Christmas Parades and Tree Lightings Near Joplin (2026)
These 2026 holiday parades and community tree-lighting events are scheduled in Joplin and nearby Missouri communities. Dates, times, and admission are included only where stated by the organizer or official event page.
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At a glance
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| Event | Where | Date | Starts | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin Christmas Parade | Joplin | Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 6:00 pm | See website |
| Gift of Light Tree Lighting Ceremony and Open House | Joplin | November 14, 2026 | 4:00 PM –7:00 PM | See website |
| Neosho Christmas Parade | Neosho | Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST | See website |
| Annual Carthage Christmas Parade | Carthage | Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM | Free |
| Holiday Tree Trail Kickoff | Joplin | Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Free |
| Mayor Holiday Tree Lighting | Joplin | Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | See website |
| A Victorian Christmas — Lighting Ceremony | Joplin | Friday, November 27, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | See website |
Every event, in detail
Joplin Christmas Parade
Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801
- Christmas parade
- Floats
- Bands
- Date
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026
- Starts
- 6:00 pm
- Good for
- Families
The parade travels up Main Street from 15th Street to 2nd Street. The grandstand and judges table are at 8th and Main Street.
Details from freemanhealth.com, checked Nov 8. Plans change; confirm before you go.
Gift of Light Tree Lighting Ceremony and Open House
3402 South Jackson Ave, Joplin, MO 64804
- Tree lighting
- Santa
- Children’s activities
- Performances
- Date
- November 14, 2026
- Starts
- 4:00 PM –7:00 PM
- Good for
- Families
The event includes an open house with Santa photos, alpaca visits, storytime, crafts, performances, and refreshments. The tree lighting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Details from visitjoplinmo.com, checked Nov 8. Plans change; confirm before you go.
Neosho Christmas Parade
Downtown Neosho, Neosho, MO 64850
- Christmas parade
- Date
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Starts
- 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST
- Good for
- Families
The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce and Specialty Risk Insurance present the annual Christmas parade in downtown Neosho. The organizer’s event page lists the location as Downtown Neosho.
Details from neoshocc.com, checked Nov 8. Plans change; confirm before you go.
Annual Carthage Christmas Parade
1 Courthouse Square, Carthage, MO 64836
- Christmas parade
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Starts
- 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM
- Cost
- Free
- Good for
- Families
The annual Christmas parade travels along Monroe Street to Courthouse Square. The Town of Carthage event listing gives Courthouse Square as the destination.
Details from townofcarthage.org, checked Nov 8. Plans change; confirm before you go.
Holiday Tree Trail Kickoff
3002 St Johns Blvd, Joplin, MO 64804
- Tree lighting
- Santa
- Live entertainment
- Date
- Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Starts
- 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Good for
- Families
The kickoff includes the annual lighting of decorated trees along the walking trail at Mercy Park. The event page also lists refreshments, Santa, and live entertainment.
Details from connect2culture.org, checked Nov 8. Plans change; confirm before you go.
Mayor Holiday Tree Lighting
W. 4th Street and S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801
- Tree lighting
- Food trucks
- Artisan vendors
- Date
- Thursday, November 19, 2026
- Starts
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Good for
- Families
The Downtown Joplin Alliance hosts the tree lighting at Spiva Park. The organizer’s event listing gives the event hours as 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Details from eventeny.com, checked Nov 8. Plans change; confirm before you go.
A Victorian Christmas — Lighting Ceremony
503 South Pearl Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801
- Lighting ceremony
- Historic homes
- Decorated trees
- Date
- Friday, November 27, 2026
- Starts
- 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Good for
- Families
The lighting ceremony is the opening night of a three-Friday-evening Victorian Christmas at the Schifferdecker and Zelleken homes. Visitors can tour the historic homes and see decorated trees displayed inside.
Details from joplinhistorical.org, checked Nov 8. Plans change; confirm before you go.
Questions people ask
When are Christmas parades and tree lightings near Joplin open this year?
Joplin Christmas Parade: Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Gift of Light Tree Lighting Ceremony and Open House: November 14, 2026. Neosho Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 5, 2026. Annual Carthage Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Are there free Christmas parades and tree lightings near Joplin?
Annual Carthage Christmas Parade and Holiday Tree Trail Kickoff list free admission. Some activities inside may still cost extra.
Every date, hour and price on this page comes from the parade or lighting's own website or social page, and we re-check the list every week until Christmas. Run a parade or lighting in Joplin, MO that should be here? Tell us.
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