FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOVEMBER 24, 2014
FIND YOUR FUN THIS WINTER IN COLUMBIA
DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA COMES ALIVE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON  

 

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, every holiday season, The District really comes to life.

   

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. 5, 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.

 

On Wednesday, Dec. 31, join hundreds of celebrants for Columbia's Eve Fest, a New Year's Eve block party in Columbia's historic downtown district. Eve Fest is a multi-cultural, alcohol-free celebration of community featuring live music, dance, art, ritual, festivity and fireworks. For more information on Eve Fest, please call 573-673-8477, or visit ColumbiaEveFest.com.

UNIVERSITY CONCERT SERIES OFFERS FAMILY FAVORITES

  

The University Concert Series offers a chance to warm up this winter in the beautifully restored Missouri Theatre for the Arts, in downtown Columbia, during a number of great holiday shows in December. Sponsored by the University of Missouri and 91.3 KBIA, the University Concert Series provides exceptional entertainment year around. Here's just a taste of the tempting winter performance schedule:

 

On Monday, Dec. 1, bring the family to the Holiday Ice Spectacular as the stage of Missouri Theatre transforms into a festive ice rink. The Ice Spectacular features phenomenal figure skaters and exciting choreography teamed with favorite Christmas songs as Santa and the cast take audiences on an unforgettable nostalgic Christmas Journey.

 

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, enjoy a fanciful holiday favorite during the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker BalletThis rendition of one of the most famous ballets in the world features the timeless Tchaikovsky score and 40 world-class Russian dancers bringing to life impressive and ornate puppets and a growing Christmas tree.

  

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan brings their celebrated performance of  Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol back to Columbia. 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.

 

For tickets and more information on University Concert Series events, please visit www.ConcertSeries.org.
LOOKING AHEAD...

True/False Film Festival

One of the most exciting film festivals in the U.S. celebrates its 12th anniversary in 2015. From March 5-8, 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 MovieMaker Magazine named True/False one of the "coolest" 25 film festivals in the world: 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 2015 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.

 
ABOUT COLUMBIA

Columbia features a mix of small town charm and friendliness with the amenities and cultural offerings of a big city. There is always something exciting to see and do in Columbia, so for more information on these and other ways to have fun in Columbia, please contact Megan McConachie at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-652-0987 or at VisitColumbiaMO.com.

 
Attention Media: Let us play host and show you around Columbia. For more information, media assistance, high-resolution photography, or to schedule a press trip hosted by the Columbia CVB, please call The Beenders-Walker Group toll-free at 800-544-8474 or email MarjorieKyle or Jo.

 

The Beenders Walker Group
125 E. High Street, Suite 200
Jefferson City, MO 65101
800-544-8474