It's that time of year again.
The Governor's Mansion is draped in fresh holiday greenery, and Santa Claus will be taking gift requests at Hawthorn Bank.
Downtown Jefferson City will be in full holiday swing this weekend, bringing cheer to everyone who attends the events.
At Downtown Living Windows on Friday, five blocks of businesses will open their window displays for singing and dance performances, said Donna Deetz, chair of Living Windows.
Reindeer will greet people on the library lawn, snow is being delivered and a "Frozen"-themed children's karaoke contest will take place as part of the festivities.
Children can write their Christmas wish list to Santa and drop it in the giant mailbox provided by the local U.S. Postal Service, Deetz said.
On Friday and Saturday, the candlelight tour of the Governor's Mansion will hearken back to the late 1800s, when the mansion was built.
Volunteers have been decorating it all week with rustic displays of garland, holly and fruit, much like what would have been seen during the first Christmas hosted at the mansion, said long-time volunteer Liz Fleenor.
"Visitors get the chance to go through every room on the first floor," Fleenor said. "It's the most magical part of the holidays, walking through the Governor's Mansion at night with all the candles going."
Fleenor will be one of the docents dressed in 1870s-period clothing, sharing stories and history of the mansion as well as the people who occupied it.
"People who live in Jefferson City have a real treat of going to the mansion," she said. "If this doesn't get you in the mood for the holidays, I don't know what will."
The Jefferson City Jaycees Christmas Parade on Saturday includes about 90 entries of Christmas-themed floats and performances, Jaycees President Erin Wiseman said.
A young girl will be the grand marshal leading the parade from West High Street to Lafayette Street and back, she said. Many talented dance troupes and local bands will perform, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will tie up the end of the parade.
"It's so fun how the whole city kind of kicks off the holidays," Wiseman said. "It's just so beautiful downtown this time of year."
Weekend holiday events
• Downtown Living Windows from 6-9 p.m. Friday, High Street from Jefferson to Adams.
• "The Eight Reindeer Monologues," 9:30 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Scene One Theatre, 573-635-6713; follows Living Windows on Friday.
• Candlelight tours of the Governor's Mansion from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday and 2-4 p.m. Saturday, 100 Madison St.
• Jefferson City Jaycees Christmas Parade, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, downtown Jefferson City.
• Christmas in the Garden, 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Quigg Commons in North Jefferson City featuring Santa, hot chocolate and a lighted garden.
Editor's Note: Those who attend Jefferson City's Living Windows event Friday evening can use the hashtag #JCMOwindows on Twitter and Instagram to see their posts and photos streamed on display downtown during the festivities.