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Story by: Andrea Kaneko and Pam Clifton Trains and Christmas go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows. As the rail lines of the 19th century expanded, more families were able to visit loved ones during the holidays, and trains became a symbol of Christmas reunions and celebrations. Toy trains became a popular gift too. Who …

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Come out and see Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary in a brand new way! Not only will you get to see what our tigers are doing after dark, but the sanctuary grounds will be lit up by hundreds of holiday lights! Learn about our tigers, enjoy some hot chocolate, decorate sugar cookies, and create some crafts! …

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Not sure what to buy for Christmas gifts this year? Check out three gift options made by Missouri artists. Three Trees Workshop After moving back to the United States in 2014 from participating in environmental and community work in Mombasa, Kenya, Nathan Epp and his wife, Cynthia, began their woodworking business. With their first child …

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Marco … Santa! Dive into the third annual Swimming with Santa event at Heckart Community Center (HCC) in Sedalia from 6 to 7 PM on December 6. The event, hosted by the Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department, will feature Santa and Mrs. Clause swimming in red and white swimsuits in an indoor pool. Children can …

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Christmas Carol 12 2023

A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man. This Charles Dickens classic is presented by our …

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Starting in January, Adrienne Mennemeyer, owner of the Olive Tree Marketplace Christmas Pop-Up Shop, begins scouting for the Christmas season. Traveling with her daughter Karli, Adrienne visits product distributors in Texas, Nevada, and Georgia, handpicking unique products for the shop with the aim of curating the perfect Christmas collection for her customers back in Lake …

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8X8X8 / CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS® 50th ANNIVERSARY-THE EXHIBITION AT FOUNDRY ART CENTRE November 1 – December 22, 2024 The Foundry Art Centre is excited to unveil its final exhibitions of the year: 8x8x8 and Christmas Traditions® 50th Anniversary – The Exhibition. 8x8x8 returns for its fourth year, offering artists a unique challenge: What can they create …

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Do you delight in twinkling lights and spectacular sights during the holidays? Do you find joy in dazzling displays of illuminated Christmas characters, ornaments, and more? Then this magical, free drive-through light display fills the bill.

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Holiday songs and Christmas carols are extra special — we only hear or sing them once a year! There’s nothing better than memorable music to put you in the holiday mood. Here’s a wonderful opportunity for you to celebrate with songs this year!

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Theaters across the state bring a holiday classic to life. Santa, Rudolph, and Buddy the Elf are all beloved representations of cheerful Christmas spirit, but for many Missourians, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without a visit to a cantankerous old miser.

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John Denver, that is! You can enjoy “Rocky Mountain High Experience®, A John Denver Christmas” starring Rick Schuler, America’s Top John Denver Tribute. The show will take you back to the ’70s when John Denver’s music filled the radio airways.

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The pandemic spawned many “in-your-car” drive-by holiday light displays. And while many of these “drive-by” displays still happen each season, there’s one that will drive by you instead! Check out this unusual and fun event, in its second year.

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Many charming small towns become especially enchanting during December. Here are five in Missouri where you can stroll downtown and embrace the magic of Christmas while shopping in unique venues for those just-right gifts.

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Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece The Nutcracker has been a treasured tradition for many each holiday season. The magical Christmas ballet tells the story of Clara and her unsettling dream about a Nutcracker prince. And you can see it on Dec. 6!

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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!

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It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but many of us are already looking ahead to Christmas! If you’d like to get in a merry mood, you’ll want to check out a memorable, magical event that’s celebrating its 15th year, and runs through Christmas Eve!

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Christmas markets are common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (the “DACH” countries, short for Deutschland (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH, which is short for Latin Confoederatio Helvetica). But you can attend one without leaving Missouri!

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It’s the season of festive cheer, sparkling lights, gift giving and holiday parties. It’s time to gather your favorite people around to experience all the coziest moments of the most wonderful time of the year. Holiday season has arrived and here in JCMO, we are ready to celebrate.

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Columbia, MO artist Kevin Begley makes the most incredible wooden Santas you have ever seen. Stop my Missouri Life Mercantile in Rocheport to see them in person. You will want to start a family tradition with these noteworthy beards.

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Take a day or weekend trip to two small towns filled with big things to do. From historic homes, to a stunning art gallery to an array of great things to eat. Visit an above-ground pool built in the early 1900s and learn about these towns’ Civil War history.

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This unique choral concert, O Magnum Mysterium, presents joyful and inspiring Christmas music featuring 15 composers spanning five centuries.

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You’ll visit an aquarium, watch Scuba Claus spread Christmas cheer, and hear Mrs. Claus read “Twas the Night Before Fishmas.” Two shows left.

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Take a free candlelight tour of the Governor’s Mansion, with the halls all decked out in sparkling lights and lush greenery, and meet and greet Missouri’s Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson, too.

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Experience the magic of warm, glowing Christmas lights and the gentle giant Budweiser Clydesdale draft horses during a tour for a unique holiday experience.

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Crown Center decks the halls for the season like no other, creating some of Kansas City’s favorite holiday traditions.

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This town transforms back to the 1840s, when Charles Dickens’ book, A Christmas Carol, was published. Carolers will fill the streets.

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Get into the holiday spirit by planning to visit this very special Yule Log Cabin and Barn, tucked away in the woods down a quarter-mile lane. See 185 decorated trees and buy unique decorations.

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For the first time ever, Christmas is coming to Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail! Starting November 5th experience the Lost Canyon Christmas.

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”156927″] Our Missouri Life Ambassadors recruited talented home bakers from around the state who generously shared their favorite Christmas cookie recipes. You’ll find more delicious cookie recipes in the November/December 2022 issue of Missouri Life. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text border_color=”color-632047″ border_style=”solid” uncode_shortcode_id=”152247″ border_color_type=”uncode-palette”] Download and print our Great Statewide Cookie Exchange Recipe Book that includes all the recipes from …

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