., introduced a new take on smothered tamales loaded with rice, red salsa, salsa verde, cheese sauce, onions, sour cream, guacamole, and parsley and made with pork, chicken, or beef that are slow-cooked overnight.

The restaurant is located at 475 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls and invites customers to share menu ideas on Facebook or Instagram.

Holiday Celebration in Idaho Falls

11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. — 697 Mark Ave, Idaho Falls, ID — Bring a $10 favorite gift — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a meal and gift exchange.

The Nutcracker

6-7:30 p.m. — Frontier Center for the Performing Arts — Cost not specified — Experience the magic of ballet with a classic holiday performance.

Trusting Your Body’s Yes & No - Intuition Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Spirit Flow Studio LLC — $5 per person — Explore body communication and intuitive guidance through playful exercises and community connection.

TitleOne Tip Off Classic

12 – 3 AM — Mountain America Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience top-tier college basketball action in Idaho Falls.

One More Chapter Book Club

12-1 p.m. — Idaho Falls Public Library — Free entry — Explore Trevor Noah's 'Born a Crime' in a lively book club setting.

Membership Meeting at Dixie’s Diner

6-7 p.m. — Dixie’s Diner — Free for members — Connect with fellow art enthusiasts and participate in Guild activities.

Idaho Falls Spud Kings vs. Rock Springs Miners

7:05-10:05 p.m. — Mountain America Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting ice hockey match as the Spud Kings take on the Miners.

Home Alone in Concert!

7:30 PM — Frontier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of John Williams' score performed live alongside the beloved holiday classic film.

Teen Inc - Makerspace Program

11 AM – 1 PM — Idaho Falls Public Library — Free entry — Explore creativity through various tech and crafting sessions for teens ages 12-17.