Mayor Ken McClure | City of Springfield
Mayor Ken McClure | City of Springfield
Springfield, MO — Springfield is set to usher in the holiday season with its annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Park Central Square. The event, hosted by the City of Springfield and the Downtown Community Improvement District, promises a night of entertainment and lights to mark the start of the festive period.
The evening will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a performance from Springfield Little Theater's A Christmas Carol cast, followed by Mayor Ken McClure's reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Courtesy of the Mayor’s Commission on Children, free books will be available for attendees. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to arrive shortly after 6 p.m., kicking off activities that include visits with Santa in his "tree" house and performances by local artists and school choirs.
Mayor McClure expressed his enthusiasm for the event stating, “This event is one of my favorite ways to bring the community together,” adding that it offers an opportunity “to reflect on what makes Springfield special and to celebrate the joy and hope of the holiday season.”
A highlight this year is a drone show provided by Visit Springfield Mo., complementing the tree lighting ceremony led by Mayor McClure just before 8 p.m.
Post-lighting festivities offer various activities such as free horse and carriage rides downtown courtesy of Downtown CID, rides aboard SGF Holiday Express around Park Central Square, free cookies and hot cocoa while supplies last, Santa's Mailbox where children can receive replies from Santa courtesy of U.S. Post Office, free ice skating at Brightspeed Ice Park courtesy Brightspeed Fiber Internet, and a new Route 66 Merry Market at Park Central West.
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show forms part of the Festival of Lights—a series of events throughout downtown Springfield during this season. More details can be found at springfieldmo.org.
The public is invited to attend this free event with family and friends to partake in holiday celebrations.
For more information about this event or others in Festival of Lights, visit sgffestivaloflights.com or follow them on social media.
For inquiries regarding this release contact Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].
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