Christmas in Crestwood kicked off nearly two months of activities on the city’s birthday Nov. 12.

Starting Nov. 12, students K-12 as well as adults can submit personal essays for an essay contest. This year’s theme is “What I love About Crestwood.” Student contestants should write a one to two page essay while adult contestants should write a two to three page essay

Completed essay with entry form may be dropped off in the Christmas in Crestwood mailbox located in front of Crestwood City Hall, 1 Detjen Drive, or mailed to: Christmas in Crestwood, 1 Detjen Drive Crestwood, MO 63126.

Essays must be submitted by Dec. 31 and four winners will be chosen in January.

Santa Claus makes his return to the city Saturday, Dec. 3, for the Santa Car Cruise and fireworks show at St. Raymond-St. Elizabeth Church.

However, Santa may be seen around the city in the meantime. Every Friday, starting Nov. 12 and ending Dec. 23, Christmas in Crestwood will publish clue photos at christmasincrestwood.org showing Santa in a Crestwood location. The task is to creatively recreate each photo and submit it here for a chance to win.

There will be a day full of activities when Santa visits Dec. 3. At 3:45 p.m. the Santa Car Cruise will commence, with decked out cars parading through the city. Beforehand starting at 1 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.

For a full list of events and activities, visit christmasincrestwood.org.