The annual Candlelight Christmas walk in Augusta, Missouri is an event everyone should experience. It takes place from 5 until 10 PM. (always the first two Friday nights in December so check you dates according to the year you are looking to attend.) Picture yourself inside a Norman Rockwell Christmas painting! That’s exactly how you’ll feel as a corridor of over 2000 glowing luminaries welcomes you to the sights, sounds and smells of ‘Christmas yesteryear’ in charming Augusta, Missouri. The town has pulled out all the stops and is ready to welcome visitors from near and far to create holiday memories to cherish
“If you are looking to experience the spirit of an old-fashioned ‘Norman Rockwell-feeling’ Christmas you’ll find it this season in historic Augusta, Missouri. Settle under a blanket and enjoy a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through the crisp winter air, then warm yourself ‘round the bonfire at the old town square while savoring freshly-roasted chestnuts. Are you a serious shopper? Hop on board the antique trolley and be gently whisked to the doorsteps of our shops and galleries showcasing unique & distinctive gift ideas including hand-blown glass, paintings, and jewelry … just in time for the season of giving.” It provides holiday cheer with small town charm. It has become a tradition for many families to start their holiday season. The luminaries light the way through the town of Augusta, leading you from a wood shop to wineries to a small Café to antique shops and more. A free Trolley Shuttle will take you around town to help you see all the attractions. You can stop by Ebenezer United Church of Christ for Christmas caroling, hear a band at Mount Pleasant Winery, receive a chair massage at Halcyon spa, warm up at a bonfire provided by the volunteer fire department, take a Carriage Ride around the heart of town and see an original painting at Augusta Wood created specifically for the event by artist Ken Martin.
A number of specialty stores are sure to give you a head start on your holiday gift list. The Gallery at Augusta Wood LTD features custom furniture, limited edition artwork, florals, figurines and giftware. Stoneledge antiques and the Augusta Emporium have a wide array of antiques; The Finishing Touch offers a unique collection of decorative furniture and accessories. Augusta Glass Studio will be opened featuring Italian style blown glass and will also have glass blowing demonstrations.
For dinner you may want to stop at one of the restaurants, visit the Chili stand near the bonfire, or have homemade beef stew and sandwiches at the UCC church hall. After dinner and touring the town you may find your way to Augusta Winery for their warm mulled-spiced red wine or relax at the Augusta Brewing Company with one of their micro-brews or homemade root beer. Hot Chocolate can always be found near the Town Square bonfire with Chestnuts roasting. A number of businesses will be serving cookies, spiced cider, hot tea and more as a token of appreciation and holiday cheer.
The Town Historian is often at the Augusta Visitors Center to share stories of our past. On display are maps, photos, and 100 year old stage curtain along with traditional Christmas memorabilia, and crafts. The 150 Year old Historic Museum is open to view more of our past.
For dinner you may want to stop at one of our restaurants, visit the Chili stand near the bonfire, or have homemade beef stew and sandwiches at the UCC church hall. After dinner and touring the town you may find your way to Augusta Winery for their warm mulled-spiced red wine or relax at the Augusta Brewing Company with one of their micro-brews or homemade root beer. Hot Chocolate can always be found near the Town Square bonfire with Chestnuts roasting. A number of businesses will be serving cookies, spiced cider, hot tea and more as a token of appreciation and holiday cheer.
Santa Claus is available for the children and young at heart, and the library hosts children’s activities. The Town Historian is often at the Historic Wine Hall to share stories of our past and the History Museum and antiques shops will stimulate your memories of yester years.
This is a perfect event to plan a weekend get-away and stay at one of our many Bed & Breakfasts. It is recommended that you make your reservations early. You can enjoy the Candlelight walk Friday evening at your leisure; pick up where you left off the next morning.
This event is for all ages, and offers a variety of attractions. The Candlelight Christmas Walk has been an annual event since 1982, when local merchants put out luminaries on the first two Friday nights in December connecting the businesses. We have carried on the tradition they began for more than 25 years ago and invite you to experience the holiday spirit. The event has grown, but it has not lost the small town charm or hospitality visitors enjoy year after year.
Make sure you check with the Augusta Chamber of Commerce for dates for the walk and start a tradition with your family and friends by visiting during this time.
Telephone: 636-228-4005