Embark on a holiday adventure in Joplin with our guide. Discover all the exciting events and activities that await you this festive season. Whether you're a Joplin native or a curious visitor, our guide will show you the city's holiday wonders.
One of the season's highlights is the Joplin Christmas Parade, which fills the streets with festive cheer, dazzling floats, and joyful community spirit. Experience local charm and unique finds at the Holiday Open House, offering a delightful shopping experience with seasonal specials. And Christmas Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring enchanting displays and family-friendly activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Joplin
See these and even more events listed below!Joplin Other Holiday Activities
Joplin Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local businesses and organizations
Description:
Joplin's streets transform into a vibrant spectacle during the annual Christmas Parade. Local businesses and organizations showcase their creativity with elaborately decorated floats, while marching bands fill the air with festive tunes. You'll spot vintage cars adorned with twinkling lights, adding a touch of nostalgia to the procession. This parade has been a cherished tradition since 1970, bringing together generations of Joplin residents. Children delight in collecting candy tossed from passing floats, creating sweet memories of this community celebration.
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Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed exhibits and activities
Description:
Joplin's Christmas Wonderland transports visitors to a world of holiday cheer. This immersive experience features a series of themed rooms, each offering a unique take on holiday traditions from around the globe. Engage with interactive exhibits that bring stories and legends to life. Children can write letters to Santa in a replica of his North Pole workshop. The event pays homage to Joplin's mining heritage with a sparkling crystal cave display. Guests can create their own ornaments in the craft corner, taking home a personalized memento of their visit.
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Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
What to Expect:
Intimate setting for one-on-one time with Santa
Description:
Joplin's Cookies and Cocoa with Santa event offers a cozy, personal experience with the jolly old elf himself. Unlike crowded mall visits, this intimate gathering allows children ample time to share their wishes and snap photos with Santa. Attendees savor homemade cookies baked from cherished local recipes passed down through generations. The event takes place in a historic Joplin building, adding a touch of nostalgia to the proceedings. Children can engage in holiday-themed crafts, creating keepsakes to remember their special visit. This heartwarming tradition has been bringing smiles to Joplin families for over two decades.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Open House (Carthage)
What to Expect:
Historic downtown setting with Victorian-era charm
Description:
Carthage's historic downtown springs to life during the Holiday Open House. Shopkeepers in Victorian-era attire welcome visitors into beautifully decorated storefronts, offering a glimpse into the town's rich past. The event showcases local artisans and their handcrafted wares, perfect for unique gift-giving. Stroll along the charming streets, where the aroma of freshly baked treats wafts from nearby cafes. This tradition dates back to the early 1900s when Carthage was known as the "Maple Leaf City." Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt, discovering hidden gems throughout the downtown area.
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Maple Leaf Lighting Ceremony (Carthage)
What to Expect:
Illumination of a giant maple leaf sculpture
Description:
Carthage's Maple Leaf Lighting Ceremony illuminates the night with a dazzling display. The centerpiece of the event is the lighting of a massive maple leaf sculpture, a nod to the city's nickname. As the switch is flipped, thousands of lights burst into brilliance, casting a warm glow over the gathered crowd. This ceremony kicks off the holiday season in Carthage, a tradition that began in the 1960s. Local choirs serenade attendees with carols, their voices rising into the crisp evening air. You can join in a community singalong, adding your voice to the joyful chorus.