Good morning, Johnson City.

Area nonprofits are catching up on food pantry supplies after SNAP benefits were restored following a government shutdown that left resources strained during the holiday season — Good Samaritan Ministries is receiving many calls for rent help while ARM food pantry now needs milk, eggs and cheese.

Brights Zoo announced that Kipekee, a rare spotless giraffe (born in 2023), passed away on Wednesday afternoon and zoo officials (working with giraffe vets) are investigating its death.

Local shelters across the Tri-Cities are preparing to serve warm meals and offer support this Thanksgiving—Bristol’s Salvation Army expects over 100 guests for its meal today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. while Johnson City's Haven of Mercy Ministries is set to feed up to 4,000 people amid a rising need, shelter leaders said.

Unity Housing will host Johnson City’s first National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on December 21 at 1 p.m. at the farmer's market pavilion—featuring a local eulogy with personal stories, a shared warm meal, and efforts to boost shelter beds this winter.

Downtown Johnson City bars will host Santacon on December 6 from 5 to 10 p.m.—a pub crawl that begins with a costume photo shoot at the Johnson City sign and stops at four bars to collect unwrapped toys for local kids and support businesses hurt by a recent ordinance cutting alcohol sales by two hours.

Johnson City will host Small Business Saturday on the holiday season where shoppers will support local businesses and enjoy family activities — Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Cantler explained that $.68 of every dollar spent remains in the community — with the day ending with a Christmas tree lighting downtown at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

AAA predicts 1.9 million Tennesseans will travel over Thanksgiving from November 25 to December 1 and says extra highway patrols will be added to manage more drivers—troopers will advise using off-peak times and caution drivers about changing conditions and wildlife.

Jason Witten, a hometown hero from Elizabethton and former Tennessee Volunteer, is one of 25 semifinalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He is in his first year of eligibility and holds career numbers of 1,228 receptions + 74 touchdowns + 11 Pro Bowl appearances.

ETSU vs Central Arkansas Men's Basketball Game

5-7:30 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Check online for ticket pricing — Catch the exciting matchup between ETSU and Central Arkansas in a thrilling basketball showdown.

Glory Shone Around Holiday Concert

4-10 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Celebrate the holiday season with a mix of classic and contemporary music performed by a large ensemble of student and faculty musicians.

Jolabokaflod Celebration

3-5 p.m. — Shakti in the Mountains — $15 — Celebrate the joyful tradition of exchanging books and chocolate with cozy crafts and community spirit.

Jingle 5K Night Run

7 PM - 1 AM — King Commons Park — Registration required — Experience the festive holiday lights while enjoying a fun evening run or walk with Santa and treats.

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Capone's — $20 — Experience a powerful performance by the resilient southern metal band after a long hiatus.

Jeepin’ for a Claus

1-3 p.m. — Carver Recreation Center — Free toys for kids — Celebrate the season with Santa and enjoy free toys while capturing cherished moments.

A Winter Gathering Yee Haw Style

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Yee-Haw Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate winter with fellow riders in a laid-back gathering focused on community and motorcycling fun.