Good morning, Springfield.

Brittany and Heather Dyer will host a drive-thru food pantry on Nov.

22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Teamsters #245 parking lot at 850 E. Division St; the event—Neighbors Helping Neighbors—will serve about 200 households with 20 pounds of groceries, 1 pound of local ground beef, bread, a milk coupon, and local business vouchers to support residents after the government shutdown.

Local schools are partnering with Care to Learn to provide winter coats and essential supplies to students in need, helping them sleep better and focus in class—voucher requests have increased as more families struggle to afford basic clothing and hygiene items.

A Springfield woman began a front yard food pantry during the government shutdown, and her donations have grown from one tote to many cabinets that now serve neighbors in need.

She is forming a nonprofit—hoping to keep providing food, clothes, and toys to families.

Communities across the Ozarks will host Christmas parades from November 22 to December 20 — the list shows dates, times and locations, and Springfield’s parade will take place on December 13 at noon downtown.

Local entrepreneur Heather Mincer launched Yes Honey, an allergy-friendly soda made with honey instead of processed sugars to help those with Alpha-gal.

The product is on store shelves in Springfield and will expand into Hawaii next month — it is produced in Bolivar with locally sourced ingredients.

The Springfield-Branson National Airport announced Tuesday, Nov.

18 that Allegiant Air will add seasonal nonstop flights to Gulf Shores International Airport starting May 22 on Mondays and Fridays—making it the seventh nonstop destination from Springfield.

Springfield Public Schools voted on Nov.

18 to shorten the Thanksgiving break to three days in the 2026-27 year due to state law setting start date limits—this change helps keep the fall semester from being too short and classes will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The Ebenezer Fire Protection District opened a new fire station north of Springfield along State Highway WW Tuesday evening—visitors toured the station and saw fire trucks and a rainwater system that helps trucks refill quickly.

The new facility offers more space than the old 1995 station that housed volunteer and career firefighters.

Springfield will host its Mayor’s Tree Lighting event on Nov 22 at Park Central Square starting at 6 p.m., where Mayor Jeff Schrag will lead a countdown before the 48-foot tree lights up.

Families can enjoy free activities such as carriage rides, ice skating, a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and a drone show—Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet guests from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Children’s Mercy and Mercy Springfield Communities announced plans on Nov 19 to build a new pediatric outpatient clinic in Ozark—costing about $30 million—on the Mercy South Springfield campus near Evans Road; the 40,000-square-foot facility, which will offer pediatric primary care and specialist services, will open in December 2026—pending final funding decisions—.

Helias Catholic will face undefeated Nixa on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Class 6 state quarterfinal as both teams aim to advance to next week’s semifinal in the St. Louis area — a rematch of their 2015 contest.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame distributed over $525,000 to 31 charities at Highland Springs Country Club from the final Price Cutter Charity Championship, a tournament that raised nearly $21.8 million over 36 years.

The nonprofit will resume fundraisers next year as Price Cutter Cares — presented by Hiland Dairy — to support local children’s and veterans’ charities.

BFF, Dates or Single Winter Splendor

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $44-$52 per person — Unleash your creativity and take home your own masterpiece in a fun, guided blacklight painting experience.

Cards at Cards Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hammons Field — Tickets available at event — Discover, trade, and enhance your collection at SWMO's ultimate sports cards and collectibles show.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Screening

8-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $75 VIP tickets available — Celebrate the holidays with a classic film and a fun costume contest.

Missouri State Bears vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

1-3 p.m. — Robert W. Plaster Stadium — Cost information not provided — Catch an exciting college football matchup between the Bears and the Bulldogs.

The Arc of the Ozarks: Christmas Extravaganza

5:30-9:30 p.m. — White River Conference Center — Cost not specified — Celebrate the season with a festive fundraising event for Children’s Autism Services.

Taj Farrant's Final Show of 2025

6-8:30 p.m. — The Riff — $5 cover for minors — Experience electrifying guitar work as Taj Farrant returns to his home stage for an unforgettable performance.

Toys for Tots 2025

2-5 p.m. — Corwin Ford of Springfield — Free entry — A community event supporting local children in need through toy donations.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

8:45 p.m. — Stone Chapel — Up to 12% Off — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols played by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight in a stunning chapel setting.

It's A Wonderful Life Film Screening

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free admission — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a classic film showcasing heartfelt moments.

Springfield Ballet - The Nutcracker

7-8:30 p.m. — Springfield Little Theatre — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the timeless holiday story brought to life with beautiful choreography and music.