Winter is well on its way as the days get chillier and the sun goes down by 5 p.m., meaning Christmas is right around the corner. Lake of the Ozarks is ready with plenty events this season including parades, charities, and more!

Here's a list of Lake area festivities this month...

What To Do At The Lake In December

Christmas on the Square in Camdenton

When: Dec. 1 from 5:30-7 p.m. & Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Head to the Camden County Courthouse lawn for free entertainment, games, prizes, food, petting zoo, crafts, giveaways, cookie decorating, and the opportunity to visit Santa! The tree lighting ceremony will be on Friday, with Christmas activities and the arrival of Santa Clause on Saturday.

School of the Osage Holiday Bazaar

When: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: School of the Osage High School

Visit over 100 vendor booths at the one-of-a-kind school fundraiser. From Christmas decor, to clothing, to customized gifts, you'll want to check out this annual event (going strong for 43 years)!

Candyland Event to Benefit Underprivileged Children

When: through Dec. 15, 2023

Where: Nick's True Value Hardware in Osage Beach

Customers can visit the store and select a "cane" off of a Christmas tree that contains a wants/needs list of a local child. Bring a smile to a child's face this holiday season with the Candyland event, which is also available at the Tri-County YMCA in Osage Beach.

Eldon Lighted Christmas Parade & Celebration

When: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to after dusk

Where: Downtown Eldon to Rock Island Park

The city-wide event starts with horse drawn carriages at 10 a.m. and ends with the annual Christmas tree lighting at the park. There will be a craft and gift bazaar, carol singers, a living nativity scene, roasted chestnuts, and more!

The Shootout Christmas Tree Lot

When: until Christmas, unless sold out

Thursdays 4-9 p.m.
Fridays 2-10 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Malted Monkey on Bagnell Dam Blvd

The inaugural Shootout Christmas Tree Lot is raising money for charities during the 2024 season!

Elks Lodge Christmas Charity Auction

When: Saturday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m.

Where: Elks Lodge #2517

Proceeds from the annual live and silent auction will purchase Christmas gifts for less fortunate Lake area children and their families.

Lake Area Community Orchestra: Winter Concert Series

When: starting at 7 p.m. Dec. 3, 5, 10, and 12

The free concerts take place around the Lake area, and include a variety of Christmas selections like Christmas is Here and themes from the Nutcracker Suite. The last performance on Dec. 12 will be at West Lake Christian Church in Laurie.

Holiday with the Horses

When: Dec. 3 & 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue & Sanctuary in Linn Creek

There's a $10 entry fee for this fundraiser, which will have cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, $5 pony rides, and more!

Lake of the Ozarks Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.

Where: Bagnell Dam Strip

The theme for the 39th annual parade is "Christmas in Paradise," where Santa Claus will arrive in style!

Kiwanis Christmas for Kids

When: Sunday, Dec. 10 from 6-11 p.m.

Where: The Encore in Lake Ozark

There will be games, silent auctions, and music by The Dueling Pianos. Bring $25 and a toy to donate.

Holiday Shop Hop

When: through Dec. 15

Various businesses around the Lake will participate in this event, where shoppers can pick up cards from participating locations (they will have a Holiday Shop Hop sign in their window) and get a stamp when they visit to win prizes - like the $350 Gift Certificate grand prize!

Old Tyme Christmas

When: Saturday, Dec. 16 starting at 11 a.m.

Where: Camden County Museum in Linn Creek

Celebrate the Christmas season throughout the museum. Enjoy lunch with Santa, games, and the Young Museum Players Christmas production of "Emmalina Scrooge." Donation for the play is $10 per family.

Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook

When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec. 17

Visit Old Kinderhook in Camdenton for a festive time! For non-hotel guests, it is $5 per child to participate in activities like decorating gingerbread houses, elf storytelling, holiday hayrides, letters to Santa, and more. For additional information, visit here.

Christmas on the Lake

When: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays starting at 5 p.m.

Where: Bagnell Dam

Celebrate the magic of the season with Celebration Cruises! This ride raises money for Lake area charities. The yacht is decorated in full Christmas spirit and will return at 7:30 p.m. Reserved seating for a table of 4 starts at $40. Book online here.

Santa's Toy Wonderland

When: through Dec. 31

Where: Florida Direct Palm Trees in Osage Beach

During the summer months, Florida Direct focuses on live palm trees and Lake/resort gifts and clothing, but they turn the store into Santa's Toy Wonderland during the winter. With arrays of board games, toy trucks, dolls, and so many more unique items at competitive prices, you're sure to find great gifts this holiday!