City of Nixa hosts Christmas tree lighting

NIXA Mo. - The City of Nixa getting in the holiday spirit with a Christmas tree lighting tonight. This comes as the event was originally postponed due to the Nixa High School football team making the state championship game Friday night. Before the tree lighting there was a Christmas parade through the city, which was hit with some rain. Nixa Mayor Jarad Giddens says despite the rain many made it out to participate.

"It was pouring down rain almost the entire time, but we still had amazing community support out there. It was nuts," says Giddens.

Giddens also explained that it was stressful changing up the date of the event, but the support from the community made it easier.

"I got a lot of people contacting me from the community that either had kids in the choir or really wanted to come to the tree lighting but also wanted to go to the game. And so that made the decision pretty easy," says Giddens.

The Nixa Parks and Recreation Department provided hot cocoa and cookies to any in attendance. To kick off the event there was a choir performance by dozens of Nixa children. Shirley Flemister says she enjoyed the whole evening, and her granddaughter was very adamant about her seeing the choir performance.

Santa Clause even made an appearance; he says the choir was impressive and he enjoyed being part of the whole evening.

"They were absolutely great with their singing. The tree lighting was a great hit. I always love coming down here for the tree lighting your next set," says Santa.

Kris Kringle also says the Nixa community is one of his favorites.

"I fly all across world, and what they're doing here is fantastic. You know, it's a community that you can really feel at home at. And I really love that," says Santa.