Life
Best Places to See Christmas Lights
If you’re looking for an extra special bit of holiday fun, head out in the evening to enjoy some of the best Christmas lights displays in southwest Missouri.
By Blake Haynes
Nov 29 2021 at 8 a.m.
Photo Courtesy Silver Dollar CityThere are so many amazing Christmas light display options just like the one at Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, 800-475-9370
Cost: $40 for all ages after 6 p.m. on Thursdays, $72 ages 12–64, $70 ages 65+, $62 ages 4–11, Free ages 3 and under
As a part of SDC’s “Old Time Christmas,” the park displays 6.5 million lights, providing the perfect nighttime Christmas spectacle. You can also enjoy 30+ options of holiday shows, all outdoors.
Carthage Christmas Lights Tour
Carthage, MO, 417-359-8181
Cost: Free or by donation
Check out Carthage’s varying Christmas lighting options. Start your trip by driving through the mile long Way of Salvation Drive Through Christmas Light Display. Then make your way to the Mt. Moriah Lights shown at Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church where they have over 50,000 lights. Lastly, walk around the Downtown Holiday Light Experience right in the Downtown Carthage Square.
Branson Limousine Christmas Lights Tour
140 Sterling Way, Hollister, 417-331-1316
Cost: $175–345, ranging between 2–14 guests
Enjoy a luxurious style tour all around Branson’s top Christmas lighting stops. You’ll make a stop at the strip, the Branson Landing, and everywhere in between. The tour includes a professional chauffeur, candy canes and Christmas music on this two hour ride.
Trail of Lights
6021 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-334-4191
Cost: $25 per car load
This favorite Branson spot features millions of multi-colored lights as you drive through with family and friends. They also serve free hot chocolate.
Promised Land Zoo's "Let There Be Lights"
2751 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, 417-337-9453
Cost: $25 for basic admission per car load
The Zoo offers a drive through light display, guided at your own pace in addition to a 45 minute VIP Santa Safari and Santa meet and greets. They’ve got hot cocoa and popcorn and you can stop into the stocking stuffer gift shop and the elves secret gift shop.
Bagwell Lights
2008 E. Cambridge St., Springfield
Cost: Free or by donation
Drive through this outstanding light display by Mike Bagwell and tune into 105.5 FM.This display features 150,000 individual lights and will put a smile on the entire family’s face.
Gardens Aglow
2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, 417-891-1515
Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under
This botanical themed light show takes place at Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. They have over 100,00 lights corresponding to the structures and landscaping of the garden. You and the whole family can go and enjoy cozying up by the fire pit as well as purchasing hot beverages and treats from local vendors.
Branson Helicopter Tours
3309 State Hwy. 76, Branson, 417-593-0149
Cost: $129 per person for Branson Deluxe Light Tour, $59 per person for Silver Dollar City Tour
Experience the aerial views of the light displays at Branson hot spots like Silver Dollar City, the 76 Strip, the Branson Ferris Wheel, Shepherd of the Hills, Let There be Lights and more. Relax to holiday music and use this the perfect date night or enjoy it with one of your best friends.
Chopper Charter
2941 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-332-1545
Cost: $129 per person
These chopper light tours leave from Branson’s Clark Downtown Airport after sunset as you fly over all the best Branson light shows like The Adoration Scene, the Branson Gift of the Lights, and of course Silver Dollar City.
Park Central Square
117 Park Central Sq., Springfield
Cost: Free
Stroll through Downtown Springfield and visit Park Central Square to take pictures in front of the Christmas tree and take in all the lights hung up on the Square. This is a perfect stop on your venture around 417-Land to see the Christmas tree is the perfect addition to date night.
Festival of Lights
635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield, 417-866-7444
Cost: Free
Take a walk through Jordan Valley Park and enjoy the Festival of Lights displayed. While on the walk, you will hear your favorite holiday music that corresponds with this charming walk. This a family friendly option or another fun idea for a date night.
Candy Cane Lane
3825 W. Farm Rd 146, Springfield, 417-837-5949
Cost: $5 per vehicle, cash is preferred
Take the family or a group of friends and drive through this farm themed holiday drive through at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. They are only open on weekends through December and they sell kettle corn, cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate to enhance your holiday experience.
Christmas Lights of Ozarks
891-691 N. Riverside Rd., Ozark, 417-581-7002
Cost: Free or by donation
Venture over to Ozark’s Finley River Park and check out their charming Christmas light display. Grab a group of friends or the family and take part in this token drive through light show.
Waterford Christmas Cottage
602 E. Falls Circle, Ozark
Cost: Free
Drive-thru and watch this adorable Christmas cottage light Ozark's night sky. The show runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
