This year, Callaway County has several events for the holiday season, from parades to tree lightings to performances. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
Start off the season at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Veterans Park with Fulton Parks and Recreation's Field of Joy. Fulton High School's band and choir will be performing Christmas carols, and the Salvation Army will be on hand to serve hot chocolate and cookies. The Field of Joy will have more than 130 trees from families, businesses and nonprofit organizations. There are more than 100 different lighted features, including several new for 2021. It will run nightly through Jan. 2.
The Callaway Singers will be presenting a free holiday concert at 7 p.m. Thursday and Sunday called "Memories of Christmas" in the Brick District Playhouse. The concert will showcase nostalgic holiday music during both performances. A cocktail hour will start at 6 p.m. before the performances. The Brick District Playhouse will also host Homegrown Holidays with The Kay Brothers at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
The First Presbyterian Church's International Fair Trade Christmas Market is 4-7 p.m. Friday at Fellowship Hall, 718 Court St. There will be Christmas and winter chamber music with a hint of jazz by Ethan Forte and Kelley Head from 6-7 p.m. following the market. The market will also be open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
Southern Willow Interiors will be hosting their first Christmas Open House from 6-7 p.m. Friday. You will be able to take the chance of rolling the dice for discounts on purchases, and enter drawings for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate, two chances to win a $50 gift certificate, plus other fun giveaways.
The Churchill Museum Holiday Open House is 5-7 p.m. Friday. Registration is appreciated but not required. Those who register will be eligible to win door prizes, including merchandise from the museum store. For additional information, call Susan Whitmar at 573-592-5396 or by email at [email protected]
The annual Fulton Jaycees Christmas parade starts at 1 p.m. Saturday in front of the Missouri School for the Deaf. They will start lining up at 9 a.m. Judging will be 12:15-12:30 p.m., with awards presented at 12:45 p.m. The theme is "A Christmas Salute," with Grand Marshal, Robert McGrath, being the oldest living veteran in Callaway County. McGrath, of Millersburg, is 98 and served in the Marines during World War II as a tank reconnaissance man.
Missouri Military Academy (MMA) will be celebrating Christmas with a traditional festival at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Academy's 80th Evensong at the Mexico United Methodist Church, 122 E. Promenade St. in Mexico. Evensong, described as a "festival of lessons and carols," is an annual holiday event that draws about 300 parents, cadets, community members and other guests. The event features musical performances by members of the Missouri Military Academy Chorus, Chamber Wind Ensemble and the MMA Faculty Chorus, along with live readings of the Christmas story presented by MMA cadets and faculty. Evensong is free and open to the public.
New Bloomfield will be hosting a tree lighting festival from 1-8 p.m. Sunday at New Bloomfield Elementary School, 307 Redwood Drive. Several activities have been planned throughout the day, with the tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a living nativity scene. Food trucks will be present noon-7 p.m., a craft show from 1-5:30 p.m., a parade at 5 p.m. and visits with Santa from 5-7 p.m.
A Youth Christmas Party will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday at Central Church, 4670 Hwy. KK, Fulton. There will be food, games, activities and a white elephant gift exchange. If you'd like to participate, bring a gift that costs less than $10. Ugly Christmas sweaters are strongly encouraged.
The City of Holts Summit will be hosting a Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Dec. 11. It will begin near the Civics Center, 282 Greenway Drive, and circle around on South Summit Drive and West Simon Boulevard. The theme is "Christmas at the Movies."
Auxvasse will also be hosting a Christmas parade at 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at Auxvasse Middle School. This year's theme is Santa's workshop.
Fulton will also be hosting a living nativity scene, with readings beginning every half hour from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Veterans Park Amphitheater.
Finally, celebrate all season long with a nostalgic holiday experience at the Fulton Depot. The Depot is opening after being closed for more than 40 years. This year, enjoy a heart- warming holiday shopping experience with fresh-cut Christmas trees, unique holiday gifts, curated vintage items and more. Market days will be 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday until Dec. 18. All proceeds will benefit the restoration efforts of the depot. Admission to markets are free and open to the public. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to drop family and friends off at the depot prior to parking on an adjacent street. Handicap accessible parking will be available near the depot entrance.