30 things to do this November, including Springfield Mayor's Tree Lighting Holiday Show
Christmas is less than two months away and Springfield businesses and organizations are already gearing up for the holiday season.
The annual Mayor's Tree Lighting Holiday Show has became a Springfield tradition, with Mayor Ken McClure lighting a giant Christmas tree at Park Central Square. This year, McClure will "light" a new 65-foot tree on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. Funding for the tree was provided by the Hatch Foundation.
Following the lighting of the tree, folks may enjoy live entertainment provided by local organizations and musicians including the Central High School Choir, Matthew Hutcheman, Springfield Ballet, Springfield Little Theatre, Michael Spyres and Janice Wilson.
Throughout the evening, folks may also enjoy the annual reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' by McClure on the square, selfies with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and free hot chocolate and cookies. Carriages and a holiday train will also be offering free rides around the square between 6-8:30 p.m. Jordan Valley Ice Park will be offering free ice skating from 5-7 p.m., too. Skate rentals will be $3.
If you can't make it in-person, don't fret. The show will be broadcast on CW from 7-8 p.m. on Nov. 18 or during Christmas week on KY3.
In addition to the Mayor's Tree Lighting Holiday Show, the News-Leader compiled a list of 29 other activities to enjoy throughout Springfield in November.
X-Con Conference
When: Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Oasis Hotel and Conference Center at 2546 N. Glenstone Ave.
The final day of the Un-X Broadcasting Network's X-Con Conference is this week. The conference is focused on Mothman, UFOs, Sasquatch and other hauntings. This year's keynote speaker is Scott Wolter, former host of the Travel Channel's "American Unearthed." Tickets are available on the Un-X Network website. Tickets are $75 for a single-day pass.
Habitat ReStore Christmas Extravaganza
When: Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 9 a.m.
Where: Habitat Springfield ReStore at 2410 S. Scenic Ave.
The Habitat Springfield ReStore is kicking off the holiday season with the Christmas Extravaganza, which is when the ReStore's shelves will be full of artificial trees, holiday decorations, ornaments, and twinkling lights. These holiday decorations will be available through the season, while supplies last.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival
When: Nov. 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum at 3060 State Highway A in Mansfield
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival is an annual celebration of regional authors and accessible reading for children. Tickets are available for purchase at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum.
This year's featured authors include Gina Crawford, Matt Murrie, Suzanna Lynn, Darla Noble, Izzy B, Rosette Elizabeth Hurst, Gunner Duck, Tiffany Coryell, William Anderson and Michelle Underwood. Author biographies and a schedule of events for this year's festival are accessible on the Children's Literature Festival website.
The festival was first held in 2019, coinciding with the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Mansfield. More than 700 children attended the event, according to the children's literature festival website.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's production of 'Fairview'
When: Nov. 2-5
Where: Springfield Contemporary Theatre Studio at 2025 E. Chestnut Expressway Suite D
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's latest production is Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Fairview." The play follows the Frasiers, a middle-class family trying to make everything perfect for their grandma's birthday, but a "jaw-dropping" plot twist changes the entire course of plans.
Tickets are available on the Springfield Contemporary Theatre website. Tickets are $32 for adults, $29 for seniors and students and $10 for student rush.
Tour of the Globe
When: Friday, Nov. 3 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Jim D. Morris Center at 301 S. Jefferson Ave.
Missouri State University's International Programs will be hosting Tour of the Globe. Community members are encouraged to come and chat with international students sharing art, music, dance and food. The event is free.
Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience
When: Friday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
Theresa Caputo, known as the star of TLC's television show "The Long Island Medium" is coming to Springfield. Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website. Tickets range between $44-95.
Revenge Mommy: i.V KiNG EP Release Show
When: Friday, Nov 3 at 9 p.m.
When: Odyssey at 322 South Ave
Springfield-based pop musician i.V KiNG is hosting her release show for her latest album, "Revenge Mommy." The concert will feature live music from i.V KiNG and a drag show. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $12 and day-of tickets are $15.
2 Friends & Junk
When: Nov. 3-4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The annual 2 Friends & Junk flea market sale is returning to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Vendor booths will feature vintage, boutique and handmade items, along with various gifts and furniture. The first 50 shoppers will receive a free 2 Friends & Junk goodie bag filled with booth coupons. General admission for both days is $10. Tickets are available at the door.
Relics Holiday Open House
When: Nov. 3-5
Where: Relics Antique Mall at 2015 W. Battlefield Road
Relics Antique Mall is going all out for its holiday open house, featuring a free wine tasting on Saturday, Nov. 4, complimentary holiday goodies and mimosas and the Mexican Food Truck on-site. Relics Antique Mall is 90,000-square-feet with more than 500 booths, featuring antique furniture, decorations, collectibles and gift items.
Veteran Gun & Knife Show
When: Nov. 3-5
Where: Veteran Event Center at 3335 W. Sunshine St. Suite 6
The Veteran and First Responder Service Organization Company is hosting an inaugural gun and knife show, with all proceeds benefiting the local nonprofit. General admission is $5. Active law enforcement, military and first responders receive free admission with valid identification.
Honoring Our Veterans Powwow
When: Nov. 4-5
Where: Greenwood Laboratory School at 1024 E. Harrison St.
The American Indian Center of Springfield's annual Honoring Our Veterans Powwow is a two-day event. This year's featured entertainment includes gourd dancing and intertribal sessions. Nizhoni Adeezhi will be crowned as the 2023-2024 American Indian Center of Springfield Powwow Princess. The powwow is free and concessions will be available.
Wingapalooza
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.
The annual Wingapalooza features hundreds of tasty wings, local live music and even a cornhole tournament. Proceeds from the cornhole tournament benefit Isabel's House this year. Registration for the tournament closes Nov. 3 and is available on the Wingapalooza website. Tickets for Wingapalooza are available on the event website. General admission is $20.
S'more Cocktails & Woodland Gnome Workshop
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Carson's Greenhouse & Gifts at 233 E. Farm Road 192
During this after-hours event, participants will learn how to make a sweet and smoke-infused cocktail inspired by s'mores, while crafting a woodland gnome pot. 417 Cocktails will lead the cocktail presentation. All participants will receive 50% coupons toward a plant. Tickets are available for $40 on the Carson's Greenhouse & Gifts website. Ticket sales end on Friday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.
The Beach Boys at Drury University
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: O'Reilly Family Event Center at 935 N. Summit Ave.
The Beach Boys are performing at the O'Reilly Family Event Center as part of Drury University's 150th anniversary celebrating. Springfield-originating band Ha Ha Tonka will open the concert. Tickets are available on the Drury University website, starting at $45.
More: With roots in Springfield bars, band Ha Ha Tonka returns 20 years later with new album
Santa's Wonderland opens at Bass Pro Shops
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 24
Where: Bass Pro Shops at 1 Bass Pro Drive
Bass Pro Shops is already gearing up for the holiday season, with Santa's Wonderland opening the first weekend of November. Each family will receive a 4x6 photo with Santa. Advance registration is required and can be completed on the Bass Pro Shops' website.
An Old Time Christmas opens at Silver Dollar City
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 30
Where: Silver Dollar City at 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway in Branson
Silver Dollar City is kicking off its holiday season the first weekend of November, with more than 6.5 million twinkling lights and daily shows, including Rudolph's Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade, Tinker Junior's Toy Shop and A Dickens' Christmas Carol.
Seasonal festive treats include Ozarks Chili at Wagon Works Grill, a Peppermint Ice Cream in a Peppermint Waffle Cone at Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor, Gingerbread Funnel Cake at Fanny's Funnel Fakes and Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Ice Cream at the Apple Dumpling Stand. A full season menu is available on the Silver Dollar City website.
An Old Time Christmas is scattered throughout the entire amusement park, accessible with admission. Tickets are available on the Silver Dollar City website, starting at $89.
Miss Gay Springfield America
When: Sunday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.
Where: Oasis Hotel & Convention Center at 2546 N. Glenstone Ave.
The 46th annual Miss Gay Springfield America drag queen and king pageant is Twisted Disney themed. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door.
Broadway's 'Jesus Christ Superstar'
When: Nov. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
Springfield's run of Broadway musicals for the 2023-2024 season kicks off with "Jesus Christ Superstar." The musical is set during the final weeks of Jesus Christ's life as seen through the eyes of Judas. Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website, ranging between $39-90.
Ari Shaffir at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: Monday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
American standup comedian Ari Shaffir is known for his numerous appearances on the Joe Rogan podcast, in addition to his latest special, "Jew." He's also appeared on Comedy Central's "This Is Not Happening," Netflix's "Double Negative" and Comedy Central's "Paid Regular." Tickets are available on the Blue Room Comedy Club website. General admission is $40 and VIP admission is $45.
High Tide Theatrical's "The Rocky Horror Show"
When: Nov. 9-16
Where: Martha's Vineyard at 219 W. Olive St.
A cult classic, "The Rocky Horror Show" follows sweethearts Brad and Janet who discover an eerie mansion owned by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. Brad and Janet meet a household full of odd characters as their innocence is lost.
Tickets are available on the Martha's Vineyard website. As of Monday, the only remaining day with open seats is Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. High Tide Theatrical is the in-house theater company of Martha's Vineyard.
James 'Murr' Murray at the Gillioz Theatre
When: Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
Best known as "Murr" on the television show "Impractical Jokers," James Murray is bringing his live, interactive stand-up comedy show to Springfield. During the show, Murray will share personal stories, show never-before-seen videos from "Impractical Jokers" and play live "Impractical Jokers" with the audience.
Rountree Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Rountree Neighborhood
The Rountree Neighborhood is hosting a holiday bazaar with a meet and greet with Santa Claus and carriage rides at Ellecor Interior Design and a meet and greet with The Grinch at Artistree Pottery. Ellecor Interior Design, Local Bevy, Laurel Spa & Lash Studio, Culture Flock, The Royal, Tie & Timber Beer Co., Fleur, Tea Bar & Bites, Sleepy Opossum, Artistree Pottery, Cherry Picker Package X Fare, Pickwick Underground Framing and Wallace Rae are all participating.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra's production of 'British Invasion'
When: Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra's production of "British Invasion" will feature an array of classics from the Beatles. Tickets are available on the Springfield Symphony Orchestra's website.
Temple Israel ArtFest
When: Sunday, Nov 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Temple Israel at 5910 S. Farm Road 193 in Rogersville
Temple Israel in Rogersville is hosting its annual Jewish art festival, featuring lunch, art and Judaica, Jewish ceremonial art. The temple's rabbi will also be at the festival to educate folks on Jewish rituals and objects.
Springfield Little Theatre's production of 'Elf'
When: Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Based on the 2003 hit, "Elf" tells the story of Buddy, an orphan who sneaks into Santa Claus' bag by accident. Raised as an elf, Buddy is unaware that he is actually a human until he reconnects with his birth father and discovers his true identity. The estimated runtime for Springfield Little Theatre's production is two hours and 30 minutes.
FEZtival of Trees
When: Nov. 17-19
Where: Abou Ben Adhem Shrine at 601 E. St. Louis St.
The annual FEZtival of Trees event starts Friday, Nov. 17 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 19. The event will feature photos with Santa Claus, live entertainment, vendors and crafts. Admission is $5 and children under the age of 12 are free.
Missouri Anime Fest
When: Nov. 18-19
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.
VXV Events is hosting its inaugural Missouri Anime Fest, featuring celebrity voice actors, gaming and cosplay. Attending voice actors include Cam Clarke, who voiced Leonardo in the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" cartoon and a character in the movie "Akira." Others include Adam McArthur, Anne Yatco, Ian James Corlett, Kyle Hebert, Stephanie Nadolny and Brianna Knickerbocker.
Tickets are available on the VXV Events website. Tickets are $40 for the full weekend and $25 per day. Children under the age of 10 are free with a paid adult admission ticket.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
When: Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The annual Cirque Dreams Holidaze performance is an infusion of Broadway-style production and contemporary circus art. Tickets are available between $29-99 on the Missouri State TIX website. Folks can use the code "CIRQUE" for a $5 off pre-sale offer.
Missouri State University's production of '9 to 5: The Musical'
When: Thursday, Nov. 30 through Monday, Dec. 4
Where: Coger Theatre at Craig Hall at 1147 Grand St.
Missouri State University kicks off its production of "9 to 5: The Musical" at the end of November. The musical follows Violet, Judy and Doralee, a trio of underpaid office workers, who dream of revenge on their evil boss. And through a series of comedic twists, their fantasies become a reality. Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website. Tickets are $24 for adults and $22 for seniors and students.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Check out these 30 things to do in Springfield this November
