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Holiday Lights Shine Bright Across Missouri

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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

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The cold doesn’t matter when the enchantment of the lights heats up your soul.

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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

A long hallway is lined with large Precious Moments pictures and paintings on the walls, ceilings and doors.
The Precious Moments Chapel is a precious experience, and experiencing it lit up during the holidays is even more special!

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.

Santa and Mrs. Claus stand beside a Christmas tree at the Governor's Mansion, which is beautifully decorated with holiday lights and decor.
Walk the beautiful halls of the Governor’s Mansion as soft candlelight and holiday décor surround you.

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.

Glowing displays cover the front field and pond at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The dome is lit up with red holiday lights, and multiple Christmas trees span the lawn.
The glowing gardens at Missouri Botanical Garden are something you don’t want to miss!

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

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.

Powell Gardens has Christmas lights and displays woven throughout the park. There is a tunnel of lights that people, who are bundled up with coats and scarves, are walking under.
‘Tis the season to bundle up and walk among enchanting holiday displays at Powell Gardens.

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

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

A golf cart drives through the Lost Canyon Cave Nature Trail during winter time. It is dark outside, and holiday lights shine on the canyon and are shining from holiday displays throughout the area.
Feel the holiday spirit in a drive-thru experience! It’s relaxing and fascinatingly breathtaking at the same time.

Other Holiday Light Shows and Displays in Missouri

Two people sit in a carriage that is being led by Budweiser Clydesdales. There are Christmas lights lining trees in the background.
The majestic Clydesdales walking the Christmas lights-lined streets is a stunning sight.

Northeast Region

Northwest Region

Central Region

Southeast Region

Southwest Region

A family of five stands and takes a selfie under an arched light tunnel of red and green holiday lights.
Take some glowing selfies at Gardens Aglow! Credit to Josh Beecher

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!