Holiday Displays 2014

Candy Cane Lane
Nothing’s better than a good old-fashioned family Christmas, and Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park is the perfect spot to kick off the season. Visit the farm on Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy driving through Christmas displays shining bright with more than 10,000 lights. 

December 5–December 20, Fridays and Saturdays, 5–8 p.m.; $3 per vehicle; Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 West Farm Road 146, Springfield; find more info at parkboard.org.

Branson Area Festival of Lights
Enjoy Branson aglow for the holidays at the Branson Area Festival of Lights. After eating a meal or seeing a holiday show, check out the centerpiece of the event—the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through. This magical one-mile drive follows a path that’s illuminated with more than 175 displays.

Through December 31; Open daily from dusk–11 p.m.; $15 for a family vehicle, $25 for a family season pass, $30 for a mini-coach or $60 for a full-size motor coach; located off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road, Branson; find a map and more info at explorebranson.com.

Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
If Christmas music and animated light displays are your idea of a good time, head to the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights. You’re invited to drive your own vehicle through the 2.5-mile trail, so you can enjoy the amazing view from the cozy seat of your very own car.

Through December 31; open daily, dusk–midnight; $6 for children and $12 for adults; Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, 5586 W. Hwy. 76, Branson; find more info at trailoflights.com.

Christmas Lights of Ozark
Throughout the holiday season, Ozark’s Finley River Park is brought to life with several drive-through light displays. As guests weave their vehicles through the park, they take in well-designed displays that range from religious and sports themes to snowmen, snowflakes and even dinosaurs. 

Through January 4, 2015; open Sundays, Thursdays 5–10 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays 5–11 p.m.; donations welcome; Finley River Park, 907 N. Riverside Road, Ozark; find more info at ozarkmissouri.com.

Festival of Lights
During this six-week celebration, people can enjoy a variety of holiday-themed activities that include live music and theater performances. If it’s lights you want to see, you’re in luck. Jordan Valley Park, Park Central Square and other spots are fully decked out with light displays, decorations and much more. For a little more holiday fun, visit the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. for your chance to enjoy a free carriage ride.

Through January 4, 2015; light displays and exhibits are open seven days a week; free; Jordan Valley Park and Park Central Square, downtown Springfield; find more info at itsalldowntown.com.

An Old Time Christmas
If you’re looking for a festive holiday outing for the whole family to enjoy, head to Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas Festival. The park is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, including a five-story special effects tree adorned with 350,000 energy-saving LED lights that twinkle and dance to favorite holiday carols. There are more than 5 million dazzling lights throughout the park, so you’re sure to take in plenty of gorgeous holiday views, and the kids will love the new Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Friends.  

Through December 30, 2014, regular park admission; Silver Dollar City, Branson; find more info at silverdollarcity.com.

A Victorian Homecoming
For a look at beautifully elegant holiday décor, visit Chateau on the Lake. During the holiday season, this first-class Branson resort is fancily dressed with candy houses, Christmas trees and more festive décor, and you can see it all for free. If you’re here from 6–8 p.m., you can even enjoy a glass of cider, or you can purchase a treat from the sweet shop at any time. 

Through December 31, open for viewing daily during regular resort hours; free; Chateau on the Lake, 415 N. State Hwy. 265, Branson; find more info at chateauonthelake.com.