A Holly-Jolly Itinerary for the Most Magical Weekend in Murray
The first weekend of December in Murray brings holiday cheer, movie moments and of course Main Street merriment! We’ve got a weekend itinerary full of festive fun that will make you feel like you stepped straight into a Hallmark movie!
Friday, December 5
Enjoy festive fuel for the day at Shaffer Coffee Co.
Start off a fun filled weekend with a specialty holiday drink from Shaffer Coffee Co.! Located down the street from our downtown square, Shaffer has the perfect mix of classic winter flavors and adventurous combinations to fill you up with plenty of seasonal cheer. The peppermint bark latte is a must-try, and don’t forget to pick up a warm, fresh pastry to go with it!
Shop local businesses for the perfect holiday gifts
Murray is full of local boutiques and specialty stores brimming with charm, making it a great place to shop one-of-a-kind finds! Find high-quality clothing pieces and accessories with Southern flair at Ribbon Chix and their brother store Rooster’s! Be sure to head downtown and discover new and loved books and records for the media-lover in your life at Bolin Books and Wit’s End Records. Looking for a gift with a custom touch? Check out the embroidery services at Plantation Place, and shop familiar upscale brands.
Click here for a full list of all our local shops and boutiques!
Grab a warm and cozy lunch at Willow Bistro
Located just off Murray State’s Campus, Willow Bistro has a homey atmosphere and savory favorites perfect for a chilly winter day. Featuring rich and creamy soups, delicious toasty paninis and a wide array of cultural comfort food, leave lunch feeling ready to snuggle up by the fire. We recommend the hot spice tea, and be sure to check out the soup of the day!
Head to The Keg for a dinner full of Southern charm
Speaking of holiday comfort food, keep the vibes going with dinner at the Keg! Enjoy top-notch barbeque meats, authentic Cajun dishes and more. Don’t forget order up the Bayou Queso Dip for a spicy treat. With a massive menu full of fresh comfort foods and plenty of Southern flavor the Keg is sure to fill you up for the next adventure!
Go downtown for a magical night at Main Street Merriment
After sampling some of Murray’s tastiest foods, head downtown to the main event, Main Street Merriment! Beginning with the community Christmas Tree lighting, explore a dazzling and decorated downtown after dark, with holiday cheer on every corner. Pop into business on the square and shop around for eclectic gifts while making festive crafts, enjoying warm hot cocoa and cookies, and don’t forget to say hi to Santa! Watch Downtown Murray come alive, play games and immerse yourself in the community on the most wonderful night of the year!
Saturday, December 6
Warm up for the day with a drink from Future Grounds Coffee
Nothing puts a pep in your step quite like a latte or tea from Future Grounds! Located right on 12th Street near MSU’s campus, it’s the perfect place to grab a snuggly beverage or sweet pastry before your next adventure. Featuring monthly specials that bring all the holiday vibes, Future Grounds is the perfect place to grab a morning treat that will have you feeling like you’re bundled up by the fireplace, even if you’re just cranking the heat in your car.
Shop local vendors for specialty gifts at the Holiday Downtown Farmer’s Market
With a warm drink in hand, head to 208 Main Street and shop at the Holiday Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning. The market brings vendors from across the region together in one place, offering festive gifts, fresh winter treats, and the chance to shop small! From handmade artisan goods, and charming artwork that captures the spirit of the region, to locally sourced honeys, jams and more the market is a perfect place to find distinctive, specialty gifts for everyone on your list (and maybe a few for yourself too)!
Stop in to Mugsy’s Hideout for a tasty lunch
Just a short walk away from the Holiday Farmers Market is Mugsy’s Hideout, an authentic, Chicago inspired spot located on the court square. Featuring Chicago-style deep dish pizza, flavorful Italian sausage sandwiches, beefy burgers, and crispy fresh chicken tenders, Mugsy’s is the perfect spot to grab a warm, savory bite to eat after a morning full of shopping!
Skate around The Murray Bank Downtown Ice Rink
While exploring downtown, be sure to grab a ticket for the Murray Bank Downtown Ice Skating Rink! At $10 per person per session, the ice rink is a great affordable winter adventure for those with or without skating experience! Get in the holiday spirit as you skate around a winter wonderland inside 208 Main Street. Hour-long sessions run from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, and tickets are available online here or day-of with Venmo.
Bundle up for the Murray Rotary Club Christmas Parade
Suit up in your coziest winter gear and start winding down the weekend by watching the Murray Rotary Club’s Annual Christmas Parade! Grab a lawn chair and blanket and secure your stop along Main Street to watch as the street comes alive with creative floats from local business and community organizations, and get some free goodies while you’re at it! Full of nods to classic holiday media and brilliant lights displays, the Christmas Parade is a can’t-miss community tradition. The parade starts at 5 PM and begins it’s route at 10th and Main, moving towards downtown.
Finish off the night at Central Park and drive through the Murray Bank Festival of Lights
Following the Christmas Parade, pile into a car, turn up the heat and head to Central Park for one last festive display, enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle. The Murray Bank Festival of Lights turns central park into a merry meadow of colorful light displays! From beloved holiday icons to jolly, dazzling scenes the Festival of Lights is a spirited way to end a weekend full of cheer! Be sure to bring 5 canned goods per car for admission, all of which will be donated to the Murray/ Calloway County Needline Food Pantry.
For a full list of holiday events throughout the month of December, check out the events page of our website!
