As you're reading this article, you could be cooking up your signature Thanksgiving side dish, planning your Black Friday attack or recovering from a tryptophan-induced coma.

But once that's all said and done, you might be in the mood to kick off the holiday season by witnessing an event that's electric - literally.

If you haven't guessed yet, we're talking ceremonial Christmas lightings. They happen all over the country, and in St. Joseph you'll have a few options to choose from to find people and parts of the city lit up with excitement.

DOWNTOWN CITY LIGHTS FESTIVAL

WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28

WHERE: Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square, Seventh and Felix streets

CONTACT: 232-0600

For more than 10 years, the Downtown City Lights Festival has given people a reason to consider Felix Street a must-see holiday stop.

This year, some of the event's staples will be returning. There will be church choirs singing Christmas carols. Santa will arrive at 5:30 p.m., bringing kids a special treat bag. Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and homemade cookies will be passed out and free carriage rides will be offered from 6 to 7 p.m.

But people may notice a bit more sparkle this year during the ceremonial lighting at 6 p.m. In addition to the familiar street lighting decorations provided by Schultz & Stracener Electric, Action Electric and KCP&L will be adding lights to line all the rooftops facing Felix Street Square.

Rebecca Boerkircher, executive director of the St. Joseph Downtown Partnership, says the lighting design was a huge undertaking that might remind people of a popular KC spot.

"It's similar to the (Country Club) Plaza, so it should be pretty spectacular when we light the lights this year," she said. "I think this is an opportunity to kind of bring the 'awe' back into Christmas."

LIGHTS AND TIGHTS

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2

WHERE: Missouri Western State University

CONTACT: 752-1010

Missouri Western used to adorn its Glenn E. Marion Memorial Clock Tower with Christmas lights when the holidays rolled around.

While that hasn't happened for a few years, it's coming back next week thanks to "Lights and Tights" - along with a bit of Renaissance cheer.

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the "Lighting on the Green." Hot chocolate and cider will be served in the neighboring Blum Student Union, with songs provided by Missouri Western fraternity and sorority carolers.

After a social hour from 6:15 to 7 p.m., guests will partake in a "Renaissance Feast." The meal will feature Renaissance-style cuisine served by a group of characters in the period's costumes. The evening's entertainment will be presented by the college's Renaissance Singers under the direction of Roger Hale, providing the era's choral works and Christmas carols.

David Benz, chair of the Renaissance Singers committee, says the "evening of merriment" will provide guests with a different holiday twist.

"I think it's a fun connection to that era of history and to kind of put ourselves back to that," Mr. Benz says.

"Lighting on the Green" is free and open to the public. The "Renaissance Feast" is $40 per person and reservations are required. Call 271-5647 for more information.

HOLIDAY PARK and SOUTH POLE

HOLIDAY Park

WHEN: Opening ceremonies from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 27. Open daily from 6 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 3

WHERE: Krug Park. 1920 Grand Ave.

CONTACT: 271-5500

South Pole

WHEN: Opening ceremonies from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 27. Open daily from 7 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 2.

WHERE: Hyde Park, 423 E. Hyde Park Ave.

CONTACT: 271-5500

Both Holiday Park at Krug Park and the South Pole at Hyde Park have been offering a colorful and glimmering option to people in St. Joseph for decades, whether they want to stroll through the elements or cruise by in the comfort of their vehicles.

If you choose one or the other, you'll experience some similar sights and flavors. Holiday Park's got Santa. South Pole has Santa and Mrs. Claus. Both will feature carolers and offer hot chocolate and holiday goodies to guests, according to Sharon Ritchey, special events coordinator for the St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Department.

Krug Park will have an ice castle and nativity scene, which have been a part of Holiday Park since 1981.

But Ms. Ritchey says that they aren't completely sticking to tradition. She elaborated that Krug Park's tunnel could have a little more "action" in it than previous years, but for the most part, she's keeping her lips sealed.

"We're not telling you what they are. You'll have to come see," Ms. Ritchey says.

Lifestyles reporter Blake Hannon can be reached

at blakehannon@npgco.com