Celebrate The Season With The Ultimate Christmastime Bucket List In Missouri
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Christmastime is here, which means we’ve got a ton to do – from shopping and cooking to making memories with family and friends. The days are short, so we’ve really got to pack in as much as we can when we can. If you’re unsure what you will do this holiday season, consider trying one, two, or all of the activities/events that definitely belong to your Christmas bucket list in Missouri.
1. Spend an evening at Silver Dollar City.
Branson, MO 65616, USA
Celebrate an Old-Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City in Branson. The annual holiday event, which runs through the end of December, is sure to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. Stroll through the park that’s illuminated by more than 6.5 million twinkling lights, climb aboard some of your favorite summertime rides, and indulge in seasonal goodies. You might also want to catch one of the more than 30 live shows that are put on each day. Plan your trip with a visit to the Silver Dollar City website, because this spot belongs on your MO Christmas bucket list!
2. Sip a drink and have a meal at Miracle Pop-Up Bar.
Kansas City, MO, USA
Miracle Pop-Up Bar boasts three locations in Kansas City, and you can visit during the adults-only time, or you can bring the kiddos along if you’re going before 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required for the pop-up bar that serves both holiday-themed drinks and a limited menu of such delicious dishes as pizza, tater tots, and meatballs. It’s the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Missouri.
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3. Stroll through the Saint Louis Zoo.
Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
The zoo isn’t just for the summertime. In fact, the Saint Louis Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season. The U.S. Bank Wild Lights Experience features countless twinkling lights, light displays, and selfie spots. You’ll need timed tickets for your visit to the zoo. Make sure to put this on your list for your Christmas vacation in Missouri !
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4. Drive through the Celebration of Lights in O’Fallon
Fort Zumwalt Park, 1000 Jessup Dr W, O'Fallon, MO 63366, USA
Pile the whole family into the car for a leisurely drive through Fort Zumwalt Park in O’Fallon for its annual Celebration of Lights. The magnificent drive-thru light display stretches for one mile of sparkling lights. If you’d prefer to sit back and let someone else do the driving, reserve one of the horse-drawn carriages for a ride around the park. Put this on your list of things to do in Missouri for Christmas!
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5. Marvel at the longest light tunnel in the Midwest.
Winter Magic, 1800 Cliff Dr, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
Did you know that the longest light tunnel in the Midwest is right here in Missouri? Yep, Winter Magic at Swope Park in Kansas City lays claim to the longest light tunnel, definitely making it a bucket list-worthy destination. The light display boasts fun animated lights, and you can even purchase goodies – warm apple cider and kettle corn, for example – right from your car. Put this drive-thru on your Christmas bucket list.
6. Stop by Lot of Lights in St. Charles.
Saint Charles, St Charles, MO, USA
You’ve never quite been to a holiday light display like Lot of Lights in St. Charles, a Christmas event that stretches 1.5 miles. You’ll find all of the classic holiday cheer – twinkling lights and animated light displays. However, the drive-thru light show also features lasers (and an entire laser tunnel) and holograms. It lays claim to the world’s only laser light tunnel! Find out how to get tickets to Lot of Lights.
7. Enjoy a delicious meal in an igloo in Springfield.
Vantage Rooftop Lounge and Conservatory, 260 E McDaniel St, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
The good news about this bucket list entry is you have several months throughout the winter to make a reservation for one of the heated igloos. Can you imagine, however, how pretty the Springfield skyline will be, from atop the rooftop at Vantage, as it’s shimmering in holiday lights? Igloos are heated, and you’ll have quite a few delicious dishes and drinks from which to choose. This is the perfect thing to do in Missouri for Christmas.
8. Enjoy breakfast with Santa in Camdenton.
Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
Breakfast with Santa is just the start of the fun at Old Kinderhook in Camdenton. A whole list of fun, family-friendly activities await at its Christmas Village. Go ice skating; have the kids join a gingerbread house-making contest; and roast marshmallows over a roaring fire. (That’s just a sampling of all of the fun that awaits.) Plan your visit for your Christmas vacation in Missouri.
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9. Climb aboard the Polar Express.
Branson, MO 65616, USA
St. Louis, MO, USA
You have a couple of choices for Polar Express experiences. Union Station in St. Louis is offering a Polar Express experience without the train ride while you can catch a ride on the Polar Express in Branson, aboard the Branson Scenic Railway, if you’re lucky enough to snag tickets. Find more information on the St. Louis Polar Express Ride and the Branson Polar Express.
What else would you add to the ultimate Christmas bucket list in Missouri? Join the conversation in the comments, and let us know! Looking for more Christmas fun in Missouri? We love these Christmas towns in Missouri! And make sure you pack some road trip snacks!
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More to Explore
Christmas Bucket List
What towns are named for Christmas in Missouri?
In Missouri, there is a town named Noel, which is often associated with Christmas. Noel is located in McDonald County in the southwestern part of the state, and it has become somewhat famous for its Christmas-themed post office. People often send their holiday mail there to get a special postmark during the Christmas season.
Where are the best places to see Christmas lights in Missouri?
Missouri offers a variety of spectacular Christmas light displays across the state. While some locations may vary from year to year, several places consistently provide fantastic holiday experiences:
- Branson: Known as a family entertainment hub, Branson transforms during the holiday season with lights and decorations. Silver Dollar City's 'An Old Time Christmas' festival is particularly noteworthy, with millions of lights, a Christmas parade, and holiday shows.
- St. Louis: The Missouri Botanical Garden holds an annual event called "Garden Glow," featuring a dazzling walk-through display. Additionally, the Zoo Lights at the St. Louis Zoo is another popular attraction. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery also traditionally hosts a lights display.
- Kansas City: The Country Club Plaza Lights are iconic and a long-standing tradition in KC, where visitors can enjoy thousands of twinkling lights. Additionally, there's the Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake, which offers a drive-through light experience.
- Springfield: The Annual Festival of Lights transforms the city with illuminated displays and events, including the Lights at Jordan Valley Park.
- St. Charles: During the holiday season, St. Charles hosts an annual Christmas Traditions festival, where the historic Main Street area is beautifully lit and hosts various festive activities.
- Columbia: The Magic Tree, individually decorated with thousands of lights, is a unique and enchanting sight. Additionally, the Shelter Insurance Gardens also features a light display.
- Jackson: The Jackson City Park light display, where you can drive through to see animated lights.
- Joplin: The Christmas light display at Mercy Park offers a beautiful drive-through experience.
Before you go, check the websites or local listings for the current year's schedule and any potential changes or cancellations. The holiday season often starts in late November and runs through December, and some events extend into early January.
Featured Addresses
Silver Dollar City, Sunset Cove Township, MO, USA
Kansas City, MO, USA
Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Fort Zumwalt Dr, O'Fallon, MO 63366, USA
Rancho D-Lux, Kansas City, MO, USA
15144 State Hwy 97, Stotts City, MO 65756, USA
2002 Arena Pkwy, St Charles, MO 63303, USA
Vantage Rooftop Lounge and Conservatory, 260 E McDaniel St, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
Old Kinderhook Dr, Camdenton, MO, USA
Union Station, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Branson Scenic Railway, 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616, USA