American Diabetes Month is observed annually in November. It is a time to raise awareness about diabetes, educate the public about the disease, and advocate for support for people living with diabetes.

November is National Family Stories Month, an annual observance dedicated to sharing and preserving family histories, memories, and traditions. It’s a time to reflect on personal history, collect stories from relatives, and document traditions like recipes or heirlooms, creating a legacy for future generations. Activities can include creating a family tree, journaling, and using resources like StoryCorps to help record stories.

November is unofficially designated as Historic Bridge Awareness Month to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historic bridges. The month was chosen by HistoricBridges.org to coincide with the anniversary of the demolition of the Shanley Road Bridge in 2004 and to reflect on bridge preservation at the end of the construction season.

November is National Entrepreneurship Month, a time to celebrate and support entrepreneurs and small businesses. The month recognizes the innovation and economic contributions of entrepreneurs while encouraging new and existing business owners to pursue their ideas. It was established by President Barack Obama in 2011 to highlight the role of risk-takers in job creation and economic growth.

November is National Memoir Writing Month, also called National Life Writing Month, a time for writers to reflect on and write about their life experiences. While it’s a time to focus on memoir, it also overlaps with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and some may even choose to write nonfiction, like with the Write Nonfiction in November (WNFIN) Challenge. The month encourages both individuals and groups to start and complete a work of nonfiction or memoir, like a book, essay, or other life story.

National Long-term Care Awareness Month is in November and serves to educate people about the need for long-term care services, which assist with daily tasks as people age. The month encourages conversations, financial and emotional planning, and a better understanding of options like in-home care, assisted living, and nursing facilities. It also highlights the important role of caregivers

National Peanut Butter Lovers Month is an annual observance in November dedicated to celebrating the versatile and popular food, peanut butter. It’s a time to enjoy peanut butter in new ways, whether by trying creative recipes, posting on social media with the hashtag #PeanutButterLoversMonth, or organizing peanut butter drives for local food banks.

Sweet Potato Awareness Month is observed annually in November. It is a time to celebrate the nutritional value, versatility, and deliciousness of sweet potatoes.

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each November to honor the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. The observance, officially designated in 1990, provides a platform to educate the public about the history and challenges faced by these communities while celebrating their achievements, resilience, and vibrant heritage.

November is National Entrepreneurship Month (NEM), a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs in the United States.

November is Aviation History Month, a time to celebrate the history, innovations, and pioneers of flight. The month was established to honor the rich and remarkable history of aviation, from the Wright brothers’ first flight to modern space exploration, and to inspire future generations.

November is Military Family Appreciation Month, a time designated to honor the sacrifices, strength, and commitment of military families. The month-long observance recognizes the challenges families face, such as frequent moves, separation from loved ones, and adjusting to new communities, in support of their service members. The U.S. government officially recognizes the month annually, and it is also known as National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month.  

Friday, November 14, 2025

World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes mellitus and is held on 14 November each year. WDD is led by the International Diabetes Federation, and each World Diabetes Day focuses on a theme related to diabetes.

Christmas Barn Sale Trail

Recreation Time for Needle Crafters

– Nifty Needles Meets from 4:30-5:30 on Friday Afternoons at the Metropolis Public Library

For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

City of Brookport Holiday Bizarre

1p-2p – Cherokee Trail of Tears in Southern Illinois
Giant City State Park

Heather Carey, Heritage Program Manager/Tribal Liaison for the Shawnee National Forest and President of the Illinois Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association will present on the Cherokee Trail of Tears through southern Illinois. She will discuss the historical background leading up to the forced removal of the Cherokee, information about local resources related to the Trail, and initiatives being undertaken to learn more about the Trail and the Cherokee experience while traveling through southern Illinois. Please call 618-457-4836 to register or for more information. More info

Sunday, November 16, 2025

National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is observed annually the week before Thanksgiving, with the 2025 observance taking place from November 16 to November 22. This week aims to raise public awareness and support for those experiencing hunger and homelessness through various events, including educational, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives.

In 2025, National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is November 16–22, running from Sunday to Saturday, the week before Thanksgiving. The week is a time for communities to come together to educate the public, advocate for solutions, and raise awareness and support for those experiencing hunger and homelessness through various events.

Monday, November 17, 2025

American Education Week is a national observance held annually in the third week of November, before Thanksgiving. It is a time to celebrate public education and show appreciation for all school employees, including teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers.

November 17–21, 2025 Geography Awareness Week is celebrated annually in the third week of November, with the specific dates changing each year. The week aims to increase understanding of geography’s importance by encouraging citizens of all ages to learn about the significance of place and how we affect and are affected by it.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis

5:30 – Metropolis Public Library – Board of Trustees Meeting -Third Tuesday of the month Basement of the Library – Open to the public.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Thursday, November 20, 2025

National Game and Puzzle Week is celebrated during the week of Thanksgiving, from November 20th to November 26th, to encourage families to connect through games and puzzles. This celebration includes a wide variety of activities, from playing board games and card games to solving jigsaw puzzles and word games, which are seen as a fun way to spend time together during the holiday. The event highlights the cognitive benefits of games and puzzles, such as improved problem-solving, pattern recognition, and mood, while fostering quality time with loved ones.

12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at  Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.

Friday, November 21, 2025

Recreation Time for Needle Crafters

– Nifty Needles Meets from 4:30-5:30 on Friday Afternoons at the Metropolis Public Library

For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.

Saturday, November 22, 2025

You’re invited to Brookport’s Thanksgiving! This dinner is not just for those in need, its a chance to gather, connect, and celebrate the spirit of gratitude.

Join your neighbors, old friends, church congregation, and new faces around the table for a warm meal and great company!

Transportation to the event will be provided! For more information please contact Brookport City Hall at (618) 564-2351.

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Monday, November 24, 2025

7-8P – City of Metropolis City Council Meeting – Upstairs at the Metropolis City Hall, 106 W 5th St – Metropolis City Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis

BETTER CONVERSATION WEEK – November 23-29, 2025

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Thanksgiving Day

Friday, November 28, 2025

Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, November 28, 2025, which is the day after Thanksgiving. While this is the official date, many retailers will have deals starting in early November.

Recreation Time for Needle Crafters

– Nifty Needles Meets from 4:30-5:30 on Friday Afternoons at the Metropolis Public Library

For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Small Business Saturday is on November 29, 2025, and is a day dedicated to supporting small, local businesses. The event encourages consumers to shop at neighborhood stores and restaurants and is a key part of the holiday shopping season, falling on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

 Christmas Tree Lighting

 Saturday, November 29, 2025
 Superman Square

 Caroling begins at 4:30 PM
 Tree Lighting at 5:00 PM
 Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa with family and friends as we kick off the holiday season together!

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Event by Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch

1335 Hall Church Road, Makanda, IL

Celebrate Christmas with the Alpacas!

3 weekends:
November 29th & 30th
December 6th & 7th
December 13th & 14th

Time: 10am-3pm each open day

Santaevery Saturday! Free pictures with Santa in an antique sleigh inside.

Cookie Painting with Teresa’s Sweet Treats
Coffee from Crown Brew Coffee
Food Vendors

Ornament making
Feed cups

Free parking and entrance

Portable restrooms on site

Meet our friendly herd of female alpacas and walk in their pasture with them.

Please leave your furry friends at home

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Sunday, November 30, 2025

It’s never too early to start planning to attend the Superman Celebration! Always the second weekend in June, contact the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce for more information.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

National Write a Business Plan Month takes place annually throughout the month of December. The observance encourages both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs to create or review their business plan as a strategic exercise for the coming year.

Universal Human Rights Month is observed every December to recognize and promote the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people, as established by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. It is a time for reflection on progress and for continuing the work of protecting human dignity through actions like raising awareness, advocating for others, and finding common ground.

– Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day

Cold Moon: Friday, December 12, 2025

Cookie Cutter Week: 1-7

Monday, December 1, 2025

Rosa Parks Day

World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.

6:30P – The Massac County Historical Society at Elijah P. Curtis Home meets the first Monday of each month at 405 Market St.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Giving Tuesday

12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

National Package Protection Day is on December 3, 2025, and is celebrated on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving to encourage consumers to protect their deliveries from theft during the holiday season. The day was founded in 2016 by Ring.com and National Day Calendar.

The 2025 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Rockefeller Center in New York City. The event will be broadcast live as part of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” and will feature the tree being lit with over 50,000 LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star.

1-3P – DAR – Daughters of the American Revolution – 1st Wednesday of each month – Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis St.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

National Sock Day is celebrated annually on December 4th to recognize the importance of socks and to commemorate two historical events that occurred on that day in 1954 and 1991. It’s a day to celebrate matched pairs, wear your favorite socks, and often involves charitable giving, such as donating socks to those in need.

12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at  Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.

Friday, December 5, 2025

International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development is an annual observance on December 5th that celebrates the vital contributions of volunteers to social and economic development worldwide. It aims to raise awareness of volunteerism’s impact, encourage more people to volunteer, and encourage governments to support volunteer efforts. The day highlights how volunteers contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by participating in everything from local initiatives to global projects.

Recreation Time for Needle Crafters

– Nifty Needles Meets from 4:30-5:30 on Friday Afternoons at the Metropolis Public Library

For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.

Saturday, December 6, 2025

 Mark Your Calendars! 
The Metropolis Christmas Parade is set for
Saturday, December 6th at 1:00 PM!

This year’s theme is  Classic Christmas  — a celebration of timeless holiday traditions, twinkling lights, and the magic of the season. 

We can’t wait to see the streets of Metropolis filled with festive floats, cheerful music, and holiday spirit. Bring the whole family and help us kick off the Christmas season in true hometown style! 

Sign up by following the link below:
https://forms.gle/srHs8Y6BBoXLB436A

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Monday, December 8, 2025

9:30-11A – Garden Club – Metropolis Community Center – 900 W 10th St (2nd Monday of the month)

7-8P – City of Metropolis City Council Meeting – Upstairs at the Metropolis City Hall, 106 W 5th St – Metropolis City Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Human Rights Week: 10-17

Thursday, December 11, 2025

12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at  Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.

6P – Metropolis Lions’ Club – 2nd Thursday of the month at the Metropolis Community Center, 900 W 10th St. – Small Conference Room

Friday, December 12, 2025

Recreation Time for Needle Crafters

– Nifty Needles Meets from 4:30-5:30 on Friday Afternoons at the Metropolis Public Library

For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.

Event by Metropolis Elks Lodge #1428 – 104 W 4th St Metropolis, IL

Join us for a night of frightening and festive fun, as we merge a little thrill and chill for everyone. Wear something scary or wear something merry as you all are in for a real good treat!

Corey Evitts will fire up at 8pm. Cover charge is $10 for non-members. Current members plus one guest are free.

Bring your snacks, sit back and relax as you never know when that hunger will attack!

The Lodge opens at 5pm, so come early. Jason will be ready to serve…

GUARANTEED SEATING
Book ahead a grab one of the VIP Tables for only $80 (up to 8 seats) to secure your guaranteed spots and some extra surprises. To book, get with Kathye Rose. THESE WILL GO FAST!!!

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Arrival Event at Lewis & Clark State Historic Site (Day 1) – West Central IL –

On December 12, 1803, the Lewis & Clark Expedition arrived at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and fixed on a place to build Camp River Dubois. This Arrival Event – December 13 & 14 – marks this arrival with reenactors, demonstrators, and more!

The event will feature exhibitors of vintage tools, firearms, 18th Century medicine, military reenactors, and artillery. Come see how the soldiers of the Corps of Discovery lived during their winter encampment in the Illinois Country from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is primarily inside the Interpretive Center.

St. Nicholas will also make an appearance for pictures and maybe a treat each day. Come learn about Christmas traditions in early 19th Century America. more info

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Monday, December 15, 2025

Cookie Exchange Week: 15-19

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis

5:30 – Metropolis Public Library – Board of Trustees Meeting -Third Tuesday of the month Basement of the Library – Open to the public.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

National Wright Brothers Day is celebrated annually on December 17th to commemorate the first successful sustained and controlled powered flight by the Wright brothers in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The day honors Orville and Wilbur Wright’s innovation and encourages the public to observe the achievements of aviation through ceremonies and activities

Join us for our upcoming coalition meeting to collaborate, share updates, and work toward a drug-free community. At this Meeting we will also be revisiting all the things we did in the past year! Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the group, your voice matters! We’ll discuss current initiatives, upcoming events, and ways you can get involved or contribute.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at  Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.

Friday, December 19, 2025

Recreation Time for Needle Crafters

– Nifty Needles Meets from 4:30-5:30 on Friday Afternoons at the Metropolis Public Library

For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Monday, December 22, 2025

7-8P – City of Metropolis City Council Meeting – Upstairs at the Metropolis City Hall, 106 W 5th St – Metropolis City Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Friday, December 26, 2025

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Monday, December 29, 2025

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis

Wednesday, December 31, 2025