Good morning, Columbia.

Today, Santa, first responders and MU Children's Hospital's mascot (TJ the Tiger) brought holiday cheer to patients, lifting spirits at the hospital during the festive season.

A Beechcraft Super King Air 200 that was fitted with Garmin's Autoland system at the Blackhawk Performance Center at Columbia Regional Airport landed itself at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport after an in-flight emergency over the weekend — both pilots exited unharmed.

Infants in the neonatal intensive care units at MU Health Care's Children's Hospital and Boone Health are celebrating their first Christmas with festive costumes and Santa visits.

The MU facility now has 62 private NICU rooms, marking its second holiday season in its new location.

Cassie Twehus' Holiday Favorites

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Runge Nature Center — Free entry — Celebrate the season with festive activities hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Kansas City Roos vs Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

2-9:59 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting matchup between local collegiate teams on the basketball court.

Wildlife: Fireside Stories

10-11 a.m. — Runge Nature Center — Free entry — Enjoy captivating winter tales around a cozy outdoor fire.

New Year’s Eve Pawty

10 AM – 2 PM — Premium Pets — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with sparkling beverages for both humans and pups at a festive backdrop.

MO Rock Fest

7-8:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of live rock music in Columbia's popular venue.

Intro to Longarm Quilting Class

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials provided — Learn the basics of longarm quilting and create a small tapestry in this engaging two-hour workshop.

Auburn Tigers at Missouri Tigers Basketball

6-8 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Cost info not provided — Watch the Auburn Tigers take on the Missouri Tigers in an exciting college basketball matchup.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness a thrilling clash between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Missouri Tigers on the basketball court.

University of Missouri Hockey vs. University of Nebraska

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Washington Park Ice Arena — Ticket information varies — Catch an exciting hockey game as the University of Missouri faces off against the University of Nebraska.

Celebration of Missouri Food and Wine

6-9 p.m. — COMO Marketing — Tickets required — Experience a four-course tasting menu by renowned Columbia chefs highlighting local cuisine and wine.