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Merry & Bright Bucket List - Near Springfield/Branson MO
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items Seasonal stops and sparkly experiences to make the most of the holidays around Springfield, MO.
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The quintessential holiday light display in Springfield. It really is beautiful and worth the wait!
Bagwell Lights Tune to 105.5 FM | Springfield MO
Gardens Aglow is beautiful! There are tons of photo ops, food trucks with the coziest snacks, plus the proceeds go to maintenance for the stroll garden and other projects for Friends of the Garden! Don’t let the cold weather keep you away, check out ...
Gardens Aglow 2025 | Friends of the Garden
Johnny Morris always goes big! The outside is just as beautiful as the inside, so make sure to plan enough time to take it all in! The aquarium is extra magical this time of year!
Seasonal Offers | Wonders of Wildlife | National Museum & Aquarium
Free Santa photos! Truly. They have packages you can purchase but you do get one free photo! Make an appointment online to avoid long lines! They do move quick though and there are so many things to do! A free carousel, toys, and games are close enou...
Santa's Wonderland
Paint your own ornaments, Christmas village, tray for cookies, and so much more! Keep in mind they do fire the pottery, so you will need to leave it with them for about a week! This is such a fun activity, and you’ll have a Christmas keepsake forever...
Firehouse Pottery
This is another fantastic light display, and if you’re looking for your own light installation they can do that too!
Jaxon's Lights | Springfield MO
No list is complete without Silver Dollar City! It truly is so magical! Bundle up and enjoy it on a snowy night if you can! Amazing hot chocolate, so many lights, and the best train ride!!
An Old Time Christmas® | Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts
Another beautiful display. This one is on the whimsical side, the owners transform the facade of their home into a cottage and bedazzle it all with lights!!
Waterford Christmas Cottage 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟎𝟕.𝟑 | Ozark MO
Take a ride on the historic Branson Scenic Railway! During Christmas they bring the Polar Express story to life! Splurge for the dome seats, they are extra beautiful!
Polar - Branson Scenic Railway
If you enjoy fine arts you’ll love Springfield Ballet’s presentation of The Nutcracker! It is a great production and fun for the whole family!
Springfield Ballet's The Nutcracker - Springfield Little Theatre
If you’re headed to Branson, make sure to sign up for the Ozark Mountain Christmas Pass. It’s free, provides so many incredible ideas for celebrating the holidays around Branson, and you can win prizes by checking in at locations you visit. Their web...
Ozark Mountain Christmas Pass | Explore Branson
This one is a little over an hour East of Springfield. You can take a sleigh ride, visit with real reindeer, holiday crafts, cookies and cocoa with Mrs. Claus and so much more! Bundle up and enjoy this unique Christmas experience!
Prescott Family Reindeer Farm | Vanzant MO
For the second year, check out J Ho Ho B a pop-up Christmas bar. Festive decor and delicious libations await to bring in the holiday cheer!
J.O.B Public House | Springfield MO
Fun all year long, but what better time to make your own candle! You can choose your vessel or bring your own! Then add your wax, choose a scent or make a mix, your candle will be ready in about a week after it has fully cured!
Loomi Candle Bar
Enjoy some family friendly fun, good food, and craft beer at Springfield Brew Co.’s The Jolly Elf Pop-up and make sure to try the Holly Jolly Mac!!
Springfield Brewing Company - A Cornerstone of Downtown Springfield