Planning a holiday day trip? Here are 10 options within a few hours' drive of Springfield
Looking to get out of town before Christmas in a few weeks? There are plenty of holiday displays and activities throughout the state worth exploring with family and friends — many of which are within an hour or two drive from Springfield.
The News-Leader compiled a list of 10 holiday displays and activities within a two and a half hour drive from Springfield, including An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City and the annual Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens in Kansas City.
Drive times indicated in this story are based on Google Maps searches. Before planning a trip, check weather and road conditions for the most up-to-date drive times.
Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru
Drive from Springfield: 50 minutes
Located in Branson, the annual Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru is a mile-plus-long sparkling trail. New themes to this year's display include Santa's Coal Mine, Toy Land, North Pole Rodeo and Bug Christmas, according to a Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru news release.
Through Jan. 7, the Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru is open from 5-11 p.m. everyday. Single-car entry is $25-30 for a car, truck or minivan. Single minibus entry is $50-60 for a minibus or limo and single motor coach entry is $70-80. Tickets can be purchased on the Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru website at lightsofjoydrivethru.com/tickets or at the gate.
More: Santa Claus is comin' to town. Here are 15 places to see Santa in Springfield this month
Shepherd of the Hills' North Pole Adventure
Drive from Springfield: 50 minutes
The North Pole Adventure at Shepherd of the Hills is an interactive, walk-through experience with thousands of lights. Families will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus, participate in holiday-themed activities and take an extended hayride through a portion of the farm. The North Pole Tower, which climbs up 200 feet, will also be available, providing a scenic view of Christmas in Branson.
Tickets for the North Pole Adventure are available on the Shepherd of the Hills website at theshepherdofthehills.com/north-pole-adventure. General admission tickets are $14.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages four through 12, when purchased online. The North Pole Adventure is open through Dec. 30.
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
Drive from Springfield: 53 minutes
Through the end of the year, Silver Dollar City is decked out for the holiday season, with more than 6.5 million lights on display for its annual An Old Time Christmas. The amusement park also offers Rudolph's Holly Jolly Christmas Light parade each night and the Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train for guests to ride.
Santa Claus will also be available for photos and visits at the park, including Lunch with Santa every Saturday from 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 12:15 p.m. through Dec. 23. The lunch menu includes Mrs. Claus' fried chicken, chicken tenders, Santa's favorite penne with meatballs, Frosty's chicken alfredo, garlic bread sticks, tater tots, mashed potatoes and gray, macaroni and cheese, green beans, buttered corn, a salad bar and Christmas desserts. Lunch with Santa is $24.99 for children and adults above the age of 12 and $19.99 for children under the age of 11. Tickets can be purchased on the Silver Dollar City website.
If you're a fan of Silver Dollar City treats, you won't want to miss the winter seasonal goodies, including Peppermint Ice Cream in a Peppermint Waffle Cone from Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor, Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls from Eva & Delilah's Bakery and Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Ice Cream from the Apple Dumpling Stand. In time for the holidays, Silver Dollar City's Christmas Tasting Passport allows guests to choose five items from different eateries in the park, all for $35. Passports can be purchased on the Silver Dollar City website or at the park.
Most activities presented during An Old Time Christmas are included with Silver Dollar City admission.
Big Cedar Lodge
Drive from Springfield: 54 minutes
Big Cedar Lodge's Home for the Holidays is a collection of seasonal events throughout the resort through Dec. 31. Family-friendly activities include holiday tram rides around the grounds, photos and breakfast with Santa Claus, a gingerbread house build-off and stocking decorating. There are also a few adult-geared activities, like a cocktail workshop, holiday centerpiece building and paint and pour classes. A full list of Home for the Holidays activities is available on the Big Cedar Lodge website at bigcedar.com/seasons/home-for-the-holidays.
Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail
Drive from Springfield: 55 minutes
The Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail offers a 2.5-mile light tour with displays resembling traditional holiday vignettes. Hot chocolate will be available for sipping on while enjoying the crisp nighttime air. Admission is $39-44 for adults and $19 for children. Parking passes are required, which cost an additional $15. Tickets can be purchased on the Big Cedar Lodge website at bigcedar.com/activity/nature-at-night.
Way of Salvation Christmas Light Display in Carthage
Drive from Springfield: 1 hour
Celebrating its 39th year, the Way of Salvation Christmas Light Display is a one-mile trail featuring thousands of colorful lights around the Our Lady of the Ozarks College campus. The display is located at the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer at 1900 Grand Ave. in Carthage. Entry is free but donations are appreciated.
More: 25+ things to do in December, including the annual downtown Springfield Christmas Parade
Light Up The Lake at Pomme de Terre
Drive from Springfield: 1 hour 10 minutes
The Pomme de Terre Chamber of Commerce is hosting a drive-through light display at the Pomme de Terre Damsite Park in Hermitage. The display features thousands of lights, music, carolers and Santa Claus. The drive-through is open from 5:30-9 p.m. nightly. Entry is free but donations are appreciated.
Prescott Reindeer Farm
Drive from Springfield: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tucked away in Vanzant, the Prescott Reindeer Farm is a one-of-a-kind experience in southwest Missouri. The farm is home to five reindeer: Noel, Tinsel, Winter, Snowflake and Mistletoe. Horses, llamas, mini horses, cows and calves, alpacas, chickens and a mini donkey are also on the farm.
In addition to meeting the reindeer, families may enjoy a visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, holiday-themed games, treats from Mrs. Claus' Bakery and a gift shop.
The Prescott Reindeer Farm is open Friday, Dec. 8, 15 and 22 from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Children under the age of one are free. Cash and card are both accepted at the farm.
Rolla's Christmas in the Park
Drive from Springfield: 1 hour 45 minutes
The Rolla Lions Club kicked off its 23rd annual Christmas in the Park Light Display on Thursday night. The display features more than 100 Christmas light features, all contributed by Rolla businesses and organizations. The display is open nightly from 6-9 p.m. Entry is free but donations are appreciated.
Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
Drive from Springfield: 2 hours 22 minutes
Located inside Kansas City's Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens are transformed into a winder wonderland with countless light displays. Similar to Springfield's Gardens Aglow, the Festival of Lights is an interactive, walk-through experience. Warm drinks and tasty treats are available for purchase.
New this year to the display are the Crystal Chambers, a visual display featuring mystical performers in the Powell Gardens' Conservatory Visitor Center, a neon magic tree and photo stops throughout the gardens.
The Festival of Lights is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5-10 p.m. General admission is $18 for adults, $17 for seniors and $9 for children ages five through 12. Children under the age of four are free. Tickets can be purchased on the Powell Gardens website at powellgardens.org/festival-of-lights.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 10 Christmas displays, activities within a drive from Springfield
