25+ things to do in December, including the annual downtown Springfield Christmas Parade
One of Springfield's longest-running holiday traditions is just around the corner, this year honoring furry friends.
The annual Springfield Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. The parade will start at the intersection of Elm and South Streets and conclude at the Springfield Expo Center. This year's theme is Santa Paws Coming to Town, celebrating the pets we love.
Before the parade, starting at noon, a Christmas market with vendors and food trucks will be at Park Central Square.
In addition to the Christmas Parade, the News-Leader compiled a list of more than 25 different activities to explore in and around Springfield during December. This list is not comprehensive. If you are interested in listing your event on the News-Leader website, visit news-leader.com/things-to-do/events.
Gardens Aglow
When: Dec. 1-31 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Where: Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
Gardens Aglow is the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden's annual holiday event. The display features more than 200,000 lights accenting unique structures and landscaping in the garden.
Those interested in an extra special experience during Gardens Aglow should plan on visiting the Christmas at the Farmstead and Bazaar from Dec. 1-2. The holiday bazaar is Friday, Dec. 1 from 5-8 p.m. and the traditional Christmas at the farmstead if Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1-3 p.m. Activities will include cookies and hot chocolate, ornaments to decorate, live music and photos with Santa Claus.
Advance admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. At-the-gate admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children. All proceeds from admission benefit the maintenance fund for the garden.
Christmas Victorian Home Tours
When: Friday Dec. 1 from 5-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Tours start at the Drury Diversity Center at 803 Drury Lane
The Midtown Neighborhood Association is hosting its 29th annual Christmas Victorian Home Tours this year. The tour features seven homes in the neighborhood that have never been showcased on the tour before.
Advance tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Maschino's, Sacred Heart Church, Enterprise Park Lanes and Sunshine Lanes. Day-of tickets are $20 at the Drury Diversity Center. Tickets can also be purchased online with payment sent to @midtownsgf on PayPal or @Marie-Midtown on Venmo.
Springfield Little Theatre's 'Elf'
When: Dec. 1-3
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Little Theatre's production of "Elf" runs through Sunday, Dec. 3. Evening shows start at 7:30 p.m. and weekend matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on the Springfield Little Theatre website at bit.ly/3G1hoiq.
More: In time for the holidays, Little Theatre closes preview night of 'Elf' to standing ovation
Candy Cane Lane
When: Dec 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park at 3825 W. Farm Road 146
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park's drive-through Candy Cane Lane features more than 100,000 lights and a variety of farm-themed holiday displays. Admission is $5 per vehicle. 3D glasses are available for $2.
Finley River's Festival of Lights
When: Dec. 1-25
Where: Finley River Park at 891-961 N. Riverside Road in Ozark
The City of Ozark is hosting its annual Festival of Lights at Finley River Park through Christmas. The drive-through display is about one mile. Admission is free but donations are encouraged to help support the display.
The Festival of Lights is open Sunday to Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's 'Treasure Island'
When: Dec. 1-3, 7-10 and 14-17
Where: Historic Fox Theatre at 157 Park Central Square
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's final production of the year is "Treasure Island," a story of "cutthroat pirates, a teasure map and a courageous boy entangled in a dangerous swashbuckling expedition." The production starts at 7:30 p.m. during the evenings and 2 p.m. on Sundays. A post-show discussion with members of the cast and crew will be held after the shows on Sunday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 7.
Tickets are available on the Springfield Contemporary Theatre website. Tickets are $32 for adults, $29 for seniors and adults, $15 for children 12 and under, $27 on opening night and $10 for student rush.
'A Christmas Story' Dinner Show
When: Multiple lunch and dinner dates throughout December
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Playhouse Theatre at 5589 W. 76 Country Boulevard in Branson
Through the remainder of December, The Shepherd of the Hills is hosting "A Christmas Story" Dinner Show, with both lunch and dinner showings. Lunch showings are at noon and dinner showings are at 7:30 p.m.
Set in the 1940s, "A Christmas Story" follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker and his family during the holiday season. If you're a fan of the 1983 film adaptation, you may enjoy seeing the Red Ryder BB gun, bunny suit and classic leg lamp on stage.
Tickets are available on The Shepherd of the Hills website at theshepherdofthehills.com/a-christmas-story. Adult tickets start at $49.75 and children tickets start at $34.75. Tickets include a full dinner, including potato soup, glazed ham, herb roasted turkey breast, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, apple crisp, dinner roll with butter and a drink.
To learn about more Christmas-themed entertainment in Branson this season, visit the Explore Branson website.
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
When: Dec. 1-30
Where: Silver Dollar City at 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway in Branson
If you're in the Branson area, you may consider a stop by Silver Dollar City for An Old Time Christmas. Through the end of the year, Silver Dollar City will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with more than 6.5 million lights.
In addition to the light displays, Rudolph's Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade will traverse throughout the park and an eight-story Christmas tree will tower in The Square. Fans of Silver Dollar City treats may enjoy seasonal goodies like Peppermint Ice Cream in a Peppermint Waffle Cone from Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor, Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls from Eva & Delilah's Bakery and Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Ice Cream from the Apple Dumpling Stand.
For more information about activities and live entertainment during An Old Time Christmas, visit the Silver Dollar City website. Access to most of these activities are included with Silver Dollar City admission; some cost extra.
$100 and Under Holiday Art Market
When: Friday, Dec. 1 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Springfield Art Museum at 1111 E. Brookside Drive
The Springfield Regional Arts Council's annual holiday art market will feature 30 different local vendors this year. The SRAC has hosted the market since 2016, helping sell nearly $10,000 in art over the years. The SRAC will receive a 25% commission on all works sold at the market.
Friday Light Nights
When: Friday, Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Ozark Square at E. Church St.
Christian County, the City of Ozark and the Historic River District are bringing holiday spirit to the Ozark Square with light displays, free temporary holiday tattoos and crafts, visits with Santa Claus, carriage rides and live entertainment. Music will play at the gazebo at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Santa Claus will make his appearance at 6 p.m.
Santa Claus' mailbox will be located in the gazebo for children interested in dropping off letters. Letters with a return address placed in the mailbox before Dec. 15 will receive a response.
On Friday, Dec. 1, live entertainment will be provided by Ozark South Elementary, Nixa and Sparta Public Schools. On Dec. 8, Ozark and Clever Public Schools will perform and on Dec. 15, Kings Sound, Ozark West Elementary and HEYDAY will perform to end the holiday series.
Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available for $10 per person on a first-come, first-served basis. Children 12 and under will be free with an accompany adult. Cash and card will be accepted.
Missouri State's '9 to 5: The Musical'
When: Dec. 1, 2 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Coger Theatre in Craig Hall at 1147 Grand St.
Missouri State University's Theatre & Dance Department is hosting "9 to 5: The Musical" through Dec. 4. Based on the 1980 comedy and thriller film featuring Dolly Parton, the musical follows Violet, Judy and Dorlaee, a trio of underpaid office workers. The three women deploy an act of revenge on their evil boss Franklin Hart and it goes their way. Following Hart's departure from the office, employee morale and productivity goes up at the office.
Tickets are available on the Missouri TIX website. Tickets are $24 for adults and $22 for students and seniors.
Christmas in the Courthouse
When: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Greene County Historic Courthouse at 940 N. Boonville Ave.
The Greene County Historic Courthouse's Christmas festivities will include music under the rotunda, exhibits from local history organizations and a silent auction. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite at bit.ly/46ClubI. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-12.
A Very Grinchy Christmas
When: Dec. 2-23
Where: Discovery Center of Springfield at 438 E. St. Louis St.
The Discovery Center's A Very Grinchy Christmas invites families to explore Whoville, write letters to Santa Claus and take plenty of photos. Different STEM activities will be scattered throughout the center.
A Very Grinchy Christmas will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until Dec. 23. Santa Claus will be available for photos every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and The Grinch will be available Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and by request on weekdays.
Access to A Very Grinchy Christmas is included with admission to the Discovery Center. Admission is $10 for children ages three through 15 and $15 for adults.
After Hours Vendor Faire at The Plant Room
When: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: The Plant Room at 1349 S. Glenstone Ave. Suite H
The Plant Room is hosting its inaugural After Hours Vendor Faire, featuring handmade products, permanent jewelry, 4 By 4 Brewing Company beer, homemade baked goods and promotions of plant sales.
Imagine
When: Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
The 32nd annual Imagine concert is a tribute to the late John Lennon. This year's lineup features Red Light Runner, Big Beat Club, Molly Healey, Papa Green Shoes, Maximum Weekend, 83 Skidoo and Distant Relative. Tickets are available on the Gillioz website for $20 and proceeds benefit the Gillioz.
Now a Springfield tradition, Imagine was co-founded by Springfieldian Ron Butler in December 1985, only five years after Lennon was shot and killed outside of his apartment in New York City. That first concert was held in the Springfield Art Museum's auditorium and attracted about 250 people. All proceeds from the concert were donated to the Ozark chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism.
More: Take a sad song and make it better: Lennon tribute concert celebrates 32nd anniversary
A Christmas Stroll in the Park
When: Sunday, Dec. 3 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Northeast Community Park at 3535 N. Glenstone Ave.
A Christmas Stroll in the Park will feature Christmas caroling, a Christmas train for children, inflatables, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, cookies and s'mores, letter writing to Santa Claus and a live nativity. The highlight of the evening will be the lighting of the park's grand tree.
Christmas with the Cardinals
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Hammons Field at 955 E. Trafficway St.
The Springfield Cardinals are hosting a free Christmas event for the entire family, featuring photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Louie, free donuts, coffee, milk and orange juice, inflatables and Christmas games. A Cardinals pop-up shop and grab bag will also be available, including game-used items and autographed gear. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable canned goods, which will be donated to the Crosslines Resource Center.
Christmas at the Farm
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Cassidy Station at Estes Farm at 5176 N. Fremont Road in Nixa
Cassidy Station's holiday celebrations will feature an opportunity for shopping, photos with Santa Claus, cookie decorating for children and Christmas trees for sale. Admission to the event is $5 per person and children under the age of 12 get in for free. Cookie decorating is $1 per cookie, which includes a decorating kit. Photos with Santa Claus are $10. Advance tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite at bit.ly/4adCKaj.
Jingle Horse Christmas
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 3-5 p.m.
Where: Green Valley Stables at 1590 State Highway 174 in Republic
During Green Valley Stables' Jingle Horse Christmas, folks will have the opportunity to take photos with Jingle Horse, ride ponies and enjoy hot chocolate and coffee. Admission and photos are free.
Ozark Mayor's Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Ozark Community Center at 1530 W. Jackson St. in Ozark
The City of Ozark's Mayor Tree Lighting will feature hot chocolate, Christmas movies, cookie decorating, inflatables, laser tag and of course, special appearances from Santa Claus and The Grinch.
Ozark Mayor Don Currence and The Grinch will read "The Grinch" by Dr. Seuss at 6:30 p.m. Santa will visit at 7 p.m. and Currence will light the city's new 22-foot Christmas tree at 7:30 p.m.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra's 'Most Wonderful Time'
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra's winter performance will feature a collection of holiday tunes. Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website. Tickets range from $35-60.
Springfield Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'
When: Dec. 15-18
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
The Springfield Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker" is back for another year. For those unfamiliar with the story, "The Nutcracker" follows Clara and her Nutcracker Prince during a series of adventures at a Christmas party, battle with the evil Mouse King and journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. The production is two hours with a 20-minute intermission.
Tickets are available on the Springfield Little Theatre website, starting at $31. If you can't make the in-person performance but still want to enjoy the show, the entire production will be livestreamed. Livestream tickets are $60 for a family and are also available on the Springfield Little Theatre website.
Winter Wreath Workshop
When: Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Carson's Greenhouse and Gifts at 233 E. Farm Road 192
Throughout Carson's two-hour workshop, attendees will learn how to make a fresh winter evergreen wreath. Attendees will be supplied with a 14-inch grapevine wreath and fresh greenery, like juniper and pine. Dried oranges, berries, pinecones and other natural materials will also be provided for decoration. Snacks and drinks will be available at no extra cost. Tickets are available for $65 on the Carson's Greenhouse and Gifts website.
Winter Market at the Spa
When: Saturday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Prominence Med Spa at 1370 E. Primrose St.
Prominence Med Spa's winter artisan market will feature locally-made art, permanent jewelry, macarons, vintage goodies, candles, and spa deals and gift card specials. Baby Hand Tattoos will also be doing flash tattoos throughout the event. Free hot chocolate and apple cider will be available.
Mystery Hour Holiday Spectacular
When: Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pythian Castle at 1451 E. Pythian St.
The Mystery Hour's second annual Holiday Spectacular will feature commentary from host Jeff Houghton and The Mystery Hour crew, interviews with a special musical guest and sing-a-longs. Tickets are available for $12 on Eventbrite at bit.ly/3GohtN7.
Farmers Market of the Ozarks' Evening Holiday Market
When: Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 4-8 p.m.
Where: Farmers Market of the Ozarks at 2144 E. Republic Road
Those in need of last-minute Christmas gifts may want to stop by the Evening Holiday Market hosted by Farmers Market of the Ozarks. The market will feature a variety of local artisans.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 25+ things to do in December, including Springfield Christmas Parade
