Can't wait for the holidays in Joplin? Check out our guide for all the festive happenings! Whether you're a familiar face in Joplin or seeing it fresh, our guide is your key to holiday cheer.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where twinkling lights create a magical experience throughout the garden. With dazzling displays and themed installations, GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium brings vibrant holiday cheer as animals and lights mingle in a delightful setting. And the Lights of Joy is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a stunning array of illuminated scenes. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Joplin
- Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)
- Lights of Joy (Branson)
- Gateway Arch Park Winterfest (St. Louis)
- North Pole Adventure (Branson)
- Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights (St. Louis)
- GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium (Kansas City)
- St. Charles Christmas Traditions (St. Charles)
- Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens (Kingsville)
See these and even more events listed below!
Joplin Holiday Light Displays
Lights of Joy
What to Expect:
Synchronized LED light displays with themed areas.
Description:
Lights of Joy is a drive-through Christmas light display featuring over 300 super bright, all-LED light displays set in various themes, including whimsical prehistoric holidays and a Santa Safari. The event is located at 700 Expressway Lane, Branson, MO, and offers a unique holiday experience for all ages.
Where: Branson | More Info: Lights of Joy
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Dazzling light display with interactive photo opportunities and holiday activities.
Description:
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden features over two million dazzling lights transforming the iconic garden into a richly lit setting with mesmerizing displays and unforgettable moments.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with live performances and fireworks.
Description:
The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights is a family-friendly event in Kiener Plaza, featuring holiday performances, vendor booths, exhibits, and a magical fireworks finale. The event includes the lighting of the Salvation Army tree of lights and the opening of Winterfest.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
North Pole Adventure
What to Expect:
Extensive Christmas light displays and family-friendly activities.
Description:
The North Pole Adventure at Shepherd of the Hills offers a journey through thousands of Christmas lights, visits to Santa's Workshop, and various family activities like a petting zoo, mini golf, and a ropes course. It includes an extended hayride through the park and offers professional photo opportunities with Santa.
Where: Branson | More Info: North Pole Adventure
Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday lighting display.
Description:
The Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens transforms the botanical garden into a spectacular winter display with over 20 miles of lights, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Kingsville | More Info: Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
Joplin Holiday Shows and Entertainment
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
What to Expect:
International holiday customs and Victorian carolers.
Description:
St. Charles Christmas Traditions is a festive celebration featuring international holiday customs, Victorian carolers, and unique displays like the Oh Christmas Tree Evolution. Guests can explore yuletide magic on historic Main Street, visit Santa at the Historic KATY Train Depot, and enjoy sensory-friendly experiences.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: St. Charles Christmas Traditions
Joplin Other Holiday Activities
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
What to Expect:
Unique lantern festival with handmade sculptures and special activities.
Description:
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium features a one-mile path of intricate lighted sculptures crafted by 151 artisans, including elements like Atlantis and dinosaurs, and an enchanted forest. The event includes access to the Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Wednesdays and seasonal-themed lanterns.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Gateway Arch Park Winterfest
What to Expect:
Family-friendly winter celebration with ice skating and themed activities.
Description:
Winterfest at the Gateway Arch is a six-week winter celebration in Kiener Plaza featuring ice skating, s'mores stations, heated igloos, and exciting events like try hockey free and visits from princesses and superheroes.