There's no better place to experience the joy and enchantment of the holiday season than right here in Springfield, Missouri. Get into the spirit of the holiday season with these events happening around the Ozarks. 

Sea of Lights Enchanted Christmas

Dive into the magic of Sea of Lights Enchanted Christmas at Wonders of Wildlife. Immerse yourself in a dazzling holiday journey filled with brilliant lights, festive sounds, and interactive multimedia projections that transform the entire aquarium into a glowing conservation wonderland! The best part is that entry is included with general admission and membership.

When: Nov. 1, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026

Where: 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield

Bass Pro’s Santa’s Wonderland

Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at the Grandaddy of all outdoor stores,  the original Bass Pro Shops in Springfield. Get a free photo with Santa, and enjoy all the free activities you can do with kids around Santa’s Workshop.

When: Nov. 2–Dec. 24, 2025

Where: 1 Bass Pro Dr., Springfield

FEZtival of Trees

See dozens of decked-out Christmas trees donated by local businesses around the Ozarks area at the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque. Local businesses have provided beautiful themed Christmas trees filled with unwrapped presents up for raffle from coffee shop gift cards, movie tickets, boutique items and more. There will be visits from Santa, vendors and crafters for your holiday shopping and live entertainment!

When: Nov. 21–23, 2025

Where: 601 E. St. Louis St., Springfield

Mayor’s Tree Lighting

Attend this Springfield tradition the weekend before Thanksgiving. Springfield Mayor Ken McClure kicks off the holiday season by officially lighting the “Mayor’s Tree”. See the tree in Park Central Square come to life, take pictures with Santa, and participate in all the holiday festivities such as horse-drawn carriage rides and free ice skating at Brightspeed Ice Park. 

When: 6–9 p.m., Nov. 22, 2025

Where: Park Central Square, Downtown 

Gardens Aglow

Gardens Aglow returns to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden for its fifth season with more than 200,000 festive lights. Stroll through this winter wonderland of festival lights accenting the unique Japanese structures and landscaping. Tickets start at $8 for adults 13+, $5 for kids 12-3 and kids 2 and under are free. Discounts are available if you pre-order tickets online.

When: Nov. 28–30, Dec. 5–7, 12–14, 19–23, 26–28, 2025

Where: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield

$100 & Under Market

Since 2016, The Springfield Regional Arts Council has helped its member artists sell almost $10,000 in art through the annual $100 & Under exhibit held each December. The exhibit will be located for the one-night Art Market at the Springfield Art Museum, open during December’s First Friday Artwalk.

When: 6–8 p.m., Dec. 5, 2025

Where: 525 S John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield

Springfield Symphony Presents: “The Snowman”

Photo by Discover Creative Services

Get in the holiday mood with your favorites at Springfield Symphony’s traditional holiday concert. Journey into the wonder of "The Snowman", a classic British silent film, and relive timeless holiday favorites, all brought to life by the symphony. This concert is made even more special by the angelic voices of the Springfield Children’s Choirs, adding warmth, wonder, and a touch of nostalgia to this festive night.

When: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13, 2025

Where: 525 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield

Springfield Annual Christmas Parade

The holidays aren’t complete without seeing Springfield’s Annual Christmas Parade in downtown Springfield. See participants showing off their best parade floats and bands spreading holiday cheer. The route starts on South Avenue and Elm Street towards the Square, then heads down Park Central East to end at the Springfield Expo Center.

When: Noon–4 p.m., Dec. 13, 2025

Where: Downtown, Springfield

Springfield Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

Photo courtesy of the Springfield Ballet

See this annual classic performed live at the Landers Theatre. Patrons will follow along as Clara and her nutcracker prince dash from an extravagant Christmas party to a fierce battle with the evil mouse king. Enjoy a magical journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets.

When: Dec. 18–22, 2025

Where: 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield

Beyond Springfield

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas

Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Celebrate Christmas this year at Silver Dollar City in Branson. See over 6.5 million twinkling lights, a new winter menu, and live holiday shows every day.

When: Nov. 1, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026

Where: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson

Nature at Night at Top of the Rock

Photo courtesy of Top of the Rock

Experience the Ozarks after dark at Top of the Rock for a 2.5-mile journey through Nature at Night. Enjoy this unique light tour experience with awe-inspiring displays resembling historic Native American scenes along with traditional holiday vignettes. Sip on hot chocolate and cider, and be surrounded by twinkling lights and a festive spirit while connecting to the great outdoors.

When: Nov. 2–Dec. 31, 2025

Where: 150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale

“I'll Be Home For Christmas” at Stained Glass Theatre

See "I'll Be Home For Christmas" at Stained Glass Theatre in Ozark, Missouri this holiday season. Set in late 1941, a family of faith, and a nation on the brink of World War II, prepares to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. Original music mixed with Christmas favorites form the backdrop for this memorable dramatic musical. The radio broadcasts demonstrate the fear of what is happening in the world at that time and yet the hope that all will be well.

When: Nov. 6–Dec. 13, 2025

Where: 1996 W. Evangel St., Ozark

Cassidy Station at Estes Farms

Photo courtesy of Cassidy Station

Celebrate Christmas at the Farm at Cassidy Station! Enjoy a day of holiday fun by ice skating, shopping festive finds at the Christmas Store, and sipping something merry at The Tipsy Reindeer pop-up bar. Don’t forget to check their calendar for special events such as the Holiday Market, Holiday Drone Show, and Reindeer at the Farm!

When: Nov. 15–Dec. 23 2025

Where: 5176 N. Fremont Road, Nixa