(Joplin, MO) — The Holiday season is right around the corner, and Downtown Joplin Alliance is announcing the
following events to help everyone get into the spirit!
Light Up the Park + Holiday Kickoff Party & Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, November 19 | 2:00 to 7:30 pm | Free and open to the public | Located in Spiva Park
Join Downtown Joplin Alliance and all the downtown elves to help light up Spiva Park brighter than ever before! Expect to hang some lights and sip some hot chocolate! Volunteers can sign up here or just show up.
Help hang lights and decorations from 2:00 to 5:30 pm with the tree lighting to follow at 6:00 pm. Enjoy live music and carolers as well as hot cocoa provided by the Salvation Army of Jasper and Newton Counties, food and beverage vendors, and maybe even a surprise visit from Santa himself!
Holiday Market at Empire
Saturdays from November 21 to December 19 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | Free and open to the public | 931 E. 4th Street
The Empire Market will kick off its 9th Annual Holiday Market season on Saturday, November 21. Expect all the great food, beverage, and winter produce options you’re used to, with even more locally made artisan goods, perfect for gift-giving.
Live music, gift wrapping, and a visit from Santa on Saturday, December 19 will also be part of the fun!
Downtown Holiday Decorating Contest
From Saturday, November 21 to Thursday, December 17
This year’s theme is Christmas on Route 66! Downtown businesses have until November 18 to register to be included in online voting. Voting begins November 21, to coincide with the Holiday Kickoff Party and lighting of the tree at Spiva Park, and ends on December 17.
The public will vote for their favorites in these categories:
- Best Use of Theme (Christmas on Route 66)
- Best Use of Lights
- Most Creative
The awards ceremony will be held on December 21 at 2:30pm in the lobby of City Hall where the winners will be recognized for their holiday spirit.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 28
Shop Small throughout the downtown district and keep an eye on Downtown Joplin Alliance’s social media pages to see all the specials that will be happening — the Alliance’s Elves will be making appearances throughout downtown to deliver swag!
Holiday WineShare
Friday, December 4 | 6:00 to 8:00 pm | Free and open to ages 21+ | Located at the Schroeder Family Exploreum, 300 S. Main Street
Enjoy sharing wine and conversation with friends new and old at December’s First Friday WineShare, held in one of downtown’s best attractions, The Exploreum! Guests can enjoys the exhibits, chat with friends, and plan their shopping lists.
Expect a night full of merriment, giveaways, and more! The 2026 WineShare season is brought to you by Sparklight. Cheers!
Reference:
Ivy Hagedorn, Assistant Director
Downtown Joplin Alliance
928.514.7713
ivy@downtownjoplin.com
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