A house can tell a very different story in October than it does in June.Landscaping has tremendous visual power. In fact, 97% of REALTORS® say curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer. But
Holiday Happenings Around Columbia & Beyond
Dated: November 21 2025
Views: 222
There’s something magical about the holidays in mid Missouri! As December rolls in and winter settles, our area comes alive with festive lights, concerts, markets and family traditions that remind us what this season is all about. From small-town celebrations to dazzling displays, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the holiday spirit close to home.
Downtown Columbia kicks things off with the Living Windows Festival in early December. This long-running event takes place on the first Friday in December from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Shops transform their storefronts into live displays filled with music, lights and laughter. It’s a night perfect for strolling through The District and supporting local businesses.
And of course, no Columbia holiday season is complete without the Magic Trees! The glowing displays at Cherry Hill, The Crossing Church and Unity Center of Columbia shine brightly with thousands of lights, drawing visitors from all over to snap a photo and take in the glow. Families can also enjoy Bright Lights Holiday Nights, hosted by Veterans United, running December 10–22, 2025: Monday–Friday from 7–10:30 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 6–10:30 p.m. This free drive-through display has become a local favorite for kids and adults alike.
For those looking to get into the spirit creatively, the region’s holiday calendar is packed with concerts, performances and handmade markets celebrating local talent. Enjoy the sights and sounds of A Missouri Christmas at the Missouri Theatre, catch a showing of The Nutcracker, or spend a cozy afternoon browsing festive markets filled with gifts from mid Missouri’s best artisans. Another highlight of the season is the Missouri Symphony League’s Holiday Home Tour, benefiting the Missouri Symphony. This beloved Columbia tradition returns Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, December 7, from 1–5 p.m. The tour offers an inside look at four beautifully decorated homes around town, each decked out in its holiday best. It’s the perfect way to gather decorating inspiration while supporting local music and the arts. There’s no better way to experience the heart of the season than by supporting the artists and makers who bring it to life! Get your tickets in advance.
Just a short drive away, Historic Boonville sparkles with festive spirit during the Miracle on Main Street Festival on December 6 and a full week of Christmas in Historic Boonville celebrations from December 5–12. Visitors can enjoy beautifully decorated porches, festive home tours and cheerful holiday markets throughout the season.
For a truly unique experience, make a stop at Warm Springs Ranch, where the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales are surrounded by twinkling lights and stunning holiday décor! Their Holiday Lights event runs on select evenings from November 15 through December 30, 2025. Talk about a perfect blend of Missouri tradition and holiday magic!
No matter how you spend the season, Missouri is full of ways to make new memories close to home. It’s the perfect time to slow down, shop local and celebrate the magic of community. Wishing you a merry and bright holiday season from all of us at the Denise Payne Real Estate Team!
Latest Blog Posts
You don't need a shopping cart full of seasonal décor to give your home a fresh look for fall. With about $100 and a little creativity, you can make a noticeable difference.Start at the front
October is a good month to look at your home with fresh eyes. Summer can hide a lot behind green lawns, full trees and long days. As the season changes, take a walk around your property and see what
For homeowners considering a move, fall often brings up the same question: Should I sell now or wait until spring?Spring has traditionally been considered the busiest real estate season. More buyers
These Properties are provided courtesy of Broker Reciprocity/IDX Lake Of The Ozarks Board of REALTORS® and Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS® MLS, Inc. Multiple Listing Service. This information is copyrighted by The Lake Of The Ozarks Board of REALTORS® and The Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS® MLS, Inc. Multiple Listing Service. Information is being provided for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties
Listings displaying the MARIS logo are courtesy of the participants of Mid America Regional Information Systems Internet Data Exchange. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
The territorial jurisdiction of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. includes Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, and Osage Counties. This representation is based in whole or part on data supplied by the Multiple Listing Service of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. Neither the Board nor its MLS guarantees or is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Board or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Heart Of Missouri Board Of REALTORS® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
