Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the holidays in Springfield with our ultimate event guide. Whether you've lived in Springfield for years or just for the season, this guide maximizes your festive experience.
This holiday season, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, where charming light displays and holiday performances create a delightful backdrop. Another highlight is Bass Pro’s Santa’s Wonderland, featuring stunning holiday decorations and interactive experiences for kids of all ages. And the Big Cedar Lodge Home for the Holidays is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing stunning displays and festive activities throughout the lodge. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Springfield Holiday Light Displays
Gardens Aglow
- What to Expect
- Botanical-themed light festival with 200,000 lights.
- Description
- Gardens Aglow is a botanical-themed light festival in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, featuring over 200,000 festive lights that accentuate the unique structures and landscaping. The event includes various light features and food vendors, making it a beautiful winter display of nature.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : Gardens Aglow
Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with an 8-story animated Christmas tree.
- Description
- Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas features over 6.5 million twinkling lights, an 8-story animated Christmas tree, and live holiday shows daily. The event includes Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade, Christmas in Midtown with 1.5 million lights, and festive family entertainment.
- Where
- Branson | More Info : Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas
Big Cedar Lodge Home for the Holidays
- What to Expect
- Extensive holiday light display with various festive activities.
- Description
- Big Cedar Lodge Home for the Holidays features over 4 million twinkling lights, ice skating, visits from Santa, and holiday tram tours. Guests can enjoy hot cocoa, s'mores, and festive activities throughout the property.
- Where
- Ridgedale | More Info : Big Cedar Lodge Home for the Holidays
Lights of Joy
- What to Expect
- Synchronized LED light displays celebrating Christmas with various themed scenes.
- Description
- Lights of Joy is a drive-through Christmas light display in Branson, MO, featuring over 300 LED light displays, including whimsical prehistoric holidays, Santa Safari, and a giant Christmas train. It is an attraction that is fun for all ages and makes a great family outing.
- Where
- Branson | More Info : Lights of Joy
North Pole Adventure
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with diverse activities for all ages.
- Description
- Explore a festive holiday attraction featuring thousands of twinkling lights, visits to Santa's Workshop, and over 30 family activities, including a ropes course, hayride, and petting zoo.
- Where
- Branson | More Info : North Pole Adventure
Springfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
$100 & Under Market
- What to Expect
- Local artists selling handmade holiday items.
- Description
- The $100 & Under Market is an annual event where local artists sell their handmade holiday items, showcasing the community's talented makers and creators.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : $100 & Under Market
417 Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisans selling handmade crafts and seasonal items.
- Description
- The 417 Christmas Market in Springfield, MO, offers a festive atmosphere with local artisans selling handmade crafts, ceramics, jewelry, and seasonal items. Enjoy the aromas of hot mulled wine and blooming citrus, and explore the diverse array of vendors showcasing their unique creations.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : 417 Christmas Market
Springfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at the Springfield Little Theatre
- What to Expect
- Classic Dickens tale brought to life through music and drama.
- Description
- A heartwarming musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic, following Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey from miserly recluse to a beacon of kindness.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : A Christmas Carol at the Springfield Little Theatre
Mayor’s Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Live performances by local artists and cultural institutions.
- Description
- The Mayor's Tree Lighting is an annual event where Springfield Mayor Ken McClure officially lights the 48-foot holiday tree in Park Central Square. The event features local performing artists, holiday storytime, selfies with Santa, free ice skating, and horse-drawn carriage rides. It is a celebration that brings the community together with diverse entertainment and activities.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Scuba Claus
- What to Expect
- Diving Santa and elf in an aquarium setting.
- Description
- Scuba Claus and Peppermint the Elf dive in a fish-filled aquarium while Mrs. Claus reads "Twas The Night Before Christmas" at Wonders of Wildlife.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : Scuba Claus
FEZtival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Exquisitely decorated Christmas trees with a CrafterVendor Village and local talent performances.
- Description
- The FEZtival of Trees is a festive holiday event featuring exquisitely decorated Christmas trees, a CrafterVendor Village, and local talent performances. Guests can buy raffle tickets to win their favorite tree, and Santa will make daily appearances.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : FEZtival of Trees
Springfield Annual Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Traditional parade with festive floats and live performances.
- Description
- The Springfield Annual Christmas Parade is a cherished community event where residents gather to celebrate the holiday season with festive floats, musical performances, and a visit from Santa Claus.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : Springfield Annual Christmas Parade
The Christmas Post at Stained Glass Theatre
- What to Expect
- Nostalgic musical comedy celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
- Description
- The Christmas Post is a Broadway-style musical comedy that brings to life the nostalgic days of The Saturday Evening Post. It tells the story of ordinary Americans rediscovering their faith in Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.
- Where
- Ozark | More Info : The Christmas Post at Stained Glass Theatre
Springfield Other Holiday Activities
Bass Pro’s Santa’s Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Free studio-quality photos with Santa.
- Description
- Bass Pro Shops' Santa's Wonderland offers free photos with Santa, holiday giveaways, games, and activities for families to create lasting memories.
- Where
- Springfield | More Info : Bass Pro’s Santa’s Wonderland