As the holidays draw near, Santa gets really busy and can be difficult to track down. Here are a few places in the Ozarks to see Santa in 2023 from soonest to latest. If you know of any more places Santa will be, email myohn@springfieldmo.org and we'll add it to the list.

Bass Pro

Bass Pro Shops in December

Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland in Bass Pro

When: Nov. 4-Dec. 24, 2023 

Where: 1935 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield

Breakfast With Santa At Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge Christmas

Santa invites guests at Big Cedar to join him for a special breakfast! Come say hi to Santa, Mrs. Clause and his elf.

When: Nov. 11, Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Nov. 26, Dec. 2, Dec. 3, Dec. 9, Dec. 10, Dec. 16, Dec. 17, Dec. 23, Dec. 24, 2023

Where: 612 Devil's Pool Road, Ridgedale

Battlefield Mall

Trying to tackle holiday shopping and seeing Santa all in one? Stop by Battlefield Mall

When: Nov. 17-Dec. 24, 2023 

Where: 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield

Feztival Of Trees

Attend the FEZtival of Trees event at the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque Nov. 17-19. See dozens of decked out Christmas trees donated by local businesses around the Ozarks area. These businesses have provided beautiful themed Christmas trees filled with unwrapped presents up for raffle from a 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! Admission is $5, 12 and under are free! Raffle tickets are $1. Learn more with the link below.

When: Nov. 17-19, 2023

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

Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

Christmas on the Downtown Square

See the Mayor’s tree in the downtown square come to life and take selfies with Santa.

When: 6-7:30 p.m. and 8-9 p.m., Nov. 18, 2023

Where: 134 Park Central Square, Springfield

Scuba Claus at Wonders of Wildlife

SCUBA Claus

Photo courtesy of Wonders of Wildlife

Visitors to Wonders of Wildlife can watch Scuba Claus and Peppermint the Elf dive in a fish-filled aquarium while Mrs. Claus reads "Twas The Night Before Fishmas."

When: Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 12, Dec. 15, Dec. 19, Dec. 22, 2023

Where: 500 W. Sunshine St. Springfield

Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade

What better time to find joy than the holiday season? Visit downtown and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season and make happy memories as you enjoy one of the Queen City’s treasured holiday traditions.

When: 2 p.m., Dec. 9, 2023

Where: 134 Park Central Square, Springfield

Outside Springfield

Polar Express at The Branson Scenic Railway

Branson Scenic Railway Polar Express

Photo courtesy of Branson Scenic Railway

Pick up Santa Claus at the North Pole with Branson’s Scenic Railway Polar Express ride.

When: Nov. 3-Dec. 23, 2023

Where: 206 E. Main St, Branson

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City Old Time Christmas

Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Make seeing Santa Claus an all-day experience at Silver Dollar City in Branson. 

When: Nov. 4-Dec. 30, 2023

Where: 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson

Home For The Holidays at Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Santa

Photo courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge

Celebrate the Christmas season with a meet and greet with Santa himself at Big Cedar Lodge. Now in exclusive ten-minute slots, bring home unforgettable memories and take family or child photos with Santa

When: Nov. 6-Dec. 31, 2023

Where: 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale

58th Annual Ozark Christmas Parade

Kick off the holiday season with the Ozark Christmas parade in the downtown square. Enjoy watching parade floats, taking photos with Santa, face painting, and a holiday movie. 

When: 2-5 p.m. Nov. 18, 2023

Where: E. Church St., Ozark

Bolivar Christmas Parade

Celebrate with the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade to see parade floats and Santa.

When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 2023

Where: 1600 University Ave, Bolivar

More Resources

Springfield Guide

Order a free Springfield Guide or check out the digital version.

Visit Page

E-Newsletter Sign-Up

Get bi-weekly updates to your inbox to keep up with Springfield.

Visit Page

Itineraries

Visit our itineraries page to plan your trip according to your interests.

Visit Page