A Festive Journey Through Missouri’s Illuminated Winter Wonderland
Missouri Botanical Garden Glow, St. Louis
Rudolf’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade
Credit: 2014 Silver Dollar City Attractions, Bob Linder Digital Media
Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru, Branson
Credit: ExploreBranson.com
The cold doesn’t matter when the enchantment of the lights heats up your soul.Unknown
Experience the magic of the season with spectacular, holiday light displays across Missouri. Whether you’re looking for a charming downtown, a drive-thru wonder or an entertaining, musical light show, the state has countless opportunities to enjoy these mesmerizing displays. In addition to the beautiful lights, many of these locations offer winter-themed activities. Getting in the holiday spirit comes easily in the Show-Me State!
Historic Carthage Christmas Lights
The city of Carthage sits at the junction of Route 66 and boasts history, art and inspiration. Visitors can learn about times past and take in the holiday lights throughout the city. It’s a nostalgic, Christmastime experience the entire family will love.
Sparkle in the Park
Sparkle in the Park is a dazzling display of lights totaling nearly 26 miles throughout Central Park. Carriage rides and hot chocolate will be available, and Santa is there the night of the tree lighting ceremony! Open throughout December, this glowing park is a showstopper.
More Holiday Lights in Carthage
- The Way of Salvation Driving Christmas Lights Tour
- Mt. Moriah Computerized Lights Display
- Christmas Lights on the Historic Square
- Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens
Other Festive Activities in Carthage
On top of these sparkling moments, visit Red Oak II – a former ghost town with original 20th century buildings. During the festive season, this reimagined community hosts an evening of Christmas music, delicious food and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the country church. For even more Mother Road history, travel to the Carthage Route 66 Drive-In Theatre and watch the featured holiday movie.
Christmas Lights in Jefferson City
Capital City Festival of Lights
Hop in the car and celebrate the season at Binder Park in Jefferson City. Capital City Festival of Lights takes place Nov. 30 – Dec. 25 and is a drive-thru display of choreographed lights synced to holiday music. Spanning more than a mile long, the outdoor presentation takes you through an arched, dancing lights tunnel and alongside Christmas scenes that have hidden elves – finding the elves is so entertaining for the children (and let’s be honest, fun for the adults too!).
Candlelight Tours of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion
Experience the soft glow of candles amidst holiday decor at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion. On Dec. 6, visitors can view the executive residence, adorned with holiday décor and beautiful, lush greenery, by candlelight. Furthermore, the pergola and gardens down the hill – at the Governor’s Gardens – will be decorated with lights and a 30-feet, beautifully lit Christmas tree. The property also features the Maus House, a small brick property that will resemble a gingerbread house – the display will be open to the public Dec. 11, 13, 17 and 19.
Holiday Light Displays in St. Louis
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
Nearly 2 million lights transform the iconic Missouri Botanical Garden into an enchanting holiday destination during Garden Glow. You’ll also find s’mores, festive drinks, special music and photo opportunities. The event runs Nov. 16 – Jan. 14.
Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm
Stroll through a colorful glow during Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis (dates are currently TBD). Highlights include Santa and Mrs. Claus, the historic Busch family home, a variety of animals in the Tier Garten, photos with the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, a 50-foot LED Christmas tree, plus seasonal food and drinks.
U.S. Bank Wild Lights at Saint Louis Zoo
Make your holiday celebration a little bit wilder this year with a visit to U.S. Bank Wild Lights, Nov. 29 – Dec. 29, at the Saint Louis Zoo. Whimsical displays grace the zoo grounds, along with fire pits where you can toast a s’more. A sensory-friendly night is offered for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Other Lights Around St. Louis
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights, St. Louis
- Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park
- Celebration of Lights, O’Fallon
- Holiday Night Lights, Wentzville
- Holiday Parade of Lights, Washington
- Santa’s Magical Kingdom, Eureka
Kansas City Holiday Lights
Powell Gardens Festival of Lights
More than 20 miles of lights create a winter wonderland at Powell Gardens during the Festival of Lights, Nov. 14 – Jan. 4. Travel a lighted pathway through the gardens and encounter immersive, botanic-themed displays that complement the park’s architecture and landscape.
The Plaza’s Holiday Lights at the Country Club Plaza
The Plaza Lights at the Country Club Plaza have been a winter tradition for more than 90 years. Every dome, tower and window are outlined with jewel-tones in the Spanish-inspired shopping district, and the 15-block area is lit up every night from the end of Nov. into mid-Jan.
More Displays Near Kansas City
- Trip the Light Bike Ride, Lee’s Summit
- Christmas in the Park, Lee’s Summit
- Winter Magic, Kansas City
Winter Light Displays in Branson
Branson Let There Be Lights
Branson Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo is a two-mile drive-thru holiday display, Nov. 1 – Dec. 31. Take in the lights and zoo animals from the comfort of your car as you travel through the 74-acre park. Visit Candyland Court and Yak, Yak, Yak – a baby yak petting zoo.
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
A popular event for visitors and locals alike, An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City has received national accolades for its splendid holiday festival. The event features more than 6.5 million lights, over 30 live shows daily – including “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” and “Coming Home for Christmas” – plus special seasonal food. The celebration runs Nov. 2 – Dec. 30.
More Branson Holiday Displays
- Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru
- Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
- Christmas Light Tours, Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock
- Nature at Night on the Lost Cave & Canyon Nature Trail, Top of the Rock
Other Holiday Light Shows and Displays in Missouri
Northeast Region
- Altrusa Lights in the Park, Moberly
- Candlelight Christmas Walk, Augusta
- Latchford Christmas Lights, Callao (Near Macon)
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery, St. Louis
Northwest Region
- Festival of Lights, Chillicothe
- Holiday Park at Krug Park, St. Joseph
- South Pole at Hyde Park, St. Joseph
Central Region
- Holidays With the Clydesdales, Warm Springs Ranch, Boonville
- Light Up Liberty, Sedalia
- Enchanted Village of Lights, Laurie
- Christmas on the Harbor, Warsaw
- Christmas Lights on Route 66 Devils Elbow Bridge
- Osage Beach Holiday Lights in the Park, Osage Beach
- Light Up the Lake at Pomme De Terre Damsite Park, Hermitage
- Light Up Pulaski County
Southeast Region
- Light Up Sikeston, Sikeston
- Parade of Lights, Cape Girardeau
- Christmas at the Orchard, Rolla
- Christmas in Lights at Stone Park, Bonne Terre
Southwest Region
- Gardens Aglow, Springfield
- Holiday Tree Trail, Joplin
- King Jack Park Polar Bear Express, Webb City
So grab your coats, mittens and earmuffs and head to one of these amazing light displays. Revel in holiday joy as you listen to Christmas carols, admire twinkling lights, sip hot chocolate and get photos with Santa Claus himself. It’s sure to be a wonderfully merry time. Happy holidays!
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