As the holidays approach, there are some unmissable events to get your family in the holiday spirit. Each of these events help usher in this magical time of year as Cape Girardeau comes alive with festive cheer, twinkling lights and the season of giving.

With a purpose of encouraging visitors to downtown Cape Girardeau, Old Town Cape puts on many events throughout the year including the annual Christmas tree lighting, parade of lights and holiday open house.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Friday, November 24
5pm – 7pm

Join Santa & Mrs. Claus as they light the 30-foot Christmas tree at the Vasterling Suites courtyard located at the corner of Broadway and Fountain Streets! Kick-off the holiday season with Christmas carols,warm beverages and holiday treats, fire pits, and local food vendors. Stick around to take festive photos!

Holiday Parade of Lights

Sunday, November 26
5pm – 7pm

Head downtown for the annual Parade of Lights beginning at dusk at the intersection of Broadway Street and West End Boulevard (Capaha Park entrance) and continues east down Broadway toward the river, then turns right onto Main Street, and will end at 43 S. Main (Hutson’s Big Sandy Furniture parking lot). The theme for 2023 is “There’s Gnome Place Like Home for the Holidays” so come out and see how the dozens of floats creatively use gnomes and lights to usher in the festive holiday season!

Downtown Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 2
5pm – 8pm

The Annual Downtown Holiday Open House is a family-friendly event which includes pictures with Santa and Santa’s workshop located in front of the 30-foot Christmas tree at Vasterling Suites. Don’t miss the holiday-themed horse-drawn carriage rides around historic downtown Cape!

Big Band Holiday Jukebox

Dec 1
7:30pm

Southeast MO State University, River Campus
This musical treat will get your family singing along to holiday classics held in the beautiful River Campus. This holiday collaboration features the musical talents of students in the Departments of Music and of Theatre & Dance. There will be brass, woodwind and string instruments as well as singers. Remember to come dressed in your Christmas best!

Jingle Bell Run

Dec 2

Help keep the tradition going strong by jingling with your family and friends at the Arthritis Foundation’s 2023 Jingle Bell Run. Oh, and start getting your race attire together as runners often wear red and green stripes,tutus, Santa hats…But remember to register as an individual or a team.

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