Jefferson Matters: Main Street will once again host an annual outdoor event with their Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony later this week.

JMMS Program Director Peg Raney says the event includes a variety of activities. Carolers from the Jazzatonics group from Greene County High School will entertain the crowd and attendees can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies as well. Santa Claus will then light the Christmas tree, followed by a performance from the Sugar Plum Fairies with the Prairie Blue Creative Arts Center. Plus, Jefferson resident Becky Greiner will perform music live on the 47-bell carillon on the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower from 6:15 to 6:30pm and Santa will greet children on top of the bell tower as well. This will be the second time the event has been held outside, and Raney explains the change of venue from where it used to be inside the Greene County Courthouse.

“We’ve just overgrown the area. We loved having it in the courthouse for quite a few years. And then we just decided in order to accommodate all of the people who wanted to come and be a part of it, we moved it over to the Thomas Jefferson Gardens. And it was very successful.”

As an added bonus, the first 200 kids will receive a free glow stick. The free event will take place Thursday, December 7th at 5:30pm at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens.