Good morning, Peoria.

The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service will give out over 300 Thanksgiving turkeys, along with yams, green beans, macaroni and cheese, pastries, toiletries, and other essentials to families across River City as part of its four-year tradition.

The nonprofit partnered with OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center to offer free Thanksgiving meals — and it plans a ham giveaway the week before Christmas.

Dr. James McGee from OSF Healthcare received the 2025 Tom Connor Service award from the Peoria Chamber of Commerce at their annual Thanksgiving luncheon for his long-term community engagement—he credited his team's dedication at OSF with the achievement.

Peoria families needing last-minute supplies for Thanksgiving will find only a few grocery stores open.

On November 27, Haddad’s West Peoria Market will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Save A Lot will open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—and local Kroger stores will run until 3 p.m. with pharmacies closed while other chains remain shut.

Yule Like Peoria returns for its 29th annual free holiday event on Nov 28 from 3-6 p.m. in the Warehouse District—offering cookie decorating, tree-lighting, local performances, and food donation drives with Midwest Food Bank; guests can collect event passports for raffle entries as shuttles and pedicabs service the area.

A fire at a Morton bakery on Sunday evening caused an estimated $100,000 in damage—no one was hurt and Great Harvest Bread Co. will set up a pop-up table to fulfill Thanksgiving orders.

Thanksgiving Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Kids will explore ceramics through hands-on projects like sculpting and wheel throwing.

The Elite Chocolate Turkey 3 Mile Run

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — RC Outfitters — $33.20+ — Start your Thanksgiving with a spirited 3 Mile Run or a 1 Mile Walk, featuring chocolate treats and community fun.

Black Friday Bodega Bash

9 AM – 2 PM — Art at the Bodega — $50 fill-the-bag — Enjoy holiday fun with swag bags, prizes, and festive treats.

Evansville Thunderbolts vs Peoria Rivermen

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Thunderbolts take on the Rivermen in this hockey showdown.

Thanksgiving Wheel Throwing Class

2-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 for one piece, additional creations for $15 each — Craft festive pottery while enjoying a playful Thanksgiving-themed class.

Crushed Glass Trees Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create stunning crushed glass trees while enjoying a community art experience.

Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three glass pieces — Create unique blown glass ornaments in a fun, hands-on workshop.

Christmas Tree Fused Glass Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check website for pricing — Create a festive glass dish perfect for holiday treats and discover your artistic side.

Textured Clay Mug Hand Building Fundraiser

1-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — 10% of ticket sales support Toys for Tots — Create a unique clay mug while giving back this holiday season.

Santa’s Little Makers Clay Day Camp

12-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fees apply — Kids create three unique clay gifts while experiencing the joy of giving this holiday season.