Even before the Thanksgiving feast’s finished, visions of sugar plums begin dancing in our heads. From trimming the tree to baking Christmas confections, the holiday season holds lots of joy and wonder … especially in one Missouri town!

By Peg Cameron Gill

Kick off Christmas at Roslyn Heights in Boonville. Roslyn Heights is an elegant Queen Anne style mansion and it serves as the headquarters for Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. But it also serves as the headquarters for many fun and festive holiday happenings!

Bring the kiddos to Christmas With Mrs. Claus, on Sat. December. 2, 10–11:30 AM. Children ages 7–12 are best suited to enjoy the “tea” with breakfast goodies and Mrs. Claus! The cost is $10 per ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A reservation is required, and can be made here. 

Also on Sat. December 2, you can try your hand at trivia during Crack the Christmas Code. Enjoy some fun Christmas Trivia as groups of 6 or less are presented with questions before moving to the next room. The game ends in the ballroom where you will complete the final task to crack the Christmas Code! Pre-registration is preferred, and you can pre-register here.

On Sun. December 3, there will be a Lights of Love Ceremony at 5 PM. Join others on the front lawn of Roslyn Heights and watch as the patriotic red, white, and blue tree is lit, celebrating veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. This free event is open to the public.

Anyone is welcome to take a Christmas tour of the mansion on Sat. December 9 between 9 AM–noon. You’ll ooh and ahh as you stroll throughout the house admiring more than  20 decorated Christmas trees. The guided tour will provide history about the house and the family that built Roslyn Heights in 1895. Adults tickets are $10 each (ages 17 and under are free).

Speaking of historic houses in Boonville, check out this article – it’ll  make you want to check in! So will this one, and this one, too!

For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.