7 Christmas Towns In Missouri That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer
By Beth Price-Williams|Published November 08, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Christmastime brings so many magical moments as we stroll along snowy sidewalks, past twinkling lights from shop windows, and don’t forget that tinge of childhood excitement that wells up when we get that first glimpse of jolly old St. Nick. With all there is to do all season long, we have to carefully allot our time so we can fit all of it – events, activities, spending time with friends and family, cooking, baking, and shopping – in. Carve out at least a day this holiday season to visit one of the best Christmas towns in Missouri.
Climb aboard an old-fashioned carriage ride for a journey through the enchanting Christmas town of Hannibal. Mark Twain's boyhood town hosts one of the best Christmas festivals in Missouri each year. The Victorian Festival of Christmas runs on select days throughout the holiday season and features a full menu of family-friendly events, including visits with Santa, a festival of trees, horse-drawn carriage rides, and living windows.
One of the best places to go for Christmas in Missouri, Hermann transforms into a wonderland during the holiday season. Celebrate the season with such fun, family-friendly activities as the Hermann Cookie Walk, Sunday with Santa, the Holiday House Tour, and Kristkindl Markt at Stone Hill. You'll find some of the best things to do for Christmas in Missouri right here in this darling small town.
Christmas in Washington kicks off with the annual Olde Fashioned Christmas in Washington, a daylong event held at the end of November. Set for Nov. 26, 2023, the family-friendly event features a full menu of holiday activities - roasting marshmallows, face painting, cookie decorating, and photos with reindeer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to hear the little ones' wishes on one of the most festive days of the season in Washington.
December officially signals the start of the Christmas season in Warrensburg. Stand along the parade route for the Holiday Parade on Dec. 1, 2023, then stop back for A Dickens' Christmas, one of the best Christmas festivals in Missouri, on Dec. 2. Even if you can't make it to town for the festivities, carve out some time during the season to go Christmas shopping, indulge in a delicious meal, and admire the decorations.
With all of the Christmas activities in Branson, you might want to make your visit a weekend getaway. Stop by Silver Dollar City for its Old Time Christmas Festival; drive through local Christmas light displays like the Trail of Lights hosted by Shepherd of the Hills, and climb aboard the Polar Express with the Branson Scenic Railway. A few hours in town, and you'll begin to see why Branson just might be the Christmas capital of Missouri.
Journey back through the pages of time with a visit to St. Charles. The enchanting town hosts the annual Christmas Traditions on select days from the end of November through Christmas Eve. Explore the historic downtown, where you can meet and take photos with Santa, get in the Christmas spirit as carolers serenade you, and treat yourself to roasted chestnuts.
Soak up the splendor of the Christmas season with a visit to Independence. Join a tour of one of the area's historic mansions, all decked out for the holidays, including Vaile Mansion. Awash in Christmas lights, Independence is also an idyllic Christmas destination for shopping for gifts and dining out.
What are your favorite Christmas towns in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! On the hunt for more wintertime fun? Add these 12 unforgettable places in Missouri that belong on your winter bucket list.
Now that you’re in the holiday spirit, it’s never too early or late to decorate or add to your Christmas decor.
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