Excelsior Springs came alive this past weekend with the much-anticipated Christmas Kickoff, marking the beginning of a bright and joyful holiday season. The festivities, which featured events for all ages, were made possible by the incredible dedication of the Christmas Committee volunteers who work tirelessly year-round to ensure this magical time of year is unforgettable. Their efforts deserve our heartfelt thanks for bringing our community together in such a special way.
The celebrations began with a bang on Friday as downtown boutiques Style by Ry, Butterfly Kisses, and Ciao, Bella! collaborated to present the Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Fashion Show. This vibrant event delighted attendees, who later had the opportunity to shop the runway looks at these local stores. The fashion show brought a fresh and exciting energy to the downtown scene, proving to be a standout moment of the weekend.
Meanwhile, The 414 Company hosted a Hitch Lot Christmas Show that was a treasure trove of vintage finds and unique art displays. The event also featured MOKAN Greyhound Rescue, who brought adoptable greyhounds, adding a heartwarming touch to the festivities. To top it all off, attendees were abuzz with sightings of Eric Stonestreet, star of Modern Family, enjoying the holiday cheer.
Miller’s Cabinets Open House was another festive highlight of the weekend, inviting the public to explore the renowned cabinet makers’ beautifully decorated show spaces, each radiating holiday charm. Visitors marveled at the stunning craftsmanship while enjoying the opportunity to shop from local vendors stationed at each showcase, offering a delightful array of handcrafted goods and unique products perfect for the season.
Saturday brought an even bigger wave of excitement, starting with holiday Open Houses throughout downtown. Businesses dressed their windows and storefronts in festive decor, welcoming visitors to explore and shop. At The Montgomery Event Venue, the Mistletoe Market offered a wide array of handmade goods from over 20 local vendors, making it a perfect spot for holiday gift shopping.
The little ones had their share of fun at the Elf Factory, where they created ornaments and decorations with the help of Santa’s cheerful helpers. Many high school students joined in as volunteers, earning community service credits while spreading holiday cheer to the children.
As the sun set, the weekend reached its pinnacle with the Lighted Parade. The parade was a dazzling spectacle featuring the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, musical performances by elementary choirs, and floats representing local businesses, emergency responders, school groups, and dance teams. Highlights included KC Wolf as the Grand Marshal, bringing laughter and excitement, and a delightful surprise—French bulldogs cruising in motorized, lighted cars, much to the crowd’s delight. Of course, Santa Claus stole the show, greeted by cheers and the excited wishes of children lining the streets.
After the parade, families gathered to enjoy cookies prepared by the talented Culinary Department of the Excelsior Springs Job Corps while admiring the decorated trees, a beloved community tradition.
More Holiday Fun Awaits
The holiday season is just getting started in Excelsior Springs! Be sure to drive through the Lane of Lights, where local organizations collect donations nightly and visit the Hall of Trees around the waterbar at the Hall of Waters.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
Holiday Homes Tour – December 7th
Candy Cane Hunt – December 9th
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – December 13th
Cocktails and Candy Canes – December 14th
Don’t forget to drop off your Letters to Santa in the special mailbox outside the Museum!
Thank you once again to the volunteers, businesses, and organizations that make Excelsior Springs such a magical place to celebrate the holidays. Together, you’ve made the Christmas Kickoff a weekend to remember!
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