It’s Not Christmas In Missouri Until You Do These 11 Enchanting Things

If you didn't take part in these holiday favorites, then did Christmas ever really happen? But all jokes aside, each and every one of these festive traditions are definitely worth checking out during the holiday season. It may even lighten up the Scrooge in your group and bring out the holiday spirit in them.

1. Take a ride on the Polar Express

Relive the classic holiday tale on this fun, family-friendly train ride that departs and returns in Branson.

Address:

206 E Main St.

Branson, MO 65616

2. Shop under the lights at Country Club Plaza

With more than 150 stores to shop at, you're bound to find the perfect gift for that special someone while you Christmas shop. And the dazzling Christmas lights are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

Address:

4750 Broadway Blvd,.

Kansas City, MO 64112

3. Take a horse drawn carriage ride

Roll through Historic St. Charles in style, by taking a ride on one of the carriages decked out in holiday decor. The Centennial Carriage service is based in Wentzville, so be sure to call them ahead at 636-398-4123 for information regarding the St. Charles night tours.

Address:

875 Foristell Rd.

Wentzville, MO 63385

4. Sled, tube, ski or snowboard at Snow Creek

Whether you're a competitive skier or just looking to sled down some slopes, Snow Creek in Weston has got you covered.

Address:

1 Snow Creek Drive Weston, MO 64098

5. Participate in the most delicious Christmas Cookie Walk

Visitors can purchase a cookbook with cookie recipes at the visitor center, then go from shop to shop and get a free cookie from each store. This annual holiday favorite takes place from December 2nd-4th in downtown Kimmswick.

Address:

Kimmswick Visitor Center

314 Market Street

Kimmswick, MO 63053

6. Ice skate with friends and family

The Crown Center ice rink in downtown Kansas City stays open until mid March, so you'll have lots of time to enjoy some ice skating. Admission is $8, but on Tuesdays, it's buy one, get one free, so feel free to bring a friend!

Address:

Crown Center

2450 Grand Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64108

7. Catch a Christmas play

Watch "A Christmas Carol" on stage at the historic Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

Address:

114 High St.

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

8. Watch the Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade at Silver Dollar City

Regionally known as one of the best Christmas lights display in the country, Silver Dollar City in Branson is the place to go to catch the best Christmas parade in the state. It's so popular, that it takes place two times each evening, up until December 30th.

Address:

399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy.

Branson, MO 65616

9. Choose your own Christmas tree

Sure, you can always buy a fake tree at the store to use each year, but there's something nostalgic about chopping down your own tree, loading it up on the car and then setting it up at home as the fresh pine permeates throughout the house. If this sounds like your kind of Christmas, then head over to Ozark Valley Christmas Trees to pick out your special tree.

Address:

1161 Manning Rd.

Southwest City, MO 64863

10. Visit the North Pole

Is the North Pole really in...Missouri? Well, at least a close replica to the actual real thing is. Celebrate the holidays at Union Station in St. Louis where you can explore the North Pole and meet Santa.

Address:

1820 Market St.

St. Louis, MO 63103

11. Sip on the most delicious hot cocoa at Christopher Elbow's

If you didn't know now, Christopher Elbow in Kansas City makes the best chocolate in Missouri. So it should be no surprise that this artisan chocolatier serves up the tastiest hot cocoa in town!

Address:

1819 McGee St. Kansas City, MO 64108

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions in Missouri? Let us know in the comment section!