The holiday season is one of the best times of the year in Columbia. Everyone is busy with shopping for gifts, seeing old friends, and attending holiday parties. There’s also a number of fun events going on in town to get you in a festive spirit. Grab some friends and check these out!
Winter Wonderland at the Maplewood House
Boone County History & Culture Center, Ponderosa Street, Columbia, MO
Head over to the Boone County History & Culture Center to experience the annual Winter Wonderland at the Maplewood House. The venue is a historic location from 1877 and is professionally decorated every year for the holidays by local designers and florists. This is one of our visually favorite events that is sure to get you in the cozy winter mood, and it makes a great date night activity. There’s also a model-train exhibit for you to explore and snap some pictures.
Winter Hiking at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Many park entrances — see website for addresses
https://mostateparks.com/trails/rock-Bridge-Memorial-state-park?type=hiking
Tired of being inside all winter? You can grab a pair of snowshoes and venture off for a hike in the nearby Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. There are trails for you to follow and maps available online. Bundle up warm and get some exercise over the holidays to burn off all the great food. Don’t forget the ear muffs and hand warmers. Those are always the first to get cold on us!
Snowshoes two styles, by Burtonpe via Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Columbia Holiday Soiree
The Blue Note, North Ninth Street, Columbia, MO
http://thebluenote.com/event/columbia-holiday-soiree/
Do you love holiday traditions? Then check out the Columbia Holiday Soiree downtown at The Blue Note to teleport back to the ’60s and experience what the festive season felt like back then. This themed, vintage party is a fun opportunity to pull out some classic garb or go searching for a retro outfit. Every year, they have great tunes, live jazz, and DJs all playing the classics. There will be plenty of lively holiday spirit and decorations. Buy tickets or reserve a table ahead of time on their event website.
Outdoor Fun at Stephens Lake
2001 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
https://www.como.gov/ParksandRec/Parks/Stephens_Lake/
When it’s cold and snowy outside, make the best of the circumstances with some more outdoor activities. Winter is not complete until you have an annual sledding adventure! There’s a sledding hill at Stephens Lake that’s a great spot for some tobogganing once at least half a foot of snow has fallen. Be sure to bring your own sled! Also, once the lake freezes over, it can make for some great ice skating. Be sure to thoroughly check the conditions for safety, as the ice should be at least four inches thick before skating on it. We love wrapping up any winter day spent outside with a nice cup of hot chocolate and a warm blanket.