Santa is coming to Historic Missouri Wine Country to check children’s Christmas lists (and let’s be honest, try a few local wines too) before he heads back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas. Aglow with twinkling lights, you’ll find many ways to get into the Christmas spirit in Defiance, Augusta, and New Melle. So, raise a glass and make a toast to celebrating the holiday season in Historic Missouri Wine Country.

DEFIANCE, MO

1. Christmas Candlelight Walks at The Historic Daniel Boone Home

Take a step back in time as you arrive at The Historic Daniel Boone Home and historic village. Illuminated by thousands of lantern-lit candles, the historic village comes to life with storytellers reminiscing of winters past. Tour the inside of the home where you’ll find Daniel and Rebecca Boone recalling their favorite holiday memories. This event is December 1^st, 2^nd, 8^th, and 9^th. Tickets are already sold out, but stay up to date with their website in case they add more. Keep an eye out for tickets to next year’s event. It’s a magical night that you don’t want to miss!

Photo credit to Defiance Christmas Festival on Facebook.

2. The 14^th Annual Defiance Christmas Festival

Have yourself a merry little Christmas at the Defiance Christmas festival. On December 2^nd, start the day at the Dashing through Defiance 5k Walk/Run and stick around afterwards for the Christmas parade at noon. Rumor has it that Santa himself will make an appearance! Decorate your ATV, golf cart, or 5x5, dress up your pet, or show off your classic car and sign up to be in the parade. Prizes will be awarded to the best in each category. If you’re on the nice list, Santa will stay in town until 2:30 p.m. for pictures. Shop at the Christmas market while you listen to live music and enjoy the festivities. It’s a true winter wonderland that you don’t want to miss.

Photo credit to Frisella Nursery on Facebook.

3. Deck the Halls with help from Frisella Nursery

Get your Christmas shopping done at Frisella Nursery’s annual Holiday Open House. On December 2^nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., shop from local vendors, learn new skills in a workshop, keep the kids busy with the provided kid’s activities, and get your family photo taken with Santa all in one place. Frisella Nursery is also hosting holiday-themed workshops throughout the month of December. Create your own festive holiday porch pot, wreath, or centerpiece. Spruce up your home with a unique one-of-a-kind holiday piece. Check out their website for sign-up information.

4. Memorable Holidays at Chandler Hill Vineyards

The winery is beautifully decorated for Christmas where they will host holiday events this season. Santa Claus is coming to Chandler Hill Vineyards for Sunday Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th. This holiday brunch features their full a la carte menu but with special additions for both kids and adults alike. Live music sets the scene and themed holiday cocktails, s’mores kits, wrapped gifts for the kids, and a hot chocolate bar will be on hand to help you make fun family memories. Or, indulge in a delicious five course meal at the Holiday Sparkling Wine Dinner on December 15th. With a menu designed by Executive Chef Bill Cawthorn, give your taste buds a gift this holiday season with this meal. The sparkling wine will be chosen by the vineyard’s sommelier, Scott LaChance. Make your reservations now at their website.

Photo credit to Defiance Ridge Vineyards on Facebook.

5. Holiday Sip, Savor, and Shop at Defiance Ridge Vineyards

Jingle all the way to Defiance Ridge Vineyards for the Holiday Sip, Savor, and Shop event. Sip on a glass of sensational wine and savor a delicious selection of food all while shopping from a variety of high-quality local artisans and vendors. Make sure to stop in and get some Christmas shopping done. The market is on December 10^th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

6. Winter Solstice Yoga

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season stress you out. Honor winter solstice, the darkest time of the year, at Defiance Ridge Vineyards with yoga instructor, Kathy Kessler, from Halcyon Spa. She will guide you through 90 minutes of myofascial yin yoga with inspirational music, meditation, poetry, touch, and more. This class is on December 17^th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and it includes a complimentary glass of wine. Sign up today to rid yourself of holiday stress.

Photo credit to Chandler Hill Vineyards on Facebook.

7. Holiday Workshops

May your days be merry and bright when you pour a holiday-scented candle and make a Christmas wreath at Chandler Hill Vineyards. On December 17^th, Bolden Candle Co. and Rouge Floral Design are teaming up to host this workshop where you’ll create your own 11 oz. candle and a beautiful holiday wreath using seasonal blooms all while sipping on a 3-wine flight tasting. Sign up for your spot today.

8. Defiance Ridge Vineyards Holiday Concert

They say that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. Join Butchwax & The Hollywoods on December 22^nd at Defiance Ridge Vineyards as they sing Christmas classics along with their original material. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy delicious food as you enjoy their concert; the kitchen is open until 8:30 p.m. and the bar is open until 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and are going fast, so get yours today.

AUGUSTA, MO

1. Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk

Dash on down to Augusta on the evenings of December 1^st and 8^th to experience a classic Norman Rockwell Christmas. Warm up next to a bonfire as you dine and shop downtown. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage around the quaint town as thousands of luminaries and holiday décor light up Augusta. Local shops, restaurants, wineries, and breweries will be open late. Not to mention, Santa is coming to town. He’ll be doing photos in the town hall. Mark your calendar for this magical Christmas event!

Photo credit to Mount Pleasant Estates on Facebook.

2. Mount Pleasant Estates Christmas Walk Buffet

Fill up on delicious food when you stop at Mount Pleasant Estates during Augusta’s Candlelight Christmas Walk. Don’t let the cold get your tinsel in a tangle. Mount Pleasant Estates is a great place to warm up in, all while eating a good meal. Their Christmas Walk buffet includes winter salad, chicken spiedini, roast beef, mac & cheese, roasted potatoes, bravas tomato sauce, dinner rolls, and dessert bars. The Christmas buffet begins at 6 p.m. on December 1^st and 8^th. Eat, drink, and be merry!

Photo credit to Augusta Glass Studio on Instagram.

3. Augusta Glass Studio Holiday Sale

Have you ever wanted to own a beautiful piece of handmade glass? Well, now’s your chance! Visit Augusta Glass Studio on November 25^th or December 2^nd, 3^rd, 9^th, and 10^th for their holiday sale. Colorful glassworks made by Sam Stang and Kaeko Maehata are the perfect Christmas gifts. There will be live glass blowing demonstrations at 2 p.m. each day of the sale. Augusta Glass Studio will be open during the Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk in case you can’t make it to the sale.

4. Show off your Design Skills in the Augusta Gingerbread Haus Contest

Make a stellar gingerbread house for the 4^th annual Augusta Gingerbread Haus Contest. Build your masterpiece out of gumdrops, peppermints, gingerbread, and more (all visible parts must be edible). There are two categories: Local Landmark and Heart Warming House, each broken into different age groups. The gingerbread houses will be on display at the Augusta Visitors Center for public viewing between December 2^nd and 9^th. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite!

Photo credit to Balducci Vineyards on Facebook.

5. Santa & Mrs. Claus Party at Balducci Vineyards

Get your festive attire or your ugliest Christmas sweater out from the depths of your closet for the Santa & Mrs. Claus Party at Balducci Vineyards. Join them for a photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, Christmas activities, shopping from vendors, and more. This party is on December 3^rd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jingle bell rock your way out there, you don’t want to miss it.

6. Celebrate the Holidays with Miss Augusta Cruises

Get into the holiday spirit by attending the holiday events hosted by Miss Augusta Cruises. From Cookies & Cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Holiday Dinner Cruise or the classy Christmas Eve Dinner, there are many ways for you to celebrate in comfort and luxury this year. Enjoy the ambiance of Christmas music as you enjoy a special holiday spread or menu made for these events. Celebrate the holidays in comfort and luxury with Miss Augusta River Cruises. Check their website for more details.

7. Augusta Christmas Trivia Night

Test your Christmas knowledge at the grand finale of the Augusta Candlelight Walk: Christmas Trivia Night. Have a jolly good time from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on December 9^th playing trivia with friends with a chance to win different prizes. Hosted by the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce at Augusta Harmonie Verein, this year’s theme is ugly sweaters, so gather your Christmas crew, come up with a team name, and dress the part. Reserve your spot now! All proceeds go to the town park playground equipment.

NEW MELLE, MO

Photo credit to New Melle Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.

1. New Melle Country Christmas

It’s never too early to start celebrating Christmas! Get the holiday festivities started at the New Melle Country Christmas November 25^th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy activities like balloon art, face painting, a photo booth, magic show, and more. Santa will make his grand entry on the back of a firetruck and light the New Melle town Christmas tree at 5 p.m. He will stay in town for photos until 7 p.m. before he needs to check on the reindeer and elves at the North Pole. Get in the spirit of giving by bringing a new teddy bear for Children’s Hospital patients in honor of Trevor Joerling and nonperishable food items for the food pantry.