7/18/2025 to 7/20/2025 | Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park | Miami, MO
'Tis this season … kind of, anyway. For those of you who love the holiday season but don’t like the cold weather, come join the crew at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park to celebrate Christmas in July.
Event Schedule:
Friday, July 18
- Bring your Christmas decorations and transform your site into a Christmas village for a chance to win a fun prize. Check-in starts at 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 19
- 10 a.m. – Ugly sweater fashion show: Stop in the park’s cultural center and show us your ugliest Christmas sweater or other Christmas apparel.
- Noon – Christmas treats and crafts: Make some Christmas crafts and treats in the cultural center.
- Noon – Campsite judging: Park staff members will anonymously go through the campground and cast votes for the campsite decorating contest. In the evening, park visitors will also have a chance to vote for their favorite site. Prizes will be awarded for the top two sites.
- 6:30 p.m. – Come listen to a storyteller weave stories in the day-use area.
- 9 p.m. – Lighting of the tree: Watch as the Van Meter staff lights the park Christmas tree.
- 9-10 p.m. – Drive through the Christmas town: Visitors will be encouraged to drive through the campground loop to see the decorated campsites.
Sunday, July 20
- Campsite decorating contest winners announced in the morning
- Pack up the Christmas decorations and return to the real world. Check out by 10 a.m.
Regular camping fees apply, and guests are encouraged to reserve a site in advance; however, the event itself is free and does not require registration.
For more information, call the park office at 660-886-7537.
Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park is located at:
Associated activities
- Camping
- Interpretive Programs