"The District" is Delightful During the Holidays 

Columbia's charming and historic downtown, also known as "The District," is 43 not-so-square blocks of shops, galleries, boutiques, bars and chef-owned restaurants; and, during the holiday season, The District really comes to life. "Columbia is the perfect place to visit this holiday season," says Amy Schneider, director of the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau. "There are 110 unique shops in The District, so you can always find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and there's a host of holiday events for the entire family."  

When the leaves begin to fall and the windows begin to frost, shopkeepers throughout The District begin planning for the annual Christmas holiday spectacle that is the  Living Windows Festival. On Friday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m., downtown Columbia transforms into a joyous jubilee featuring boutique open houses, strolling carolers, holiday treats and visits with Santa - all against a festive downtown backdrop of holiday lights and garland. For more information, call 573-442-6816 or visit DiscoverTheDistrict.com.

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  On Tuesday, Dec. 3, enjoy a fanciful holiday favorite during the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Ballet.

  This rendition of one of the most famous ballets in the world features the timeless 

  Tchaikovsky score and begins with guests arriving for a Christmas Eve party as a host of magical events surrounding a nutcracker and a mouse king soon unfold.

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  On Tuesday, Dec. 10, experience the power, the music and the magic this holiday season as Denial 3 Productions performs a Tribute to Trans Siberian Orchestra at the beautifully restored Missouri Theatre for the Arts in downtown Columbia. Emulating the very show that has entertained millions, Denial 3 Productions has spared no detail when it comes to the music, the lasers, or awe-inspiring show that makes Trans Siberian Orchestra such a worldwide smash.

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  On Wednesday, Dec. 11 the Nebraska Theatre Caravan brings their celebrated performance of
  Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol to the Jesse Hall Auditorium. This rendition of the classic Christmas tale is a rich and thrilling experience with a production of ensemble music that all ages will enjoy. Viewers will cherish this luxurious annual holiday classic featuring live musicians and Broadway-style scenery and costumes.

Just Around the Corner...  

One of the most exciting film festivals in the U.S. celebrates its 11th anniversary in 2014. From February 27 through March 2, downtown Columbia is transformed into a small-town Midwestern utopia with hordes of filmmakers, film lovers, artists and musicians flocking to the internationally acclaimed True/False Film Fest. 

There's a reason Time magazine named True/False one of the top-50 cultural events to experience: the entire four-day celebration revolves around feature- and short-length documentaries, highly-sought-after secret screenings, masquerade balls, dance parties, ragtag parades and busking musicians. Passes for the 2014 festival are already on sale, so don't delay in ordering yours. For more information on the fest, and to order passes, please visit TrueFalse.org.