Good morning, Jefferson City.

Inmates at the Jefferson City Correctional Center received donated Christmas trees for their newly renovated Honor House, giving them a touch of home this holiday season (echoing cherished family traditions).

Jefferson City's Festival of Lights is open at Binder Park and will run daily except Monday through December 26th.

The light show guides drivers through Christmas scenes while Homemaker Health Care raises funds to purchase medical equipment for seniors + the disabled for $20 per car.

Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri ask hunters to donate venison to the Share the Harvest program to help local food banks and pantries.

Donations are accepted at meat processors through Jan. 15 (fees are covered, and meat from Chronic Wasting Disease areas must be tested.)

Capital 8 Theaters has added custom all-black leather slipcovers to its seats to provide a more comfortable movie experience after wear from intensive cleaning during the pandemic.

Seven auditoriums have been updated and other enhancements are underway to ready the theater for the busy Christmas season.

Kira Rutter used her teaching skills and lifelong passion for theater to build the family-run Itsy Bitsy Broadway in Jefferson City; she staged 'A Christmas Carol' on Nov.

20 (a nod to her enduring creative vision).

Over 300 residents visited five historic downtown homes on Sunday afternoon during the Holiday Homes Tours, where homeowners shared memories from houses dating back to before the 1840s (once part of Governor John C.

Edwards' estate). Ticket sales support preservation and local programming.

Students from St. Joseph Cathedral School in Jefferson City designed ornaments that feature Missouri landmarks and culture, and the designs will decorate the Missouri tree at President’s Park in Washington, D.C. until Jan.

1.

HR executive Gretchen (Raylene) Duckworth announced her candidacy for a seat on the Jefferson City School District Board of Education on Friday, Dec.

7, joining other hopefuls in the district race.

Residents heard a loud roar on Sunday afternoon when an F/A-18F Super Hornet refueled at Jefferson City Memorial Airport before flying off to California; the Jefferson City Flying Service also reported that a Navy F-18 refueled last Friday.

Dana Long quit her registered nurse job at Jefferson City Correctional Center after less than 50 days (citing a heavy work environment and operational issues) that raised concerns about facility conditions.

SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital hosted its annual Angel Procession Sunday evening where staff children sang carols to soothe patients and lift spirits during the holiday season; the tradition has brightened halls for over 60 years.

Missouri football coach Eliah Drinkwitz is urging Tiger fans to support his team in the December 27 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Virginia in Florida as the Tigers try for nine wins in three straight seasons.

Season ticket holders will receive an email link to buy tickets at EverBank Stadium.

Wednesday Evening Yoga

5:15-6:15 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Rejuvenate your mind and body in a welcoming yoga class suitable for all abilities.

Alabama State Hornets at Missouri Tigers Basketball

7-8:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Cost information not available — Witness an exciting college basketball matchup featuring the Alabama State Hornets taking on the Missouri Tigers.

Family Storytime: A World of Colorful Animals

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free admission — Enjoy engaging stories, music, crafts, and activities for all ages.

Genealogy Help Sessions

1-4 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Join genealogist Laura Loyborg for lessons, Q&A, and personalized research assistance.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The Musical!

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Capital City Productions — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a heartwarming musical experience with festive food and entertainment.

The Nutcracker 2025

7-9 p.m. — Miller Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the beloved holiday classic as local dancers bring magic to the stage.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

Dec 22-23 — The Linc — $97 for observing coaches — Enhance scoring and ball handling skills at this youth basketball camp aimed at grades 3-8.

MRRL/American Red Cross Blood Drive

10 AM – 2 PM — Missouri River Regional Library — Free t-shirt and book with donation — Give the gift of life and help those in need.

Happy HOWLidays Celebration

8 AM – 3 PM — Runge Nature Center — Family-friendly activities — Explore animal sounds and engage in wild holiday fun.

Sunday Blues Jam at The Mission

3-7 p.m. — The Mission — No cover — Enjoy a lively blues jam hosted by the homegrown band The Missionaries.