Experience the thrill of the festive season in Columbia! Our guide has all the exciting holiday events. From those who know Columbia's secrets to those eager to uncover them, our guide reveals festive treasures.
This holiday season, explore the enchanting Winter Wonderland Garden of Lights at Shelter Insurance, where a dazzling array of light displays illuminate the garden. Another highlight includes the Hallsville Fairgrounds' Festival of Trees, showcasing beautifully decorated trees that bring joy to all visitors. And the Bright Lights Holiday Nights at Veterans United is something you definitely don't want to miss for its vibrant atmosphere and seasonal cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Columbia
- Bright Lights Holiday Nights – Veterans United
- Winter Wonderland Garden of Lights – Shelter Insurance
- Bright Night Christmas Parade
- Winter Miracle: A Missouri Christmas
- Hallsville Fairgrounds: Festival of Trees (Hallsville)
- WinterFest (Festus)
- Christmas With The Big Bang Brass Quintet
- 16th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade (Centralia)
- Christmas at Collins House and Light Up Parade
- Special Screening: The Muppets’ Christmas Carol
See these and even more events listed below!
Columbia Holiday Light Displays
Bright Lights Holiday Nights – Veterans United
What to Expect:
One-mile drive-through holiday light display with no stopping.
Description:
Bright Lights Holiday Nights – Veterans United is a free drive-through holiday light display featuring a one-mile route around the business location, open from 7:00 to 10:30 p.m. each night from December 5 to 17. The event is staffed by the Columbia Police Department to manage traffic flow, and attendees are not allowed to stop or exit their vehicles.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Bright Lights Holiday Nights – Veterans United
Winter Wonderland Garden of Lights – Shelter Insurance
What to Expect:
Holiday light display in a five-acre garden setting.
Description:
The Shelter Insurance Winter Wonderland Garden of Lights features beautifully lit holiday scenes and festive decorations in the award-winning Shelter Gardens.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Winter Wonderland Garden of Lights – Shelter Insurance
Hallsville Fairgrounds: Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Unique holiday event with beautifully decorated trees and festive activities.
Description:
Hallsville Fairgrounds: Festival of Trees is an annual event featuring beautifully decorated trees, festive decorations, and holiday activities.
Where: Hallsville | More Info: Hallsville Fairgrounds: Festival of Trees
16th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade
What to Expect:
Unique tractor light display in a small-town setting.
Description:
The 16th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade in Centralia, MO, features illuminated tractors and festive floats making their way through the downtown area, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Where: Centralia | More Info: 16th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade
Santa’s Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday craft-making for kids.
Description:
At Santa’s Workshop, kids can create their own holiday crafts in the MUSC Health Conference Room at Segra Park. Each night, they can make their very own holiday craft under the twinkling lights of Fireflies Holiday Lights.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Santa’s Workshop
Bright Night Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Santa's grand appearance in a festive holiday lighting parade.
Description:
The Bright Night Christmas Parade in Columbia, IL, features a Christmas-themed parade with festive holiday lighting, running from Temple Street to Cherry Street. After the parade, attendees can enjoy warm food and drinks at Turner Hall, where Santa will visit children and there will be activities like balloon artists and face painting.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Bright Night Christmas Parade
Christmas at Collins House and Light Up Parade
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with festive lights and activities.
Description:
The Christmas at Collins House and Light Up Parade features an evening holiday light-up parade through Uptown Collinsville, ending with festivities at the Historical Collins House. The event includes food and drink specials from participating Uptown restaurants, a Window Display Contest, a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, bonfires with s'mores, and various family-friendly activities.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Christmas at Collins House and Light Up Parade
Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with local 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, and a magical fireworks finale.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
Celebration of Lights- Fort Zumwalt Park
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday light display with local organization involvement.
Description:
Celebration of Lights at Fort Zumwalt Park features a holiday light display designed and funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses. The event attracts over 13,000 vehicles each year and offers various specialty rides, including tractor-pulled hayrides and City trains.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Celebration of Lights- Fort Zumwalt Park
Holiday Night Lights- Wentzville
What to Expect:
One-mile drive-thru light display with commercial scenes and Santa visits.
Description:
Holiday Night Lights in Wentzville features a one-mile drive-thru light display, 5K run, fun run, and walk-thru event with Santa visits, sleigh hayrides, and carolers.
Where: Wentzville | More Info: Holiday Night Lights- Wentzville
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays- City Museum
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday light displays and festive activities.
Description:
City Museum transforms into a holiday paradise with dazzling light displays, visits with Santa, specialty drinks and eats, and holiday-themed activities.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Weirdly Wonderful Holidays- City Museum
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with new light displays and themed areas.
Description:
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo features dazzling holiday displays, themed areas, and lights galore. The event includes new displays, twinkling light tunnels, and various attractions like Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
The 2024 Grove Of Lights: A Holiday Experience
What to Expect:
Dripping lights in large and small pavilions.
Description:
The 2024 Grove Of Lights is a reimagined holiday celebration featuring lights draped over trees in large and small pavilions. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, s'mores, face painting, visits with Santa, kids' zone activities, shopping at vendor markets, and holiday drinks at the Lost Hill Lake bar. The event also includes a charity toy drive and numerous photo opportunities.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The 2024 Grove Of Lights: A Holiday Experience
Columbia Holiday Markets and Shopping
Horse-Drawn Carriages
What to Expect:
Nostalgic horse-drawn carriage rides through a historic arts district.
Description:
Horse-drawn carriages offer a nostalgic and charming way to explore the North Village Arts District, passing by Fretboard Coffee and Wishflour Bakery.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Horse-Drawn Carriages
Kimmswick Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Celebrating local merchants and unique businesses.
Description:
The Kimmswick Christmas Festival is a cherished annual tradition celebrating the holiday season with historic buildings adorned in festive decorations, joyous melodies from carolers, and the warm glow of luminaries. Meet Santa Claus and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit in Kimmswick's picturesque setting.
Where: Kimmswick | More Info: Kimmswick Christmas Festival
Columbia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Miracle: A Missouri Christmas
What to Expect:
Multi-choir performance with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra.
Description:
Winter Miracle: A Missouri Christmas brings together several choirs and the Missouri Symphony Orchestra for a holiday concert featuring both seasonal favorites and new works.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Winter Miracle: A Missouri Christmas
Christmas With The Big Bang Brass Quintet
What to Expect:
World-class brass quintet performance with diverse repertoire.
Description:
Boston Brass and the Brass All-Stars Big Band present a unique musical experience featuring colorful classical arrangements and burning jazz standards, blending classical formality with boisterous fun.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Christmas With The Big Bang Brass Quintet
Holiday Market at Rose Music Hall
What to Expect:
Diverse lineup of local and national acts in an intimate setting.
Description:
Rose Music Hall hosts a variety of live music events, featuring local and national acts in an intimate setting. The venue offers a diverse range of genres, from indie rock to electronic music, ensuring there is something for every musical taste.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Holiday Market at Rose Music Hall
Special Screening: The Muppets’ Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed screening with live carolers and decorated lobby.
Description:
Join us for a special screening of The Muppets’ Christmas Carol, featuring the beloved characters in a holiday classic. Explore the decorated lobby, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy live carolers before the show. The event includes free hot cocoa and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Special Screening: The Muppets’ Christmas Carol
Meet the Grinch
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly holiday event with ASL interpretation and assistive tools.
Description:
Meet the Grinch in a sensory-friendly environment designed for guests who benefit from quieter, disability-adapted experiences. Enjoy character meet-and-greets, sensory shows, and open exploration of museum exhibitions with ASL interpretation and assistive tools available.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Meet the Grinch
The Nutcracker- Dance Center of Kirkwood
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet at Dance Center of Kirkwood features over 50 local, classically trained dancers in a stunning production with colorful costumes and breathtaking music, making it a true holiday tradition.
Where: Kirkwood | More Info: The Nutcracker- Dance Center of Kirkwood
The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with professional and student dancers.
Description:
The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center features a classic ballet performance by the Saint Louis Ballet, with a cast including professional dancers and students from the School of Saint Louis Ballet. The show is a beloved holiday tradition, bringing to life the story of Clara and her adventures with the Nutcracker doll.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center
The Nutcracker - A Shorter Tale
What to Expect:
Abridged ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
This abridged version of Saint Louis Ballet's The Nutcracker is a one-hour narrated performance designed for younger audiences and those with limited attention spans. It features the same sets, costumes, special effects, and glorious dancing as the full-length presentations, making it ideal for holiday field trips.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Nutcracker - A Shorter Tale
A Traditional Christmas Carol- Florissant Performing Arts Center
What to Expect:
Heartwarming adaptation of Dickens' classic tale.
Description:
A Traditional Christmas Carol at the Florissant Performing Arts Center brings Charles Dickens' timeless tale to life with heartwarming redemption and classic characters.
Where: Florissant | More Info: A Traditional Christmas Carol- Florissant Performing Arts Center
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
What to Expect:
World-class illusionists performing sophisticated magic acts.
Description:
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays is a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions, dazzling audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
Nutcracker on Ice- Webster Groves Ice Arena
What to Expect:
Figure-skating performance with a canned food drive benefiting the St. Louis region.
Description:
Nutcracker on Ice is a holiday tradition featuring a full cast of figure-skating favorites performing at Webster Groves Ice Arena. The event includes two shows on Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, with advance tickets available for $20 starting November 18.
Where: Webster Groves | More Info: Nutcracker on Ice- Webster Groves Ice Arena
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet features an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, perfect for families of all ages.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Columbia Other Holiday Activities
WinterFest
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with community involvement.
Description:
WinterFest in Festus, MO, features a full day of activities including Breakfast with Santa, craft and food vendors, face painting, balloon twisting, ice skating, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, and a decorated cookie challenge with age-specific divisions.
Where: Festus | More Info: WinterFest
Holiday Historic House Tour
What to Expect:
Historic homes showcasing diverse holiday decorations and traditions.
Description:
Explore historic homes in St. Louis, each decorated to reflect different eras and holiday traditions, offering a glimpse into how holidays were celebrated throughout the area.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Holiday Historic House Tour
Christmas Candlelight- The Historic Daniel Boone Home
What to Expect:
Immersive historical Christmas celebration with period decorations and activities.
Description:
Step back into the early 19th century at the Historic Daniel Boone Home for a Christmas Candlelight Walk. Explore period decorations, learn about different cultures and traditions, and enjoy stories, music, and hot cider while experiencing Christkindlemarkt.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Christmas Candlelight- The Historic Daniel Boone Home
Sleigh Rides at Rotary Park
What to Expect:
Tractor-pulled hayride through Holiday Night Lights.
Description:
Sleigh Hayrides at Rotary Park offer a wintertime, tractor-pulled hayride through beautiful Rotary Park to tour the breathtaking Holiday Night Lights. Sip hot chocolate, munch on cookies, and listen to holiday music while sitting around a bonfire. The hayride holds a maximum of 25 people, including lap children, and is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Sleigh Rides at Rotary Park
A Spirited Holiday Past
What to Expect:
Historical mansion tour with Victorian Christmas decorations and Santa House.
Description:
Explore 25 historic homes and museums as they present a tour of a holiday past. Enjoy the Victorian, Christmas finery of the Oakland House, with docents giving tours and a Santa House on the first floor.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: A Spirited Holiday Past
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Jefferson City (27 miles)