Discover Christmas Magic in Hermann
It’s no secret there’s holiday magic in Hermann, “Missouri’s Most Beautiful Town.” Every year from just before Thanksgiving through the New Year, the charming German village transforms into a Christmas wonderland with family-friendly concerts, activities, shopping, dining experiences, and more. We’ve put together a guide on where to find Christmas spirit in Hermann this season.
Deck the Halls
Make a day trip to Hermann for the perfect holiday tree at Pea Ridge Forest Christmas Tree Farm. Find your ideal tree from the field before warming up with hot cocoa and shop for gifts in the retail barn.
Don’t miss the Miniature Tree Display showcasing the talents of local children, groups, and adults. Each tree is decorated by a different local group, creating a beautiful tapestry of individually adorned trees that all shine with love for Hermann.
Find some serious Christmas decorating inspiration at the Holiday House Tours on Saturday, December 4th, featuring beautiful homes decked to the nines for the season. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance for this special look inside homes bursting with holiday spirit.
Merry + Bright
Don’t miss the chance to shop a traditional German market at the Kristkindl Markt at Stone Hill Winery, December 4-5. Complete with carolers, juried vendor booths, and mulled wine, it’s a Christmas shopping experience.
Enjoy sweets and history at the German Bake Sale at the Historic Hermann Museum. Take a bite of traditional German treats while you learn the deep rooted German history of Hermann.
Partake in a cookie exchange without the work of actually baking at the 4th Annual Cookie Walk, December 18. Stroll downtown Hermann, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season while you collect different Christmas cookies along the way. Advance tickets are required.
Experience a European Christmas market without the plane ticket at Christkindl Markt at Hermannhof, December 11-12. The riverfront Festhalle transforms to evoke the spirit of holiday shopping in Europe, complete with one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.
Jingle All The Way
Oh what fun it is to ride…along a Hermann wine trail. Okay, we know that’s not exactly how the song goes but is has a ring for two holiday tours on the scenic Hermann Wine Trail. The Holiday Fare Wine Trail features festive food and wine pairings at seven local wineries. Or, Say Cheese Wine Trail combines more traditional, and delicious, cheese-inspired pairings with local wine. Be sure to secure your spot in advance for both events.
What’s better than taking in the historic beauty and stories of downtown Hermann? In a horse-drawn wagon, of course. Enjoy Wine Country Wagon tours with narrated horse-drawn carriage tours through historic downtown Hermann.
Goodwill to men
Don’t miss a beloved Hermann tradition at the Sounds of Starkenburg Concerts & Soup Supper. There’s nothing quite like the beautiful sounds of a pipe organ, especially when paired with guest vocalists, brass instrumentalists, and more for a one-of-a-kind concert experience at St. Martin’s Church in Starkenburg. Donations accepted supporting the local community for this unique experience.
Near and dear to the hearts of many locals, the 33rd Annual Great Stone Hill Beast Feast benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society-Gateway Chapter. On Dec. 10, the entertaining evening includes raffles, silent and live auctions along with a wild game dinner. The Beast Feast began as a tribute to James Richard Held who passed away in 1988 at age 5 after a heroic battle with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. In 2016, James Held was diagnosed with CMML, a rare chronic leukemia that affects older adults. This year in memory of Hermann’s two James’s, The Beast Feast is aiming to make an even bigger impact for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society-Gateway Chapter.
Arguably one of more wild charity events of the season, Santa Rampage is a pub crawl that supports a good cause. Cheers to a good time while giving back to the community.
Holly Jolly Christmas
Step back in time to experience an authentic 19th-century German Christmas at Weihnachtsfest at Deutschheim State Historic Site. Known for celebrating Hermann’s heritage with authenticity, Deutschheim offers guests an unforgettable glimpse of Christmas past to connect with the true meaning of the holidays.
Don’t miss the transformation of the historic Rotunda Building as it bursts with holiday spirit at Christmas Tablescapes. Elaborate Christmas table displays spark inspiration and the joys of the season.
Want to fill your ears with a joyous sound? Be sure to attend the Spirit of CHRISTmas Concert featuring Jonie Loehnig on the Pfeffer Pipe Organ, and Carrie Kirchhofer-Tilly with her melodic Mezzo Soprano voice. Concerts are Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11, 2:30 – 3:30 each day.
Dash through the snow all the way to Christmas at Hermann Farm two weekends in December, 4-5 and 11-12. Join the festivities of Christmastime at the 19th century farm to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
