Jackson to kick off Christmas season with several events

Wednesday marked the start of the Christmas season in Jackson with the arrival of Santa's house at the courthouse lawn.

The house was refurbished this year to provide St. Nick with an improved place to receive visitors and their Christmas wish lists.

Brian Gerau, executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, said the Jackson Elks approached the chamber and volunteered to rehabilitate the house for the 2010 season. While no one knows exactly how long it has been since the house has been renovated, Gerau estimated it had been at least 30 years.

The Elks, along with MSI Electric of Jackson, replaced the exterior wood of the house, painted it and rewired the structure.

Gerau said Santa Claus will be at the house Saturday immediately after the Jackson Christmas Parade. He will then be at the house Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The arrival of Santa's house is the first of several holiday traditions happening in Jackson. The city's new nativity set will be unveiled at 5 p.m. Thursday on the courthouse lawn as part of the chamber's "Holiday Evening."

Last year the nativity scene, which was more than 40 years old, was not displayed because it was too badly deteriorated, Gerau said. The lack of a nativity prompted the chamber and the Jackson Ministerial Alliance to raise $10,000 to purchase a new nine-piece set.

"It was all community support. Jackson is full of tradition, and we didn't have the nativity last year. We wanted to be able to carry on that tradition," Gerau said.

Following the unveiling, there will be refreshments and caroling. Gerau said he and others plan to walk from the courthouse to Emanuel United Church of Christ for a living nativity presented by Emanuel and other churches from 6 to 8 p.m.

Santa will make his official entrance into Jackson as part of the Jackson Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Saturday. Themed "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," the parade will makes its way through the streets of the historic uptown district and will feature bands and floats from more than 65 organizations.

Following the parade, the historic Oliver House will open its doors for guided tours until 4 p.m. The house will also be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday for tours and then from 5 to 7 p.m. for visits with Santa.

As night falls Saturday, local Girls Scouts will light luminaries and sing carols on the courthouse lawn from 5 to 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and gloves, scarves and other winter weather clothing will be collected to be distributed by the Jackson Elks.

The city of Jackson will also be illuminating the "Lights of the Season" display at Jackson City Park Saturday at nightfall. Parks and recreation director Shane West Anderson said the event was started 16 years ago by a group of community leaders and is a great way to share the spirit of Christmas.

"We have 70 entries, mixed with traditional and funny themes. The "Lights of the Season" displays are important to our community because they express love, family and faith. How many programs can do that?" Anderson said. He said there is also a special section featuring memorial light displays.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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Pertinent Addresses:

100 Court St., Jackson, MO

304 E. Adams St., Jackson, MO

224 E. Adams St., Jackson, MO

Jackson City Park, Jackson, MO