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, Jo Jolliff
Nov 01 2023 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
Top of the Rock
190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale
Experience Top of the Rock's light tour at Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. This 2.5-mile nighttime journey takes you through illuminated displays resembling historic Native American scenes from Chief Seattle’s letter of 1854. Enjoy delicious hot chocolate while taking in the twinkling lights in this new Ozarks holiday tradition.
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, 800-475-9370
Starting November 5, each night the 80-foot illuminated tree is lit at 5:30 in a beautiful show of music and lights. Don’t forget to walk through Christmas in Midtown too, so you can be awed by 6.5 million festive lights!
Branson Limousine Christmas Lights Tour
140 Sterling Way, Hollister, 417-331-1316
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
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
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.
Gardens Aglow
2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, 417-891-1515
Cost: $7 for adults at the gate, $3 for children 12 and under at the gate; $5 for adults in advance, $2 for children 12 and under in advance
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
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
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
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.
Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru
700 Expressway Lane, Branson; 417-336-2744
Families who have made the Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru a holiday tradition can look forward to seeing all-new displays this year that include a variety of themes—Space Christmas, Steampunk Christmas and Season of Joy—while still featuring updated favorites like the 12 Days of Christmas display. This drive-thru is perfect for larger crowds arriving in bigger vehicles because of the lack of steep hills and sharp turns.
Candy Cane Lane at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield
Don't miss your chance to drive through Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park's annual holiday light display, Candy Cane Lane 2023! Enjoy dazzling farm-themed holiday displays and more than 100,000 lights.
[MORE: Where To Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree In Southwest Missouri]
