There are many ways to visit with Santa, make holiday memories with families and friends, and explore holiday traditions of yesteryear right here in the capital city.
Some of these events have become traditions of their own, helping to lift holiday spirits and get everyone ready for another joy-filled season.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle and plan a yuletide adventure filled with some of the first festive events in and nearby Jefferson City taking place through Dec. 2. Find out more details at the links provided.
"Give the Gift of Art" Exhibition: Stop by Capital Arts now through Dec. 30 during the "Give the Gift of Art" exhibition, where a wide array of small gift items, handmade decorations, ornaments, jewelry and other wearables, candles, cards and wine toppers will be on display, along with the traditional fine art. Attend the final exhibition reception 1-4 p.m. Dec. 9 to enjoy refreshments and visit with participating exhibition artists. Capital Arts, 1203 Missouri Blvd., is open noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 573-635-8355 or visit capitalarts.org.
Thanksgiving Day Pie Run: Before indulging in a Thanksgiving feast of your own, join in a 5K or 10K run, both of which are certified courses and will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Multipurpose Building in North Jefferson. Pre-registration is available by contacting Jefferson City Road Runners and last minute registration is available 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve at McClung Park Indoor Pavilion. Race day registration is 7:30-8:15 a.m. Race morning fee increases to $30, with club members paying $25 and children $15. Bring a canned food item and register for door prizes (pies, pies and more pies). For more information, call 573-616-9233 or visit runjeffcity.org/event/thanksgiving-day-pie-run.
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Kick off the holiday season with this 13th annual free community event, which includes entertainment, refreshments, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Downtown Living Windows: A Jefferson City tradition celebrates 30 years 6-9 p.m. Nov. 30. Living Windows takes place downtown where storefronts and windows come alive with dancers, singers, religious and holiday themes. Guests can also enjoy hayrides, visits with Santa Claus at Hawthorn Bank, carolers, entertainers, refreshments and more during the free event. In addition to numerous businesses, churches and other entities participating in the annual event downtown, the organizing committee has expanded it to include the east end district as well, which will include Sweet Smoke BBQ, JQ's on High, Premium Pets and Love2Nourish to name a few east end participants. A Polar Express, courtesy of The Trolley Company, will board passengers at Missouri River Regional Library and go down High Street, around Lafayette and back up to the library. For more information and updates on this free community event, visit Downtown Jefferson City Association's website at www.downtownjeffersoncity.com.
Missouri Governor's Mansion Candlelight Tours: See the Governor's Mansion aglow with holiday decorations and illumination, including meeting Gov. Michael Parson and his wife Teresa. Tours are open from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 30 and noon-3 p.m. Dec. 1.
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus: At 9 a.m. Dec. 1 at Capital Mall, children and families are invited to a light breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, followed by singing and reading books. For more information, visit capitalmall.com.
Jingle Dash 5K: Befitting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jefferson City, this annual event begins 9 a.m. Dec. 1 at the corner of High and Jefferson streets. Runners are encouraged to dress in holiday attire with medals awarded to top finishers and best dressed. Registration through Nov. 26 is $20 for adults and $15 for youth, $25 for adults and $20 for youth on the day of the event. For more information, call 573-634-3290 or visit jcyma.org.
Jefferson City Jaycees Christmas Parade: Guests to the 79th annual Christmas parade at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1 will see dozens of floats decorated in holiday themes, listen to local bands playing Christmas tunes, collect candy and much more. The parade runs through the heart of downtown on High Street and back down Capitol Avenue. For more information, visit jeffcityjaycees.org.
Capital City Festival of Lights: Hosted by HHC Community Outreach, this new Jefferson City tradition allows guests to drive through an outdoor light park built along more than a mile of wooded roadway with displays of choreographed lights synced to music at Binder Park in Jefferson City and will be open 6-9 p.m. nightly, except Mondays, Dec. 1-31. Admission is $20 per vehicle and $35 for a bus/trolley. For more information, call 573-634-6482 or visit facebook.com/ccfestivaloflights.
For more holiday events throughout Mid-Missouri or to add an upcoming event for free, access our Go! Calendar online at www.newstribune.com/go.