Holidays can be a bit hectic especially with trips to busy shopping malls filled with expensive wish-list items. Do you ever wish for the good old days? For an old-fashioned holiday celebration that will take you back in time, visit Hannibal and their Victorian Festival of Christmas. Enjoy old-fashioned activities and some modern ones too but most of all rediscover the reason for the season this holiday season in Missouri.
Each December, Hannibal hosts the Victorian Festival of Christmas along the city's historic streets.
Shops decorate their windows with old-fashioned decor while lights twinkle from rooftops.
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Earlier this month, the events kicked off with a Babes in Toyland Parade. This adorable parade lets children show off their favorite toy and celebrate with Santa!
Holiday carriage rides are available throughout the month. Admission is $5 for those 3 and up.
Other events during the month include a live performance of Miracle on 34th Street, a trip on the Polar Express, and visits from Santa Claus.
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There are also opportunities for crafting. Learn to make bows for the perfect holiday basket, decorate cookies, or build a gingerbread house.
In addition to participating in all the activities, be sure to visit the local shops for the perfect gift.
Take a Journey to Bethlehem or reserve tickets to A Shepherds Tail where you will travel back 2,000 years and hear the story of the first Christmas night ever.
There is so much to do and see at Hannibal's Victorian Festival of Christmas. Make plans to visit before Christmas has come and gone.
For more information about Hannibal's Victorian Festival of Christmas and all the events visit their webpage here.
Have you been to Hannibal's Victorian Festival Christmas? Tell us about your visit in the comments below.
Summer in Missouri is an absolute blast starting around Memorial Day and leading all the way up to Labor Day. But the real highlight for many Show-Me State residents is the epic Fourth of July fireworks shows. Wondering, "Where to watch fireworks near me?" From our scenic hills to our bustling riverbanks and even in our tiniest towns, you’ll find incredible Independence Day celebrations that are fun for the whole family. Here are some of the fireworks shows in Missouri that we're super excited about for 2024!
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1. Fair St. Louis
Held in St. Louis, this event is one of the largest in the Midwest. It includes a spectacular fireworks display over the iconic Gateway Arch, along with live music, air shows, and family-friendly activities. FEEL, Lupe Fiasco, LOCASH, and The Urge will all take the stage at the Arch grounds on Thursday, July 4th, leading up to the fireworks display at around 9:40 p.m. Plus, the popular air show that has thrilled fairgoers in previous years will make a return this year!
2. Smithville’s Fork Park
This fireworks show always boasts a stunning backdrop! Smithville Parks & Rec will host its annual fireworks display at Smith’s Fork Park, located right on Smithville Lake. The show is scheduled to start at dusk, around 9 p.m. on July 4th. You can enjoy the spectacle from the park, on the lake, or from the campground.
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3. National World War I Memorial
Kansas City’s largest fireworks display returns at the National WWI Memorial. Bring your blanket or chair and join the Stars and Stripes Picnic starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy dozens of local vendors, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display around 9:40 p.m. This event will take place rain or shine.
4. Branson Landing Liberty Light Up
On Wednesday, July 3rd, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., enjoy Branson Landing’s 17th Annual Liberty Light Up Concert & Fireworks. Celebrate Independence Day a day early with live music from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.. An amazing, choreographed fireworks display will light up the sky over Lake Taneycomo around 9:20 PM, creating a spectacular celebration of America’s Independence. The Beer Garden, sponsored by Wil Fischer Budweiser, opens at 5:30 PM. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a fantastic concert under the stars!
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5. Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays
After the second and third games of this three-game series, the sky over Kauffman Stadium will come alive with color and sound. On July 3, over 300 drones will join the fireworks show, creating images like bald eagles and the Statue of Liberty, according to the Royals' promotions site. July 4th will feature a classic fireworks extravaganza.
6. Salute to America in Jefferson City
On Thursday, July 4th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., celebrate in Missouri's capital with a fantastic lineup of activities for everyone! Enjoy a vibrant beer garden, live music performances, a classic car show, a lively parade, and fun events for kids. The evening will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display set to country music from Nash 100.1 FM. This event is free and promises a day full of fun and excitement for the whole family. The Red, White, & Boom fireworks display will take place at 9:45 p.m.
7. Great American 4th of July in Cape Girardeau
And finally, celebrate our nation's birthday with a spectacular fireworks show at Arena Park on Thursday, July 4, 2024! The event starts at 6:00 p.m. with tailgating and a food truck rally, followed by a patriotic performance by the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at 8:45 p.m. Set up a lawn chair or picnic blanket at the fairgrounds in Arena Park for the best view, but please refrain from bringing personal fireworks.
Want to make life easier when you pack for your fireworks shows? Check out The Foldie, a compact bag with large capacity, enough for sunscreen, towels, a change of clothes, and more!
What's the Fourth of July without oohing and aahing over a massive fireworks show? Read on to find out where you can catch find the best Missouri fireworks displays this year. We bet these Independence Day celebrations in Missouri will blow previous years out of the water! These are the best fireworks displays in Missouri!
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1. Stars and Stripes
Amazing fireworks from this KC favorite are expected. Fireworks start at 9:35 p.m. July 4, but come early to enjoy music, food, drinks and more!
2. Fire in the Sky
Columbia does the Fourth proud with this annual event. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. in the downtown area but come earlier in the day for live music and fun activities.
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3. Salute to America
Jefferson City's Fourth of July extravaganza on July 4 includes live entertainment, food and drink, a parade, a beer garden, and live music. It wraps up the celebration the American way: Fireworks after dark, visible from the north lawn of the State Capitol.
4. Celebrate St. Louis
The fireworks go off on Thursday, July 4th, at 9:40 p.m. Festivities include a parade, concerts, an air show, and more.
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5. Treasure Lake Firework Display
Head to Treasure Lake RV Resort for the Fireworks show at the Independence Stage. This awesome display of fireworks will take place at 10:00 PM on July 1st.
But these aren't the only fireworks shows available in Missouri around July 4! There's sure to be one near you!
Who's ready to celebrate the good ol' U S of A with the best fireworks displays in Missouri? We are! And if you need to book a nightly rental to get close to the action, we love the options at VRBO.