Good morning, Amarillo.

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, the Salvation Army delivered requested Christmas gifts to families at the Tri-State Fairgrounds (the Angel Tree project received local support from businesses and churches) and sorted packages for over 900 children and 200 teens after families applied for needed items.

Amarillo families can join a new Christmas Eve event at Candy Cane Lane on Wednesday, Dec.

24 at 6 pm, where the nativity story of Jesus will be retold and classic carols sung. The event is at 7114 Gainsborough between Bell + Coulter.

Leonard Farms is hosting a free drive-thru Christmas lights event from Dec.

18 to 25 (6 pm to 9:30 pm) at 17670 FM 1062. The farm, which faced summer hailstorms, offers festive views and hot cocoa for local families to enjoy the holiday season.

IQ Car Wash is expanding to a new site at 8590 S Coulter St in Southwest Amarillo (construction began last November and will complete by June), offering more car wash convenience to the growing community.

Ziggi’s Coffee launched its December Dash Sweepstakes to offer free coffee for a year to one winner at each Amarillo and Canyon location.

Customers earn entries by using their Rewards at purchase until Dec. 31 (full rules apply), with winners receiving a free small drink every week during 2026.

The Amarillo Symphony will present its annual HAPPY Holidays Pops Concert today at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, featuring Christmas carols, an interactive sing-along, and Heroes Night benefits for local veterans & first responders.

Amarillo parks officials recommend closing the aging Southeast and Southwest public pools because inspections found leaks and structural voids — prompting plans for a new aquatic facility.

City Council may decide before January while exploring long-term replacement options.

Amarillo Economic Development Corporation amended its incentives agreement with Texas Tech for the School of Veterinary Medicine, reducing the cost from $15.6 million to $13.8 million with a one-time payment due early 2026 + saving $1.8 million for community projects ahead of an Amarillo City Council vote in January.

Eleven Texas Panhandle cities formed the Lonestar Eleven Coalition to demand accountability from Xcel Energy after the Smokehouse Creek Fire nearly two years ago.

Officials said the group will monitor legal proceedings and push for faster utility maintenance since aging poles remain in service.

Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm in south Amarillo will extend its Amarillo Lights display nightly from tonight through Dec.

23, featuring over 1 million lights, hayrides, slides, and animal encounters. Santa will arrive on a tractor sleigh at 6 p.m. each night at 12908 S. Bell St. from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Dairy Queen is celebrating National Ugly Sweater Day today by offering a free mini Blizzard to customers wearing an ugly Christmas sweater at local locations in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.

Order on the DQ app + show your sweater during regular business hours.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Amarillo Civic Center Complex — Tickets required — Experience dazzling circus performances set to your favorite holiday music.

20th Anniversary Celebration of the GNC

7:30 p.m. — Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate two decades of culture with a thrilling symphonic performance featuring Rodrigo and Bruckner.