Loading the family into the car and cruising the neighborhood in search of the best light displays is a favorite holiday tradition. For an even bigger burst of color, dozens of parks, zoos and communities across the Show-Me State celebrate the season with amazing holiday lights.
Celebrate the season during Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm Nov. 25-Dec. 30. Turn up the festive tunes and enjoy the show from the comfort of your own vehicle during the drive-through experience. See Inspiration Hill with the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and the Tiergarten transformed into the North Pole. Pass through a tunnel of lights to view the Busch Family Estate brilliantly decorated for the holidays. Visitors can purchase a bundle, which includes beverages, cookies, a Christmas ornament and more. Reservations are required.
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis features more than one million lights highlighting the garden’s most iconic spots. You’ll also find s’mores, festive drinks, holiday music and great photo opportunities. The event runs nightly Nov. 19-Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 7. Reservations are required.
More than 20 miles of lights decorate Powell Gardens during the Festival of Lights. There are plenty of Instagram and holiday card-worthy photo stops in addition to two new interactive light displays. Located 30 minutes southeast of Kansas City, Powell Gardens is open 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 10-Dec. 30. Advance tickets are required.
Make your holiday celebration a little bit wilder this year with a visit to U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo. Whimsical animal-themed displays grace the zoo grounds, along with fire pits where you can warm your paws and toast a s’more. A sensory-friendly night is offered for individuals with sensory sensitivities. The event runs Nov. 25-Dec. 30. Advance tickets are required.
Branson Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo is a two-mile drive-through holiday display Nov. 1-Dec. 31. The VIP Yeti Express includes a tour guided by one of Santa’s helpers and special exhibits in the Animal Adventure Building.
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City in Branson is one of the nation’s best Christmas festivals. The event features more than 6.5 million lights. If that’s not dazzling enough, try 30+ live shows daily – including Coming Home for Christmas, a brand-new show – and special holiday food. The celebration runs Nov. 5-Dec. 30.
Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville hosts Holidays with the Clydesdales Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 26-Dec.30. View the beautiful lights as you drive up to the big red barn. Inside, enjoy holiday decorations, snap photos with the Clydesdales and browse the expanded gift shop. Food and drinks are available. Reservations are required.
The Kansas City Plaza Lights at Country Club Plaza has been a holiday tradition for more than 90 years. Jewel-toned lights highlight everyone dome, tower and window of the Spanish-inspired shopping district. The 15-block area is lit up every night Nov. 24 through mid-January.
Here are more Missouri light displays to help make your holidays bright:
Lights of Joy, Branson – Nov. 1-Jan. 1
Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights, Branson – Nov. 2-Jan. 1
Enchanted Village of Lights, Laurie – Nov. 18-Jan. 1
Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park, St. Louis – Nov. 18-Dec. 30
Cosmic Sleigh Ride at Six Flags, St. Louis – Nov. 18-Jan. 1
Trip the Light Fantastic , Lee’s Summit – Nov. 20
Christmas in the Park, Lee’s Summit – Nov. 23-Dec. 31
Light Up Liberty, Sedalia – Nov. 26-Jan. 1
Carthage Christmas Lights, Carthage – Nov. 24-Jan. 1
Holiday Night Lights, Wentzville – Nov. 25-Dec. 30
The Holiday Parade of Lights, Washington – Nov. 25
Celebration of Lights, St. Charles – Nov. 25-Dec. 30
Christmas at the Harbor, Warsaw – Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Light Up Sikeston, Sikeston – Nov. 26-Jan. 1
Christmas Lights on Route 66 Devils Elbow Bridge, Devils Elbow – Nov. 26-Jan. 3
Altrusa Lights in the Park, Moberly – Nov. 27-Dec. 23
Parade of Lights, Cape Girardeau – Nov. 27
Osage Beach Holiday Lights in the Park, Osage Beach – Nov. 29-Dec. 31
Lost Canyon Christmas at Top of the Rock, Ridgedale – Dec. 1-Jan. 7
Light Up the Lake at Pomme De Terre Damsite Park, Hermitage – Dec. 2-Jan. 1
Capital City Festival of Lights, Jefferson City – Dec. 3-31
Light Up Pulaski County – Dec. 8-26
The Glowy Snowy Day, St. Louis – Jan. 6-9