Living Windows
On the first Friday night in December, the shop windows along High Street come to life. Free, and a downtown tradition for more than two decades.
- When
- The first Friday in December, in the evening; 6 to 9 p.m. in 2024 and 2026.
- Where
- Downtown Jefferson City, along High Street
- Cost
- Free
- Who runs it
- Downtown Jefferson City and the downtown shops, with JC Parks
Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 9 p.m.
Date confirmed by: JC Parks.
Living WindowsFriday, December 4, 2026, 6 p.m. · Downtown Jefferson CitySee the listing →
Picture from the listing on jcparks.com.
What it is
On the first Friday night in December, downtown's shop windows come to life. Living Windows puts live scenes in the storefronts along High Street, with carolers, dancers and performers, live reindeer and Santa. It is free, and it has been a downtown tradition for more than two decades.
Downtown Jefferson City and its shops put it on with JC Parks, which runs free hayrides around the festival area.
The same night, the Governor's Mansion, also downtown, lights its Christmas tree and opens for free candlelight tours.
What to expect
Each year brings its own attractions. 2025 had a Winter Wonderland with real snow, giant holiday inflatables, Polar Express trips, a live reindeer exhibit and the Boys and Girls Club drumline.
2022 offered carriage rides and a live nativity. The 2026 program lists live music, carolers, dancers, performing artists, Santa and the Grinch.
Good to know
- Make a weekend of it: the Jaycees Christmas Parade comes down High Street the next afternoon.
- Walk over to the Governor's Mansion the same evening for the tree lighting and candlelight tours.
Past years
- 2025Friday, December 5, 20255:30 to 9 p.m., with a Winter Wonderland and real snow.
- 2024Friday, December 6, 20246 to 9 p.m. on High Street.
- 2023Friday, December 1, 2023Carolers, artists, dancers and live reindeer downtown.
- 2022Friday, December 2, 20225:30 to 9:30 p.m., with carriage rides and a live nativity.
Official information
Schedules, maps and changes come from the people who run it.
JC Parks: Living Windows ↗Questions people ask
When is Living Windows?
On the first Friday in December. In 2026 that is Friday, December 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Is Living Windows free?
Yes.
Where is Living Windows?
Downtown Jefferson City, along High Street. JC Parks lists it at 100 East High Street.
Is Santa at Living Windows?
Yes. Santa was there in 2022, and the 2026 program has Santa and the Grinch.
More every year in Jefferson City
- Porchfest JCMOMay & October · First Sundays in May and October, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Juneteenth Heritage FestivalJune · A Saturday in mid-June
- Salute to AmericaJuly · July 4, fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
- Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County FairJuly · Monday to Saturday at the end of July, 5 to 11 p.m.
Where this comes from: 7 sources, checked October 18, 2026
- Living Windows (December 4, 2026) JC Parks
- Living Windows and candlelight tours at Governor's Mansion will draw thousands to downtown Jefferson City on Friday night (Dec 5, 2025) 93.9 The Eagle
- Downtown Living Windows (December 6, 2024) Macaroni KID Jefferson City
- Downtown Jefferson City starts celebrating the holiday season (Dec 2, 2022) KOMU 8
- Experience holiday joy in Jefferson City (Nov 1, 2023) Missouri Life
- Jefferson City Jaycees Christmas Parade (December 7, 2024) Macaroni KID Jefferson City
- Plan your visit: Candlelight Tours, December 4 and 7 Missouri Governor's Mansion
The week ahead in Jefferson City, in your inbox
A free weekly email of what's on around town over the next seven days. Read the latest issue