☕️ Where to see Christmas lights

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Good Morning, Joplin. Is eggnog actually delicious… or is it just holiday peer pressure in a glass?

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Where to See Christmas Lights

• One Joplin Launches Thrive Joplin Initiative

• Holiday Fun for Kids

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who already finished Christmas shopping.

HOME OF THE WEEK
by THE ESSENTIAL REAL ESTATE

🎄 Where to See Christmas Lights In the Four-States

If you’re ready for a night of twinkling lights and holiday magic, KOAM has published a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate list of Christmas light displays across the Four-States. Organized by area and complete with directions to each stop, it’s the perfect resource for planning a festive drive with family or friends.

Whether you’re exploring big community displays like King Jack Park or discovering hidden neighborhood gems, this guide shortens drive times and keeps your route simple.

Find the full list here: KOAM Area Christmas Lights List 2025

🎅 Get Your Pictures at Santa’s Workshop in Northpark Mall

Santa has officially arrived at Northpark Mall, and families can step into his festive workshop now through Christmas Eve. Kids can fill out a Dear Santa letter, snap their annual photo with the big guy in red, and drop their notes into Santa’s mailbox before heading home with holiday cheer.

Reservations are encouraged but not required, and booking ahead gives you a guaranteed time slot with shorter waits. Santa’s Workshop features professionally designed sets, real-bearded Santas, and special event days throughout the season— including pet-friendly photo opportunities at select times.

Click here to view full hours or reserve your visit.

1️⃣ One Joplin Launches Thrive Joplin Initiative

One Joplin has officially launched Thrive Joplin, a four-year, community-wide effort focused on improving physical, mental, social, and economic health across the region. The initiative brings together residents, organizations, and local leaders to identify barriers to healthy living and develop long-term, collaborative solutions. The project kicks off with a public event on Friday, December 12 at 9:00 AM at Joplin Avenue Coffee, where One Joplin staff and partners will outline goals and next steps.

At its core, Thrive Joplin aims to unify community efforts, strengthen partnerships, and create an actionable plan that improves overall well-being for families, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. The project will rely on both data and direct community input to guide decisions over the next four years.

A key first step is the Thrive Joplin Community Survey, which now live. Residents across the Joplin region are encouraged to participate and help shape the initiative’s priorities, especially voices from underserved or underrepresented communities.

Champion Teams—diverse groups of residents and professionals—will help lead implementation and ensure solutions reflect local needs. Community members can get involved by completing the survey, joining or supporting a Champion Team, or participating in future focus groups and public events.

🌿 Holiday Fun for Kids: Art, Nature, and Hands-On Activities

Looking for ways to keep the kids creative, curious, and busy over the holidays? Between Spiva Center for the Arts, Wildcat Glades, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities on the calendar.

🎄 Kids’ Holiday Art Night at Spiva (Sat, Dec 13 | 6:45–9:00 PM): Drop kids ages 6–12 at Spiva for an evening of holiday-themed art projects, snacks, and creative fun while you enjoy A Celtic Christmas or a kid-free night out; $25, registration required.

🎨 Creation Station with Emily Cole (Tue, Dec 16 | 4:00–5:15 PM): Elementary-aged artists (6–11) explore a new medium or theme each week through guided, hands-on projects that build skills and confidence; $10, pre-registration required.

✂️ Mini Makers: 3D Collage Trees (Wed, Dec 17 | 10:15–11:15 AM): Little ones ages 2–5 create festive 3D collage trees with the help of a parent or caregiver, blending art, play, and fine motor practice in a relaxed studio setting.

🌲 Conservation Families Holiday Open House (Sat, Dec 13 | 10:00 AM–2:30 PM): Drop by Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center for come-and-go crafts, nature ornaments, recycled gift ideas, light refreshments, and a 1 PM performance by the Notochords.

🐾 Little Acorns: Furry Scurry (Fri, Dec 19 | 8:00–11:00 AM): Learn how winter wildlife stays warm, meet some “furry coat” adaptations, and make a fun take-home craft at this all-ages program at Shoal Creek; registration required.

🌟 Kids Holiday Craft Day at Wildcat Glades (Mon, Dec 23 | 1:00–5:00 PM): Kids ages 6–12 spend the afternoon at Wildcat Glades Education Cottage making gifts, enjoying treats, and diving into festive activities while you finish last-minute holiday prep; $35 per child, pre-registration required.

📰 Missouri Lawmaker Files Bill to Boost Funding Options for Memorial Hall Renovation

A new proposal at the Missouri Capitol could open a critical funding path for restoring Joplin’s historic Memorial Hall. Representative Lane Roberts has filed House Bill 1867, legislation that would allow Joplin to increase its hotel–motel tax cap from 4% to 6%—but only with voter approval. Last year, the existing 4% tax generated $1.8 million.

The measure aligns with the public-private partnership currently being explored to rehabilitate the 100-year-old venue, a project supporters say would preserve an important community landmark with deep ties to local veterans.

Roberts emphasized the building’s significance: “That’s near and dear to my heart. I feel like we made a promise 100 years ago and we need to stand by it.”

HB 1867 could be considered by lawmakers as early as next month. If the legislature approves it, the final decision would rest with Joplin voters.

🛣️ New Roundabout Now Open at 20th & Country Club / Black Cat

The new roundabout at 20th Street and Country Club Drive/Black Cat Road is now open for north–south traffic, making it easier (and safer) to move through this busy intersection. West 20th Street, however, remains closed to through traffic from Schifferdecker Avenue to Central City Road while crews continue widening work, with access limited to nearby homeowners, emergency vehicles, and service trucks.

If you’re heading east or west, plan to detour using 32nd Street or West Junge Boulevard for now. This is the first of two roundabouts planned as part of a $9.8 million project to widen about two miles of West 20th to three lanes, add curbs and gutters, and build a shared-use path for walkers and cyclists. A second roundabout at Central City Road and 20th Street is slated to begin construction in early spring 2026.

Friday: 🌡️ 32 | 49 ☁️ 

Saturday: 🌡️ 20 | 50 ⛅️ 

Sunday: 🌡️ 13 | 44 ☀️ 

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (6-3)
Friday 12/12 at HOME vs Quincy University | 5:30 PM

Saturday

🍀 Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas: A nationally acclaimed Irish Christmas celebration blending master storytelling, traditional music, step dancing, and heartfelt carols inside the Cornell Complex. This one-night performance recreates the warmth of an old Irish “Rambling House,” inviting audiences to experience the magic, humor, and spirit of a Celtic Christmas.

🎼 "Light Has Come" Christmas Concert: A free Christmas celebration featuring a combined youth and adult choir, orchestra, and guest musicians performing a mix of classic and modern hymns in the Nine Lessons & Carols tradition. Guests are invited to sing along during select pieces as the Proclamation Youth & Community Choir honors the birth of Christ.

🎅 Santa Photos at Joplin Greenhouse: A magical morning where families can meet Santa and enjoy free professional holiday photos captured by Rained on Photography. Santa will be onsite from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM only, with edited photos released later on Facebook and optional donations accepted for the photographer.

🎄 Mrs. Claus’ Waffle Workshop: A festive morning at The Club Car featuring build-your-own waffles, cocoa, face painting, ornament making, storytelling, and photos with Mrs. Claus. Admission is $25 per person, with reservations available through Union Station Deli.

🛍️ Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market: A festive holiday pop-up at Briarbrook Golf Course where you can browse local boutiques and gift vendors, enjoy the mimosa bar, and grab lunch at Joe’s 19th Hole. With free admission and a cheerful atmosphere, it’s the perfect excuse to shop, sip, and spend a holiday afternoon with friends.

♟️ Scholastic Chess Tournament: A full-day youth and teen chess tournament at Joplin Public Library featuring K–12, K–8, and a Rated Open section run under official US Chess regulations. Entry is free for K–12/K–8 players, with a $20 Rated Open section benefiting the JPL Children’s Department and Chess Club and a guaranteed cash prize fund plus awards for top finishers.

Sunday

😂 Joplin Improv Open Play: A free, judgment-free improv session where anyone 16+ can drop in, sip coffee, and try out fun games in a supportive environment. It’s an easy way to meet new people, boost creativity, and enjoy plenty of laughs at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company.

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