Missouri celebrates the holidays with signature events and attractions

Twinkling lights, historic sites, special tours and seasonal treats make Missouri a memorable place to enjoy the holidays. Communities across the state are ready to celebrate with a variety of events and attractions.

Northeast:

Hermann’s German heritage shines during the holiday season with two traditional Christmas markets. Shoppers will find an array of German-inspired crafts, food, entertainment and more at Kristkindl Markt, Dec. 7-8 at Stone Hill Winery, and Christkindl Markt, Dec. 12-15 at Hermannhof Winery.

Historic St. Louis: A Spirited Holiday Past Dec. 7 will feature 27 historic sites, homes and museums decorated for the season. Musical performances, skits, activities and refreshments will be featured at many of the locations. Visitors can chose from one of 10 themed tours or select specific sites to create their own individualized tour.

Northwest:

The Plaza Lights have been a holiday tradition in Kansas City for 90 years. A flip of a switch on Thanksgiving evening will reveal thousands of jewel-toned lights outlining every dome, tower and window in the historic 15-block shopping district. The Nov. 28 lighting ceremony will include special window displays, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and concerts.

Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site will celebrate Christmas on the Farm Dec. 7 at the site located northeast of Kansas City. Lantern-lit pathways will lead to the Watkins’ 1850 Classical Revival style home where visitors can sample plum pudding and other traditional treats and visit with Father Christmas.

Southeast:

Five hundred years of Christmas music will be performed at historic churches and downtown venues during the Holiday Christmas Festival Dec. 7-8 in Ste. Genevieve. Highlighting the area’s French heritage, the event will include an art show and sale and open houses at several of the town’s historic sites.

A Christmas Country Church Tour Dec. 12-13 will include more than 30 churches – some over a century old – scattered throughout the countryside in Perry, Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties, south of St. Louis. From simple one-room wooden structures to brick-and-mortar masterpieces, the churches will be draped in decorations that reflect each community’s heritage and traditions.

Southwest:

More than 6.5 million lights and 1,000 decorated trees will set Silver Dollar City aglow during An Old Time Christmas celebration Nov. 2-Dec. 30. The new Joy on Town Square will feature an eight-story Christmas tree illuminated with thousands of lights and animated imagery. The Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train, a nightly light parade and Broadway-style stage productions of A Dicken’s Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life are just a few of the highlights at the Branson-area theme park.

Springfield will host several light displays during the holiday season. A drive down Candy Cane Lane at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park will feature farm-themed scenes Dec. 6-22. Fire pits and hot chocolate will help keep visitors warm as they walk through the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden during Gardens Aglow, a botanical-themed light festival, Nov. 29-Dec. 28.

Central:

Jefferson City storefronts and windows will come alive with dancers, singers and holiday displays during the annual Downtown Living Windows Dec. 6. Visitors can stroll through the capital city’s downtown area or take a carriage ride to see the sights. The historic Missouri Governor’s Mansion, decked out for the holidays, will offer candlelight tours
Dec. 6-7.

Columbia will host its Living Windows Festival Dec. 6. Live entertainment, open house events and holiday décor, including giant, illuminated snowflakes, will fill The District downtown.

More holiday events in Missouri