The holidays are a popular travel time for many folks, and a Missouri Ozarks getaway is a perfect choice! Whether you’re up for cozy rest and relaxation, a family reunion, or an impromptu friends’ weekend, the Ozarks has a lot to offer with a variety of unique holiday attractions and festive events. Hit the road for a truly memorable holiday in the Midwest with a stop in Rolla, Mo.
Cozy Couple Holiday Getaways in the Midwest
First of all, nothing sparks a little romance more than spending the holiday season with someone special, and the Missouri Ozarks is a sweet spot for love. If you’re in the market for some quality time with your significant other, check out the many cozy cabins in the Midwest or find a unique Airbnb.
The historic Ozark Farms offers Airbnb farm stays with inspiring views and many nearby holiday attractions to share with your love! Choose from the historic Holmes House or the Green Acres farm house for a unique romantic getaway. Here you will find the privacy and charm of the Ozarks Mountains while still enjoying the many holiday attractions and events within driving distance. For an afternoon of wine tasting in a festive holiday atmosphere, check out St James Winery and Public House Brewing Company, Spencer Manor Winery, and Prairie Barn Winery and Christmas Tree Farm.
After a fun-filled day, spend an evening at the world-class Ozark Actor’s Theatre (OAT), where you can watch a performance of A Christmas Carol (Dec. 8-18). The performance is based on an original screenplay written by local playwrights and explores Charles Dickens’s famous story with its focus on love as a healing antidote to the bitter cold of winter.
Fun Midwest Holiday Road Trips with Friends
The many wineries and breweries near Rolla are a popular choice for outings with friends. Public House Brewing Company, with two locations in Rolla and St. James, offers world class craft beers and live music events. Join them for “Slide Into the New Year With Us,” on Dec. 31 in the St. James taproom, featuring a live concert with Wasted Creek Revival.
For something a little different, visit Hamilton Family Orchard for Christmas at the Orchard, running every Fri. & Sat. evening through December from 5-9 pm. Take a breathtaking walk through hundreds of twinkling trees and shop handmade vendors and take the Hayride Sleigh Ride!
Family Festive Events in the Midwest
Life gets more hectic and overwhelming every day, especially when you are trying to work, raise a family, and prepare for the holidays. Many families today are planning holiday vacations to fun destinations such as the Missouri Ozarks as a means of escape from the often frantic pace of the season.
Take a step back in time and kindle the true spirit of the season at the Rolla Fair Board’s live drive-through nativity on Dec. 8-9. The Fair Board and community volunteers will transform the fairgrounds into a series of six Biblical scenes depicting events leading up to and the birth of Christ. The event will feature dozens of actors, live music, and dozens of animals, including sheep, goats, chickens, and a donkey, among others.
Solo Midwest Winter Destinations
Practicing solitude is a lost art in today’s world, and while the holidays can be a challenge for single people, the Midwest offers plenty of fun winter activities you can enjoy, whether for a quiet sabbatical or a time of new discoveries.
For starters, shopping is one of the best things to do in Rolla! Stop at Ozark Farms for a specialty coffee and bakery treat as you browse their vintage farmhouse market. Then, be sure to explore Christmas shopping in downtown Rolla, where you will find numerous gift shops, specialty shops, and restaurants—and don’t forget to stop by the popular Public House Brewing Company for an appetizer and a pint of one of their seasonal beers.
For a special date with yourself, look no further than Ozark Actor’s Theatre (OAT) in Rolla, where you can catch a performance of A Christmas Carol. OAT has been in operation since 1988 and is an Equity Small Professional Theatre affiliated with the national union of professional actors and stage managers.
Finally, grab a hot cocoa and take a drive through the free Rolla Lion’s Club Christmas in the Park, one of the area’s largest holiday lights displays. The display runs nightly through December 21.
Midwest Holiday Traditions Begin Right Here in the Ozarks!
No matter whether you are traveling with friends, family, or solo, holidays in the Midwest have something for everyone, and of course, be sure to check out Ozark Farms’ Christmas at the Farm all day on Dec. 16, where you can take a Christmas tree walk, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy old time gift making and Christmas caroling. At Ozark Farms, you are always welcome, and we are always happy to see you!