The City of St. Joseph is gearing up to turn on its lights for the Christmas Season at Krug and Hyde parks.

The opening ceremony for the Holiday Park will take place Friday at 6 p.m. at Krug with Mayor Bill Falkner throwing the switch.

According to the St. Joseph Convention & Visitor’s Bureau the Holiday Park is the largest outdoor light display in Northwest Missouri.

The Holiday Park first started in 1981. The city estimates more than 100,000 people came each year to check out the display.

The South Pole will hold its opening ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday at Hyde Park with Mayor Falkner also turning on the lights for the season.

Snacks, hot chocolate, carols and Santa will be at both celebrations.

The city said both parks will be open nightly afterword the lights are flipped from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. until January 1st.

Admission is free however, free will donations are accepted.