Christmas in Crestwood kicks off nearly two months of activities Friday, the city’s birthday, with several community focused activities.

Starting Nov. 12, students K-12 can submit holiday stories for an essay contest here. This year’s theme is “A Holiday Jollification Story, Fact or Fiction.” Jollification is a noun that means “lively celebration with others; merrymaking.” Three winners will be chosen in January.

 Citizens can also enter a drawing for a $1,000 Crestwood shopping spree here. One entry can be earned for every $200 spent at a Crestwood business between Nov. 12 and Dec. 31 — this can be all at once or a combination. Purchases made at businesses sponsoring Christmas in Crestwood are worth double. 

Santa Claus makes his return to the city Saturday, Dec. 4, for the Santa Car Cruise and fireworks show at St. Raymond-St. Elizabeth Church. 

However, he may be seen around the city in the meantime. Every Friday, starting Nov. 12 and ending Dec. 5, Christmas in Crestwood will publish clue photos showing Santa in a Crestwood location. The task is to creatively recreate each photo and submit it here for a chance to win. 

When Santa visits Dec. 4, he will be joined by a day full of activities. At 3:45 p.m. the Santa Car Cruise will commence, with decked out cars parading along a 6.5 mile route through the city. At 5:45 p.m., citizens will have the opportunity to exchange canned food items for kids goody bags at St. Raymond-St. Elizabeth Church, 1420 Sappington Road.

A fireworks display by Brilliant Skies Fireworks will start at 6:30 p.m., with recommended viewing spots at Crestwood City Hall, Crestwood Elementary, Kohls and Schnucks.