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, the towns of Defiance and Augusta are brimming with festive cheer. From Christmas festivals and markets to holiday classes and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, raise a glass and make a toast to celebrating the holiday season in Historic Missouri Wine Country.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS

Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk

Visit the quaint town of Augusta on the evenings of December 6^th and 13^th from 5-10 PM to experience a classic Norman Rockwell Christmas during the Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk. 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!

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 6^th, 7^th, 13^th, and 14^th and tickets are available for access to both the village and the home or just the village. Tickets are currently sold out, but keep an eye out for next year's information, you don't want to miss it!

Defiance Christmas Festival

Have yourself a merry little Christmas at the 15^th annual Defiance Christmas Festival. 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. Santa will stay in town after the parade for pictures. Shop at the Christmas market while you listen to live music and enjoy the festivities. Don’t forget to stop by 150 Defiance Road to warm up at the St. Paul’s UCC’s Chili and Soup Luncheon. It’s a true winter wonderland that you don’t want to miss. This festival is on December 7^th and goes from 9 AM to 4 PM.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS & SALES

Frisella Holiday Open House & Winter Market

Shop for a fresh-cut Christmas tree, enjoy live music, browse a local vendor market, and even meet Santa at Frisella’s Holiday Open House and Winter Market. On December 7^th from 11 AM to 3 PM, search for local, handmade gifts for your loved ones. Have a plant lover in your life? Pick out the perfect plant from Frisella’s as a fun gift while you’re there.

Balducci Vineyards Christmas Market

Stop by Balducci Vinyards on December 7^th from 11 AM to 4 PM for a little taste of Christmas. Their Christmas Market features vendors as well as special holiday-themed drinks, hot cocoa, cookies, and more. Do you know who else loves hot cocoa and cookies? Santa, of course. The big man himself and Mrs. Claus will stop by for pictures from 1-3 PM.

Noboleis Vineyards Wine with Friends Holiday Market

If you’re already in Historic Missouri Wine Country on December 7^th for the Defiance Christmas Festival and other Christmas markets, make sure to stop by Noboleis Vineyards for their Wine with Friends Holiday Market. Sip on a glass of their award-winning wine while shopping with friends in their local makers and crafters market from 12-4 PM.

Augusta Glass Studio Sale

Have you ever wanted to own a beautiful piece of handmade glass? Well, now’s your chance! Visit Augusta Glass Studio on November 30^th and December 7^th, 8^th, 14^th, and 15^th for their holiday sale. Colorful glassworks made by Sam Stang and Kaeko Maehata make the perfect Christmas gift. There will be live glass blowing demonstrations at 2 PM on Saturdays and Sundays of the sale where you can see how the glass pieces are made. Augusta Glass Studio is also open during the Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk in case you can’t make it to the sale dates.

Mount Pleasant Estates Christmas Market

Join Mount Pleasant Estates for their Christmas Market. Happening on December 7^th, more details will be announced soon. For up-to-date information on the Christmas Market, visit Mount Pleasant Estates’ website.

CHRISTMAS BREAKFASTS, DINNERS, & DESSERTS

Breakfast with Santa at Sunflower Hill Farm

Join Santa for breakfast at Sunflower Hill Farm on December 7^th. Enjoy farm-fresh food, make festive crafts at the crafts table, shop at holiday shopping booths, and be wowed by the magician at 10:30 AM. A meet & greet with Santa is from 11:30 AM – 1: 30 PM. Reservations are required, call Sunflower Hill Farm at 314-461-5131 to make yours today!

1881: A Vintage Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Mount Pleasant Estates

Dash on down to 1881: A Vintage Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Mount Pleasant Estates. On December 6^th, 7^th, and 13^th, the Crush Lounge will be turned into a festive bar with all things Christmas. With a variety of savory and sweet holiday bites and festive cocktails available, good cheer is abound here. Make reservations for groups of 2, 4, or 6 people for the pop-up bar at Mount Pleasant Estates’ website. Each reservation is two hours long and includes one free drink.

Miss Augusta Holiday Dinner Cruise

Celebrate the holidays on Miss Augusta this December! Enjoy a holiday dinner featuring beef tenderloin medallions and grilled shrimp paired with chef’s choice of salad, vegetable, potato, dessert, and coffee. The boat will be decorated in its Christmas best. Get into the holiday spirit on December 6 with this 5 PM Holiday Dinner Cruise. Reservations for the holiday dinner cruise can be made on the Miss Augusta website.

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Miss Augusta

At 10:30 AM on December 7^th, feast on cookies and cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard Miss Augusta. A DJ will play holiday and children’s tunes while cookies, snacks, lemonade, and a hot chocolate bar will be on hand to help you and your family get into the Christmas spirit. Make your reservation to join in on this festive dessert event with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Miss Augusta’s website.

Christmas Eve Dinner aboard Miss Augusta

Celebrate Christmas Eve on the Missouri River with Miss Augusta. Beginning at 4 PM on Christmas Eve, this dinner features a holiday honey crisp salad and is capped with a triple chocolate cheesecake. More menu details will be announced soon. Make a reservation to this Christmas Eve dinner on Miss Augusta’s website.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Frisella Nursery Holiday Workshops

Make your own personalized holiday décor at Frisella Nursery’s holiday workshops. Spruce up your porch with your own holiday porch pot. Decorate a wreath to put on your door. Create a festive holiday centerpiece for your big Christmas dinner. Even make a cute evergreen gnome or Grinch Christmas tree! Celebrate the season with friends in these classes while bringing home a beautiful piece of décor.

Christmas Candle Workshop at Chandler Hill Vineyards

Visit Chandler Hill Vineyards on December 22^nd for their Christmas Candle Workshop. At 1 PM, make your own personalized snow globe candle with Bolden Candle Co. that makes a perfect gift – for you or someone else. The scent bar includes over 15 different fragrances and Chandler Hill will provide a 3-wine flight tasting. Sign up for the candle making workshop on Chandler Hill’s website.

CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT

Butchwax & The Hollywoods Holiday Concerts at Defiance Ridge Vineyards

They say that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. Join Butchwax & The Hollywoods on December 13^th and 20^th at Defiance Ridge Vineyards as they sing Christmas classics along with their original material. Doors open at 5 PM and the concert is from 6-9 PM. Enjoy delicious food as you enjoy their concert; the kitchen is open until 8:30 PM and the bar is open until 9 PM. Tickets are on sale now and are going fast, so get yours today!

Holiday Movie Trivia Night at Defiance Ridge Vineyards

Have a jolly good time from 6-9 PM on December 6^th playing holiday movie trivia with friends at Defiance Ridge Vineyards. Teams of two to eight people go head-to-head in this festive knowledge battle. Sip on special holiday-themed cocktails or Defiance Ridge wine as you duke it out. Do you have what it takes? Advanced reservations are required. The event is currently sold out, but join the wait list in case a spot opens.