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. 

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, 2024

Where: 1 Bass Pro Dr., Springfield

“A Christmas Carol” at the Springfield Little Theatre

See the beloved holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” at the Landers Theater. Join Ebeneezer Scrooge on his journey from a grumpy recluse to joyous and generous in this beloved musical, showing us how redemption and compassion fall into the true meaning of Christmas.

When: Nov. 22–Dec. 8, 2024

Where: 311 E. Walnut St., 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. 22–24, 2024

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. 23, 2024

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. 29–Dec. 1, 6–8, 13–15, 18–23, 26–29, 2024

Where: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield

Scuba Claus

Visitors to Wonders of Wildlife can watch Scuba Claus and Peppermint the Elf Ho ho ho spread the joy of Christmas with you and all their underwater friends. Spend the evening with Mrs. Claus as she reads a cheerful holiday story, and then enjoy hot cocoa, festive crafts, and write a letter to Scuba Claus!

When: Nov. 26, 29, Dec. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 18, 19, 2024

Where: 500 W. Sunshine St., 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. 6, 2024

Where: 525 S John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield

Candy Cane Lane at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

Drive through Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park and enjoy the dazzling farm-themed holiday displays with more than 100,000 lights. Tickets are $5 per vehicle with no buses or limos due to height restrictions and sharp turns.

When: Dec. 6–8, 13–15, 20–22, 2024

Address: 3825 W. Farm Road. 146, Springfield

Springfield Symphony Presents: “#MostWonderfulTime”

Photo by Discover Creative Services

Get in the holiday mood with your favorites at Springfield Symphony’s traditional holiday concert. In a night of both secular and sacred works, you’ll leave ready to celebrate the season after their annual sing-along.

When: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7, 2024

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. This year’s theme is “Santa Paws is Comin’ to Town.” 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: 2–4 p.m., Dec. 14, 2024

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. 19–23, 2024

Where: 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield

Beyond Springfield

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: Coming Soon

Where: 150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale

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. 2–Dec. 30, 2024

Where: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson

“The Christmas Post” at Stained Glass Theatre

This musical comedy is a Norman Rockwell painting come to life! Remembering the days when The Saturday Evening Post found its way into American homes and hearts, this Broadway-style musical is fast and fun yet offers a clear message of the true meaning of Christmas.

When: Nov. 7–Dec. 14, 2024

Where: 1996 W. Evangel St., Ozark

Jingle!

Photo courtesy of Jingle!

Attend the all-new Jingle! experience for the first time in Ozark, Missouri. Start your visit at one of the four exciting holiday-themed neighborhoods: JINGLE! Village, Polar Park, Aprés-Ski, and The North Pole; or wander through the park as you delight in all JINGLE! has to offer. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit with an experience you and your loved ones won’t soon forget!

When: Nov. 22–24, 29–30, Dec. 1, 5–8, 12–15, 18–23, 25–30, 2024

Where: 4400 N. 19th St, Ozark