First of all, allow us to start out by saying there is a lot going on in Missouri this holiday season. Almost every town has some sort of festival or celebration, and it would be nearly impossible to cover them all. The holiday spirit is infectious, especially in the following towns. Each year, these places await their time to shine, dazzle, and delight guests of all ages. Take a look at the following Christmas towns in Missouri and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

1. St. Charles

Every year, the charming town of St. Charles celebrates the holidays in a huge way, with the festivities happening all throughout the entire month leading up to Christmas. During the town's annual Christmas Traditions Festival, the historic town is filled with wandering carolers, Santas from around the world, and beautiful holiday décor accompanying great shopping and dining opportunities. The Holiday Kissing Ball, a big bundle of mistletoe, holly, and ribbon, is a great tradition at the Kister Park Gazebo, and the gingerbread village and chances to meet Santa are sure to excite the young ones. The festivities typically begin the day after Thanksgiving and last until Christmas Eve, but be sure to visit the website (linked above) for this year's dates and activities.

2. Springfield

Each year, the town of Springfield, Missouri, goes big for the holidays. Between the parades and horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and holiday shows, you'll feel as though you've walked onto the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie when you visor Springfield. Learn all about this year's events at the official website for Springfield, Missouri.

3. Warrensburg

There's nothing quite like a Dickens Christmas in Warrensburg, Missouri. Each year, Warrensburg's enchanting downtown district is transformed into a real-life 1800s Christmas town. "A Christmas Carol" was published.

There will be artists, crafters, and makers working in the windows of participating downtown businesses showing off their skills of decades past. Take the opportunity to ride downtown in a carriage with a cup of hot cocoa or roast chestnuts on an open fire. Enjoy the downtown holiday atmosphere with traditional Dickens-era costumes and festivities. This perennial favorite happens just once a year, typically in early December, so be sure and make your plans accordingly so you don't miss out!

4. Branson

If you've never experienced the magic of Branson, Missouri, around the holidays, you're definitely missing out. Each year come November, this Midwest town goes all-out, decking its halls with over 6.5 million twinkling lights and putting on numerous live holiday shows daily! Branson's Silver Dollar City Old Time Christmas is a four-time winner and reigning title-holder of a USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll for the nation's Best Theme Park Holiday Event, and once you visit for yourself, you'll see why.

5. Kansas City

The holiday season in Kansas City begins with the traditional Plaza Lights Lighting Ceremony, typically held the day before Thanksgiving in the popular Country Club Plaza entertainment district. In fact, Kansas City has earned national acclaim for its impressive holiday light displays. These are long-standing traditions that are sure to brighten your holiday. Although you may have missed the official lighting this year, the Plaza lights continue to illuminate 15 city blocks daily through January. There are events and festivities all throughout the season, too, and you can view a full schedule of events at the Kansas City website.

6. Laurie

In the town of Laurie, Missouri, prepare to be dazzled by the annual Enchanted Village of Lights display. This drive-thru Christmas light display in Missouri lets guests roll through the village and see the different displays and the thousands of lights. It's a magical event that's a fan favorite in the Show-Me State!

7. Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve's Christmas festival is one of the largest and most beloved in Missouri, and it's a must-visit! From parades and live performances to fun activities and visits with Santa Claus, this is a family-friendly event sure to put everyone in the proper holiday spirit! Learn more about this annual festival at the Ste. Genevieve tourism website.

8. Hermann

Every year, the quaint little town of Hermann, Missouri, goes big for the holidays. The annual Kristkindl Markt, hosted by the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce and Stone Hill Winery, is a fan-favorite, held at the Stone Hill Winery pavilion in historic Hermann. It is an authentic German Christmas market that has become a favorite Hermann holiday tradition, drawing hundreds of eager shoppers. This free event is sure to help you fill your sleigh with gifts for everyone on the "nice" list!

St. George Catholic Church also pulls out all the stops, with décor including over 30 decorated trees.

9. New Madrid

In New Madrid, the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site offers a taste of a traditional Victorian Christmas at the antebellum home, decorated with hundreds of feet of fresh pine roping, Christmas trees, ribbons and trimmings. Guided tours are available on select dates throughout the holiday season, with details available at the official Facebook page of the Hunger-Dawson State Historic Site.

Other locations for Christmas Candlelight Tours in this Missouri Christmas Town include the New Madrid Historical Museum, Higgerson School Historical Site, Hart-Stepp House Art Gallery, and the Immaculate Conception Church, all featuring a traditional Victorian Christmas in the South theme.

10. Independence

In Independence, the always-gorgeous Vaile Mansion becomes even more glorious when its halls are decked out for the holidays. During Victorian Fashionable Christmas, guests can stroll through the beautiful halls of this home, with each room more beautiful than the last. In addition, events offered throughout the holiday season offer guests the unique opportunity to step back in time and experience an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. How magical! Learn more at the official website for the Vaile Victorian Mansion.

11. St. Louis

All over St. Louis during the holidays you will see an abundance of Christmas cheer. The "Gateway to the West" shines so bright this time of the year, offering visitors a near-endless array of events, festivals, light displays, and more, sure to put everyone in the proper holiday spirit.

From our largest cities to our smallest towns, the Show-Me State positively shines this time of the year. Have you been to any of these Christmas towns in Missouri? What are some of your favorite things to do during the holiday season? Do you have any traditions you'd like to share? We love to hear from you -- share your favorite festive events and activities in Missouri with us in the comments below! For an extra dose of Christmas town magic, check out these Main Streets in Missouri you'll want to take a stroll down this winter!

Of course, the festivities aren't limited to Christmas. For fun all year long, be sure to bookmark this article: The Ultimate Guide To Seasonal Activities In Missouri: Pumpkin Patches, Christmas Lights, Water Parks, And More!