The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

JEFFERSON CITY -- It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas in downtown Jefferson City.

Community members this evening turned on the lights on the city Christmas tree at Rotary Park on Boliver Street.

Santa Claus paid the city a special visit as the mayor flipped the switch to light the tree, which is located behind the secretary of state's office.

There was entertainment and refreshments for the crowd. This is the fourth year for the event.

Starting at 10 a.m. this morning, Gov. Nixon and first lady Georganne Nixon will kick it off in the Capitol building by decorating this year's state Christmas tree with fifth-graders from Moreau Heights Elementary School.

Christmas trees at the Governor's Mansion will be officially lit tonight at 6 p.m. Afterwards, the mansion is open for holiday candlelight tours. The tours will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Also tonight, a 20-year-old tradition continues with three blocks of living windows on High Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Storefronts and windows come alive with dancers, singers, and decorations.

Saturday is the Jaycees' Annual Christmas Parade.