December in Columbia always brings a certain energy. The city feels brighter and more alive—and that’s what makes this time of year so special here. From performances and live music to lights, tradition, and community moments worth bundling up for, there’s no shortage of festive things to do around mid-Missouri. These are a few holiday events worth adding to your list this season.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
There are holiday classics—and then there are holiday moments that feel cinematic. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is one of those traditions that families treasure year after year. Returning to Jesse Auditorium at the University of Missouri on Tuesday, December 10th at 7 p.m., this touring production brings world-renowned principal dancers, breathtaking sets, and imaginative theatrical elements that feel larger than life. Think 40 Vaganova-trained ballerinas, hand-painted backdrops, and whimsical puppetry that transforms the stage into pure Christmas wonder.
For more than 30 years, NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet has traveled to over 100 cities, captivating audiences with a fusion of classical ballet, acrobatics, and enchanting storytelling. Critics across the country have praised the show’s artistry and visual spectacle—but experiencing it live, in Columbia, makes it feel even more extraordinary. It’s a cultural moment that arrives just once each holiday season—and it belongs on the calendar next to tree lightings, hot cocoa, and gifting traditions.
Whether it’s your very first Nutcracker or a return to a tradition you’ve loved since childhood, this is the type of holiday magic worth dressing up for. One night only—one unforgettable December evening—right here at home.
The Magic Tree at The Crossing
The Magic Tree at The Crossing has become one of Columbia’s most recognizable holiday sights— now in its ninth year — a glowing landmark people look forward to all season long.
Standing 85 feet tall and wrapped in more than eight miles of LED lights, this massive sycamore transforms the church lawn into something almost cinematic — bright, colorful, and impossible to miss. The official tree lighting takes place Saturday, November 30th at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own chairs or blanket and gather with family and friends to enjoy the show — along with free kettle corn, hot chocolate, and Christmas music. Beginning that evening, the Magic Tree is lit from 5–10 p.m. every night throughout the season — free and open to everyone.
People drive from across mid-Missouri just to stand underneath it… to take photos… to slow down in the middle of the busiest month of the year. Some holiday magic doesn’t need explanation — it just needs light, shared moments, and a reason to look up.
Living Windows in The District
If you’ve ever wondered what downtown Columbia looks like at its most festive — it’s Living Windows. For more than 20 years, this free family tradition has brought The District to life in the most charming way — with downtown shops transforming their storefronts into live scenes, characters, mini shows, and holiday moments you can walk right up to and experience. Every single year looks different, and that’s part of the fun. You never really know what you’re going to see — and that’s why people keep coming back.
Thousands of locals and visitors fill the sidewalks… popping into shops, grabbing cocoa, and wandering block by block to see what windows will surprise them next. The whole night feels nostalgic, creative, and very Columbia. It’s the perfect excuse to make a full day of it — grab lunch or dinner beforehand, shop small, pick up gifts, and then stay for the windows once they light up.
Living Windows takes place Friday, December 5th from 6–8 p.m. in Downtown Columbia — and it’s completely free. Arrive early and park in a garage. And this year, don’t forget to look for the judges on the light-up golf cart — plus roasted chestnuts inside the Wishflour Courtyard… a little holiday secret regulars always know about.
MOSY: Home for the Holidays Performance
There’s a certain holiday feeling you only get inside a theatre — the hush before the music begins, the warmth of the crowd settling in, and that moment the first notes fill the room. Home for the Holidays is Columbia’s annual symphonic celebration of the season, bringing The Missouri Symphony and Columbia Chorale together inside the historic Missouri Theatre. It’s one of the most timeless and elegant ways to experience December in mid-Missouri — where holiday nostalgia and live performance meet.
This year’s concert draws inspiration from mid-century holiday classics — smooth jazz, cozy harmonies, post-war pop, early rock influences, and festive favorites arranged for full symphony and choir. Guests can expect familiar songs they love, reimagined with rich orchestral sound, plus fresh surprises that make the performance feel new each year. A holiday market and a special visit from Santa make this performance more than a concert — it’s a full afternoon experience.
Home for the Holidays takes place Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Missouri Theatre. Tickets range from $29–$39, with free admission for children under 17 with an adult ticket. It’s one of the most beautiful ways to support local arts this season — and a holiday tradition worth dressing up for.