Three Family-Favorite Drive-Through Christmas Light Experiences
Three of Branson’s biggest Christmas light displays open in November and run through early January: Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo (with animal viewing and millions of lights), Branson’s Lights of Joy (a synchronized music-and-lights drive-through), and Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills (paired with the 200-foot Inspiration Tower lighting). Three different experiences, all viewable from your car.
A great evening loop from Roark Creek Resort — all three displays can be visited in one night.
Who It’s For: Families with young children, couples, photographers, anyone wanting a low-effort holiday outing.
What to Expect: Millions of synchronized lights at each location, drive-through experience with music on dedicated FM stations, optional walking trails at some, hot cocoa concessions, animal viewing at Promised Land Zoo.
Do’s: Pack snacks and hot drinks, tune your radio to the FM station at each display, and plan ~30 minutes per location.
Don’ts: Don’t visit on December weekend nights without arriving early — lines can be 30+ minutes. After New Year’s, lines are typically minimal.
Other Venues
- Branson’s Lights of Joy
- 4135 Gretna Rd, Branson, MO 65616
- bransonschristmas.com
- Distance ~5 miles / ~10 min
- Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills
- 5586 W State Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616
- theshepherdofthehills.com
- Distance ~7 miles / ~15 min —
- Phone 417-334-4191
Information
📍 Venue: 2751 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson, MO 65616
📞 Phone: 417-337-7711
🌐 Website: promisedlandzoo.com
Distance from Roark Creek Resort: ~6 miles / ~12 min
Opening Hours
🕒 Date: November 1, 2026, through January 4, 2027
🕒 Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
What to Know
• Type of Experience: Drive-through Christmas light displays, family attraction.
• Fun Fact: Shepherd of the Hills’ 200-foot Inspiration Tower — the tallest building in Branson — is decorated as the area’s tallest Christmas tree during the Trail of Lights season.
