The holidays are a busy time of year with gift-giving, decorating, and spending time with family and friends. There are so many ways to celebrate this time of year, and you might not know everything that your city does during the holidays.
Columbia, Missouri has many holiday events, local shops to get gifts, delicious bars and restaurants, and close Christmas tree farms that will fill your holiday season with festive cheer. Want to know the best places to get your holiday game on? Read on! It’s our 2017 ultimate guide to holiday fun in Columbia, MO!
Our Favorite Holiday Shows and Events in Columbia, MO
Columbia hosts a ton of holiday activities that everyone can enjoy. Whether you like holiday markets, watching shows, seeing light displays, or learning about Christmas history, Columbia has you covered.
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church Christmas Bazaar. Visit the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Christmas Bazaar on Friday December 1 from 3-7pm and Saturday from 8-3pm.
- Living Windows Festival. On December 1 from 6-8pm, you can see the living window displays in “The District” (Downtown Columbia). Many businesses decorate windows for the holidays. The festival will also have live performances, shopping, Santa, and more.
- The “Wish Tree” Lighting. A half hour away in Fulton, MO, you can attend the 4th Annual Wish Tree Lighting in Veteran’s Park. The tree will have more than 10,000 LED lights, and you can leave a holiday wish in the Wish Box.
- Calvary Episcopal Bazaar. On Saturday, December 2, visit the Cavalry St. Nicholas Bazaar. You will find many interesting items, like their hand-sewn Cavalry Church Mice, and handmade crafts. Breakfast will be available, too. All proceeds will benefit local charities.
- Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade. On Saturday, December 15 at 7pm, farmers from around Centralia decorate tractors for the holidays with lights.
- Bass Pro Photos with Santa. For those with a Bass Pass, they can get a free photo with Santa in December 3-23 from 10am-8pm.
- Caroling for Cocktails and Cash. Another fun activity Rocheport, MO is on December 2 at 2pm. Competing groups aim to be the best caroling prize. As you go to different shops, you sing for a cocktail.
- The Nutcracker. The University of Missouri is hosting The Great Russian Nutcracker on December 4, 2017 at Jesse Auditorium. You can see the classic Christmas story on the stage with professional dancers and get into the holiday spirit.
- Holiday Lights and Sights Tour. On Friday, December 8 from 6:15-7:30pm or 7:45-9pm, climb aboard a Parks and Recreation minibus and see all the beautiful lights the city has to offer.
- A Christmas Carol. One of the most famous Christmas tales is coming to the stage a half hour from Columbia. From December 13-23, the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater will show a Christmas Carol.
- Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert. On December 3, the Columbia Community Band will perform their holiday concert at 4pm at Hickman High School.
- A March Family Christmas. Celebrate the Christmas season with this annual Victorian event on December 3-6. Enjoy the Christmas carols, dancing, and treats.
- Boonville MO Historic Home Tour. A half hour drive from Columbia in Boonville, you can attend their holiday event that includes a holiday market, tours of historical tours, Frosty Fun Fest, and more.
- Clydesdale Ranch Light Show. Nightly light show at Warm Springs Ranch– home of the beautiful Budweiser Clydesdale horses!
Where to Get Great Christmas Gifts in Columbia, MO
While your list of people to get gifts for might be long, it won’t take much time for you to find a perfect gift for everyone.
- Addie Jane Originals. Want to give someone a beautiful floral arrangement? This is the place for you. There’s also a custom flower design option.
- Upscale Resale in Columbia. You’ll probably find more than one gift here. You can find clothing, home goods, accessories, books, music, and more.
- The Columbia Goodwill. Check out this store to find fun holiday apparel and inexpensive gifts if you’re on a budget this holiday season.
- The Southern Rose. Buying for someone who loves monograms? Southern Rose offers apparel and accessories meant for monogramming.
- Calhoun’s. This trendy gift shop has something for everyone. From accessories, to candles, and other gifts, you’ll be able to cross some names off your to-do list here.
- The Candy Factory. Know a chocolate lover? Get them something delicious from the Candy Factory.
- Tallulahs. Looking for a store that sells quality kitchen, tabletop, and home goods? See all that Tallulahs has to offer.
- Glossy Goat in Centralia, MO. The Glossy Goat has unique clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more. They carry items for children, too.
- Stockton Mercantile in Rocheport. This place is great if you’re looking for home décor, collectibles and antiques.
Our Favorite Columbia, MO Bars and Restaurants for Holiday Cheer
If you need a break from holiday shopping or want to go out with some friends, Columbia has many local bars and restaurants you can visit. Here are just a few:
- Barred Owl. For fresh, local ingredients and a seasonal menu, the Barred Owl Butcher & Table is the place to go. Their bar has an extensive list of liquor, wine, and beer.
- Sycamore. Seasonal drinks and delicious local food make this restaurant a must- visit.
- CC City Broilers. Quality beef and excellent service put this steakhouse at the top of the list for any meat-lover.
- Flyover. This restaurant serves small-plate foods to encourage people to share, talk, and enjoy themselves.
- Murry’s. Come here for excellent food and jazz music.
- Shortwave Coffee. Need a quick cup of coffee? Stop by Shortwave for a quality, hot cup of refreshing coffee.
Where to Get Fresh Cut Christmas Trees in Columbia
Picking our a Christmas tree and cutting it down yourself is a fun tradition that many people look forward to. Luckily, Columbia has plenty of farms to get the best Christmas tree for the season.
- Hinkson Creek Tree Farm. A short 11-minute drive away from Columbia is Hinkson Creek Tree Farm. You can choose and cut your Christmas tree.
- Starr Pines. This farm is a half hour away. They offer an enjoyable experience. Along with finding your Christmas tree, you can go on a hay ride, have some free hot spiced cider, and see their donkeys and chickens.
- Timber View Tree Farm. 20 minutes away from Columbia is a farm that has beautiful choose and cut Christmas trees, and make wreaths as well.
Happy Holidays from Thomas Law Offices
Thomas Law Offices hopes that you make the most of the holiday season and enjoy everything happening in Columbia. Take time to see some holiday lights, a show, or take a historic tour. You won’t regret it.
We wish you a happy holiday season and new year.