Holiday Fun in Springfield: Your 2025 Family Guide

The holiday season in Springfield is pure magic: twinkling lights, cozy cocoa, and family traditions that make memories to last all year. Macaroni KID Springfield is your go-to guide for everything merry and bright — from festive events and dazzling light displays to Santa visits and local holiday fun. Explore our list below and make this a season your family will never forget.

Bookmark this guide and check back often — we’ll keep adding new events and activities all season long!

This article is brought to you by our generous sponsor, Springfield Little Theatre!

The Springfield Little Theatre Education Department began with a handful of troupers and a few classes and has grown into it’s own facility, complete with 80+ classes in acting, voice, dance, film, comedy, writing, and theatre production each week, a school touring program, a robust education series of productions, youth performing troupes for elementary through high school-aged students, and so much more! A learning lab for the arts in Springfield, Missouri, the SLT Education Department is continuing to grow to fulfill the needs of arts education in our community and beyond.

Must-See Holiday Attractions in Springfield

Discover the best holiday attractions and light displays that make Springfield shine this season.

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro

Location: 1 Bass Pro Dr., Springfield

Highlights: Full outdoor ice skating rink, plus s'mores available for purchase to roast in the fire pit, and - of course! - Santa.

Open 4pm - 9pm through January 4th

Christmas Lights on the Square

Location: Park Central Square, Springfield

Highlights: Enjoy twinkling lights on the square and throughout the downtown area. You can't miss the giant Christmas tree!

Lights on nightly. The Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on November 22.

Gardens Aglow @ Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Gardens

Location: 2400 S. Scenic, Springfield

Highlights: Enjoy over 225,000 beautiful twinkling lights!

Open November 28 - December 28.

Polar Express @ Branson Scenic Railway

Location: 206 E. Main St., Branson

Highlights: Relive the classic story on an epic journey through the Ozarks to meet Santa! Hot coca and characters from the story set the perfect scene.

Trips Nov. 13 - January 3. Tickets sell fast!

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Upcoming Holiday Events and Santa Visits in Springfield

Looking for parades, tree lightings, Santa photo ops, and holiday markets? We’ve got you covered! These family-friendly holiday events in Springfield are the perfect way to celebrate the season.

December 12

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December 26

December 27

December 28

We do our best to verify event details, but always double-check before heading out as organizers may change plans without notifying us.

^{Jill Wellington | Canva}

More Holiday and Winter Fun in Springfield

There’s so much happening this winter! Explore even more ways to make the season special:

Share the Holiday Spirit

Hosting a family-friendly holiday event in Springfield? Submit it to our calendar so we can share it with local families!

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