Article

Holiday Events in Missouri

See Photo Location

Report this Image

If there is a copyright/decency issue with this image and you wish to report it, please complete the form below and a representative will review your case.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Missouri’s seasonal events offer a magical blend of festive merriment and local charm. From dazzling light displays and enchanting festivals to cozy markets and downtown shopping, the state provides a variety of experiences for all ages. Embrace the warmth of community traditions and create lasting memories in the Show-Me State this season.

Take a Magical Train Ride

All aboard! Book a ticket with The Polar Express Train Ride in St. Louis (Nov. 15 – Dec. 30), Santa Rides the Rails in Washington (Dec. 19), or Ride the Train to Sedalia with Santa (Dec. 14) for a fun-filled holiday event this season. These magical experiences bring the holidays to life as you drink hot cocoa, listen to Christmas carols and spend time with Santa. The journey captures the spirit of Christmas and makes memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. 

Santa sits on holiday-decorated train for the Polar Express ride with a family. A small child reaches up to grab a gift from Santa, and everyone on the train is dressed in pajamas. A helper elf walks the aisle as people smile and enjoy the holiday event.
Cherish the magic of Christmas on a train ride with Santa. Photo credit: Explore STL

Have a Hallmark Christmas

Attend a Hallmark Christmas event this season. The Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City (select dates from Nov. 29 – Dec. 22) and Hallmark Christmas in Warsaw (Dec. 14) immerse visitors in a world of holiday cheer, welcoming small-town vibes and festive décor. Like all good Hallmark movies, your delightful day will surely have a happy ending.   

Merry Days with Bright Holiday Lights

Grab your loved ones and visit a holiday light display this season. The vibrant colors and festive atmosphere create a beautiful experience of joy and wonder, and Missouri has multiple light displays celebrating the spirit of the season. Jingle! in Ozark offers an enchanting holiday light path, a twisting ice-skating trail and snow tubing on real snow. The event also features a sing-along piano bar, drinks at the Tipsy Tree Lodge and holiday shopping. For a drive-thru display, visit Laurie’s Enchanted Village of Lights. If you get hungry, there are food vendors and hot chocolate available. Additionally, select dates offer carriage rides – it’s sure to be a magically captivating evening.  For even more twinkling occasions, check out these locations throughout the state.

Get in the Christmas “Spirit”

There are fantastic opportunities throughout Missouri to explore seasonal tastes. The Whiskey and Bourbon Fest in West Plains is on Nov. 22 and features tastings of several, unique hard-to-find spirits – attendees will have the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts and join in holiday camaraderie. Cocktails & Candy Canes will take place in downtown Excelsior Springs on Dec. 14. Guests can sample cocktails and candy-cane flavored treats while finishing up last-minute Christmas shopping – it’s the perfect blend of festive drinks, holiday desserts and time well spent with your loved ones.

Musical Melodies

A view from an auditorium with people filling the seats, the stage is decorated with Christmas trees and holiday decor. A performer dressed as Santa stands center at front-stage, and backup dancers dressed in white, flowy dresses dance along as they hold white feather fans at this melodic holiday special.
Settle into a seat at one of this season’s popular holiday shows, where nostalgia and cheerful melodies ring into the air.

Lift your mood to the tune of melodic sounds this holiday season. Whether you visit the live entertainment capital or see a show at a local community theater, the immersive environment of live shows is a treat for the whole family. Add some jingle bell rock to your winter vacation in Branson, where classic carols and holiday hits inspire heartwarming nostalgia. Book a ticket for “Who Brought the Humbug?” in Rolla (Dec. 13), a funky, feel-good celebration all ages will enjoy! The show is set at an ugly Christmas sweater party and includes singers, incredible tap dancers and – funnily enough – a rapping Santa Claus.

More Seasonal Events in Missouri

Northeast Holiday Events

Hannibal

Hermann

Kirksville

Moberly

New Haven

Pacific

St. Charles

A person dressed in a wiseman outfit talks with people walking the sidewalks of downtown St. Charles during their holiday event. There is holiday-themed decor covering the street lamps and buildings.
Experience life in the past as you celebrate holiday events and traditions in downtown St. Charles!

St. Louis

Union

Washington


Northwest Holiday Events

Chillicothe

Excelsior Springs

Kansas City

Kearney

Kingsville

Liberty

Parkville

Platte City

Riverside

Central Holiday Events

Benton County

Boonville and Cooper County

Clinton

There is a red barn decorated with holiday lights and a wreath with red lights. There are trees lined with white lights and giant horse-shaped structures covered in white lights. A Budweiser Clydesdale stands in the outside arena and looks at the camera while two people are admiring its majestic beauty.
Visit the majestic Budweiser Clydesdales and admire the sparkling lights that decorate the ranch. It’s truly breathtaking!

Columbia

Eldon

Fulton

Jefferson City

Lake of the Ozarks and Surrounding Area

Pulaski County

Sedalia

Warrensburg

Southeast Holiday Events

Bonne Terre

Christmas in Lights at Stone Park, Bonne Terre

Cape Girardeau

Perryville

Rolla

A Baptist Church is decorated with holiday decor for the church tour event. It has wooden walls and a wooden ceiling that are painted in an ivory shade. The back corner of the church features a Christmas tree and a black, old-timey piano sits in the front. Wooden chairs are set up as the "pews".
See the beautiful holiday decor in these country churches – a divinely special experience.

Sikeston

Ste. Genevieve

Van Buren

West Plains

Southwest Holiday Events

Branson

Carthage

Santa Claus dances on stage at the Kings Castle Theatre. Two backup dances dresses in white outfits are holding feather fans and dance. The holiday event features red, sparkling lights and Christmas trees in the background.
You’ll have merry times at one of Branson’s live shows. They’re entertaining, jolly and fun for the whole family!

Joplin

Mountain Grove and the Surrounding Area

Springfield and the Surrounding Area