FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 6, 2025

For More Information Contact:
Sharon Swehla
Tourism Director
660.665.2003

Kirksville's Hometown Holiday returns on November 29

(Kirksville, MO) - Save the date for Kirksville’s Hometown Holiday on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Downtown Kirksville is the place to be for a great night of festive fun and holiday spirit.

You won’t want to miss the 14th annual Kirksville Kiwanis Christmas Parade at 5:30 pm. This year’s parade theme is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” so make sure to style your floats around the songs of the season. Keeping with that musical theme, Brad Hudson, Director of Bands for Kirksville R-III, serves as the Parade Grand Marshal.

The ceremonial tree lighting, pictures with Santa, live music, hot chocolate, carolers, and Window Wonderland all return to the event. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides, presented by Main Street Kirksville.

New this year is the Toasty Trails Fire Pit Area, a partnership between Main Street Kirksville and Lemmon Landscaping on a decorative space where people can make and enjoy delicious s’mores. And Main Street’s Merry Market will be open, full of local vendors offering various homemade goods.  

Stay tuned for additional details leading up to the event, but plan to spend a great Saturday night in the heart of Kirksville! Head to VisitKirksville.com to learn more.

Parade Details

To register your business or organization for the parade, complete the form at the following link: https://forms.gle/niPDQ2ndB7eK9nDA8. Instead of an entry fee, the Kiwanis Club of Kirksville asks parade participants to donate new children’s mittens, gloves, hats, coats, and scarves. This warm clothing will then be donated to children in need in our community. You can also bring warm children's clothing to the parade, which will be collected along the parade route. For all other questions or information, email kirksvillekiwanis@gmail.com.

Schedule

2:00 pm: Shop local as part of Small Business Saturday
4:00 pm: Music will begin, and the Toasty Trails Fire Pit Area and Main Street Merry Market will open
5:30 pm: Parade
6:00 pm (Or when the parade ends): Tree lighting and Santa will be in the Merry Market for pictures

###