Good morning, Columbus.

Paws Humane Society in Columbus is offering free adoptions through December to ease overcrowding caused by holiday surrenders and returns.

The shelter invites residents to foster through its Operation Silent Night program (all pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped) to reduce animal stress.

The Letters to Santa mailbox returns to the Columbus Citizen Services Center as part of St. Francis-Emory Healthcare’s annual Light the Spirit event, featuring Santa and live music to welcome the holiday season.

Local families are invited to send in wishes and enjoy the festive cheer.

Reach 4 Your Dreamz Inc. will host its 17th annual Christmas Toy Giveaway & Dinner on Sunday, Dec.

21, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Frank Chester Recreation Center, offering up to 1,000 free toys, holiday meals and a Santa appearance for children and families in Columbus.

Tariffs on Chinese goods are making artificial Christmas trees expensive, and shoppers are turning to real trees instead.

Local lots including Kimi Farms (a known vendor) report higher sales as customers favor traditional, more affordable live trees for the holiday season.

Columbus State will honor 1,060 Fall 2025 graduates on Friday, Dec.

12 at three college-specific ceremonies — alumnus Curtis Walker '22 will speak on resilience and timing.

Columbus State University appointed seven community and business leaders to its CSU Foundation Board of Trustees to guide long-term financial plans and strengthen school partnerships (including board chair Will White of Greystone Properties), while a recent meeting also named Rob Stone as its Fort Benning liaison.

TCSG announced today that all 12 high school diploma academies, including Columbus Technical College's program, are fully accredited by Cognia—providing students a flexible pathway to earn a high school diploma and a college credential.

Columbus Airport will host a ribbon cutting mixer tomorrow, Dec.

5 at 4:30 p.m. on the second floor of the main terminal to celebrate its newly reconstructed Runway 6-24, which reopened on Nov. 28 after months of major work.

A Phenix City cheerleader manages her diabetes by training hard and staying active every day, showing that healthy living + positive choices can conquer health challenges.

Her example inspires local residents to care for their well-being.

15-year-old Annleigh from Central High in Phenix City has been managing Type 1 diabetes actively after her diagnosis last year.

She keeps up with school, cheer, and life with careful monitoring + daily insulin.

Aflac has released 'Beyond Words,' a holiday children's book that donates 100% of net proceeds to the Childhood Cancer Foundation to fund lifesaving research.

The book is available in hardcover and softcover with a QR code for free coloring sheets and offers a thoughtful gift for families during the season.

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.

The Prophecy Show: A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra

7:30-9 p.m. — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying evening of holiday rock music performed by classically trained musicians.

Disney’s Frozen Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticketed event — Experience the musical phenomenon that brings the beloved film's songs to life on stage.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — The Maltitude Bar at Banks — Tickets required — Celebrate the holiday season with a colorful and quirky pub crawl in your best ugly sweater.

Disney's Frozen - The Musical

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Cost Info not provided — Experience the enchanting musical adaptation of the beloved animated film featuring thrilling songs and new music.

Columbus River Dragons vs. Athens Rock Lobsters

7:35-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Cost info not provided — Catch the thrilling hockey match between the River Dragons and the Rock Lobsters.

11th Annual Lion and Lamb Music Christmas Bash

3-9 p.m. — Peachtree Mall — Free entry — Celebrate Christmas with live music, local vendors, and free gifts for attendees.

Disney's Frozen - The Musical

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Springer Opera House, Columbus, GA — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Disney’s Frozen with beloved songs and new music in a regional theatre performance.