It’s the holiday season and Springfield, Mo. is lighting up with seasonal events. Whether you are looking to go out on the town with your buddies or would prefer a romantic evening with your boo, you won’t be without something to do.

One of the most popular things to do during the holidays is look at Christmas lights. There are plenty of amazing light displays in Springfield, and many more in Branson, if you’re willing to make the trip.

Bagwell Lights is a tradition for many Springfield families. Found in the midst of a residential area, a large portion of the neighborhood is decked out in brilliant holiday lights that are synchronized to music on 105.5 FM radio. Bagwell Lights is a free display that can be found at 2008 E Cambridge St, Springfield, Mo. The hours for the display are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Other light displays include Candy Cane Lane at Rutledge-Wilson Farm, Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo., and the Steinert Family Lights in Republic, Mo. You could also check out the light display in Park Central Square downtown or Gardens Aglow in the Mizumoto Japanese Gardens!

Another fun winter date is ice skating. Located in downtown Springfield, Jordan Valley Ice Park is the perfect place to get in the winter spirit. Hours are tricky due to the training schedule of the MSU Ice Bears, but in general, public skate times are from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends. Entry for students is just $5, and $6 for general admission.

For those with classier taste, Springfield has a variety of theater and dance. Until Dec. 15, you can catch Frozen Jr. at Springfield Little Theater. Tickets are just $15! You also have a chance to see the Nutcracker presented by Springfield Ballet until Dec. 23. Tickets for this ballet are $21-29.

If you prefer to stay warm and cozy inside, then plan a holiday movie night! Gather up lots of warm blankets, roast some chestnuts on an open fire, make a mug of hot cocoa, and discover another heartwarming tale of a big-city businessman who finds the spirit of Christmas in a small-town bakery. Hallmark Christmas movies will never get old.

The holiday season is also the perfect excuse to get crafty. Grab some glass paint pens and decorate ornaments or wine glasses with your friends!

It is also easy to make salt dough ornaments with ingredients you likely already have. You just need four cups of flour, one cup of salt, and one and a half cups of water. Mix it all up, roll it out, and use cookie cutters to make different shapes.

Don’t forget to poke a hole to make it easy to hang, and then pop your creation in the oven for a couple of hours at 200 degrees. Paint them and keep the memories for years to come.

The weather outside may be frightful, but that’s no reason to be bored. Whether you decide to hit the town or stay inside and snuggle up to someone, it’s easy to plan a day with people you love this winter.

Article written by Delilah Gadd.