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St. LOUIS (November 7, 2019) – The holiday season is a magical time in St. Louis, and this year the Christmas in St. Louis (CISL) Board is pleased to announce the community events lined up for this season. Chairman Jeff Wright and the board are looking forward to the spirit, celebration, and magic of the season.
“The beauty of the season, the beauty of the City of St. Louis, and the diversity of our region’s residents add to the magic that makes Christmas in St. Louis such a special occasion,” said Jeffrey Wright, Chairman of the CISL Board. “Without the generous support of our many community sponsors, none of this would be possible.”
The events kick off on Saturday, Nov. 23 and continue through the holiday season. A full description of the events and found on our website at www.christmasinstlouis.com.
Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
Beginning at 4p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights, hosted by KMOV-TV Channel 4, officially ushers in the Holiday Season with a host of entertainment, including an appearance by hometown vocalist Kennedy Holmes, lighting of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights, a festive fireworks finale with a Make A Wish Kid and the Winterfest skating rink in partnership with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. This year, a new light display will light up downtown for all to see. The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights, coordinated by Christmas in St. Louis, has signified the unofficial start to the holiday season in St. Louis for many years.
The Turkey Trot STL 5K course in Downtown St. Louis runs along the route of the 2nd largest Thanksgiving parade in the nation. Participants will pass many landmarks, including City Garden, Busch Stadium, and the Stifel Theatre and finishes at the end of the parade route. An out-and-back section will allow participants to see and cheer on their fellow athletes.
To encourage the entire family on Thanksgiving morning to participate, the event is stroller friendly and children 12 years and under can register for the 1/2 Mile Youth Race for FREE!
Ameren Thanksgiving Day Parade
Celebrating its 35th year, the 2019 Ameren Thanksgiving Day Parade will step off at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28 from 20th Street and Market Street and proceed east towards Broadway in Downtown St. Louis. The parade will be broadcast live on KMOV-TV Channel 4.
This year, the Christmas in St. Louis Board expects over 130 parade units, including musical floats and displays, giant helium balloon figures, animal units, restored antique cars and firetrucks, and marching bands from around the St. Louis region. As always, Santa Claus will be present to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas at the end of the parade.
The winners of the online charity auction will have the opportunity to ride with Santa!
“We’re thrilled to take part in these holiday activities with Christmas in St. Louis again this year to help bring our community together to celebrate the season,” said Warner Baxter, chairman, president and CEO of Ameren Corp. ” At Ameren, we see our role in the community as more than just working hard to supply energy; we are committed to community partnerships. That’s one reason Ameren has proudly sponsored the Thanksgiving Day Parade for over 25 years.”
Christmas in St. Louis is requesting Downtown community members to plan to turn on their holiday lights by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, to create a spectacular display of lights and unity in Downtown St. Louis.
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Christmas in St. Louis (CISL) and the Christmas in St. Louis Foundation (Foundation) are comprehensive volunteer community-focused, non-profit organizations with distinct, yet complementary missions.
CISL is a civic organization dedicated to adding to the community’s celebration of the holiday season by coordinating Christmas lighting and decorations and thereby increasing tourism, shopping, dining and hotel usage in the St. Louis metropolitan area during the holiday season.
The Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to assisting and supporting, primarily through promotion and marketing, numerous local charities during the holiday season.