Where to see Christmas lights around Springfield, MO in 2026
Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas runs Nov 7, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027, Shepherd of the Hills' Trail of Lights runs Nov 6 to Jan 2, and Gardens Aglow at Springfield Botanical Gardens opens Nov 27. The Ozark Christmas Parade is Saturday, Nov 21. We update this page as the Springfield, Nixa and Finley River Park dates are announced.
Dates change. Each listing links to the official page, so check it before you go. Last checked October 8, 2026.
2026 holiday lights calendar
| Event | Where | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|
| An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City | Branson | Nov 7, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027 |
| Trail of Lights, Shepherd of the Hills | Branson | Nov 6, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027 |
| Sea of Lights, Wonders of Wildlife | Springfield | Starts Nov 1 |
| Ozark Chamber Christmas Parade | Ozark | Sat, Nov 21, 5:30 pm |
| Gardens Aglow, Springfield Botanical Gardens | Springfield | Nov 27 to 29; Dec 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 16 to 23, 26 to 27 |
| Festival of Lights, Finley River Park | Ozark | Not announced yet |
| Nixa Christmas Parade | Nixa | Not announced yet |
Springfield
Wonders of Wildlife's Sea of Lights brings holiday lights to the museum and aquarium starting Nov 1. Gardens Aglow lights up the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden on select nights from Thanksgiving weekend through Dec 27. Downtown, the Mayor's Tree Lighting and the lights on Park Central Square kick off the season; we will add the 2026 dates when the city posts them.
Ozark and Nixa
The Festival of Lights at Finley River Park in Ozark is a free, mile-long drive-through with more than 100,000 lights. It usually opens two weekends before Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas night. The 61st Ozark Chamber Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 5:30 pm in Historic Downtown Ozark. In Nixa, the Christmas Parade winds from The X Center through downtown each December, and the Mayor's Tree Lighting at McCauley Park brings cocoa, Santa and ice skating.
Republic, Battlefield, Willard, Strafford and Rogersville
Each town has its own December tradition: RepMo's Christmas on Main Street in Republic, the tree lighting at Cherokee Trail of Tears Park in Battlefield, Christmas on the Frisco in Willard, and evening parades and tree lightings in Strafford and Rogersville. See our town pages for details: Republic, Battlefield, Willard, Strafford, Rogersville.
Worth the drive to Branson
Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas is the big one, with millions of lights, a Christmas tree light show and holiday shows, Nov 7 through Jan 2. Shepherd of the Hills' Trail of Lights is a drive-through you can enjoy from the car, Nov 6 through Jan 2.
Tips for a better night out
- Weeknights are the least crowded, especially early in the season.
- Drive-throughs back up after dark on weekends. Go right at dusk or later in the evening.
- Check each official page for tickets, parking and weather closures.
Bring the festival home
If the drive home makes you wish your own house looked like that, we can help. Send your address and we will send a picture of your home lit up, with your quote, in about 15 minutes.
Common questions
When does Silver Dollar City's Christmas start in 2026?
An Old Time Christmas runs Nov 7, 2026 through Jan 2, 2027, according to Silver Dollar City.
When is the Ozark Christmas Parade?
The 61st Ozark Chamber Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 5:30 pm in Historic Downtown Ozark.
Is there a drive-through light display near Springfield?
Yes. The Festival of Lights at Finley River Park in Ozark is a free, mile-long drive-through. It usually opens two weekends before Thanksgiving; 2026 dates haven't been announced yet.
When are Gardens Aglow dates for 2026?
Nov 27 to 29, then Dec 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 16 to 23 and 26 to 27, closed Dec 24 and 25, per Friends of the Garden.