Bright Nights at Forest Park
Visitors take a three-mile drive through an illuminated winter wonderland glowing with more than 750,000 lights. The route showcases festive holiday scenes, iconic characters, and peaceful illuminated gardens.
What to Expect
Three-mile holiday drive-thru display featuring over 750,000 lights.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Spirit of Springfield
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and dazzling
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: General admission: $30 per car plus a $2 ticket fee for November 25–December 27, 2026. After-Christmas price: $20 per car plus a $2 ticket fee for December 28, 2026–January 3, 2027. Oversized vehicles: $50 plus a $2 ticket fee; seating capacity 9–16 and reservations required. Minibuses seating 17–31: $100. Buses seating 31+: $200. Big Y advance tickets: $20 with a Big Y membership, available only at Big Y. Group tickets: $25 each with a minimum order of 25 tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance. – Get tickets
- Hours: Monday–Thursday and Sunday 5:00 pm–9:00 pm; Friday–Saturday 5:00 pm–10:00 pm; listed holidays 5:00 pm–10:00 pm.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your tickets online before you head out, because Bright Nights only sells tickets in advance.
- If your dates are flexible, go between December 28 and January 3, when the After Christmas Sales rate applies to each car.
- Big Y members can buy discounted advance tickets with their membership, but those tickets are sold only at Big Y stores.
- If you're coming in a vehicle that seats 9 to 16, a minibus or a bus, make a reservation ahead of time.
- Note that the drive is closed Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1, so plan your night around those two dates.
Special Events & Promotions
- After Christmas Sales: lower per-car admission from December 28 through January 3
- Big Y advance tickets at a discount with a Big Y membership, sold only at Big Y
- Group tickets at a discount for orders of 25 or more, bought online
- Military & Emergency Responders Night
- Zoo Night
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets before I go?
Yes. Tickets must be bought in advance, and you can buy them online.
Can we come in a van or a bus?
Yes. Oversized vehicles that seat 9 to 16 need a reservation. Minibuses and full-size buses have their own rates and are booked through the reservations link.
How long is the drive?
The route is a three-mile drive-thru. It passes festive scenes, iconic characters and gardens, all lit up.
Is there music to go with the lights?
Yes. WELF 100.7 FM provides musical accompaniment, so tune your car radio to it as you drive through.
What else is there besides the drive?
The activities include horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides, Santa's Magical Forest, Visit with Santa, Supper with Santa, choral concerts, Elf Yourself with AR and the Bright Nights 5K Road Race.
More Christmas Events Near Springfield
More Christmas Events near Springfield
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.