7 Christmas Light Displays in Missouri That Are Pure Holiday Magic

Treasured traditions make the holiday season even more special. From attending our favorite Christmas festivals in Missouri or driving through the neighborhood to marvel at the Christmas lights, we have so many ways to add touches of magic to the season. One of the easiest (and best) ways to embrace the Christmas spirit is to visit one of the best Christmas lights in Missouri.

1. Wild Lights at Saint Louis Zoo - St. Louis

Meander along lit paths at Wild Lights at Saint Louis Zoo, some of the best Christmas lights in St. Louis, Missouri. The beloved annual tradition welcomes holiday revelers on select evenings through Dec. 29, 2024. Stroll past more than one million glittering lights, stopping along the way to warm up and make s'mores by the fire pit. Costume characters will wander around the zoo to pose for photos, and you might want to indulge in seasonal treats.

2. Stone Park Resort - Bonne Terre

One of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Missouri, Stone Park Resort boasts more than one million shimmering lights and 100 themed displays. Mosey along the path of the best Christmas lights in Bonne Terre, Missouri, and Santa just might show up to say hi to the whole family. Experience the magic of the season through Dec. 26, 2024.

3. Missouri Botanical Garden - St. Louis

Set off on a magical adventure at Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden, some of the best Christmas lights in Missouri. Typically held from mid-November through early January, Garden Glow features more than two million twinkling lights, including a Frosted Forest, a Twinkling Tunnel, and Botanical Luminaries. Stay toasty with hot chocolate and other seasonal goodies, and try to time your visit for a day when Santa will be on hand to listen to Christmas wishes and pose for photos. For a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas experience, reserve a private fire pit, where you can warm up and roast marshmallows for s'mores. Rentals are available for two hours.

4. Trail of Lights - Branson

One of the best Christmas light displays in Missouri, Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills showcases millions of shimmering lights along 2.5 miles. Drive past a variety of scenes, too, including Santa's elves hard at work. My favorite way to drive through a Christmas lights display is with carols on the radio and wearing festive clothes (sometimes Christmas PJs). The Trail of Lights runs until Jan. 4, 2025, and tickets can be purchased online. Add a visit to one of the best Christmas lights in Branson, Missouri, to your holiday bucket list.

5. Silver Dollar City - Branson

Celebrate an Olde Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City, which displays millions of Christmas lights in Branson, Missouri. From an 80-foot-tall Christmas tree to more than 6.5 million twinkling lights, Silver Dollar City promises a hearty dose of holiday cheer. Bundle up for an epic Christmas adventure and, if you're up for it, climb aboard some of the operating rides and indulge in seasonal treats. The annual Christmas festival in Missouri runs select dates through Jan. 4, 2025.

6. Festival of Lights - Kingsville

Explore more than 25 acres of glittering Christmas lights at the Annual Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, one of the most popular places to view the Christmas lights in Kingsville, Missouri. Stroll through light tunnels, past sparkling Christmas trees, and find your way out of a lights maze. Santa will also be on hand on select Friday and Saturday evenings to listen to Christmas wishes and pose for photos. The Festival of Lights runs through Jan. 4, 2025.

7. Christmas Lights In The Park - Moberly

Make your way to Rothwell Park for the annual Christmas Lights in the Park, a magical display of Christmas lights in Moberly, Missouri. Bring your camera along to snap photos of the thousands of twinkling lights and more than 150 magical Christmas displays. A free event to see some of the best Christmas lights in Missouri, Christmas Lights in the Park generally runs through mid-December.

Have you been searching for the best Christmas lights in Missouri? If so, you've just hit the jackpot. What are your favorite Christmas light displays in Missouri? Let us know by filling out this nomination form, and we might cover your favorites in a future article. Make the most of every magical moment of the season with a visit to these awesome places in Missouri this winter.

No matter where we are in the Christmas season, it's always a good time to add to our collection of Christmas decor. Have you unpacked your Christmas decorations yet? If you still have gifts to buy or want to treat yourself this holiday season, check out the OIYS gift-giving guide.