We want to help make this holiday season fun and memorable - romantic sleigh rides, fun with the kids, or just time for yourself. However you celebrate the season we have a complete directory to make this the best holiday yet. Click on the links to enjoy carols while you look for the perfect activity.
Check back often for updates. If you know of anything we are missing, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is here to listen to your holiday wishes. He’ll be at the following locations throughout the season for pictures and fun.
Bootheel Youth Museum
700 N Douglass St # A, Malden, MO 63863
Dec 3: Breakfast with Santa
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM.
Malden Chambermaids present Breakfast with Santa. Funds raised through proceeds from this event benifit Malden Chambermaids scholarships and programs. Call the Malden Chamber of Commerce for ticket information.
http://www.bootheelyouthmuseum.org/
Shawnee Dreams Photography
19205 Crab Orchard Rd, Marion, IL
Dec.1st from 5pm to 7pm.
It's getting to be that time of year again and we at Shawnee Dreams and Country Creations are happy to announce that we will be having Santa Here for a Free Photo. Santa will arrive by Firetruck at 5 courtesy of Williamson Co Fire Protection District Station 3, Well free isn't exactly right, we ask that you bring a nonperishable food item for the Lighthouse Shelter.
University Mall
1237 E Main St, Carbondale, IL
Dec 3rd-24th 12-8pm
Visit with Santa and enjoy free train rides and goodie bags.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 17 at 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Wehrenberg Theatres Cape West 14 Cine
247 Siemers Dr, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
Breakfast will be served in the lobby at 930am and Santa will be available for free photo opportunities. Admission is $3.00 for children ages 2-11 and adults are $5.00. There is a limited amount of tickets so get yours ahead of time while they last. *Tickets are only available at the Guest Service Desk at the theatre.*
Santa Land
Where: Black River Coliseum, Poplar Bluff, MO
When: Tuesday, December 6th from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
A free Santa Land event full of games, activities, and of course, pictures with Santa.
Santa Claus
Where: The Oliver House, 224 E. Adams St., Jackson, MO
When: Sunday, Dec 4, 2016, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Claus will be at the Oliver House Museum and tours of the home will be available.
West Park Mall
3049 William St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
VISIT SANTA, LOCATED IN THE MACY'S COURT
November 12 Through Christmas Eve
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 9pm
Sunday: 12pm -6pm
Christmas Eve: 10am - 6pm
Santa Takes A Break To Feed His Reindeer:
Monday - Saturday: 1pm - 2pm and 5pm - 6pm
Sunday: 3pm - 4pm
Closed Christmas Day.
Walker’s Bluff
326 Vermont Rd, Carterville, IL
Dec. 3,4,10,11,17,18, 8:00 a.m.
Enjoy a gourmet breakfast with Santa Claus. Call (618)956-9900 for reservations.
Metropolis Public Library
317 Metropolis St, Metropolis, IL
Dec. 3rd, 3 to 4pm
Santa Claus will be at the library and the kids can tell him what they want for Christmas and take pictures with him. Each child will also get a candy cane and treat bag!!
Dennis Scivally Park
Saturday at 10 AM - 12 PM
Dennis Scivally Park
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
Santa Pictures at the Park! Come meet Santa and get your picture taken with him! You will get 3 Edited Images on Disc for $150.
Osage Center
1625 N Kingshighway St, Cape Girardeau, MO
Breakfast with Santa
Age 12 & under accompanied by an adult
Date: December 10th, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Osage Centre
Fee:(before 12-10-16): $5 per person, $3 each additional child.
Day of event $8 per person
(Pre-registration is suggested by Dec. 5)
Santa will arrive at 9 a.m.
Enjoy breakfast and visit with Santa as he makes a special stop in Cape Girardeau to listen to the holiday wishes of every boy and girl. Santa loves to see children playing in the parks and this is a great way to raise money for the Parks and Recreation Foundation. Parents are invited to bring their camera to capture this special moment.
For more information or to buy tickets call 573-339-6340
Sikeston Outlet Mall
100 Outlet Stores, Sikeston, MO
Dec. 10th, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Pictures with Santa in his sleigh.
Marion Carnegie Library
206 S Market St, Marion, IL
When Thu, December 15, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Come visit with Santa and his elves. Enjoy cookies, juice and spreading Christmas cheer. Special guests Miss Illinois’ Outstanding Teen Christine Bryant and Miss Illinois Jaryn Franklin will be here for the fun!
DUQUION IL
Bring your children to Cookies with Santa and Mrs.Claus
Thursday December 8th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Located at the Community Christmas Tree.
Santa will arrive by the Du Quoin Fire Truck around 6:20 p.m. Every child will receive a homemade cookie baked by our local bakery shops. Come enjoy the fun and take pictures with Santa
Santa is stopping by The Bank of Missouri!
We invite all Show Me Savers Club members, ages 10 and under, to visit with Santa at one of our many locations in Southeast Missouri. Scroll through the list below to find a time and location that works best for you. (Note: we encourage you to bring your own camera, so you can snap as many photos as you like. Some locations may have an additional photographer.)
Santa's Schedule:
Dec. 2nd, 3-5 pm, 233 W. Jackson Blvd., Jackson
Dec. 6th, 4-6 pm, 1465 N. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff
Dec. 8th, 4-6 pm, 916 N. Kingshighway, Perryville
Dec. 9th, 3-5 pm, 308 Conrad, Marble Hill
Dec. 9th, 3-5 pm, 100 S. Walnut St., Steele
Dec. 10th, 9-11 am, 916 N. Kingshighway, Perryville
Dec. 15th, 3-5 pm, 315 Crites St., Scott City
Dec. 16th, 3-5 pm, 440 Broadway, Cape Girardeau
Questions? Please call:
Chelsey Gragg in Jackson (573) 243-9300
Megan Leist in Poplar Bluff (573) 686-5558
Michelle Wessel/Kaitlyn Kraus in Cape (573) 335-3100
Becky Seabaugh in Scott City (573) 264-2151
Katie Reitzel in Perryville (573) 547-6541
Samantha Rincks in Steele/Caruthersville (573) 695-4441
Rene Landewee in Marble Hill (573) 239-1230
If your child isn't a Show Me Savers Club member, give us a call at 888-547-6541 to learn more and visit: https://www.bankofmissouri.com/showmesavers
SIU Credit Union
Santa Claus will be visiting all of our branch locations throughout this holiday season.
Bring your kids by for a FREE picture with Santa Claus along holiday cheer and refreshments.
Metropolis
Energy
Tuesday, November 29Friday, December 2
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Harrisburg
Carbondale West
Wednesday, November 30Tuesday, December 6
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Marion
Carbondale East
Thursday, December 1Wednesday, December 7
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Parade of the Wooden Soldier
Glowing floats, marching bands, and more. Here are the local Christmas parades in the area.
Lighted Parade
Where: Chester, IL
When: December 3rd, 7 p.m.
Parade will start at Chester High School and end at Randolph County Courthouse. Line begins at 5:30 p.m.
Jackson Uptown Christmas Parade
Where: Uptown Jackson
When: December 3rd, 4:30 p.m.
The Jackson Parade is themed ‘Storybook Christmas.’ It starts at Capaha Band and ends on High Street. Afterwards there will be carolers, treats, and more throughout Uptown.
Caruthersville Christmas
Where: Ward Avenue, Caruthersville, IL
When: December 3, 2016 2:00 pm
Scott City Christmas Parade
Where: Bob's Foodliner, Scott City, MO
When: December 6th, 5:00 p.m.
This year's theme is 'A Tropical Christmas.' Parade starts at Bob's Foodliner and travels to the city park.
It’s Christmas Time in the City
These communities are coming together with city-wide celebrations. Open houses, festivals, downtown shopping, and more.
Coulterville Holiday Light Display
Where: Downtown Park, 102 W. Grant, Coulterville, IL
When: Dec 1st - Dec. 27, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Come stroll through a 1/2 Mile walk-through display featuring a million lights and 400 Christmas figurines (Featuring a walk through version of the “Candyland” game) in downtown Coulterville, IL . The display is open nightly from Nov.28th through Dec. 27. FREE refreshments, activities, and Santa Claus take place every Fri/Sat from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in December. This event is completely free. For more information check us out on Facebook.
A Live Nativity
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Location: 1820 N. Kingshighway
Cost: Free
Enjoy free hot cocoa or coffee from the Remix Coffee Co truck. Visit with Santa from 3-5pm.
Candlelit Wood Walk
Friday, December 16, 2016
Location: Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
Cost: Free
Enjoy the serenity of a winter night as you stroll along our trail. We'll light the path for you and provide hot beverages for your enjoyment. After your walk, stop inside the nature center to warm up and view our exhibits. Our trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Nature Crafts with the Family
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Location: Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
Cost: Free
Get the family out of the house and stop by to have some holiday family fun. We'll have a few different crafts for you to make and take home. We'll bring the supplies, you bring the holiday spirit!
Downtown Christmas Open House
Where: Downtown Cape Girardeau, MO
When: Dec. 2nd, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cape Girardeau is having its annual Downtown Christmas Open House with Horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers singing in the streets, visits with Santa Claus, and more. Downtown stores will offer special enticements like warm cider, hot chocolate, cookies, prizes, and more.
Christmas in Carterville
Where: Downtown Carterville
When: Dec. 2nd, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Holiday Christmas Festival
Where: Historic District, Ste. Genevieve, MO
Dates: December 3 - December 4, 2016
Times: Times vary
Sainte Genevieve invites you to celebrate the holidays in style! Highlights include a Christmas parade, carriage rides, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and over thirty free musical programs performed throughout the historic district during the weekend. Enjoy carolers in the streets and holiday refreshments as you shop for treasures in the charming shops and art galleries throughout downtown. Book a stay in one of Sainte Genevieve’s cozy bed and breakfast inns. Visit the area’s award winning wine country, bring some friends and enjoy a day of heart-warming holiday cheer and entertainment.
Free
For more information call 1-800-373-7007
Christmas in the Village
Where: Cobden, IL
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016
Santa Claus, strolling carolers, surrey rides, piñatas, Christmas Bazaars and lighting of the village tree. 5K run & walk, along with other activities and entertainment.
Free
For information call 618-893-2425
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
The following historic homes decorate for the holidays and offer special tours throughout the season.
The Glenn House
Where: 325 S. Spanish St., Cape Girardeau, MO
Tours begin the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Don't forget the Carriage House which is decorated to the theme
and serves Christmas cookies and coffee or cider for your
enjoyment. All tours are from 1:00 to 4:00 unless otherwise
listed.
The 2016 schedule follows:
Holiday Tours
November 25, 26, 27th
December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18
Hours 1 till 4pm
Candlelight Tours
Friday Dec 9th
Saturday Dec 17th
5 - 8 p.m.
Advance purchase Tickets
Available at Cape Convention & Visitors Bureau
adults $4, Children 12 & under $2
Tickets also available at door
Adults $5
Children 12 and under $2
LFCS Holiday Home Tour
December 3rd, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri will host the 29th annual Holiday Home Tour. Six homeowners will open their doors to the community as part of the tour, which raises money for LFCS. Tickets will be on sale the first week of November. For more information, go to www.lfcsmo.org.
Oh Come, All Ye Faithful
Holiday happenings with churches and religious groups, from musical concerts, to plays and special programs.
Caney Fork Baptist Church
Saturday, Dec 3, 2016, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Caney Fork Baptist Church near Oak Ridge will have a Country Christmas live nativity. There will be hot chocolate and refreshments. Directions: Take Highway 72 to Highway B (turn right) to County Road 472 (turn left) or Take I-55 north to the Oak Ridge Exit 111 to Highway E (turn left) to Highway B (turn left) to County Road 472 (turn left).
Caney Fork Baptist Church
3580 County Road 472, Oak Ridge, MO
Celebrate Jesus!
Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 223 W. Adams St., Jackson, MO
When: December 17th, 9am - 11am
All families with young children are invited to attend this FREE event organized by the Early Childhood Task Force called Celebrate Jesus 2016. Please enter through the upper playground doors. Bring your friends and neighbors! Come and enjoy crafts, activities, a snack, door prizes, and a live nativity, all to celebrate the birth of Jesus! NEW this year - a room full of activities designed specifically for babies & toddlers!
Christmas at Crossroads
Saturday, December 10 at 2 PM - 4:30 PM
Jackson Crossroads Church
4400 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson, Missouri 63755
Join us for family friendly fun! We will have tractor drawn "sleigh rides", a live snow globe, stories with Mrs. Claus, lots of games and activities, and a photo op at our Christmas photo booth. The event is FREE and open to everyone!
A Living Nativity
Where: First Midwest Bank, 1820 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO
When: December 15th, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
A live nativity with real camels, donkeys, sheep, and more. Santa Claus will also be there from 3-5
The Christ Event: Live Nativity Tour
Where: Walker's Bluff, Carterville, IL
When: December 17 & 18th, 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. (Tours every 15-20 minutes).
The Christ Event is a 20 minute outdoor multi-scene live Nativity presentation that has group tours led by shepherd guides running approximately every 15 minutes. The six panoramic scenes retell the Christ Story through dramatization, live music performances, and incredible pageantry.
After the tour, guests are invited to stop by our Cookie World for free holiday desserts and hot beverages. The Christ Event is family friendly and free to attend, however we are inviting our guest to consider a donation of $1.00 or more per person, as you are lead, to support work of the Hands of Hope Foundation around the globe.
A Winter Wonderland
Where: CrossRoads Church, 2842 Sappington Dr., Jackson, MO.
December 10, 2-4:30 p.m. - A Winter Wonderland - Bring the family for our Winter Wonderland event! We will have tractor-drawn "sleigh rides", stories with Mrs. Claus, a Christmas photo booth, live snow globe, games, activities, and lots of fun!
Christmas Dream Concert
Where: CrossRoads Church, 2842 Sappington Dr., Jackson, MO.
December 10 & 11 @ 6:30 p.m. - Christmas Dream Concert - Join us for a festive, contemporary Christmas concert! Enjoy Christmas music set to synchronized lights, a photo op at our Christmas photo booth, and a hot cocoa bar! The concert is for people of all ages, and will be at 6:30 each night.
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Live shows, musicals, and performances for classic holiday tales and songs.
A Christmas Story
Where: Marion Cultural and Civic Center, Marion, IL
When: December 2 and 3 at 7:00 p.m., and December 4 at 2 p.m.
Blend- A Doo Wop
Where: Herrin Civic Center, Herrin, IL
When: December 17th, 6pm
The Robert N. Brewer Family Foundation will be hosting Blend- A Doo Wop Christmas Scholarship Benefit Concert
Tickets are available at The Herrin Civic Center and The Brewer Family Foundation 2 North Park Ave, Herrin, IL
The Nutcracker
Where: River Campus, Cape Girardeau, MO
When: Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.
The biggest Christmas experience of the year: direct from Russia, the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Enchant the whole family with larger than life props including a 60-foot growing Christmas tree.
Simply Sinatra Christmas
Where: Shryock Auditorium, Carbondale, IL
*Thursday, December 1 at 7:30pm in Shryock Auditorium: Simply Sinatra Christmas
Jazz up your holidays with the Southern Illinois Symphony, the Studio Jazz Orchestra, and world famous Sinatra specialist, Steve Lippia, singing Sinatra Christmas favorites. Dick Kelley and Edward Benyas, Directors.
Pre-concert wine and cheese reception in balcony lobby ($30)
Carols Old and New
Where: Shryock Auditorium, Carbondale, IL
Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30pm in Shryock Auditorium: Chorus and Orchestra
SISO joins Concert Choir and Choral Union for “Carols Old and New.” Susan Davenport, Conductor.
Christmas Caroling Night
Where: Cape Bible Chapel, Cape Girardeau, MO
When: Sunday, December 11th at 6:00pm
Meet at The Chapel for our annual Christmas Caroling night. We'll have crafts for the kids in the gym and then head out in groups to carol in the community. It's a great way to catch the true meaning of Christmas and it's always a blessing to the residents we visit. All are welcome.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
For everything else this season, fun with the kids, or raising funds for the needy, here are miscellaneous events.
CALLS FROM SANTA
December 12 – December 15
Dec 12 at 6 PM to Dec 15 at 8 PM
Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation
410 Kiwanis Dr, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
Put a smile on your child's face with a surprise call fro the North Pole. Parents, grandparents or others can register their child for the special call. Register at our offices in A.C. Brase Arena or call 573-339-6340 for more information.
COOKIES FOR SANTA
DEC 6 530-630
Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation
410 Kiwanis Dr, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
Did you know that Santa will give you extra special gifts if you leave him a plate of cookies and milk by the Christmas tree the night before Christmas? We did and we want to help you make that special treat for Santa. We will bake lots of Christmas cookies for you to enjoy and to take home to set by your decorated Christmas Tree. We will also get to listen to the classic Christmas take "The Night Before Christmas"! Come join in the fun with us!
December 6th from 5:30-6:30pm
A.C. Brase Arena
Registration fee $10 for residents $11 for non-residents
Happy Slapowitz Toy Bash
Where: Downtown Cape Girardeau
When: Dec. 8th. 6 p.m.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
2+ years
Date: Friday, December 16
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: A.C. Brase Arena
$3 Pre-registered (adults & children)
$5 day of event (adults & children)
Pre-Registration deadline is December 15
For more information or to buy tickets call 339-6340
Holiday Instameet
Saturday, December 03, 2016
Location: The Glenn House
Cost: Free
Get to know your local Instagrammers, enjoy cookies and cider and capture pictures of the Glenn House beautifully decorated for Christmas at a Holiday Instameet! #InstameetCG will organize the pictures.