Celebrate the Holidays at Trenton’s Annual Downtown Christmas Extravaganza

Trenton residents know how to celebrate the holiday season. And no more is it evident than the
annual Downtown Christmas event held each year on the first Friday of December.
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The Five Points Alive group, which works with Main Street Trenton to support and promote the
downtown area, organizes activities for the Christmas extravaganza. Joining with other
organizations in the community, this special celebration includes events such as a holiday
cookie sale, soup supper, holiday musical presentations and, of course, a visit by Santa.
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The highlight of the evening is the Christmas parade, in which businesses, organizations and
individuals drive their lighted conveyances from the Farmer’s Bank of Northern Missouri in north
Trenton – stopping along the way at each of the city’s three nursing homes to share their holiday
spirit before heading downtown, where the streets are lined with spectators waiting to view
decorated golf carts, ATVs, cars and trucks. The Trenton Fire Department provides
transportation for Santa Claus, who spends the evening in the gazebo at Sesquicentennial Park,
hearing the Christmas wishes of children and passing out treats.
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The Space at 1015 Main St. will be hosting entries in the gingerbread contest sponsored by the
Art’s Alive organization. There are categories for both children and adults as well as
“professional” bakers, with monetary prizes awarded to the top winners. Those viewing the
entries can also vote for their favorites, with the top entry receiving “The Best in Show” award.
Rules for the contest are included on the Art’s Alive Facebook page.
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Downtown businesses will also be open during the evening to give shoppers a chance to finish
up their Christmas list while shopping locally.

The 2024 Downtown Christmas Schedule includes:

11 am to 7 pm – Hodge Presbyterian Church Cookie Sale at the former Ace Hardware Building
on Main Street.

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Noon to 6 pm – Viewing of Gingerbread Contest Entries at The Space, 1015 Main St.
4:30 to 7:30 pm – Grundy County Museum open to view Holiday décor.

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5 to 7 pm – Hot Chocolate served by Preceptor Nu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in front of
Howard’s Department Store.

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5:10 pm – Entries line up at Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri for the parade, which will arrive
in downtown Trenton around 5:50 pm.

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6 to 7 pm – Santa Claus handing out treats to children at the Sesquicentennial Park gazebo.
6:10 pm – Announcement of Gingerbread Contest winners.

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6:20 pm – Trenton High School Band, Drum Line and Colorguard perform on the front porch of
the Elks Lodge.

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6:45 to 7 pm – The group “Winsome” and other community members singing holiday songs at
the Five Points Flag. In case of inclement weather, the music will be moved to the Gilworth
Building on the northwest corner of Five Points.

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Written and submitted by Diane Lowrey