Cedar Street Bridge merchants are making the holiday special, welcoming shoppers to the downtown icon with a "Grinch Who Stole Christmas" theme.

It's a chance, bridge general manager Stacey Mueller said, to enjoy a Hallmark memory.

"The Grinch theme was chosen as its story is a reflection of our story these past couple years," Mueller said.

When the bridge was purchased in February 2024, Mueller said the heart of the bridge was barely beating: the upstairs was vacant, dining was absent and tenants were downtrodden.

"Locals didn't want to come in because of the 'No this' and 'No that," Mueller said. "It got super grinchy when all locks were put on the bathroom doors."

For a while, she said many wondered if the iconic gathering space — holding more than 100 years of memories, connections and small-business opportunities and events — would ever recover at all.

But like the Grinch who received a new lease on life after his interactions with the Whos, the bridge also received a new lease after it was purchased by Joseph Worth in February 2024.

Worth began visiting the community in 2020 to see friends Shery Meekings and Stacey Mueller. Conversations between the trio painted a clear picture of what the Cedar Street Bridge could be.

"With a heart to help, and a stroke of kindness, (Worth) made way for a miracle to happen," Mueller said. "Hearts of sacrifice of service, and a team who truly cared, and a community who dared to return, the bridge found her heartbeat again … and now, it has grown three times in size."

To celebrate, bridge merchants want to thank the community for returning to the bridge — and its tenants for creating a welcoming gathering hub.

"You will find a bit of Cindy LooHoo now as the joy and good vibes have returned," Mueller said. "We invite all to share in the beautiful heartbeat that can be found at the Cedar Street Bridge this holiday season."

Visitors can take their picture in "Whoville," eat lunch with their family at one of three dining locations, do a little Christmas shopping and make family memories at Creations, Sandpoint Ceramics, or Retro Play Arcade. There is, Mueller said, something for everyone.

"Leave with flowers for your loved ones, or a gift basket for someone who needs a touch of kindness so their heart can grow three times in size, too," she added.