Christmas Lights Road Trip: Lake of the Ozarks

Santa, Rudolph, and lake-themed Christmas lights can be seen at numerous light displays during Christmas time at the Lake of the Ozarks.

We checked out two drive-through Christmas lights while we were staying the night in the area in December.

Along with the lights, hiking to springs, a castle, and through the woods along the lake can also be enjoyed.

Enchanted Village of Lights In Laurie, Mo.

A 27-ace park with the largest lighted display in the Ozarks at the fairgrounds in Laurie, Mo.

Here we saw Santa going up into the sky.

Strange to see flying pigs in a Christmas theme included with elves working on a farm.

Santa searching for Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to lead his sleigh Christmas night.

Santa and his crew deliver presents out on the Lake of the Ozarks with Rudolph and Santa Claus leading the way.

Then Santa relaxing on an island, much like lake life can be after delivering presents.

Elves enjoy the Lake of the Ozark on jet skis while Santa is taking a break.

Cartoon characters such as Olaf from Frozen and Toy Story characters of Buzz Lightyear and Woody can also be seen along the way.

This is a large display and well worth it to explore if you are down on the lake during Christmas time.

Details

Directions: Take Interstate 70 west out of St. Louis then take exit 148 for US 54 south. Then exit onto Horseshoe Bend Parkway going west then make a left onto Highway MM crossing the Lake of the Ozarks.

Next, make a left turn onto Highway TT, then a right onto Missouri Highway 5. In Laurie make a right onto Silvey Road and then another right onto Anna Drive to the light displays at the Laurie Fairgrounds.

Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm, Sunday – Thursday and 5 pm – 10 pm, Friday- Saturday; Nov. 21 -Jan. 1, 2025

Cost: By Donation

Address: 269 N Fairgrounds Rd, Gravois Mills, MO 65037

Grandma got ran over by a reindeer theme. — Grandma got run over by a reindeer-theme

Osage Beach Holiday Lights

These were fun displays such as a moose driving a monster truck.

Santa is part of a rock band.

A more tranquil display is Rudolph with his mother while other reindeer run about.

We went by a gingerbread village with candy canes and lollipops.

Then you can’t be on the lake without Santa trying to catch a big fish!

It is not a large display, but worth a stop if you are in Osage Beach during the holidays!

Details

Drive: Take Interstate 70 west out of St. Louis then take exit 148 for US 54 south then exit 54 onto Osage Beach Parkway and go right onto the parkway and then a left onto Hatchery Road to Osage Beach City Park.

Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm, Daily, Dec. 1 – Dec. 31

Cost: By Donation

Address: 950 Hatchery Road, Osage Beach, Mo. 65065

MORE LIGHTS

Festival of Lights

This 4,000-light display includes scenes of the birth of Jesus at The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church. It is the oldest light display in the area.

Details

Drive: Take Interstate 70 west out of St. Louis then take exit 148 for US 54 south. Then exit onto Horseshoe Bend Parkway going west then make a left onto Highway MM crossing the Lake of the Ozarks. Next, make a left turn onto Highway TT, then a right onto Missouri Highway 5 then a right onto Marian Drive to the Shrine of St. Patrick.

Hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily from Nov. 29 – Jan. 3, 2025

Cost: Free

Address: 176 Marian Drive, Laurie Missouri 65038

Versailles Unity Circle of Lights

Forty lighted displays with some holiday scenes in Versailles, MO., City Park.

Drive: Take Interstate 70 west out of St. Louis then take exit 148 for US 54 south. Then exit onto Ellis Road and go right then a quick left onto Southridge Drive/ Missouri Highway C. Next, Make a right onto Missouri Highway 52 and then a right onto Newton Street, and then a quick left into the park.

Hours: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily, Nov. 29 – Jan. 1, 2025

Cost: By donation

Address: Versailles City Park, Highway 5 and Highway 52, Versailles, MO 65084