Signature Holiday Events and Attractions to See in Missouri

Communities across Missouri are ready to celebrate the holiday season with a variety of events and attractions. If you are traveling throughout the state, here are a some of the events to check out; courtesy of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

 Northeast region:

Hermann's German heritage will shine through, with two traditional Christmas markets. Shoppers can find an array of German-inspired crafts, food, entertainment and more at Kristkindl Markt, December 7 - 8 at Stone Hill Winery, and Christkindl Markt, December 12-15 at Hermannhof Winery.

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

Northwest region:

The Plaza Lights have been a holiday tradition in Kansas City for 90 years. Thanksgiving evening will reveal thousands of jewel-toned lights outlining every dome, tower and window in the historic 15-block shopping district. The November 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 December 7 at the site located near 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 region:

500 years of Christmas music will be performed at historic churches and downtown venues during the Holiday Christmas Festival from December 7 - 8 in St. Genevieve. Highlighting the area's French heritage, the festival will include an art show & sale, along with open houses at several of the town's historic sites.

A Christmas Country Church Tour from December 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 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 region:

More than 6.5 million lights and 1,000 decorated trees will set Silver Dollar City aglow during An Old Time Christmas celebration from November 2 - December 30. The new Joy on Town Square features an eight-story Christmas tree illuminated with thousands of LED 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 from December 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, from November 29 - December 28.

Central region:

Jefferson City storefronts and windows will feature dancers, singers and holiday displays during the annual Downtown Living Windows on December. 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 December 6 - 7.

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