The holiday magic is back, and Columbia is your go-to destination for family-friendly holiday fun this season! From festive events to spectacular light displays and Santa visits, Macaroni KID Columbia has your ultimate guide to the best local holiday events. Explore our curated list of activities and make your holidays unforgettable.
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Kaisorn | CanvaMust-See Holiday Attractions in Columbia, Missouri
Discover the best holiday attractions and festive experiences in Columbia that will bring cheer and winter magic all season long:
Horse Drawn Carriages in the District (Weekends)
Location: 11 S 10th St, Columbia Missouri
- Highlights: Rides will start at 4 pm in the North Village Arts District in the courtyard by Fretboard Coffee & Wishflour Bakery, Artist Alley & The Wishtree Courtyard. Come early to grab your FREE tickets before they run out! Rides are free and open to the public, paid for by The District!
- Details: Saturdays in November, Saturdays and Sundays in December until December 22nd.
Santa's Wonderland (Daily)
Location: Bass Pro Columbia, 3101 Bass Pro Dr, Columbia Missouri
- Highlights: Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your Bass Pro Shops Columbia, MO!
During your visit, families can visit Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. - Details: Reservation required, can be made up to 7 days prior. Happening NOW through December 24th
Photos with Santa (Daily)
Location: Columbia Mall, 2300 Bernadette Dr, Columbia Missouri
- Highlights: Don't miss Santa pictures at Columbia Mall! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time.
- Details: Reservation optional, pet photos on Monday/Tuesday evenings.
Shelter Gardens Winter Wonderland
Location: Shelter Insurance,1817 W Broadway, Columbia Missouri
- Highlights: Join us at Shelter Gardens each evening for our annual Winter Wonderland Garden of Lights! Walk through the amazing light displays, take pictures in the selfie tunnels, and buy a hot drink from the coffee truck that will be on site.
- Details: December 5th-14th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m
 Terri C | Canva via Pixabay |
Upcoming Holiday and Winter Events in Columbia, Missouri
Looking to find holiday events in Columbia? Want to know where to meet Santa in Columbia? Stay updated with the best seasonal events happening throughout Columbia. From tree lightings to Santa visits and holiday craft fairs, there’s something for everyone in Columbia.
We’ll update this list frequently as more Columbia events are announced, so make sure to check back often!
November 14th
- 8th Annual Holiday Mart at Capital Bluffs, Jefferson City
November 16th
- Christmas Bazaar at First Christian Church
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in The District
November 17th
- Curated. Crafted. Created. Holiday Market at Columbia Mall
November 18th
- Christmas Tales with Santa at Bass Pro (Registration Required)
November 22nd
- Free Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Orr Street Studios
November 23rd
- The Santa Experience at Tiny Town Cafe
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in The District
November 26th
- Christmas Tales with Santa at Bass Pro (Registration Required)
November 27th
- Photos with Santa - Santa's Arrival at Columbia Mall
November 28th
- Happy Thanksgiving!
November 30th
- Inaugural Festival of Trees at Serendipity Salon
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in The District
December 3rd
Christmas Tales with Santa at Bass Pro (Registration Required)
Santa Visit at William Woods University
December 5th
- Magic Tree Lighting
- Shelter Insurance Winter Wonderland Opening Celebration
- Paper Moon Photos with Santa
- Mayor's Tree Lighting at Rotary Centennial Park, Jefferson City
December 6th
- Living Windows in The District
- Downtown Living Windows in Jefferson City
December 7th
- 14th Annual Holiday Market in Boonville
- Christmas at Pierpont
- Jefferson City Jaycees Christmas Parade
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in The District
December 8th
December 9th
- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet ($ ticketed event)
December 10th
- Christmas Caroling at Missouri State Capitol
- Christmas Tales with Santa at Bass Pro (Registration Required)
December 11th
- Christmas Cards and Cookies
- Santa and Mrs Clause at the Gingerbread Maus House at Carnahan Memorial Garden, Jefferson City
December 13th
- Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at Century 21
- Photos with Santa at Justin Hahn Agency of Columbia
- Santa and Mrs Clause at the Gingerbread Maus House at Carnahan Memorial Garden, Jefferson City
- Lights and Sights Tour ($ Tickets Event)
December 14th
- 3rd Annual Ladies Auxiliary Breakfast with Santa
- Winter Wonderland at Scouting Adventure Center
- Santa Stroll at Hyvee - Nifong
- Skate with Santa at Washington Park Ice Arena, Jefferson City
- Storytime with Mrs. Claus at Speckled Frog
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in The District
December 15th
- MOSY Holiday Market: A Missouri Christmas (Concert) ($ Ticketed Event)
- Sugar Plum Tea Party Benefitting Mareck Center for Dance ($ Ticketed Event)
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in The District
December 19th
- Holiday Happy Hour with Santa at Achieve Balance Chiropractic
December 20th
- Lighted Tractor Parade in Centralia City Square
- Ponies Improv - Christmas Crashers ($ Ticketed Event)
December 21st and 22nd
Parent tip: Event details can change! Always confirm event details before heading out.
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Sandor Mejias Brito | Canva via PexelsMore Holiday Fun in Columbia, Missouri!
While Christmas is the highlight, don’t miss out on all the winter festivities happening across Columbia this season! Explore more:
- Free Personalized Santa Letter (coming soon!)
- Columbia Gift Guide: Supporting Local This Holiday Season (coming soon!)
- Santa (and Holiday Friends) Sightings in Columbia (coming soon!)
- Best Winter Activities in Columbia (coming soon!)
Bookmark this page, as we’ll be adding even more Columbia, Missouri holiday events and family-friendly activities throughout the season!
