Christmas Light Displays in Branson

Neil Sawford • November 30, 2022


Roaming around the city to see all the homes and establishments decorated with thousands of colorful twinkling lights is a favorite holiday activity during Christmas time in Branson.

This year, you will see many drive-through light displays that welcome guests from dusk until late night — perfect for evening movie-goers. After seeing the many colorful Christmas light displays listed below, you may find it interesting to try a thrilling ride with the roller coasters in Branson, MO, where you can enjoy great rides, entertainment, and tasty treats.


Branson's Lights of Joy

Branson's Lights of Joy (formerly known as Gift of Lights) drive-through display debuted in 2015, but its location off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway is the same as the former Festival of Lights, which was held there for almost 25 years. Branson's Lights of Joy contained more than 300 displays with over one million twinkling LED lights throughout the 1.25-mile drive and was completely overhauled with all-new shows in 2021. Every weekend from November 5 through December 18, you can have the chance to visit Santa.


The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hill

The 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, which houses the renowned outdoor theater, has been transformed into a vacation haven. The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a drive-through where you may find magnificent light displays unlike any other Christmas lights show elsewhere.

It is situated east of Silver Dollar City on Highway 76 and the Branson Strip. The drive-through has been exquisitely decked with millions of festive lights. The Trail of Lights also features hundreds of stunning exhibits, the majority in their themed region, many of which have breathtaking lighting displays and animated scenes.


Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo

The longest drive-through light show in the region is located at Branson's Promised Land Zoo. Beginning November 1, the two-mile exhibit is accessible every evening. The Zoo also has the only herd of live reindeer in the area, so visitors can use the VIP "Yeti Express" option to pet, feed, and take pictures with Sven, Rudolph, Prancer, and other reindeer.

The light show, "Candyland Courtyard" with dancing trees timed to your favorite Christmas carols, "Animal Adventures" building with dozens of animals on display, Elves' Secret Gift Shop, and more are all included with every admission.


Deck The Trails at Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge has always had beautiful holiday decorations, but in 2022 the hotel and resort will open a ticketed drive-through show that features a record number of lights. You'll journey through the Christmas narrative as you go from Top of the Rock to Big Cedar.

In addition to this self-guided drive-through, you may reserve a $20 per person, 25-minute holiday tram tour of the lights. Once there, enter the main lobby to view the elaborate Christmas trees, gingerbread train display, and other decorations. Additionally, there is a synthetic ice skating rink with a sizable tree programmed to "dance" to several well-known Christmas tunes.


Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is covered with more than 6.5 MILLION lights during the annual An Old Time Christmas event, despite not being a drive-through show. The 1880s-inspired theme park features 1,000 decorated trees, two Broadway-style Christmas shows, an eight-story LED special effect Christmas tree, Rudolph's Holly Jolly Christmas light parade, exhilarating amusement rides, festival fare, and more.

It is frequently recognized for its impressive illuminated displays. This is where many ride enthusiasts visit to experience a thrilling ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO.


Downtown Branson

Downtown Branson is heavily decked out for the holiday season with many shops. New illuminated snowflakes on lampposts have been added to the street decorations. The outside of Chick-Fil-A (607 W Main St, Branson, MO 65616) has been covered in tens of thousands of lights, and the drive-through features a light tunnel. The restaurant at Steak' N Shake (503 W Main St, Branson, MO 65616) is also lit up, and a gigantic illuminated snowman welcomes customers from the street.


Branson Theatre District

Many of Branson's attractions and music venues are decorated both inside and out. Drive down Highway 76, popularly referred to as "The Strip," and take in all the city offers. One example is the outside of Presley's Country Jubilee (2920 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616), which is illuminated and has enormous toy soldiers that were previously part of the Grand Palace Theatre's decor.

Branson Mountain Adventure Park


Another thrilling Branson attraction, the gorgeously lit Branson Mountain Adventure Park, is home to the Runaway Mountain Coaster. You may have an exciting adventure ride on the lit Runaway Mountain Coaster at night. You can take in beautiful vistas of Branson lit up in brilliant Christmas lights as you ride downward on a Runaway Mountain Coaster.

This holiday season, many locals and tourists want to have a fantastic time in this popular vacation destination in the Midwest, not only to view Christmas light displays but also to take a thrilling ride on the roller coasters in Branson MO.

Parent and child getting ready to ride the alpine coaster
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com July 25, 2025
Branson is the perfect family fun destination
Parent and child
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com July 25, 2025
Experience the unique offerings of Branson on your first visit
first person perspective of riding the coaster
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com July 11, 2025
Enjoy summer vacation with the whole family with these travel tips
a couple on a mountain coaster
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com July 4, 2025
Unforgettable Experiences without Breaking the Bank
a cloudy day at Branson Mountain Adventure
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com June 27, 2025
Rainy Weather Can Still Be a Blast in Branson
a mother and son on a mountain coaster ride
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com June 20, 2025
Family Fun for everyone in Branson
third person view of a person riding a mountain coaster in Branson
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com June 6, 2025
Top Thrilling Activities for All Ages
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com June 6, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
a view of forest trees from below
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com May 29, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
By alulamoxie.com alulamoxie.com May 23, 2025
Learn more about our historic Branson attraction