The Best Ways to Enjoy the Holidays

…Skate and slide at Mediacom Ice Park
635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield, 417-866-7444 
Skate on the same ice that the Missouri State Ice Bears play on for a great way to get a workout and have fun doing it. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skater, the Ice Park is a fantastic complex for skaters of all ages. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3 through 12. 

Take In an Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
99 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, 800-888-7277 
Silver Dollar City doesn’t do anything halfway when it comes to celebrations, and Christmas is no different. Running through January 1, this extravaganza features 6.5 million lights, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, two Broadway-style productions and a five-story special effects Christmas Tree. There are also snacks and a prime rib buffet, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It all comes with admission—SDC often runs specials, but normal prices are $65 for adults and $54 for kids. It's the perfect Christmas event for kicking off the season.

Sip a Glass of Mother’s Brewing Co.’s Winter Grind
215 S. Grant Ave., Springfield, 417-862-0423 
With winter comes the highly anticipated release of Springfield’s own Mother’s Brewing Co.’s Winter Grind, a coffee stout through and through. It’s a beer perfect for the season, a dark stout to sip by the fire. Find it in stores and on tap locally now. 

Cook Up a Storm at European Café Cooking Classes
207 Park Central East, Springfield, 417-986-4646
European Café has cooking classes throughout the year, but its classes in the wintertime are especially great. This year, they are offering two variations on gingerbread house–making, in which you can make a home from scratch or decorate an already-built house. For class dates and prices, visit 417europeancafe.com/classes.

Bask in the Bagwell Lights
2008 E. Cambridge St., Springfield
The Bagwell Lights have become a 417-land tradition, and no holiday season is complete without a trip to see the Bagwell home lit up. This music-synchronized display is Christmas lights taken to its extreme, and it’s something you have to see to believe. Be sure to tune in to 105.5 FM to listen to the musical accompaniment. You can see the lights through December 31, Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to about 11:30 p.m.

Drink at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar

This year Springfield has two pop-up bars located right in the heart of downtown that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Golden Girl Rum Club and Civil Kitchen are participating in Miracle on the Square and Sippin’ Santa. Visit the bars, buy one of the exclusive drinks that are only available this month and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Child Advocacy Center.