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Holiday Lights Shine Bright Across Missouri

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Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru, Branson
Credit: ExploreBranson.com
Rudolf's Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade
Credit: 2014 Silver Dollar City Attractions, Bob Linder Digital Media
Missouri Botanical Garden Glow, St. Louis

For a burst of holiday color, communities, parks, gardens and zoos across the Show-Me State celebrate the season with spectacular light displays.

Stroll through a colorful glow during Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm Nov. 24 – Dec. 30 in St. Louis. 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, and seasonal food and drinks.

More than 20 miles of lights create a winter wonderland at Powell Gardens during the Festival of Lights Nov. 16 – Dec. 30. Travel a lighted pathway through the gardens, located 30 miles southeast of Kansas City. Encounter immersive botanic-themed light displays that complement the park’s architecture and landscape.

Make your holiday celebration a little bit wilder this year with a visit to U.S. Bank Wild Lights Nov. 24 – Dec. 30 at the Saint Louis Zoo. Whimsical themed light 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.

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. 18 – Jan. 6.

Branson Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo is a two-mile drive-through holiday display Nov. 1 – Dec. 30. Take in the lights and zoo animals from the comfort of your car as you travel through the park. Visit Candyland Court and Yak, Yak, Yak – a baby yak petting zoo.

An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City in Branson has received national accolades for its dazzling holiday festival. The event features more than 6.5 million lights, more than 30 live shows daily – including A Dickens’ Christmas Carol – and special holiday food. The celebration runs Nov. 4 – Dec. 30.

Warm Springs Ranch, located near Boonville, hosts Holidays with the Clydesdales Nov. 25 – Dec. 30. Follow the lights to the ranch’s stately red barn. Inside, enjoy holiday decorations, snap photos with the Clydesdales and browse the gift shop. Food and drinks are available.

The Plaza Lights at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City has been a holiday tradition for more than 90 years. Jewel-tones outline every dome, tower and window of the Spanish-inspired shopping district. The 15-block area is lit up every night Nov. 23 – Jan. 14.

Be sure to check dates of operation and ticket/reservation requirement for each attraction.

Here are more Missouri light displays to help make your holidays bright: