The Christmas holiday season has kicked off in full-force across the Ozarks. In my home, the tree was up by the first week of November. And, around town, businesses slowly began to put up their decorations in excited anticipation for all that's to come.
Heads up: This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy—we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it here.
If you're looking for that special feeling - there are dozens of places to see incredible Christmas light displays. Here is our 2022 Christmas Lights Bucket List.
Christmas is the Best in Branson, Missouri
Branson makes the top of our list simply because Christmas in Branson is so much more than a display of lights. It's truly a Christmas wonderland filled with glistening displays and shows that tell classic Christmas stories. Enjoy entertainment by dancing Santas that touch your heart in a warm and special way. Eat breakfast with Santa while taking a Branson Belle cruise on Table Rock lake or ride the Polar Express.
Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas kicks off the spectacular holiday light display continuing the bright, cheery tradition called the "Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular."
Enjoy three drive-thru light displays in Branson for festive fun from the comfort of your cozy, heated car:
Lights of Joy at Promised Land Zoo
Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills
Big Cedar Lodge
There is a lot more to do than just see the lights in Branson. If you're in town (or even a drivable distance) any time between November 1 and January 1, Branson is a MUST on your holiday cheer bucket list.
Don't Miss these Other Christmas-Themed Branson Festivities
You can't miss out on shopping the wonderland of Christmas-adorned shops at Branson Landing. If you have young kids, don't miss a Santa-Op aboard the Branson Belle or pancakes with Santa safely ashore at Shepherd of the Hills. Stop by Chateau on the Lake to take in an amazing display of gingerbread houses. Then, take a traditional spin on an ice skating rink and enjoy a cup of cocoa at Big Cedar Lodge's Home for the Holidays celebration. Top it all off by exploring a North Pole Adventure at Shepherd of the Hills.
Bentonville Square, Arkansas
Inarguably a lot less than Branson, the display at the Bentonville town square is still something to see. On November 19, 2022 the city of Bentonville turned on it's seasonal light display with something of an old-fashioned Christmas celebration featuring a vibrant gathering of music, food vendors, and spectators on the town square.
This display, along with others in the local area make a wonderful Christmas lights tour. If you're in the Bentonville/Rogers area, we recommend a cup of something warm and toasty from the nationally-famous Onyx Coffee Lab to hold in your hands as you enjoy a stroll around the tree-lit square.
For something a little more fantastical, book a flyover ultimate holiday light display and see the Bentonville Town Square, Pinnacle Heights, University of Arkansas campus, and Fayetteville town square from a new perspective.
More Holiday-Inspired Things to do in Northwest Arkansas
If you're in the area during the Christmas season, check out Holidaze hosted by the Walton Arts Center. It's a nightly festive celebration where you can rent private snowglobe tents to enjoy seasonal cocktails with friends and family by the warmth of a fire pit while the kids get busy making holiday ornaments and visitng with Santa Claus.
Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas
From November 18, through New Years Day Fayetteville will display an iconic Ozarks Christmas tradition -- the Lights of the Ozarks. Local vendors serve up seasonal delights like cocoa and sweet treats alongside the vibrant music of the Christmas season while you'll stroll the city streets along the historic town square in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The Lights of the Ozarks runs through the entire holiday season with lights coming on every night at 5pm and a variety of vendors opening their doors to make it a little extra merry. The lighting ceremony kicks off with a bang on the first night with a full-scale Christmas celebration and parade.
The Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Another stop that is absolutely transformed during the holiday season is what is otherwise already known as The Best Park in America. The Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma transforms to a free-for-all winter wonderland filled with giant snowflakes and millions of twinkling lights. Another must-see in your Tulsa Christmas bucket list is the display from the Rhema Bible Church. Rhema Lights is the perfect spectacle to enjoy a seasonal carriage ride around the lights.
Are You Ready to Plan Your Christmas Trip to the Ozarks?
The Ozarks region offers a lot more than great views and day hikes. This area is home to a kitschy collection of old-fashioned Christmas celebrations. Spend the day with Santa, tackle a unique winter wonderland adventure, indulge in a great cup of cocoa or see the lights in all their glory across the Ozarks.
If you're coming to town, let us help you snag a great deal on your accommodations.
Find a Local Hotel: Check dates and rates on Trip.com
Rent a Car: Roadtrips are the best way to experience the Ozarks, get the best rates on Economy Bookings
Looking for More Christmas Bucket List Experiences? Try These...
Holiday Lights at Grants Farm (St Louis)
Christmas Lights Cruise (Lake of the Ozarks)
Whoville Extravanganza (Springdale)
Holidaze @ Walton Arts Center (Bentonville)
The Polar Express (Branson Scenic Railway)
Christmas Village @ Lake of the Ozarks
Springdale Cocoa Crawl
Carriage Ride Through Christmas Lights at the Rhema Light Display in Tulsa
Winter Wonderland @ The Gathering Place in Tulsa