Parades, events in full swing for Christmas in the Ozarks

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas before us, celebrations are in full swing all December long around the Ozarks. Here’s some of the holiday fun you can add to your “must-do” list this month: “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” Now through Sunday, Dec. 8 at the historic Landers Theatre (311 E. Walnut St., [...]

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Dec 4, 2024 - 08:30

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Parades, events in full swing for Christmas in the Ozarks

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas before us, celebrations are in full swing all December long around the Ozarks. Here’s some of the holiday fun you can add to your “must-do” list this month:

“A Christmas Carol: The Musical”
Now through Sunday, Dec. 8 at the historic Landers Theatre (311 E. Walnut St., Springfield)

Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on his way to discovering the true meaning of Christmas in this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel.

Tickets available online or by calling the theatre box office at 417-869-1334.

Reindeer at the Farm
Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4-7 p.m. at Cassidy Station (5176 N. Fremont Rd., Nixa)

The whole family can meet live reindeer and snap a unique holiday pic for $10. While you’re waiting to meet one of Santa’s chauffeurs, you can take a spin on an outdoor ice skating rink, walk through Cassidy Station’s Christmas tree farm, or snuggle up to a fire pit with hot cocoa and s’mores. The mercantile will also be open for holiday shopping.

Candy Cane Lane
Multiple dates starting Friday, Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m. at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park (3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield)

Turn on the holiday tunes and drive through farm-themed holiday displays and over 100,000 lights at Candy Cane Lane. Entry fee is $5 per vehicle.

Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony & Cocoa with the Community
Friday, Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at McCauley Park (701 N. Taylor Way)

Join Mayor Jarad Giddens for hot chocolate and cookies while enjoying musical performances from Nixa Public Schools Choirs and getting a photo with Santa. This free event is open to all ages.

Christmas on Main Street
Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Historic Main Street, Republic

Food trucks and vendors line Republic’s historic Main Street during this annual event. Local bakers can enter their best sweet treat in the pie and cookie bake-offs before lining up to watch the Republic Kiwanis Christmas Parade at 3 p.m. For more information on the event or how to register for bake-offs, visit the RepMo Christmas on Main Street Facebook page.

Winter Market
Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Cassidy Station (5176 N. Fremont Rd., Nixa)

If you’re still shopping for some of the people on your list, nearly a dozen vendors will be stopping by Cassidy Station to show off their wares. In addition to the market, you can decorate cookies and enjoy a bite from a local food truck. Kiddos can even meet Santa from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and kids 12 and under get in free.

An Old Fashioned Christmas at the Mill
Saturday, Dec. 7 from 12 – 10 p.m. at 14 Mill Market (203 E. Mt. Vernon St., Nixa)

Wear your favorite Christmas sweater to this event for a chance to win a 14 Mill Market grab bag while enjoying live carolers, holiday crafts, food from local vendors and more. Take advantage of a family photo session while you’re there and join in on a Christmas sing along. Wisner Bar will also be offering holiday drink specials like spiced apple cider and a cranberry mule throughout the event.

Rogersville Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. at Rogersville City Park

The theme of this year’s parade in Rogersville is ugly Christmas sweaters, so floats, bands and more will kick off the season in style before lighting the tree in the city park. Sweet treats and hot chocolate will be available, along with holiday music and more.

Fair Grove Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. at Wommack Mill (38 S. Main St.)

Fair Grove’s Christmas tree lighting will immediately follow the parade at the historic Wommack Mill. Historic Hilltop businesses will also be open for holiday shopping.

Christmas on the Frisco
Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in Willard

Willard Parks and Recreation is hosting a full day of holiday cheer for all ages starting with a community float building party. Join neighbors, friends and local businesses bringing their floats to life before the Christmas on the Frisco parade starts at 2 p.m. Kids can also take part in Crafts and Cocoa with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon at the Willard Community Building (222 W. Jackson St.). After the parade, local choirs and performers will be at the Frisco Trail Head singing classic carols and favorite holiday songs, and awards for the Downtown Decorating Contest, Reindeer Imposter Contest and parade categories will be announced. For more information or how to register for the parade, visit willardparks.com.

Nixa Christmas Parade
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at Nixa Parks and Recreation (701 N. Taylor Way)

For the 70^th year, the City of Nixa will host its Christmas parade celebrating “Past to Present: Seven Decades of a Nixa Christmas.” Santa will be riding on Gateway Real Estate’s parade float as the route starts at the Nixa Community Center and winds through town before ending at Nixa Junior High.

Free Screening: “It’s A Wonderful Life”
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Gillioz Theatre (325 Park Central East, Springfield)

The Gillioz Theatre’s annual showing of this classic holiday film is free – no ticket required. The theatre is also providing free hot chocolate and pictures with Santa before the show. Doors for the movie open at 1 p.m. Call the box office at 417-863-9491 with questions.

Springfield Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. in downtown Springfield

This long-running parade will start at the intersection of Elm Street and South Street before making its way to Park Central Square. Get there early to enjoy the Christmas Market with food trucks and vendors, starting at noon and continuing through the parade.

Ash Grove Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14 from 2-4 p.m. at Ash Grove High School (100 N. Maple Ln.)

Hosted by the City of Ash Grove and the Ash Grove Masonic Lodge #100, this parade will start at the high school and make it’s way through town starting at 2 p.m. If you’re interested in entering a float, band, vehicle or even wagon in the parade, click here.

Fair Grove’s Main Street Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Main Street, Fair Grove

If you weren’t able to catch the parade in Fair Grove, this family friendly event promises to turn the town into a winter wonderland. Meet Santa and his elves, take a stroll through the market of local vendors and crafters, and take in a live nativity later in the evening. This event is free to attend.

December Holiday Market
Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 3-7 p.m. at Farmers Market of the Ozarks (2144 E. Republic Rd., Springfield)

Last minute shoppers, rejoice! FMO is open for business in this special, once-a-year Christmas market full of local vendors with unique gift options.

“Home for the Holidays” - A Spyres Family Holiday Concert
Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gillioz Theatre (317 Park Central East, Springfield)

Dubbed Springfield’s First Family of Opera, the Spyres family will perform holiday favorites with an orchestra at this concert hosted by Ozarks Lyric Opera and the Gillioz. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are available online at gillioztheatre.com.

Other Christmas parades around the Ozarks include:

Eureka Springs Christmas Parade of Lights
Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in downtown Eureka Springs

Cabool Christmas Parade
Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in downtown Cabool

Bolivar Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.; parade begins on South Springfield Avenue at the entrance of Southwest Baptist University and travels north to the Bolivar square then heads west on Broadway, ending at Bolivar Schools Central Office on Madison Street.

Cassville Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. along Main Street

Crane Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. in downtown Crane

Greenfield Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. on the Greenfield Square (300 W. Water St.)

Marshfield Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. on Marshfield Square (101 S. Crittenden St.); parade route will begin at the Webster County Fairgrounds and come up Clay Street, go around the square and exit off of Marshall Street.

Sparta Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at 217 Division St., Sparta

Richland Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. at Shady Dell Park (L G Myers Drive, Richland)

Aurora Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at 121 E. Olive St.

West Plains Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. in downtown West Plains

Buffalo Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. on the Buffalo Square; parade route will start at Industrial Drive by Superior Gearbox, south down Maple Street to the square, around the square, then back north on Poplar Street.