Carthage and Pittsburg Christmas Parades Tonight Kick Off Christmas Season
As the chill of early winter settles over the Four-State region, two beloved holiday traditions are poised to chase away the December dusk with twinkling lights, marching bands, and the unmistakable jingle of Santa’s sleigh. Tonight, communities in Pittsburg, Kansas, and Carthage, Missouri, will host their annual Christmas parades, drawing families from across state borders for an evening of festive cheer just days after Thanksgiving.
In Pittsburg, the 46th Annual Christmas Parade rolls out at 6:30 p.m., transforming the heart of downtown into a glowing wonderland. The event promises a mix of local marching bands, equestrian units, and whimsical entries from schools and civic groups—all converging for a spectacle of holiday spirit.
Parade-goers should head to Broadway Street in downtown Pittsburg, where the procession will march along its traditional route: starting at the intersection of Broadway and 10th Street, proceeding southbound through the bustling commercial district, and culminating at Broadway and 1st Street near the Crawford County Courthouse.
In Carthage, the Christmas Parade kicks off follows at 7:00 p.m., hot on the heels of a 6:30 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony on the iconic Historic Carthage Square. This year’s theme—”Get Your Christmas Kicks on Route 66″—pays homage to the city’s stretch of the Mother Road with vintage cars, neon-lit floats, and Route 66-inspired displays evoking classic holiday films and Americana nostalgia.
The parade’s route circles the vibrant town square, a hub of Victorian-era architecture and holiday finery, beginning at the northwest corner near Grant and 3rd Streets. Entries will proceed south on Grant Street, turn east onto Chestnut Street to loop the square’s perimeter, then head north on Lincoln Street before looping back west on Central Avenue to complete the circuit and disperse near the square’s southeast edge. Spectators can snag spots on the courthouse lawn or along the brick-paved sidewalks, where carolers and food vendors will add to the merriment.
Both events are free and open to the public, though organizers remind attendees to bundle up against the forecasted cold weather and possible snow. Non-perishable food donations for local pantries will be collected along the routes, blending community giving with the glee.