Churches, businesses, governments and individual residents will continue the holiday tradition of inviting the community to share their expressions of Christmas joy and celebration.
Jefferson City government invites the public to join festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Rotary Centennial Park on Bolivar Street, which will culminate at 6:30 p.m. when Mayor Carrie Tergin flips the switch to illuminate the Mayor's Christmas Tree.
State government will follow on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon with this year's installment of the Missouri Governor's Mansion Candlelight Tours. Gov. Jay Nixon and first lady Georganne Nixon will open their residence to the public from 6-9 p.m. Friday and 2-4 p.m. Saturday.
Also on Friday evening, downtown businesses and area groups will partner for what has become a popular holiday event - Living Windows hosted by the Downtown Jefferson City Association.
From 6-9 p.m., downtown storefronts come alive with youth groups, carolers and other performers portraying scenes of the season.
This year's event will include a live Nativity scene, carriage rides, dancers, singers, puppets and seasonal foods and beverages.
Another rich tradition begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday when residents line downtown streets to enjoy the bands, floats and marchers featured in the Jefferson City Jaycees Christmas Parade, being held for the 77th year.
Among other traditional events, the public is invited this year to the Angel Procession at 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Hospital.
Christmas activities and events are not confined to a single weekend; they will continue throughout the month.
The Journey to Bethlehem, sponsored by Capital City Christian Church, will be held from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 9-10. Visitors may park at the Capital Region Medical Center facility on Southwest Boulevard.
Jefferson City Cantorum will perform its 49th annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Miller Performing Arts Center.
These activities represent only a fraction of the Christmas service, events and performances being held throughout Mid-Missouri.
Despite this busy time of year, countless people volunteer their time, energy and effort to create these holiday gifts for our community to share.
We show our appreciation by treasuring, enjoying and reflecting on the meaning of these traditions.