Create a memorable festive season in Cape Girardeau with our itinerary guide. Find all the best events and activities. Whether you're a Cape Girardeau regular or a one-time visitor, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of magic.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the enchanting Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where dazzling light displays transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. Additionally, the Christmas Tree Lighting welcomes the season with spirited caroling and the illumination of a grand tree, creating a joyful atmosphere for all. And the Cape Girardeau Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring local artisans and unique handcrafted gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cape Girardeau
- Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)
- Cape Girardeau Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza
- Gateway Arch Park Winterfest (St. Louis)
- Parade of Lights
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- North Pole Adventure (Branson)
- Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights (St. Louis)
- St. Louis Christmas Market (Saint Louis)
- Lights of Joy (Branson)
- Victorian Festival of Christmas (Hannibal)
See these and even more events listed below!
Cape Girardeau Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Watch Santa light a thirty-foot Christmas tree.
Description:
Join Santa Claus as he lights the thirty-foot Christmas tree in Downtown Cape Girardeau. Enjoy Christmas music, fire pits, and local food vendors while celebrating the holiday season.
Where: Cape Girardeau | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting
Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light display along Broadway.
Description:
The Parade of Lights in Downtown Cape Girardeau features a festive procession of floats, horse-drawn carriages, and holiday decorations, culminating in a spectacular display of lights along Broadway.
Where: Cape Girardeau | More Info: Parade of Lights
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays in a historic botanical garden setting.
Description:
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden features over two million dazzling lights transforming the iconic garden into a rich display of mesmerizing installations and unforgettable moments.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live performances and fireworks.
Description:
The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights is a free family-friendly event in Kiener Plaza, featuring holiday performances, vendor booths, exhibits, photo ops with mascots, and a magical fireworks finale.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
U.S. Bank Wild Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo features new light displays, themed areas, and holiday treats. Visitors can stroll through the zoo grounds surrounded by twinkling lights, enjoy photo opportunities, and visit the Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Insectarium.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: U.S. Bank Wild Lights
North Pole Adventure
What to Expect:
Extensive Christmas light displays and family-friendly activities.
Description:
The North Pole Adventure at Shepherd of the Hills in Branson offers a festive holiday experience with thousands of Christmas lights, Santa's Workshop, and over 30 family activities including a hayride, ropes course, and mini golf.
Where: Branson | More Info: North Pole Adventure
Lights of Joy
What to Expect:
Synchronized LED light displays with various themed areas.
Description:
Lights of Joy is a drive-through Christmas light display featuring over 300 super bright, all-LED light displays. The attraction includes themed areas like Noah's ark, Santa Safari, and a forest of Christmas trees, making it a fun outing for all ages.
Where: Branson | More Info: Lights of Joy
Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
What to Expect:
Holiday light display with unique botanical garden settings.
Description:
The Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens transforms the botanical garden into a vibrant winter display with over 20 miles of lights. The event features a new path highlighting the iconic Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel and includes special exhibits like the Conservatory Snow Globe and Aliento Tequila Spirit Tequila exhibition. Visitors can stroll through lighted outdoor paths, enjoy festive photo stops, and participate in various activities such as Santa's Workshop and the Winter Sip Stroll Market.
Where: Kingsville | More Info: Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday light display designed by local organizations.
Description:
Celebration of Lights is a holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park in O'Fallon, Missouri. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses. The event attracts over 13,000 vehicles each year and more than 10,000 individuals during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll.
Where: O’Fallon | More Info: Celebration of Lights
Holiday Park and South Pole
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light displays with volunteer-created decorations.
Description:
Holiday Park and South Pole in St. Joseph, MO, feature beautifully lit entrances, drives, and decorations, including houses and Santa displays, created by volunteers and park employees. These winter displays are open nightly from 6-10 PM, weather permitting, through January 1.
Where: St. Joseph | More Info: Holiday Park and South Pole
The Trail of Lights
What to Expect:
Multi-colored animated displays in a 160-acre homestead.
Description:
The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills features millions of multi-colored Christmas lights and themed animated displays winding through the 160-acre homestead. This drive-thru attraction showcases a variety of holiday scenes, including Under the Sea and Santa & his Reindeer, making it a cherished Branson Christmas tradition.
Where: Branson | More Info: The Trail of Lights
Let there Be Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo features a two-mile drive-thru holiday light display with LED lights, zoo animals, and interactive exhibits like the Candyland Courtyard and Animal Adventures Building. Take photos with Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where: Branson | More Info: Let there Be Lights
Winter Magic
What to Expect:
Twice the lights in a stunning new Northland location.
Description:
Winter Magic in Kansas City features a dazzling one-mile drive with twice the lights, breathtaking light displays, and festive music, making it a standout holiday event.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Winter Magic
Cape Girardeau Holiday Markets and Shopping
Cape Girardeau Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Largest regional craft fair with over 300 unique handmade booths.
Description:
The Cape Girardeau Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza is a premier holiday event featuring over 300 unique handmade booths selling perfect gift items. This two-venue event, held at the Osage Center and Show Me Center, attracts artisans and crafters from across the Midwest.
Where: Cape Girardeau | More Info: Cape Girardeau Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza
Downtown Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Family-friendly event with holiday activities and local vendors.
Description:
Downtown Holiday Open House features children's activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, and holiday tunes at Vasterling Suites courtyard.
Where: Cape Girardeau | More Info: Downtown Holiday Open House
Small Business Saturday
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with bingo card stamps.
Description:
Celebrate Small Business Saturday by visiting participating downtown businesses and getting your bingo card stamped for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree.
Where: Cape Girardeau | More Info: Small Business Saturday
Columbia Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Exclusive shopping event with live music, private shopping, and delectable eats.
Description:
The Columbia Holiday Market is a four-day shopping event featuring over 160 merchants at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Attendees can enjoy Ladies Night Out, the Holiday Ball, and Sundaes with Santa, raising funds for the Junior League of Columbia's mission to strengthen the health and well-being of children and families in the Midlands.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Columbia Holiday Market
Lake Saint Louis Holiday Farmers and Artists Market
What to Expect:
Community-driven market with diverse local offerings.
Description:
The Lake Saint Louis Farmers and Artists Market is a vibrant community event featuring over 75 local vendors offering fresh farm products, tasty treats, and amazing art. Located at The Meadows shopping center, it takes place every Saturday from 8am to 12pm, rain or shine.
Where: Lake Saint Louis | More Info: Lake Saint Louis Holiday Farmers and Artists Market
Sunset Hills Indoor Flea Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with affordable table rentals.
Description:
The Sunset Hills Indoor Flea Market is an exciting event where thrift shoppers can find unique items and sellers can showcase their goods. The market offers a space to rent for $20, including one eight-foot table, and allows multiple tables to be reserved at the same rate. Sellers can set up their items the evening before or the day of the event.
Where: Sunset Hills | More Info: Sunset Hills Indoor Flea Market
Lindbergh Holiday House Tour and Boutique
What to Expect:
Tour unique homes and shop local vendors.
Description:
The Lindbergh Holiday House Tour and Boutique offers a unique opportunity to tour five beautifully decorated homes in the district while shopping from local crafters and vendors at the boutique held at Lindbergh High School.
Where: Saint Louis | More Info: Lindbergh Holiday House Tour and Boutique
Saint Charles Arts, Crafts and Vendor Fair
What to Expect:
Diverse array of local artisans and vendors.
Description:
The Saint Charles Arts, Crafts and Vendor Fair features over 250 booths showcasing unique handmade items, artisanal goods, and local vendors.
Where: Saint Charles | More Info: Saint Charles Arts, Crafts and Vendor Fair
Cape Girardeau Other Holiday Activities
St. Louis Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Heated igloos and ice skating under the Gateway Arch.
Description:
Winterfest at the Gateway Arch features ice skating, s'mores stations, and heated igloos under 100,000 twinkling lights. The event includes try hockey, visits from princesses and superheroes, and a family-friendly New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular.
Where: Saint Louis | More Info: St. Louis Christmas Market
Gateway Arch Park Winterfest
What to Expect:
Ice skating and festive activities under the Gateway Arch.
Description:
Winterfest at the Gateway Arch Park features ice skating, s'mores stations, and heated igloos under 100,000 twinkling lights. Enjoy St. Louis Blues try hockey, visits from princesses and superheroes, and a family-friendly New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Gateway Arch Park Winterfest
Victorian Festival of Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Victorian-era holiday activities in historic downtown Hannibal.
Description:
The Victorian Festival of Christmas in Hannibal, MO, transforms downtown into a holiday celebration with horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and visits with Santa. Enjoy Small Business Saturday, the Hannibal Jaycees Christmas Parade, and Living Windows in the downtown shops.
Where: Hannibal | More Info: Victorian Festival of Christmas
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
What to Expect:
Lantern festival with seasonal-themed displays and family-friendly activities.
Description:
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium features a one-mile path of intricate lighted sculptures, including dinosaurs, Atlantis, and fairy gardens, crafted by 151 artisans using over 34 tons of steel and 89,000 feet of fabric. The event includes special entertainment, food options, and activities like hayrides and pumpkin decorating.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
What to Expect:
Blending storytelling, history, and fairy tale whimsy in a festive celebration.
Description:
St. Charles Christmas Traditions is a festive celebration blending storytelling, history, and fairy tale whimsy. Guests are welcomed into a world of yuletide nostalgia and fantasy where reindeer fly, sugarplums dance, and international ambassadors share unique holiday customs. The event features a holiday feast for all senses, including genuine hot-roasted chestnuts, pageantry, and timeless Christmas melodies sung by Victorian carolers. Main Street is transformed into a festive district with well-worn character of centuries-old bricks underfoot. The festival includes unique displays like "Oh Christmas Tree Evolution" and the "Holiday Food Hall of Fame," offering endless opportunities to find the perfect gift. Wednesday evenings feature a Dickensian affair with "A Christmas Carol Stroll," transforming Main Street into foggy 1840s London.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: St. Charles Christmas Traditions
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Carbondale (33 miles)