10 Things To Do In (And Around) Columbia, Missouri At Christmas

1. Snag a Free (and Safe) Photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shops.

WHAT: Step into a Winter Wonderland and even meet the big guy himself! Grab a free photo with the kids, bring home a free holiday craft, and even mail a letter to Santa. Reservations are required.

WHEN: Saturday, November 7 – Thursday, December 24, 2020

WHERE: Bass Pro Shop in Columbia (3101 Bass Pro Drive)

Make a reservation and find out about COVID-19 safety precautions here.

2. Shop Small and Support Local Businesses.

WHAT: It’s no secret that many local, small businesses have had an extremely challenging year. These businesses need our support now more than ever, so let’s band together and shop small. Before ordering gifts online this year, ask yourself: “Could I find something like this at a local business instead?” And don’t forget to take advantage of local restaurant curbside pick-up options. (Not to mention, a gift card to a favorite local food spot would make the perfect Christmas gift!)

Find more information on how you can support local businesses here.

3. Visit The Crossing Magic Tree.

WHAT: Come take in The Crossing’s 85-foot sycamore illuminated by nearly 200,000 lights. Each light is intended to represent almost every person living in Boone County and remind us that each member of our community matters to God and is made in his image. On Friday nights, enjoy Christmas music and free photo booths.

WHEN: The Magic Tree is lit and open to the public every day, Monday through Sunday from 5 PM to 10 PM starting Friday, November 27.

WHERE: The Crossing in Columbia (3615 Southland Drive)

Find more information here. 

4. Check out the Candy Cane Crib at Logboat Brewing Co.

WHAT: 2020 can’t stop Logboat’s infamous Candy Cane Crib. Don’t miss this special chance to enjoy the usual amenities of this local brewery while soaking in the spectacular light show surrounding you.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 26 – End of Christmas season

WHERE: Logboat Brewing Co. in Columbia (504 Fay Street)

Find Logboat’s COVID-19 safety precautions here.

5. See the Lights and Clydesdales at the Warm Springs Ranch Drive-Thru experience.

WHAT: “Come for the lights. Stay for the incredible display of holiday spirit and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.” This drive-thru event includes a beautiful light show and the chance to see some of the most famous horses in the country. Reservations are required.

WHEN: Every Thursday through Sunday from Friday, November 27 – Sunday, December 20, 2020, and every day the week of Christmas. Gates open at 6 PM.

WHERE: Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville (3118, 25270 MO-98)

Find more information and make reservations here.

6. Buy One, Give One Hot Chocolate at Günter Hans.

WHAT: Take a break from the cold weather and enjoy a hot chocolate (up your game with Baileys!) or a hot cider at Günter Hans Artisan Café. Plus, this year, your warm drink purchase can help warm another’s heart. On Saturday, December 5, 2020, for every hot chocolate purchase (whether to-go or in-house), Günter Hans will drop off a (virgin) hot chocolate to a local healthcare worker.

WHEN: Buy One, Give One Event happening on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 11 AM to 10:30 PM // Regular hours: Thursdays from 4 to 10:30 PM, Fridays from 2 to 10:30 PM, and Saturdays from 11 AM to 10:30 PM

WHERE: Günter Hans in Columbia (7 Hitt Street)

Find more information here. 

7. Take a Christmas Lights Tour of COMO.

WHAT: Grab some hot chocolate, load into the car, crank up the Christmas music, and take a tour of COMO’s most iconic Christmas light spots. Drive aimlessly and see what you discover, or use this Christmas Lights Map as your guide!

8. Live Stream the Music from The Blue Note's Holiday Harvest Hootenanny.

WHAT: Jam out to live holiday music from The Burney Sisters, The Kay Brothers, Mercer & Johnson, Robert Battle Band, and more. This virtual event will also include raffle prizes, free swag, a photo contest, interactive bingo, and other fun opportunities!

WHEN: Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 2 PM

WHERE: Live streamed from The Blue Note straight to your couch!

Find more information and purchase tickets here.

9. Chop down your own Christmas tree at Starr Pines Tree Farm.

WHAT: Take in the beautiful scenery, then take your pick of the Scottish pine trees home with you. Shop for a carton of apple cider for your family, a fresh wreath, and other gifts outside the famous Starr Pines barn.

WHEN: Open every day from Thanksgiving through Christmas from 9 AM until dark.

WHERE: Starr Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Boonville (21298 Pleasant Hill Road)

Find more information about the farm and COVID-19 safety precautions here.

10. Enjoy a Meaningful Christmas Experience.

WHAT: 2020 isn’t canceling Christmas. Tune in to this unique, online Christmas experience with The Crossing, designed for the whole family. You can expect a hope-filled message, familiar Christmas music, an opportunity to give to others in need, and follow-up suggestions for how to make the most of 2021.

WHEN: Light in the Night will go live the week of Christmas. Sign up to receive a link in your email as soon as it’s ready to watch (plus, you’ll get access to some exclusive bonus content!).

WHERE: Anywhere!

Sign up here.

Find more ways to celebrate Christmas in Columbia, plus uplifting content on our full Christmas website. Click below to check it out.

PHOTO CREDIT: Main image (The Columns): Mizzou News  / Bass Pro: Bass Pro Shops / Shop Local COMO: The District / Candy Cane Crib: Candy Cane Crib Facebook / Warm Springs Ranch: KOMU / Günter Hans: MIZZOU magazine / Holiday Hootenanny: The Blue Note / Starr Pines Farm: Starr Pines