Good morning, Columbus.

Columbus State University will host a free basketball-themed holiday tip-off and campus tree-lighting event on Dec 2 starting at 6 p.m. with cookies and hot chocolate served outside the Student Recreation Center and Santa arriving by fire truck at 6:15 p.m.—fans will bring nonperishable food donations and enjoy a men’s basketball home opener against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at 7 p.m.

E. Hosea Hicks, a Phenix City native with 30 years in hairstyling — honored at the Beauty Icon Awards on Oct.

11 — is now planning a podcast and book to help young talent in the beauty industry. He aims to inspire future industry leaders and share his creative journey with others.

Today, Aflac hosted story time and activities at Mathews Elementary School and Georgia Pre-K where bestselling author Sheri Fink read Beyond Words to teach empathy and support the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Fink gave children autographed books and set up interactive stations—helping them learn that caring through actions often speaks louder than words.

After months of construction, Columbus Airport’s primary runway will reopen in November.

Dr. Dhruv Chaudhary, an Interventional Gastroenterologist at Piedmont Columbus Regional’s John B.

Amos Cancer Center, was honored with the 2025 Jack A. Raines, M.D., Humanitarian Award by the Medical Association of Georgia in Savannah—he established Columbus’ first advanced endoscopy program to help local patients get needed care without long trips.

Columbus State University soccer players won the PBC championship after a tough match—coming from behind in the second half—to clinch the title.

The team now plans to build on this victory for upcoming tournaments.

Biloxi Breakers vs. Columbus River Dragons

7:35-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Catch an exciting hockey match during the Columbus River Dragons' season.

Vicki Lynn Maxwell Performance

Evening — The Loft — $10 cover — Experience the diverse musical influences of Vicki Lynn, inspired by her father's legacy in songwriting.

Crowder, Zach Williams, and Matt Maher Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Not specified — Experience a night of gritty, soul-deep music with two powerful headliners in a concert built to shake the walls.

Blakgraz Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Ivy Park Sports & Grill — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of diverse live music with Blakgraz's extensive repertoire.

Disney's Frozen Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical music from the beloved film brought to life on stage.

A Motown Christmas

7:00 – 8:30 PM — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a festive evening with classic Motown hits and holiday cheer from former Motown legends.

2025 Precept Columbus Christmas Luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — The Bibb Mill Event Center — Ticket info available on request — Celebrate the festive season with a Christmas Luncheon hosted by the Columbus Georgia Area Precept.

Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Columbus River Dragons

7:35-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Catch the thrilling ice hockey clash between the Athens Rock Lobsters and the Columbus River Dragons.

Breakfast with Santa

8-11 a.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Adults $15, Children $25 — Enjoy a festive pancake breakfast while making crafts and capturing memories with Santa.

Disney's Frozen - The Musical

2-3:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Disney's Frozen live on stage.