A Guide to Free Christmas Light Displays in Springfield and the Ozarks
As the days grow shorter and the evenings arrive earlier, there’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with twinkling lights and festive tunes. In the Springfield area, residents are going above and beyond to create magical Christmas displays that bring joy to their neighbors and visitors alike.
The News-Leader has compiled a list of over 20 free Christmas light displays located in and around Springfield. This annual compilation is based on community submissions, so it's not exhaustive. If you'd like to add your home to the list and have it featured on an interactive online map, you can email your address, a description of your decorations, and 2-3 photos to Local Government Reporter Marta Mieze at mmieze@news-leader.com.
Notable Displays in Springfield
Bagwell Lights, 2008 E. Cambridge St.
A Springfield tradition, the Bagwell Lights display features front yards filled with Christmas characters and bright lights. Visitors can tune in to 105.5 FM to enjoy music while taking in the sights. The display runs from Black Friday through New Year's Eve, with specific hours depending on the day of the week. After Christmas, the display remains open until December 31.
Collins Family Lighting Display, 1956 W. Nottingham St.
This family's display covers almost the entire front of their home with bright pixel lights. This year, they’ve added a larger matrix and four singing Christmas trees. Santa visits on Saturday, December 13, from 6-8 p.m. The display can be enjoyed by tuning into 96.1 FM, and it runs nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends.
Frederick Collins, 2531 W. Talmage St.
This display includes a mix of new and old lights, blow molds, and a handmade Santa sleigh. It honors Frederick Collins’ father, who was known as the Desert Hot Springs Santa.
Nate Dawes, 4328 N. Shirley Ave.
Nate keeps it classic with traditional lights set to music broadcast on 93.1 FM. The display will be up starting Thanksgiving weekend and runs seven days a week until 10 p.m. Special shows take place on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m., and Sundays until 9 p.m.
Edward Street Holiday House, 3150 W. Edward St.
More than 6,000 lights set to music and many inflatable characters make this display a standout. A new 3,000 RGB coloring-changing Pixel light feature adds to the excitement. Tune in to 107.3 FM for the music and enjoy the show from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily from December 1 through New Year’s Eve.
Festival of Lights at Jordan Valley Park
Located at 635 E. Trafficway St., Jordan Valley Park offers a downtown holiday experience with twinkling lights and photo opportunities. Each night at dusk, the park comes alive with color.
John Gugel, 4739 W. La Sieta St.
With around 30,000 lights synced to music, this display is a must-see. John Gugel also collects donations for Willard Care to Learn, supporting students in need. Updates can be found on his Facebook page.
House-Henry Residence, 2218 E. Mirabeau St.
A large nativity scene is the centerpiece of this display, which is expected to be put up during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Jaxon's Lights, 4938 S. Tujunga Dr.
Jaxon Baker returns with even more inflatables and lights, including oak trees wrapped in lights over 40 feet high. The display runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Jenius Christmas Lights, 2213 W. Page St.
This yard features more than 15 inflatables, candy canes, and LED lights. A life-sized Santa is visible in the window. The display is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.
Josh Street Christmas Lights, 5631 W. Josh St.
Kelli and Craig Rogers' display has an "old school" feel, with hand-cut cutouts that include classic and modern characters. This may be their last year putting on such a large display, making it a must-see.
Randalls' Christmas, 3248 S. Clay Ave.
More than 25,000 lights adorn two homes, with music and 30 inflatables creating an interactive experience.
Shine Bright Lighting Show, 7094 N. Farm Road 171
Hosted by Corey and Tammy Bright, this display features two 17-foot-tall trees, a 16-foot matrix screen, and more than 20,000 pixel lights. New additions include four singing trees. Visitors can tune in to 94.1 FM for the synchronized music. The show runs nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from November 28 through January 2.
Ashley & Rob Snook, 1949 N. Farm Road 97
The Snooks decorate three to four acres of their yard with thousands of lights that “dance” to radio station 94.1 FM. This year’s display includes a 20-foot tree, snowflakes, and more. Donations are collected for St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research.
Underwood Lights, 349 S. Mahn Ave.
Cole Underwood has been putting up this display for 13 years. Passersby can tune in to 94.1 FM for five Christmas songs that match the display.
Darren Vodopich, 1621 E. Atlantic St.
Darren covers his entire front yard with lights, inflatables, and other 3D decorations. This year, he has added even more inflatables and decorations.
Additional Displays Worth Visiting
If you're willing to drive outside of Springfield, there are several other displays worth visiting in the Ozarks.
Andrews Family Lights, 106 E. Chestnut St. in Strafford
More than 30,000 pixel lights are synchronized to music. Viewers can tune in to 94.1 FM or scan a QR code for control. The show runs from 5:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Kevin and Valinda Bradley, 2874 State Highway B in Rogersville
This display features more than 250 inflatables and a bake shop where visitors can purchase cookies, hot chocolate, and popcorn. Proceeds support the display. Parking is available, and the display is on weather permitting from Thanksgiving night until Christmas Eve.
Valerie & Ron Willis, 3030 State Highway B in Rogersville
Keeping it simple, the Willises put up lights around their driveway and house, lighting up trees.
Dickson Christmas Wonderland, 2861 S. Hartford Ave. in Bolivar
This display is a must-see, featuring computerized light shows synced to music on 98.1 FM. New additions include a 24-foot-tall handmade gingerbread house and a 10-foot-tall moving Ferris wheel. The display runs through New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly.
Light the Park event in Bolivar
Local businesses and organizations light up Dunnegan Memorial Park for a free drive-through holiday experience. The display is open daily from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from November 23 through December 30.
Festival of Lights at Finley River Park in Ozark
Enjoy a drive-through experience against the backdrop of the Finley River. The display is open from November 22 through December 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Jennifer Henderson, 2617 W. Colton Ave. in Ozark
This display features tall inflatables and two glowing large candy canes.
Red & White Christmas Home, 1103 Strait Ave. in Ozark
This home uses red and warm white lights to create a classic look, complete with an outdoor Christmas tree and garlands.
Waterford Christmas Cottage, 602 E. Falls Circle in Ozark
Starting December 1, this cottage continues its tradition of lighting up the neighborhood with thousands of lights. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Gary Lewis, 715 N. Milton Dr. in Nixa
The Lewis house features a traditional static display and a grand light show with over 20 custom-programmed sequences. The light show runs from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Duda's Christmas Lights, 500 S. Central Ave. in Marionville
Bob and Polly Duda return with a bigger and better display, including more than 250,000 lights and a 65-foot-tall tree.
Steinert Family Lights, 491 S. Madison Ave. in Lebanon
After a move, the Steinert family has made their display even more grandiose, with thousands of lights and a row of illuminated stars.
Streight Family, 5733 S. Meadowlark Lane in Battlefield
This display keeps it classic with a Winter Wonderland featuring a pond, igloo, penguins, and snowmen.