There is no shortage of festive holiday events happening this Christmas season in West Central Missouri. To have your event added to our online list, email news@sedaliademocrat.com or news@warrensburgstarjournal.com.
To view our 2023 Holiday Book special section, click here.
Powell Gardens, 1609 NW U.S. Highway 50 in Kingsville, will host the Evergy Festival of Lights from Nov. 16 to Dec. 30. It is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Holiday lights turn Kansas City’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland in the Visitor Center and along a lighted outdoor path. For ticket information, visit powellgardens.org.
Inter-State Studios, 3500 Snyder Ave. in Sedalia, will host its annual Holiday Light Show from 5 to 7 a.m. and 5 to 11 p.m. daily starting Nov. 22. Professional portraits in front of the Magic Tree will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1; the cost is one nonperishable food item for each person.
Sedalia Parks and Recreation will host Light Up Liberty nightly from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Nov. 23 to Jan. 1 at Liberty Park. It is free to drive through, and there will be a bucket for donations to help add more lights in future years. In partnership with Tyson Foods, Light Up Liberty will have a canned food drive from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 to benefit Open Door.
State Fair Community College Music Arts will host its Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at First United Methodist Church, 916 Thompson Blvd. in Sedalia. SFCC's Concert Band and Chamber Choir will perform. The concert is free, but attendees are asked to bring a box of snacks to donate to C3 (College Campus Connection) to help students at SFCC.
The University of Central Missouri will host the UCM Holiday Market from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 29 in the Elliott Student Union Ballrooms. Vendors will be selling custom artwork, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, and more. Join from 4 to 6 p.m. for photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and crafts for kids in the Union Atrium. This year will also feature Candy Cane Lane in the Union Bowling Center for a discounted rate.
UCM President Roger Best and First Lady Robin Best will host Jingle on the Quad on Nov. 30. The lighting ceremony features performances by UCM music students, appearances by Mo, Santa, and Molly, the university’s live mule mascot. Attendees also will be treated to hot cocoa, apple cider and cookies. Activities begin outside the Administration Building and continue in the James L. Highlander Theatre with the annual First Lady’s Holiday Concert at 6 p.m. featuring the UCM Concert Choir, Collegiate Chorus and Wind Ensemble. No tickets are required.
State Fair Community College will host the annual Jingle on the Green at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 on campus. It features thousands of luminarias, decorated trees, musical performances, desserts and drinks, arts, crafts and tram rides around campus. Many performances and activities will be put on by SFCC, along with schools from Camdenton, Smith-Cotton, Cole Camp, Clinton, Sacred Heart, Boonville, Lincoln, Marshall, Smithton and Versailles. Special guests will include Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Rowdie the Roadrunner. The event is free.
The sixth annual Warrensburg Holiday Parade will be hosted at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 in downtown Warrensburg. It will start at the UCM Jerry M. Hughes Athletic Center and head north on Holden Street, through the downtown area, and halt at Holden and Gay streets. Immediately following the parade will be Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas tree on the Johnson County Courthouse lawn.
The UCM Alumni Foundation’s MuleNation Home Chapter is hosting movie night at the Star Theater, 112 W. Pine St. in downtown Warrensburg, following the 6 p.m. Holiday Parade on Friday, Dec. 1. Watch "The Grinch" and take a photo with the real-life Grinch. Enjoy food and beverages from Heroes while supplies last and enter to win a MuleTide ornament.
Sedalia Parks and Recreation will host the Liberty Lights Merry Mile on Dec. 1 at Liberty Park. Check in is from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and the run starts at 7 p.m. The cost is $15 for kids and $25 for ages 13 and older. Prizes will be offered for Most Festive, Most Lit Up and Most Creative.
The Patch by Rupe Family Farms, 10757 Highway 65 in Cole Camp, will host Christmas at the Patch on weekends in December. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Patch will offer wagon rides through a Christmas light display, hot cocoa and cookies, kids crafts and more. Admission is $5 per person and free for ages 2 and under.
The Sweet Springs Food Pantry and Sweet Springs Optimist Club will host Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 2 at First Baptist Church of Sweet Springs, 104 Main St. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3 to 10, and free for children 2 and younger. The Sweet Springs Fire Department and Sparky along with the Sweet Springs Police Department will also be there. The event will include Santa’s Mini Mall for kids.
Sedalia Parks and Recreation will host Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2 at Convention Hall in Liberty Park. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and his elves for breakfast, holiday crafts, photos, and some reindeer games. The cost is $15 per person and registration ends Nov. 26.
Sedalia Parks and Recreation will host the second annual Holiday Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Heckart Community Center, 1800 W. Third St. There will be plenty of snacks as well as woodworking, embroidery, blankets, and numerous other types of handmade goods.
Warrensburg Main Street will host Dickens’ Christmas from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 in downtown Warrensburg. Father Christmas will arrive at the train station at 9:57 a.m. The event includes carolers, artisans demonstrating traditional crafts like glass blowing, paper making, crochet and woodworking, the Winter Farmers’ Market in the Historic Star Theatre, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the Tiny Tim Soup Competition.
The Sedalia Public Library, 311 W. Third St. in downtown Sedalia, will host Christmas and holiday card making at 10 a.m. Dec. 2.
The Heard Memorial Club House will host the annual Christmas Cookie Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2. Order cookies in advance for delivery. Proceeds will benefit the Club House, 200 W. Broadway Blvd. in Sedalia. For more information or to order, contact Judy at 660-827-3545 or Mary at 573-694-2204.
Center Stage Academy will perform “The Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at Hendricks Hall on the UCM campus.
The Warrensburg Senior Center, 445 E. Gay St. in Warrensburg, will host Carols and Candlelight from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2. The event will include Christmas carols, Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday treats, a silent auction and more.
Studio A Dance Conservatory will perform “The Tale of the Nutcracker” at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Heckart Performing Arts Center at Smith-Cotton High School, 2010 Tiger Pride Blvd. in Sedalia.
The Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 in downtown Sedalia. This year’s theme is “A Nutcracker Christmas.”
Whiskey Ridge Rescue, 17228 White Road in Green Ridge, will host Deck the Stalls from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 3. Sip hot cocoa, stuff the horses' stockings, spend time with rescue equines and pups, and meet Santa. The event is free, but donations are appreciated.
DeFeet will host a holiday party from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Salvation Army, 1200 E. Broadway Blvd. in Sedalia. DeFeet invites those who don't have family to gather with for the holiday to join for a time of food and fun.
The Warsaw Chamber of Commerce will host A Hallmark Christmas from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 in downtown Warsaw. The schedule includes: 8 to 10 a.m. breakfast with Santa, 10 a.m. kids’ ornament decorating, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. downtown open house and holiday market, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. food trucks, noon to 3 p.m. horse-drawn carriage rides, 3 to 6 p.m. visit Santa at the Community Building, 5 to 6 p.m. live nativity scene, and 6 p.m. Christmas parade through Main Street.
Green Ridge PTO will host Breakfast with the Grinch from 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 9 in the Green Ridge School little gym, 401 W. Pettis St. in Green Ridge. The cost is $5 per person and includes breakfast, photo ops, face painting, snowball fights, games, a bounce house, crafts, and meeting the Grinch. Proceeds will be used to help with student field trips.
Open Door Service Center will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at Church on the Move, 2805 S. Ohio Ave. in Sedalia. The cost is $10 for ages 10 and up, $6 ages 9 and under, and $12 for deliveries. To order pickup meals, call 660-827-1613 by Dec. 6. There will be a special appearance by Santa and The Grinch. Proceeds benefit Open Door.
Children can talk with Santa while riding Amtrak's Missouri River Runner on Dec. 9. Travel on your own to Warrensburg's train station at 100 S. Holden St. to board Train 318 at 9:57 a.m. Tickets are $5. Once the train arrives in Sedalia at approximately 10:27 a.m., enjoy a photo opportunity with Santa and his crew, along with cookies and punch inside Lamy’s, 108 W. Pacific St.
The Knob Noster Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Cookie Stroll from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 in downtown Knob Noster. Visit local participating retailers that will be offering specials and cookies.
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce will host the 32nd annual Christmas Parade and Craft Fair on Dec. 9. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street and the craft fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln R-2 School District, 101 W. Lamine St.
Maplewood Church, 25396 Highway O in Sedalia, will host A Family Christmas Experience from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9. It will include food, crafts, photo-op backdrops, a live nativity, prizes, interactive family activities, and games. It is free and open to the public.
Arrow Rock State Historic Site, 39521 Visitor Center Drive in Arrow Rock, will host an Old Fashioned Christmas on Dec. 9. Begin the afternoon with a lecture and demonstration on period dance at 4 p.m. at the Schoolhouse. Make your way down a luminaire-lighted Main Street to the historic buildings where interpreters and volunteers will welcome you in period decorated homes. Shops will be open for Christmas shopping.
Sedalia Parks and Recreation will host Swim with Santa from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Heckart Community Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be hanging out at the indoor pool. The cost is included in memberships and day passes.
The Sedalia Public Library, 311 W. Third St. in downtown Sedalia, will host Santa for a visit from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 16. The event is free.
Sedalia Parks and Recreation will host Pizza and PJs with Santa from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Convention Hall in Liberty Park. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and his elves for pizza in your PJs. The evening will include holiday crafts, photos, snacks, and reindeer games. Cost is $10 per person and registration deadline is Dec. 10.
Sedalia Parks and Recreation will host Cookies with the Clauses from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Convention Hall in Liberty Park. Mrs. Claus wants children ages 3 to 10 to help decorate some desserts. There will also be holiday stories and refreshments. Cost is $10 per child and registration ends Dec. 10.
The Liberty Center Association for the Arts, 111 W. Fifth St. in downtown Sedalia, will host Artful Afternoons Winter Art Camp from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 28 and Dec. 29. Classes will be taught by Jordan Fields and Kelsey Raines. It is open to K-5 students and the cost is $50.
• Evelyn Valley Ranch, 653 NE 1200 Road in Windsor, will host a Christmas vendor event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2.
• Western Missouri Medical Center, 403 Burkarth Road in Warrensburg, will host the Employee Holiday Market from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 in the main lobby. Hospital employees will showcase their talents and businesses; it is open to the public.
• State Fair Floral will host a Holiday Mini Garden class from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 at The 518 Provisions, 520 S. Ohio Ave. in downtown Sedalia. The class includes three plants, holiday accessories, a pre-filled container and a complimentary glass of wine or coffee. The cost is $50.
• Buttermilk Forty Alpacas, 17363 Ream Spring Road in Sedalia, will host a Christmas Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 and 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 10. Meet the alpacas and shop in the farm store for holiday gifts.
• Moonlit Petrichor, 111 E. Culton St. in downtown Warrensburg, will host a winter “Gilmore Girls” event from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 9. There will be vendors, along with Chef Jbird acting as Warrensburg’s own Luke Danes, plus free coffee and themed raffles. Bring a donation for the Old Drum Animal Shelter to recieve 10% off your purchase.
• Twister Sports, 240 NW state Route 13 in Warrensburg, will host a Very Merry Christmas Party from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16. The open play event will have a visit from Santa, Buddy the Elf, Elf on the Shelf and Olaf. There will be bounce houses, trampoline, air track, gymnastics equipment, ninja area, rope swing, beach balls, a bootcamp obstacle course, coloring sheets and festive music. Cost is $10 per child and no cost for parents.
• Wine, Antiques & More, 301 E. Main St. in downtown Cole Camp, will host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at 7 p.m. Dec. 16. There will be door prizes every hour, speciality drinks, and $100 to the ugliest sweater.
• Colton’s Steak House & Grill, 85 NE 501 Road in Warrensburg, will host Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16. Cookies will be provided.
