Good morning, Springfield.

At the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, only 4,000 of the 10,000 wreaths needed for veterans' graves have been donated for Christmas due to a shortage of contributions.

Wreaths will be placed on gravestones starting December 13th—further donations are needed to honor all veterans.

Care to Learn’s Springfield chapter sent vouchers to school pantries — letting students buy food during Thanksgiving break — and stocked seasonal Thanksgiving sides to help meet growing needs.

Director Andrea Harp said the nonprofit has long worked to ease food insecurity among students.

Local small businesses across downtown and Commercial Street will host holiday promotions on Small Business Saturday, Nov.

29—shoppers will access special discounts, free giveaways, and unique deals from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Springfield retailers are set to offer Black Friday deals with doorbuster promotions and early store openings—stores like Battlefield Mall, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, Walmart, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney, Macy’s, Costco, Sam’s Club and Academy Sports are all joining in with special discounts on electronics, apparel and holiday gifts. Shoppers can find some deals starting this week while others will be available on Black Friday.

Guns N’ Roses will perform at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena on September 12th—marking their first Ozarks stop on the 2026 world tour.

Fans can also see the band in St. Louis on Aug. 16 and Kansas City on Aug. 19—presale for North American shows begins Dec. 3rd at 10 a.m.

Travel experts predict record-breaking Thanksgiving travel as 82 million Americans are expected to drive over 50 miles while highways and airports face peak congestion—Springfield-Branson National Airport warns of long lines between 5 and 8 a.m. and state patrol urges drivers to leave early and drive safely amid heavy traffic.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol invites Springfield residents to honor law enforcement by displaying blue lights at patrol buildings until January 2 in recognition of officers killed in the line of duty.

Residents may show support by replacing normal light bulbs with blue ones+ the gesture began in 1989 as a tribute to fallen officers.

A new guide lists national and local resources to help with Thanksgiving issues, offering hotline numbers for mental health crises, poison control, CPR instructions, and emergency plumbing support.

The guide details safety steps and hotline hours—providing clear advice for families facing holiday challenges.

Many residents are rushing to get routine tests and checkups done before deductibles reset on Jan 1 — doctor offices are busy with sick visits and follow-up care.

Health workers say patients should call early to book appointments and check their medication refills.

Mandi Turner of Carson’s Nurseries said live Christmas trees are now arriving in Ozarks lots as families begin prepping for the holidays—she advises buyers to water tree roots regularly, check for insects, and let trees acclimate for three days before moving them indoors for safety.

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.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Stone Chapel, Drury University — Ticketed event — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring a string quartet performing beloved Christmas carols.

Festival of Lights Free Ice Skating

2:00 PM - 4:45 PM — Brightspeed Ice Park — Free entry, $3 skate rental — Enjoy free ice skating and holiday lights at the park.