Feeling Like a Kid at Christmas: A Guide to Family Friendly Holiday Events in Murray
It’s no secret that holiday magic has a special sort of quality for kids, and Murray has plenty of holiday events to capture that spirit with the whole family. With the holiday season fast approaching, we’ve compiled a guide filled with the best activities to keep little ones busy while school’s out, and get the whole family in on the holiday fun!
Mainstreet Merriment
Murray’s annual Mainstreet Merriment event is back this year. On December 6, families are able to experience the holiday magic as Downtown Murray lights up, and each business on the square hosts a festive activity for the kiddos.
Participants can decorate the perfect cookies for Santa, write him letters, and make his reindeer some treats. Santa and the Grinch will be available for photos throughout the night. Hot cocoa will be available to keep the whole family warm, and there will be plenty of spots to get the perfect family picture for Christmas cards.
Mainstreet Merriment is a free event for the whole community, with the exception of the The Murray Bank Downtown Ice Skating Rink, which will be open during the event.
Visits With Santa
It's hard to celebrate the holidays without the big guy himself. Luckily, Murray has plenty of opportunities to make sure the whole family can give Santa their list.
The Murray Women’s Club is hosting Breakfast with Santa at their clubhouse on December 8. The $8 admission cost will cover a light breakfast for each participant. The event will feature an opportunity to meet and take photos with Santa and his wife Mrs. Claus, as well as Christmas crafts and cookie decorating.
Throughout the month of December, Santa will be visiting the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau! Santa’s arrival is December 6, from 5:00- 9:00 PM inside the Murray CVB, located at 206 S 4th Street.
On November 30, the 1850’s Homeplace Working Farm in Land Between the Lakes is taking kids back in time to experience a Christmas in 1850. Featuring an interactive story time and songs, as well as festive crafts families can ring in the holidays like it’s 1850. Even Santa will be visiting the farm, ready to take photos and listen to Christmas wishes. Admission is $9 for those over 16, $7 for ages 5-15, and children under 4 are free.
The Downtown Ice Skating Rink
For those looking for something adventurous this holiday season, The Murray Bank Downtown Ice Skating Rink will be open on December 6-7. During Mainstreet Merriment on December 6, The skating rink opens at 4:00 PM , giving participants plenty of time to skate before the tree lighting. Ice skating is available on December 7 from 10 AM to 5 PM as well. Admission for The Murray Bank Downtown Ice Skating Rink is $10 per person per session.
Ornament Making at the Murray Art Guild
For those needing a few extra decorations on their Christmas tree, or looking for an interactive family craft, the Murray Art Guild will be hosting ornament making workshops. December 7, reserve about 30 minutes of the afternoon and stop by the Murray Art Guild to cut, paint and create clay Christmas ornaments. The ornaments will be ready for pickup on December 14, and are $10 dollars each to create, or make 3 for $25.
Christmas Light Viewing
Everyone loves the bright colors and festive spirit of Christmas light displays, and Murray has no shortage of opportunities for the whole family to see some stunning lights.
The Murray Rotary Club and Murray Electrical System have teamed up to put on the annual Murray Christmas Parade. On December 7, at 5:00 PM, the whole family can gather in Downtown Murray to see stunning light displays from local businesses, live music and get in the holiday spirit. The parade route will begin on 10th Street and continue down Main Street past the court square toward the old Briggs & Stratton lot. The Murray Christmas Parade is free to view.
The Murray Bank is holding their annual Festival of Lights in Central Park from November 29 to January 1. In exchange for a donation of five canned goods, visitors can drive through central park and feel like they're in a Hallmark movie. Decorated in stunning holiday decor and of course, hundreds of twinkling lights, it’s impossible to leave the Festival of Lights without feeling the holiday cheer.
On December 12, The Murray Bank invites the whole community to walk through the Festival of Lights display, rather than drive, for the admission of five canned goods.
Holiday Performances
The community of Murray loves live music, and there is no better way to get in the holiday spirit than sharing some festive tunes with those you love.
The Murray State University Music Department will be putting on the Town and Gown holiday concert December 6. This performance is open to all wind and percussion musicians throughout the community. Viewers can gather at First Baptist Church for a free night of festive music and celebrate the artists in Murray’s own community.
Murray’s community theater group Playhouse in the Park will be putting on a production of “Annie” December 6-8 and December 13-15. Featuring some of our youngest community members. This family friendly musical is the perfect way to get out of the house on a cold winter evening. Admission is $15
Calloway County Public Library Holiday Events
Throughout November and December, the Calloway County Public Library will be hosting festive events for children of all ages, and while there don’t forget to check out a holiday themed read. All events listed at CCPL are free of charge, and no prior registration is required
On December 4, CCPL is hosting “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” themed storytime activities, starting with Toddler Storytime, aimed at ages 1-2 years old, followed by Multi-Age Storytime, aimed at ages 3-6. Participants accompanied by an adult will engage in an interactive festive story, while working on fine motor, and social skills.
On December 6, they will host a gingerbread themed Laugh and Learn Playdate, aimed at ages 3-6. At this hour-long playdate participants accompanied by an adult will work on social and fine motor skills while participating in holiday themed crafts, songs and games. A healthy snack is provided for participants.
In the afternoon on December 6, the Calloway County Public Library will host their Christmas Open House. Beginning at 1:00 PM, visitors can take a stroll through the library and admire stunning Christmas decorations, while browsing for a winter break read. From 1:00-3:00 PM Santa will be visiting, ready to jot down Christmas wishes and take pictures. Light refreshments will be provided at this event for all ages.
