Good morning, Topeka.

A local family kept a Black Friday tradition alive by beginning their day at 5 a.m. in matching outfits and festive headbands while shopping around town, and retailers noted that in-person shopping helped customers find the right fit for their homes—an edge over online buying.

Shawn Evans has transformed his home at 4300 SE Michigan Ave into an interactive Christmas lights show that runs each night from 6 to 10 p.m.—the display syncs to music on radio 88.7 and collects donations for the Kansas National Guard Soldier and Family Readiness Group after 14 years of tradition.

Becky Fast, who led Kansas social workers since 2017, lost her job when a national group restructured by pairing Kansas with Iowa under one director—Kansas board members said the change may weaken local advocacy.

A virtual meeting is set on Dec. 6 to discuss forming a new state structure.

Happy Basset Brewery—located south of Topeka—welcomed customers this Thanksgiving to watch the Chiefs play the Cowboys when a group with a broken TV came in for a cozy place to enjoy the game; manager Heather Jones said the business aimed to offer a welcoming spot for those without a home viewing option.

Adult Skate Night at Sk8away

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Sk8away Inc. — $8 with rentals or $6 with personal skates — Enjoy a fun night of skating for adults aged 18 and over.

Catholic Community Zoo Lights

Come for Mass at Hayden HS, Enjoy Hot Chocolate after Mass, then head to The Topeka Zoo to enjoy the annual Zoo Lights event! Everyone is welcome!

Catholic Community Zoo Lights

Come for Mass at Hayden HS, Enjoy Hot Chocolate after Mass, then head to The Topeka Zoo to enjoy the annual Zoo Lights event! Everyone is welcome!

Tip-a-Cop at Red Robin Topeka

4-8 p.m. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews — Donations appreciated — Enjoy a meal with local law enforcement while supporting Special Olympics Kansas athletes.

10th Annual Wing Fling

2-3:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Ticket prices not available yet — Enjoy a fun-filled festival featuring Topeka's only chicken wing competition with great food, drinks, and live music.

Python for Scientists Training/Class

Dec 8-12 — Heston's Gladiator Academy — $2250 — Enhance your Python skills with expert-led classes designed for scientific applications.

Holiday Fling Topeka

9:00-10:30 a.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Entry fee may apply — Experience a festive holiday extravaganza with shopping, gourmet tastings, and family-friendly fun.

The Snowman Concert

Evening — Washburn University — Ticket info not provided — Experience holiday magic with a symphony and Kansas Youth Chorale performance of beloved seasonal favorites.

Kansas Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Featuring The Topeka Symphony

7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets available now — Experience the enchanting holiday classic with over 150 dancers and live music from the Topeka Symphony.

Ballet Midwest Presents: The Nutcracker

1-2:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets available at the box office — Experience the magic of Kansas Ballet's holiday classic with stunning choreography and live music.