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Magical Midwest Christmas trips 🎄✨

Published 6 days ago • 4 min read

Magical Midwest Christmas Trips

Can you believe it’s November?

I used to be team ‘nothing-Christmas-until-after-Thanksgiving,’ but with this job I have learned to embrace all the seasons early, because that gives you more time to plan trips!

I am embracing both fall and Christmas the next few weeks and loving the best of both worlds.

Destinations Worth the Trip

Branson, MO

I don’t think anywhere could do Christmas better than Branson. Silver Dollar City has 6.5 million Christmas lights, there are tons of Christmas shows, heck, even the Chick-Fil-A is COMPLETELY covered in lights. Check out my Christmas in Branson guide!

Weston, MO

I love Weston year-around because of its Hallmark vibes, but there is something special about Christmas there. The stores are all decorated, it is a great place to shop because the boutiques all offer beautiful and unique gifts. Don't miss the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 14th and Candlelight Home Tours December 5th and 6th.

Lindsborg, KS

We visited Kansas’s ‘Little Sweden’ in September. It was so cute! I would love to go back and see their Christmas celebrations. Every year they do a Snowflake Parade, a Santa Lucia Festival (a Swedish tradition), cookies with Mrs. Claus, and Annandag Jul on December 26th. Annandag Jul means "another day of Christmas." I'm all for extending the celebrations as long as possible!

Pella, Iowa

Have a Dutch-inspired Christmas in Pella. Events include a Dutch Christmas market the first weekend in December, the Festival of Trees, a Christmas parade, a Christmas Tour of Homes and several Christmas concerts.

Carmel, Indiana

The Christkindlmarkt in Carmel has won the Best Christmas Market in the US award for the past 5 years. I've been to several European Christmas markets, and this did feel very authentic.

The food was my favorite part, including raclette, potatoes on a stick, German waffles and mulled wine. Not only are there amazing vendors at the market, but there are also things to do like a kids corner, ice skating and live performances.

Sister Bay, WI

The Door County Christmas Market is another fantastic Christmas market. This market will be there for three weekends: November 27-29, December 4-6 and December 11-13.

Frankenmuth, MI

Frankenmuth is a Bavarian-inspired town where Christmas is done right. They have a singing Christmas tree, traditional Bavarian food, ice skating, plenty of Christmas shopping and the World's Largest Christmas Store. I haven't been here, but I am hoping to go in 2026!

Chicago Christmas Market

This market is a German-style market that has 3 different locations throughout the Chicago metro area. This market was ranked number 3 worldwide in Christmas markets. I went last year and had a lot of fun exploring Chicago and drinking the thickest hot chocolate.

St. Charles, MO

St. Charles features a blast from the past with their 1800s-style Christmas. Every Wednesday during Christmastime, there is a Christmas Carol Walk, featuring scenes from A Christmas Carol. Every Friday evening you can visit Krampus. Some of the more sinister Christmas characters are out. They all pass out cards you can collect, which is a lot of fun! On Saturdays there are weekly celebrations. It is truly Christmas magic.

More on the Blog

Branson Christmas Guide

Discover all of the best things to do in Branson for Christmas! I have been to Branson the last 2 Christmas seasons collecting intel to share so you can have the perfect trip!

Christmas in Kansas City

I've found 26 fun things to do for Christmas in Kansas City. See what the city has to offer during the holiday season.

25 Fun Winter Outdoor Activities

Here are 25 fun winter activities to keep the outdoor fun going all year long!

How to Dress Kids for Winter

Once you get the right winter gear, winter outdoors is so much more enjoyable!

Christmas Gift Guides

Next week I am launching my gift guide, with TONS of ideas for everyone on your list!

Here are a few sneak peaks of my favorite gifts this year:

Keychain Portable Power Bank

Does anyone else always need a charger but forgets it at home? This will solve your problem! I put 2 of these on my personal wish list so I could have one on each of my keychains.

Packable Puffy Quilt

I love these blankets because they are so useful! Just leave one in your trunk and then you have a picnic blanket when you need one, an extra layer when you’re cold, even a barrier against rain if you don’t have an umbrella or raincoat. Plus, it packs down small! Lots of brands have versions of these, but I like this one because I think it has the best quality for the price.

Cute Sling Bag

I couldn’t wait until Christmas to get this one, I just went ahead and bought it! The leather is soft and the purse is well made and cute, but it’s still less than $20! What a deal!

Small Bird Feeder

I really want one of these! I think it would be so cool to watch all the birds that come up to our feeders close-up! It’s a bigger gift, but it is also a bird feeder, camera, solar panel and app all in one so I understand why!

Sneak Peak

Here are some sneak peaks of some of my lists:

Cute Clothes for Fall + Winter​

​Board Games we love

​Gifts Travelers Will Love​

​Kids Travel Entertainment​

​Gifts Outdoorsy Kids Will Love​

I Want to Hear from You!

Are you planning any trips this Christmas season? Where are you going?

Merry & Bright,
Amy 🎅

Thank you!

Thank you so much for being here and supporting me! It means so much to me that you’re here. I hope that I can provide value for you and your family, so you’re inspired to get out and explore more! Happy adventuring!

-Amy

8450 NW Prairieview Road, #1397, Kansas City, MO 64154
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