Good morning, Springfield.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth held its first Fill the Sleigh Drive-Thru Toy Drive until 6 p.m. Friday in the parking lot next to the Ferrell-Duncan Clinic on East Primrose Street to bring festive cheer to hospitalized children.

The Share Your Christmas team thanked donors on Dec.

13 for filling gift bins at Crossines Community Outreach and preparing 100 gift boxes for local care centers, with bikes, toys and other presents set to help area families celebrate the season.

James River Church brought early Christmas cheer to York Elementary students in Springfield with its annual Fill the Sleigh toy drive (featuring music, interactive games, and a Christmas adventure).

Eden Village hosts a free drive-thru Christmas light display called Homes for the Holidays on Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Eden Village 2 (3155 West Brower Street), with a holiday market and open house at Eden Village 1 on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

The Central High School Kilties will serve as grand marshals at today's Springfield Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. with the 'Wrapped in Plaid' theme celebrating their 100th anniversary; the route along South Avenue features 100 entries and free holiday activities + a Christmas Market on Park Central Square.

City Utilities is building a zinc battery energy storage facility along U.S. 65 near the Blackman Water Treatment Plant to add 5 MW of capacity; the project is expected to complete in July (2026) in partnership with Eos Energy Enterprises.

Missouri received a USDA waiver to restrict SNAP benefits for healthier eating, banning candy, prepared desserts, and sugary drinks starting in Oct.

2026. Gov. Mike Kehoe said the change supports public health and state agriculture.

Health experts warn that this weekend's dangerous cold can cause hypothermia quickly in children, the elderly, and adults; they advise residents to wear layered clothing (including hats and gloves) to stay warm and prevent symptoms.

CoxHealth announced that its Marketplace plan will end for Greene and Webster residents starting in 2026, leaving about 4,300 locals to select new coverage options before Dec.

31 (including plans at Mercy Hospital Springfield). Rising premiums are expected to add pressure on households.

Several Ozarks restaurants in Springfield, including Alamo Drafthouse and Alli’s Family Restaurant, are set to open on Christmas Day to offer dining options for fans watching the Chiefs game (which starts at 7 p.m.).

Check local listings for hours that range from breakfast through dinner.

Roofing experts advise Springfield homeowners to inspect roofs for ice dams and leaks as cold weather sets in today; Absolute Roofing (a local company) recommends prompt repairs and written agreements to avoid worsening damage.

KY3’s Chad Plein and Ozarks Sports Zone’s Chris Parker analyzed Missouri State’s football coaching search and discussed the start of winter sports in Springfield yesterday — offering local fans insight into the evolving sports scene.

The Lady Bears will face Arkansas today at Great Southern Bank Arena as local student athletes learn to manage extra pressure from sports betting.

MSU offers counseling to help players cope (and urges fans to maintain steady support).

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.

OMRR's Run for the Ranch

9:15 a.m. — MSU Parking Lot #22 — Registration fees apply — Participate in a variety of races from a 5K to an endurance run on a scenic route.