While some people stay indoors under a pile of blankets all winter long, others yearn for snowfall and beloved holiday activities to return to Missouri each December. From holiday events to classic wintertime fun there is something for cold-weather lovers to enjoy across the state this season. Here are some totally awesome things to do in Missouri in December, January, and beyond! Winter in Missouri has never been so magical.

1. Hidden Valley Ski Resort - Wildwood

Missouri's oldest ski resort is a must-visit winter attraction. From skiing to tubing, all you need to have a great time is a love of snow (of which there will, of course, be plenty). Hidden Valley is already making snow for the winter season which means opening day is just around the corner. We're excited. You should be, too.

2. Worlds of Fun Winterfest - Kansas City

For the first time ever, Worlds of Fun is remaining open this holiday season. From now through December 31st, visitors can attend WinterFest, the grandest holiday event in Kansas City. The park is transformed into a Missouri winter wonderland full of twinkling lights, snow, and fun activities like ice skating and all the classics. WinterFest is synonymous with fun year after year.

3. The Polar Express at Union Station - St. Louis

The Polar Express is departing from Union Station all month long. Your kids will love this holiday train ride in Missouri straight to the North Pole. Sip hot cocoa and wait for Santa and his elves to board the train, when they will hand out a small gift to every child. For an extra special night, you can book a room that's fully decorated for Christmas at the Union Station Hotel! This is one amazing holiday experience in MO the family will cherish always.

4. Silver Dollar City: An Old-Time Christmas - Branson

Silver Dollar City has been a holiday tradition in Missouri for decades, but this year, An Old Time Christmas is bigger and better than ever. A whopping 1.5 million lights have been added to the park to create Christmas in Midtown. Walk through the dazzling display and look out for the 1,000+ Christmas trees that are decorated and scattered across the park. Your family will certainly enjoy the shows and activities throughout the park and the overall experience is sheer joy.

5. Jackson County Christmas In The Park - Blue Springs

Every December, the Jackson County Parks and Recreation department covers the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex in over 300,000 lights. This 4.5-mile drive-thru Christmas lights display is free, but they do accept donations that benefit local charities. This year, they are celebrating more than three decades of yuletide cheer!

6. Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden - St. Louis

Find one of Missouri's most magical walk-thru Christmas lights displays at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Each year after Thanksgiving, the garden transforms into a holiday wonderland complete with lights and all the magic in the world. It is definitely a great place for a winter date! This year, it's celebrating a whole decade of being one of the best holiday traditions in MO, so be sure to make time to check it out.

7. Brushy Creek Lodge - Black

If you love to go horseback riding, then you'll love a trip to Brushy Creek Lodge. Stay in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and enjoy equestrian trails that are great for all levels of riders. Enjoy a meal at Trail's End Restaurant, and rest up in one of the many available cozy winter cabins.

8. Yule Log Cabin - Scott City

Head into the woods to find the cutest little Christmas cabin in Missouri. From trees to decor you can find it all at this amazing little holiday shoppe. Be sure to stop by during one of Santa's weekend visits! This is a magical experience that's perfect for families to enjoy.

9. Warm Springs Ranch - Boonville

Have you ever wondered where Anheuser's majestic Clydesdales are raised? Head to mid-Missouri for a magical Christmas experience at the Warm Springs Ranch, the breeding facility for Anheuser's Clydesdale. Be sure to get your photo with the beautiful horses before you go.

10. Gingerbread Shoppe - Kirkwood

From stocking stuffers to the perfect Christmas tree you can find everything you need for the holidays at the Gingerbread Shoppe in Kirkwood. One of the awesome perks of tree shopping at the Gingerbread Shoppe is the option of tree delivery and setup! This adorable Christmas shop in Missouri has everything you'll ever need and then some for the perfect season.

Have you been to any of these wintertime attractions? What other winter venues should we add to the list? Let us know in the comments section.

If you can't get enough of winter in Missouri, you'll be thrilled to learn about all the amazing things to do in this little state during the wintertime. You might want to learn about some of the things nobody tells you about winter in Missouri.