Good morning, Columbia.

At 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, nearly 200 cars lined up around the Parkade Center as the Powerhouse Community Development Corporation began handing out free turkeys and food boxes 15 minutes early to ease traffic from about 500 arriving vehicles—600 extra turkeys were purchased to meet a 40% increase in need and a hot meal giveaway is set for Thanksgiving at Fifth Street Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity named Jennifer James as its new executive director.

She brings 25 years of leadership experience—having volunteered with Habitat for years—and will lead daily operations, the ReStore program, and fundraising to build affordable homes in Boone County.

A Texas couple dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus kicked off the holiday season on Friday at Orr Street Studios in Columbia.

They brought festive cheer and marked the start of local celebrations.

Columbia's pollinator support program converted roadside turf grass into no mow zones in northeast Columbia, and the city is now adding color to support pollinators.

City officials say the change is part of ongoing efforts to improve local pollinator habitats.

Columbia Public Works and the city’s parking utility announced that the top levels of the Short Street and Fifth and Walnut garages will be closed from November 24 until March 23 for snow management; chains and cones will block access—lower levels remain open for hourly and permit parkers.

Columbia Police Department officer Jordan Payne and his K-9 Duke were inducted into the U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation’s Warrior Class of 2025, with Duke noted as the first non-military dog honored for his work in rescues and bomb squad support.

Their award ceremony took place on November 14 at the Columbia Country Club and was celebrated with a halftime tribute during the Mizzou football game on November 15.

Over 100 volunteers worked early Saturday to run Columbia's first NCAA Division I National Championship, helping with check-ins, merchandise, and various roles.

They began their work at (5 a.m.), supporting a historic event for the local community.

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.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Historic Grand Ballroom, Tiger Hotel — Tickets Selling Fast — Experience a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by the Lisetso String Quartet under candlelight.