Step into the magical holiday season in Columbia, MO, where festive events bring cheer to both locals and visitors. The downtown area comes alive during Living Windows, featuring animated storefronts and captivating live performances. Revel in the breathtaking brilliance of the Magic Tree Lighting, where over 200,000 lights adorn a single tree, creating a mesmerizing display.
Don't miss out on Columbia’s Christmas Parade, a delightful tradition filled with colorful floats and marching bands. Whether you're strolling, gazing, or cheering, Columbia offers a magical experience for everyone this Christmas!
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The Top Christmas Events in Columbia
- Living Windows
- Magic Tree Lighting
- Santa Pancake Breakfast
- Nutcracker Ballet
- Holiday Market
- Snowball Dance
- Holiday Concert
- Gingerbread House Display
- Holiday Film Series
- Santa’s Wonderland
Columbia Holiday Light Displays
Magic Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
A single tree adorned with over 200,000 lights
Description:
The Magic Tree Lighting ceremony illuminates Columbia's winter nights with breathtaking brilliance. A single tree, adorned with over 200,000 lights, bursts into a dazzling display of color. This beloved tradition began in 1995 when a local resident started decorating a crabapple tree in his front yard. Now, the event draws thousands of visitors annually. Witness the moment when the switch is flipped, bathing the area in a warm glow. The tree's twinkling lights create a mesmerizing backdrop for holiday photos.
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Columbia Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Showcases handmade goods from local artisans and craftspeople
Description:
Columbia's Holiday Market spotlights the talents of local artisans and craftspeople, offering a treasure trove of unique, handmade gifts. This bustling marketplace transforms the downtown area into a hub of creativity and commerce. Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more, each item imbued with the skill and passion of its creator. The market has been supporting local artists for over 15 years, fostering a strong sense of community. Browse the stalls and chat with the makers themselves, learning the stories behind their creations.
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Columbia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local dancers perform alongside professional guest artists
Description:
Columbia's Nutcracker Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's timeless classic to life with a unique local twist. This production blends the talents of community dancers with professional guest artists, creating a performance that's both polished and deeply rooted in local culture. The elaborate costumes and set designs transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. This annual tradition has been enchanting Columbia audiences for over three decades. Watch in awe as the dancers gracefully pirouette and leap across the stage, bringing the beloved holiday story to life.
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Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Collaborative performance featuring multiple local music groups
Description:
Columbia's Holiday Concert unites the city's diverse musical talents in a harmonious celebration of the season. This unique collaboration brings together choirs, orchestras, and bands from across the community, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The concert showcases a wide range of musical styles, from classical carols to contemporary holiday hits. This annual event has been fostering musical cooperation in Columbia for over three decades. Listen in awe as hundreds of voices and instruments blend in perfect harmony, filling the concert hall with joyous melodies.
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Holiday Film Series
What to Expect:
Screenings of classic and contemporary holiday films in a historic theater
Description:
The Holiday Film Series revives beloved Christmas classics and introduces new favorites in the grand setting of a historic theater. This cinematic celebration showcases a carefully curated selection of films, from timeless black-and-white masterpieces to modern holiday hits. The ornate surroundings of the theater, which dates back to the 1920s, add to the nostalgic atmosphere. Settle into a plush velvet seat and lose yourself in the magic of the silver screen. Between screenings, film historians offer insights into the cultural impact and behind-the-scenes stories of these holiday favorites.
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Columbia Other Holiday Activities
Living Windows
What to Expect:
Interactive storefront displays with live performers
Description:
Columbia's downtown transforms into a living storybook during Living Windows. Local businesses animate their storefronts with live performers, creating a unique street theater experience. Stroll down the illuminated streets and witness whimsical scenes unfold before your eyes. This tradition dates back to the 1980s, showcasing the creativity of local artists and performers. You can vote for your favorite display, adding an interactive element to the evening. The sound of carolers fills the air as you explore this one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle.
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Santa Pancake Breakfast
What to Expect:
All-you-can-eat pancakes served by Santa and his elves
Description:
The Santa Pancake Breakfast serves up a hearty helping of holiday cheer alongside stacks of fluffy flapjacks. This unique event features Santa and his elves as your personal wait staff, delivering all-you-can-eat pancakes to eager diners. The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast fills the air as families gather for this beloved Columbia tradition. Snap a photo with Santa between bites, creating lasting memories. This event has been raising funds for local charities for over two decades, combining holiday fun with community giving.
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Snowball Dance
What to Expect:
Formal winter dance for adults with live big band music
Description:
The Snowball Dance whisks you away to a bygone era of elegance and romance. This formal winter dance for adults features live big band music, filling the ballroom with the swinging sounds of the 1940s and 50s. Couples twirl across the dance floor, their formal attire adding to the glamorous atmosphere. The event, inspired by USO dances of World War II, has been a Columbia tradition for over 25 years. Put on your dancing shoes and join in a foxtrot or waltz, or simply enjoy the nostalgic ambiance of this sophisticated soirée.
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Gingerbread House Display
What to Expect:
Competitive exhibition of elaborate gingerbread creations
Description:
The Gingerbread House Display transforms confectionery creations into miniature works of art. Local bakers and amateur architects compete to construct the most impressive and innovative gingerbread structures, ranging from quaint cottages to elaborate replicas of famous buildings. This sweet-smelling exhibition showcases the incredible skill and creativity of Columbia's culinary artists. The tradition of gingerbread house making dates back to 16th century Germany. Marvel at the intricate details and imaginative designs, each crafted entirely from edible materials.
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Santa’s Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed play area for children
Description:
Santa's Wonderland transforms a local venue into a North Pole-inspired playground for children. This interactive space features a variety of holiday-themed activities, from cookie decorating to toy-making workshops. The laughter of excited children fills the air as they explore the various stations. This event, which began as a small community gathering, has grown into a beloved Columbia tradition over the past 15 years. Kids can write letters to Santa, navigate a mini obstacle course, or create their own holiday crafts, all under the watchful eye of Santa's helpful elves.
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Nearby Events
Christmas Parade (Fulton)
What to Expect:
Parade route through historic downtown Columbia
Description:
Columbia's Christmas Parade marches through the heart of the historic downtown, bringing holiday cheer to spectators of all ages. Colorful floats, marching bands, and costumed characters wind their way through streets lined with century-old buildings. This annual tradition has been a staple of Columbia's holiday season for over 40 years. Wave to Santa as he makes his grand appearance atop a festively decorated float. The parade route offers a unique perspective on the city's architectural heritage, blending holiday spirit with local history.
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Holiday Homes Tour (Jefferson City)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
The Holiday Homes Tour opens the doors to some of Columbia's most stunning historic residences, each adorned in its holiday finest. This self-guided journey through time allows you to explore the unique architectural styles and holiday traditions of different eras. Marvel at the intricate decorations that bring each home to life for the season. The tour, which began in the 1960s, supports local preservation efforts. As you wander through these beautifully preserved homes, you'll gain insight into Columbia's rich architectural heritage and holiday customs of the past.
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Candy Cane Crib Christmas Show (Boonville)
What to Expect:
Elaborate holiday displays created by local interior designers
Description:
The Candy Cane Crib Christmas Show transforms ordinary homes into extraordinary holiday showcases. Local interior designers compete to create the most impressive and innovative holiday displays, pushing the boundaries of traditional decor. Each room becomes a canvas for festive creativity, featuring unique themes and color schemes. This event, now in its tenth year, has become a source of inspiration for home decorators across the region. Explore the elaborately decorated spaces and vote for your favorite design, influencing the outcome of this friendly competition.
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Candy Cane Crib Christmas Show
Christmas at the Capitol (Jefferson City)
What to Expect:
Holiday decorations and performances in the historic State Capitol building
Description:
Christmas at the Capitol brings holiday cheer to the halls of Missouri's seat of government. The historic State Capitol building, with its stunning architecture, serves as a grand backdrop for festive decorations and performances. Choirs and musicians fill the rotunda with the sounds of the season, their voices echoing through the marble halls. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century, blending holiday spirit with civic pride. Admire the towering Christmas tree adorned with ornaments representing Missouri's diverse regions and cultures.
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Christmas Cruise (Lake of the Ozarks)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed boat tour on the Missouri River
Description:
The Christmas Cruise offers a unique perspective on holiday lights from the waters of the Missouri River. This festive boat tour glides along the riverbank, providing stunning views of illuminated landscapes and riverside decorations. The gentle lapping of water against the hull creates a soothing backdrop to the twinkling lights. This event pays homage to the river's historical importance in Columbia's development. Bundle up and enjoy hot cocoa on deck as you cruise past scenic vistas adorned with holiday cheer, creating memories that will last long after the journey ends.
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Live Nativity (Centralia)
What to Expect:
Interactive reenactment of the Nativity story with live animals
Description:
Columbia's Live Nativity brings the story of Christmas to life with a vivid, interactive reenactment. This immersive experience features costumed actors and live animals, transporting visitors to ancient Bethlehem. The gentle bleating of sheep and the soft glow of lanterns create an authentic atmosphere. This tradition has been a part of Columbia's holiday celebrations for over 50 years. Walk through the carefully constructed scenes, engaging with the characters and learning about the historical context of the Nativity story.