Last updated: November 11, 2024
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!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
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
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
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