Good morning, Columbia.

The Salvation Army will serve twice as many meals for Thanksgiving dinner, offering restaurant-style dining—complete with tablecloths and centerpieces on every table.

The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri received 40,000 pounds of food donations just in time for Thanksgiving in Columbia — the donation makes the city one of the first in the nation to get such a large contribution.

Columbia will host several Thanksgiving Day meal events on Nov 27 with Glenn’s Cafe offering a traditional prix fixe dinner from 12 to 8 and 5th Street Christian Church providing a free hot meal from 11 to 2 — Unity Center will also hold a potluck lunch for those seeking a social gathering. Additional restaurants and community groups plan to serve meals before and on Thanksgiving for varied tastes and needs.

Rocheport Distilling Co. announced four new spirits at its launch party including Dawn Gin, Dusk Gin, Rye and Bourbon — the event also serves small plates alongside the drinks.

The distillery, an affiliate of Les Bourgeois Vineyards, is marking the start of a new chapter with an innovative lineup.

Columbia is hosting holiday festivities that include markets, light shows, and other family-friendly events—these celebrations offer a variety of fun activities for all ages.

Columbia residents gathered at the Daniel Boone City Building to discuss school safety strategies as Activate Missouri and the Office of Violence Prevention presented graphs on disciplinary rates and provided grocery gift cards, food, and free childcare—officials said they will use the feedback to plan future sessions. D'Markus Thomas-Brown said the forum helped connect families with school administration and community resources.

The Columbia Public Schools board is moving to add a rule in the student handbook that requires locked gun storage—designed to lower the risk of accidental injury.

The UM System Board of Curators voted Thursday to re-elect Todd Graves as chair for another one-year term and named Robert Blitz as vice chair — the new roles will take effect Jan.

1 — after a landmark year in which the board secured $50 million in state funding and approved major project plans.

Local businesses are getting ready for the NCAA Division I cross country championships that will bring in $1.2 million in revenue — drawing many visitors to area shops — and boost local sales.

JUMP - America's Van Halen Experience

8-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying tribute to Van Halen with one of the top up-and-coming tribute bands.

Holiday Curated Crafted Created Market

10 AM – 3 PM — Columbia Mall — Free entry — Explore a unique marketplace featuring local makers and artisans showcasing handcrafted goods.

NCAA Cross Country Championships

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Gans Creek Cross Country Course — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling races at one of the premier collegiate cross country events in the nation.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Fry 2025

8 AM – 12 PM — Knights of Columbus CKC Event Center — $50 for individual turkeys, $99 to include a donation turkey — Enjoy perfectly fried turkeys while supporting local community projects.

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA

8:45-9:45 p.m. — voco The Tiger Hotel — Up to 10% Off — Experience the magic of music from Queen and ABBA under candlelight in a beautiful venue.

Siilk Live Performance

7-10:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the haunting lyrics of Siilk's music as they perform live in Columbia.

SIU Edwardsville Cougars vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

2-3:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Check for ticket prices — Catch an exciting matchup in women's collegiate basketball.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Jesse Hall Auditorium — Tickets start at $138 — Experience the enchanting performance of the classic holiday ballet filled with magic and joy.

Elf The Musical

2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Refunds available — Enjoy a whimsical story of Buddy the Elf discovering his true identity in this festive musical.

Elf The Musical

2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Refunds available up to a week prior — Delight in the holiday spirit with a musical adaptation of a beloved Christmas tale.