(Heartland News) - Communities and organizations across the Heartland are gearing up for Thanksgiving and holiday events.
Whether it is a free community meal or gearing up for the Christmas holiday, the Heartland is known for its annual traditions and celebrations.
The following is a growing list of events, and if you know of one that you do not see here, be sure to email us the information at news@kfvs12.com.
Missouri
Salvation Army Cape Girardeau will host a Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, November 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery is available. For delivery, call 573-335-7000.
The annual downtown Cape Girardeau tree lighting is set for Friday, November 27, in the Vasterling Suites Courtyard on Broadway Street. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with food vendors. The welcome ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and the countdown to the tree lighting will begin at 6:20 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the 30-foot Christmas tree.
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Cape Girardeau’s 2026 Parade of Lights is set for Nov. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. along Broadway Street.
The annual Small Business Saturday in downtown Cape Girardeau is set for Saturday, Nov. 28. According to Old Town Cape, you can shop at your favorite downtown shops from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Holiday Open House in downtown Cape Girardeau is Friday, Dec. 4. Main Street will be closed and decorated from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the event.
Jackson’s annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. The rain date is Saturday, Dec. 13. The parade begins Uptown and ends near Southern Bank. After the parade, photos with Santa at the gazebo, crafts, a special center for letters to Santa and more will be available.
Twinkle & Twirl, the 30-minute skating experience, returns to downtown Cape Girardeau on North Fountain Street. Sign-up opens Friday, Dec. 11, for slots on Wednesday, Dec. 16, through Saturday, Dec. 18. Organizers say each person attending will need to register, including adults. More details can be found here.
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Illinois
There will be a free community Thanksgiving meal at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Carbondale on Thursday, Nov. 26, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. No reservations are necessary. Meals can be delivered. To volunteer, make a donation or have a meal delivered, call 618-529-3311.
Central Christian Church in Mount Vernon will host its 30th annual Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal is free.
Kentucky
Big Ed’s 10th Annual free Community Thanksgiving Meal will be held at the Community Kitchen in Paducah on Thursday, Nov. 26. The event begins at 11 a.m.
The City of Paducah will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Water Street between Broadway and Jefferson Streets in downtown Paducah. This annual holiday celebration features hot chocolate, crafts and performances by the Paducah Storm Watch Step Team and Reidland Middle Choir, along with special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The City of Paducah’s annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. The theme is Christmas on the River. The parade will begin at 14th and Broadway and travel down Broadway to Water Street, where it will turn left at Jefferson Street and then disband at Jefferson and 2nd Street.
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