Photo courtesy Matt Loveland, Matt Loveland PhotographyCatch The Mystery Hour Holiday Spectacular at the Historic Gillioz Theatre on December 13.
Life
This Week in Springfield, Missouri
Find the best things to do this weekend in Springfield and around southwest Missouri.
by Katie Pollock Estes
Dec 12 2024 at 8 a.m.
December 12–19
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Top Picks
December 13: Mystery Hour Holiday Spectacular
Gillioz Theatre
Fans of The Mystery Hour should definitely snag tickets to this event, where host Jeff Houghton and others will do interviews, perform live music and more. The show returns to the Gillioz Theater this year, after selling out Pythian Castle the past two years. Snag tickets early to ensure a seat!
December 14: Springfield Christmas Parade
Downtown Springfield
What’s better than a festive parade in the crisp winter air? Watch as creative floats, excellent marching bands and even Santa himself make their way through the streets of downtown Springfield. This year’s theme is “A Trip Down Gingerbread Lane,” and the Grand Marshall is Art Hanes. The parade first runs down South Avenue (starting at Elm Street) before circling Park Central Square and then continuing east. Get there early to snag the perfect spot for this beloved annual tradition.
December 15: A Christmas Dinner & Symphony
The Garrison at Finley Farms
Head to Finley Farms to hear holiday music from 417 String Quartet. They’ll be playing favorites like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” and lots more. There’s also an optional pre-symphony upgrade: a five-course prix fixe meal at The Garrison. Register in advance.
This Week
December 13: Blippi: Join the Band Tour
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
If you have a Blippi fan in your household, you’ll want to see this music-filled and Blippi-centric show. Along with on-stage musicians, Blippi explores rhythms, instruments, sounds and more.
December 13: The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show
Aetos Center for the Performing Arts
There’s tons of fun to be had at this musical comedy in the style of a retro radio program produced by The Grand Ol’ Production Company. It features sketch comedy, Christmas classics and more.
December 12–15: Once on This Island
The Historic Fox Theatre
This Tony Award–winning musical tells the story of a girl who is rescued from a storm on a Caribbean Island by four gods: Asaka, Agwé, Erzulie and Papa Ge. The music features Caribbean instruments and tells the story of the aftermath of colonization.
Through December 28: J.Ho.Ho.B. Pop-Up
The Historic Fox Theatre
Get festive at J.O.B. Public House every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through the end of December. Their twinkling seasonal pop-up features the usual drinks and bites plus special stuff like holiday events.
Through December 29: Gardens Aglow
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is beautiful any time of the year. But thanks to the 200,000 twinkling lights displays that fill the garden this time of year, it’s a true showstopper in December!
Through December 30: Jingle!
Ozark Mountain Sports Complex
This immersive seasonal experience surrounds guests with sparkling lights and lots of Christmas joy. There’s an ice skating trail, a village filled with fun holiday vendors, great food and drink, indoor sledding and lots more.
Through December 30: An Old Time Christmas
Silver Dollar City
Christmas in Silver Dollar City is a winter favorite in 417-land. The park is decked out in 6.5 million holiday lights, festive live shows and delicious treats only available during An Old Time Christmas.
Coming Up
December 19–23: The Nutcracker
Landers Theatre
If you haven’t seen this Springfield holiday tradition yet, make sure you do this year! Every December, Springfield Ballet performs the classic ballet featuring Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the Mouse King and of course the familiar and beautiful music of Tchaikovsky that is the embodiment of Christmastime.
December 20: Home for the Holidays: A Spyres Family Holiday Concert
Gillioz Theatre
Ozarks Lyric Opera presents a special performance featuring the talented and world-renowned Spyres family (a.k.a. Springfield’s First Family of Opera) accompanied by the music of a live orchestra—all meant to evoke the nostalgic charm of classic holiday TV specials.
Want more info?
Need to know more about what's going on in 417-land right now? Check out the calendar for local resources. Visit our Events & Promotions page to stay up to date on the latest 417 events, contests, promotions and more!
I’m Katie Pollock Estes, and I’m 417’s Editorial Director. I’ve been here almost 19 years, spending my workdays hunting for the best things to do and people to know in the Ozarks—and working with writers to share it all with you. Got a tip? Email me your story ideas for Datebook and 417 Magazine!
