Oh, it’s looking a lot like Christmas! Well, not really. The weather isn’t putting me in a Christmas mood. Oh but regardless of how warm it is or no snow on the ground, Christmas is days away.
I have fond memories of the holidays as a kid. It never failed that we would travel to see family in Missouri. My mom and dad’s siblings left Mississippi and moved to St. Louis. So with mom and dad and my grandparents being the only ones still in Mississippi and Memphis, we would travel to see my aunts and uncles. Oh the fun, as a kid, I had in the Show Me State.
As I’ve gotten older and started my own family, the trips to St. Louis takes on a different meaning for me and my family. We still enjoy sitting around laughing, talking and eating with family but what I’ve come to realize is that there are so many wondrous things happening not only in St. Louis but throughout the state of Missouri during the holiday season. From festivals to light displays, and from culinary delights to shopping sprees, the Show-Me State is the perfect place to celebrate this special time of year.
So, I’ve made our list of things we will definitely indulge in this year during our visit to Missouri and wanted to give you some ideas of some fun stuff to partake in so you can plan accordingly. Hey, many of these events are great for DATE NIGHT!
Holiday Fun in the Show Me State
St. Louis Area
Combine a love for shopping with a historical experience and visit St. Charles during their Christmas Traditions celebration (Nov. 27 – Dec. 24, 2015). This annual festival features parades with participants dressed in period costumes, visits with Santa and stunning decorations, all on a historic street lined with unique shops and dining destinations.
Kansas City
If it’s lights you’re looking for, you’re in luck! Country Club Plaza, in Kansas City, hosts their 86th Plaza Lights Lighting Ceremony this year on Nov. 26, where a flip of the switch illuminates 15 city blocks. The lights will also be turned on each evening until Jan. 17, 2016, and shops on the Plaza will offer extended hours.
Branson
Silver Dollar City, in Branson, comes to life from Nov. 7 – Dec. 30, 2015 with 5 million lights and 1,000 decorated trees during their An Old Time Christmas Celebration. Guests are treated to thrill rides (weather permitting), a light parade, themed theatrical productions and more!
For some fun date night ideas in the Show Me State, try these:
Breweries
For the beer lovers out there – Missouri has 55 craft breweries across the state. Check out Urban Chestnut in St. Louis or Mother’s Brewing in Springfield. If you’re just looking for a great place to sample beers from a variety of breweries, head to 1839 Taphouse in Columbia, or the Flying Saucer in Kansas City. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find some delicious local brews to sample with friends or family.
Wineries
With more than 130 wineries across the state, you are sure to find one near wherever you are spending the holidays – or you might just want to plan a special getaway. Ste. Genevieve, known for its French heritage, is home to many wineries and bed and breakfasts, and also plays host to a variety of holiday events. Les Bourgeois Vineyards, in Rocheport, is known for its amazing views and delicious food and wine selection.
Nightlife
If you’re looking for a fun night out on the town with the crew, the Show-Me State has plenty to offer no matter where you are. Westport is the Kansas City neighborhood known for great nightlife, or check out Bar 360 in St. Louis for breathtaking views of the city before heading to the Soulard neighborhood for some old fashioned bar hopping. For other options throughout the state, you can’t miss this article filled with suggestions.
The joy in the holiday isn’t limited to the house. Get out and explore Missouri or the city you are spending the holiday in.
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