Six Stop Tour: Christmas Towns
Christmas movies often feature quaint towns with beautiful holiday decorations, strolling carolers and the magic of Christmas on every corner. We’re fortunate to have several towns with that Hallmark Christmas movie feeling less than a tank of gas away from Kansas City.
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Weston, MO
Weston is so iconically quaint, Lifetime filmed Rebuilding a Dream Christmas in the Missouri town. On the first weekend of December, the town hosts its Holiday Homes Tour, and all season long, the shops are decorated for the holidays with Father Christmas strolling Main Street and greeting shoppers. Plus, Snow Creek is Kansas City’s close local skiing destination, open seasonally. WestonMo.com
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Lawrence, KS
On the first Saturday in December, Lawrence hosts an old-fashioned Christmas parade complete with horse-drawn carriages. Theatre Lawrence is performing A Christmas Story: The Musical on select dates Dec. 1 -17. The shops on “Mass Street” will be decked out in holiday splendor with great deals for shoppers. Adults enjoy holiday spirit at Snowglobe, a holiday pop-up bar at Dempsey’s Pub with live reindeer! ExploreLawrence.com Pro Tip: Get a FREE Winter Wonder Pass for discounts and an iitinerary to enjoy this holiday season in Lawrence!
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Branson, MO
Branson is famously decorated with millions of lights every holiday season. Silver Dollar City, the top attraction in Branson, hosts an Ozark Christmas with millions of lights including the Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour, holiday shows, delicious Christmas delicacies, rides and more. In addition to Silver Dollar City, you’ll find holiday entertainment at Sight & Sound Theatre’s Esther, Dolly Parton’s Stampede and the Haygoods. ExploreBranson.com Pro Tip: For more inspiration on your Branson getaway, read our story One-of-a-Kind Adventure in Branson!
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Pella, Iowa
Christmas is also magical in this quaint Dutch town. The town landmark, Vermeer Mill, is a working 124-foot windmill from the Netherlands used to grind wheat. The historical museum features a Dutch village. The first weekend in December, Pella hosts Kerstmarkt, an outdoor Christmas market featuring artisan vendors. Throughout the season, enjoy carriage rides, boutique shopping and visits with Sinterklaas. VisitPella.com
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St. Charles, Missouri
St. Charles is famous for its cobblestone streets, historical architecture near the Mississippi River and the yuletide nostalgia residents share during their annual Christmas Traditions celebration. Visitors enjoy Victorian carolers, beautiful greenery decorating the historic district, delicious holiday foods, shopping and more all month long. Enjoy quaint shops and delicious restaurants throughout the town. DiscoverStCharles.com
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Lindsborg, Kansas
Lindsborg celebrates its Swedish heritage year-round, but it is especially unique at Christmas during the Festival of St. Lucia. On the second weekend of December, the town celebrates with holiday music, a St. Lucia parade, the crowning of St. Lucia, and cookies and coffee. You may also visit the Old Mill Museum, many local shops and eateries and historic sites. VisitLindsborg.com