Find spectacular Christmas lights around Springfield this year with this interactive map
It's the most wonderful time of the year ... to grab a Thermos full of hot chocolate, load up in the car and sight-see some of the Ozarks' best Christmas light displays.
Some homeowners, like Bob and Polly Duda in Marionville, are celebrating 30 years of hosting a light display that welcomes passerby from all over. Others, like Marsha J. in Springfield, are new to the area but are still decorating big, with thousands of Christmas lights, animated characters and holiday treat bags for children.
The News-Leader has compiled a list of 36 different Christmas light displays featured at homes in and around Springfield. If you are interested in submitting your home to be added to our list and interactive map, email your address, a description of your decorations and 1-3 photos to gcross@gannett.com.
Andrews Family Christmas Light Show, 106 E. Chestnut St. in Strafford
The Andrews Family Christmas Light Show features over 20,000 pixel lights synchronized to the radio station 94.1 FM. The display is on between 5:15-11 p.m. everyday through Christmas.
Bagwell Lights, 2008 E. Cambridge St.
The Bagwell Lights, managed by homeowner Mike Bagwell, are spread across several yards on Cambridge Street. New this year is a hand-made Bethlehem pixel star that Bagwell said took two years to make. The star is fixed above his garage. Santa Claus and his reindeer are also back this year, atop Bagwell's roof. The display is on from 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. After Christmas, the display will be on from 5-10 p.m. every day. The entire display is set to the radio station 105.5 FM. For updates, visit "Bagwell Lights Tune to 105.5 FM" on Facebook.
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Benigno Hernandez, 1337 N. Clay Ave.
Building on his Halloween pirate ship display, Benigno Hernandez's display now features Captain Hook's pirate ship from Peter Pan with thousands of Christmas lights.
Brad Adams, 1057 E. Stanford St.
Brad Adams went big this year with three large inflatables, a reindeer, Santa Claus and snowman, nearly as tall as his home.
Bob Graham, 1953 S. Meadowview Ave.
Bob Graham has over 80 blowup molds in this front yard as a tribute to his two grandchildren, Graham and Harper, who have passed away.
Collins Family Lighting Display, 1956 W. Nottingham St.
In its third year, the Collins Family Lighting Display is expanding. Homeowner Ron Collins said 5,000 pixel lights and two talking lightbulbs have been added. Along with their decorations, the Collins family is collecting donations for Red Cross Disaster Relief. A QR code will be displayed in the yard for folks to donate virtually. Ron said his family enjoys setting up the display to "put a smile on just at least one person's face."
Darren Vodopich, 1621 E. Atlantic St.
Darren Vodopich's front lawn is full of Christmas lights, familiar Christmas characters and over a dozen inflatables, tucked behind his fence.
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Dickson Christmas Wonderland, 2861 S. Hartford Ave. in Bolivar
The Dickson Christmas Wonderland is considered a must-visit by many in Bolivar, featuring singing lightbulbs, leaping arches, a 12.5-foot metal dinosaur, video projections and two pixel Christmas trees. The display is on between 5-10 p.m. everyday and is synced to the radio station 98.1 FM. As in previous years, the Dickson family is collecting donations for the Polk County Humane Society.
Don and Rhonda Long, 2554 N. Grant Ave.
Don and Rhonda Long's front lawn features a large nativity scene, colored lights and digitally-projected snowflakes.
Douglas House-Henry, 2218 E. Mirabeau St.
Douglas House-Henry's yard features a large nativity scene with spotlights.
Duda's Christmas Lights, 500 S. Central Ave. in Marionville
Bob and Polly Duda are celebrating 20 years of their Christmas lights display. The display is on 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bob said the entire light show lasts between 30-40 minutes and he encourages folks to turn off their headlights to enjoy the full effect. Tune in to 103.5 FM for synchronized music. The Dudas collect donations for their efforts at the end of their driveway in a decorative candy cane. For those interested, the sled in the Dudas lawn may be used for photos. For updates, visit "Fans of the Duda's Christmas Lights, Marionville, MO" on Facebook.
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Jaxon's Lights, 4938 S. Tujunga Drive
17-year-old Jaxon Baker has been decorating his family's front lawn for eight years. Getting his start in October, Baker's display features tens of thousands of lights and an array of inflatables. This year, he's added one new inflatable character. To tune in to holiday music, listen to the radio station 97.1 FM. Jaxon's Lights operate 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For updates, visit "Jaxons Lights" on Facebook.
Jennifer Henderson, 2617 W. Colton Ave. in Ozark
Jennifer Henderson's decoration display is fit with two large inflatables, a Santa Claus and snowman, along with a lit Christmas tree. The front of the house is lit up by an LED projector, displaying snowflakes that dance across.
Jonathan Gugel, 4739 W. La Siesta St.
Jonathan Gugel's display features thousands of lights, a nativity scene, several Christmas trees and inflatables. This year, he's collecting donations for Care to Learn in Willard, an organization that supplies resources to children in need. The display is on between 5-9 p.m. every day. For updates, visit "Lights on La Siesta" on Facebook.
John and Lena Sample, 2639 E. Linwood St.
John and Lena Sample have been decorating their house up big for years. Their display features a lit Christmas tree with presents underneath, a snowman family, reindeer and New Orleans-style lights with Santa Claus heads.
Josh Street Christmas Lights, 5631 W. Josh St.
The corner of West Josh Street and South Natalie Avenue is full of life this time of year, thanks to the Josh Street Christmas Lights. The display features thousands of lights, hand-painted, wooden decorations and moving features. For updates, visit "Josh Street Christmas Lights" on Facebook.
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Karyn Stone, 4740 S. Glenn Ave.
Karyn Stone's front yard is truly a Christmas extravaganza, with thousands of lights and a 20-foot tree that features 6,600 lights of its own. Several smaller trees and a six-foot sign that reads "Joy" also makes up the display.
Ken and Carolyn Lawson, 2614 S. Inglewood Road
For 30 years, the Lawsons have been putting their life-size Santa Claus, sleigh and eight reindeer on display in their front yard.
Kevin and Valinda Bradley, 2874 State Highway B in Rogersville
The Bradley Christmas display features around 250 inflatables, blow bolds, lit trees and letters to Santa Claus on the front porch. Last year, homeowners Kevin and Valinda Bradley opened the bake shop that will be open again this year. Visitors may purchase treats and hot chocolate to have while walking around the yard. Expenses go back to the Bradleys for maintaining their annual display. New this year is a memorial tree by the front porch, where visitors may place the name of a loved one. For updates, visit "B Highway Christmas Display" on Facebook. If weather will hinder the viewing experience, the Bradleys will let folks know on their Facebook page by 5-6 p.m.
Marsha J., 2110 W. Melbourne Ct.
Marsha J. is celebrating her second Christmas in Springfield this year, but that doesn't mean her decorations are lacking. Marsha's front yard is full of inflatables and animated characters. This year, Marsha is offering treat bags and hot chocolate for passerby. Between Sunday, Dec. 18 and Christmas Eve, from 6-10 p.m., 100 treat bags and a 90-cup coffee urn full of hot cocoa will be available. Cups with covers, spoons, napkins and marshmallows will be provided.
Martin family, 4032 W. Mesa St.
The Martin family goes big for Christmas each year with a display that covers three yards, featuring a 20-foot Christmas tree, lasers and a snow machine. The entire display is synchronized to a playlist of eight songs. A box near the driveway is available for donations, which will be sent to Ozarks Food Harvest.
Michael and Gissell Sommer, 1970 S. Kings Ave.
Michael and Gissell Sommer are excited to welcome folks to enjoy their Christmas display this year. The yard features an array of pixel lights, a nativity scene, Santa Claus peering from inside a window and video projections. Michael said Santa Claus or the Grinch may occasionally be around to take photos with visitors.
"We desire to give joy to our family, friends, neighbors ... our community however far it reaches," Michael said.
Michele Davis, 2937 W. Calhoun St.
Michele Davis said her family's decorations started with one inflatable and have gotten larger each year. Davis said the decorations are put together by her daughter.
"She gets excited when other cars drive by slowly and look at her creation," Davis said about her daughter.
MD's Christmas Lights, 2213 W. Page St.
MD's Christmas Lights are operated by homeowner Jen Payne. The display features a spread of inflatables, projections and colorful lights. The display is made in memory of Jen's father Marlin Dill, who passed away from stage 4 Sarcoma Cancer in 2020.
"My dad always went all out with lights and outdoor décor, he wanted to be Clark Griswold," Jen said. "He loved the holidays so much, so this display and keeping it going means a lot to me."
Jen is taking donations through Cash App ($Mdschristmaslights) to keep adding to the display. The display is on Monday through Sunday 5:30-10 p.m.
Muiller Family Lighting Show, 689 W. Main St.
The Muiller Family Lighting Show features music and lights that dance to classic holiday songs. The Muiller family's yard features a 20-foot tall pixel tree too. Tune in to radio station 89.7 while taking in the display. For updates, visit the Muiller Family Lighting Show website at muillerfamilylightshow.com/.
Nate Dawes, 2633 S. National Ave.
Nate Dawes doesn't fall short with his Christmas decorations each year. The display is on 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The array of inflatables and other light-up decorations are synced to the radio station 93.1 FM. For updates, visit "CnN lights" on Facebook.
Phillips Family Lights, 4261 W. Madison St.
The Phillips Family Lights features thousands of Christmas lights, Stanley the talking lightbulb and Santa Claus peering from inside. The display is on between 6-10 p.m. everyday and synced to the radio station 94.1 FM. On Friday, Dec. 23, Santa Claus will make a special appearance at the Phillip's house for photos between 7-9 p.m. The family is also taking donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. For updates, visit "Phillips Family Lights" on Facebook.
Rinker's Christmas Light Extravaganza, 429 E. College St. in Aurora
The Rinker's Christmas Light Extravaganza is nothing short of spectacular. The display features a lit Christmas tree that soars above the Rinker's family home in height, lights in every tree and plenty of blow molds scattered throughout the yard. This year's display is on from 5:30-10:30 p.m. everyday. Folks may tune in to the radio station 88.1 FM for some festive music. For updates, visit "The Rinker Christmas Light Extravaganza" on Facebook.
Ron and Valerie Willis, 3030 State Highway B in Rogersville
Ron and Valerie Willis go big with their Christmas lights each year. Their display features thousands of strung lights on their porch and each tree in their front yard is illuminated by a colored spotlight.
Shine Bright Lighting Show, 7094 N. Farm Road 171
The Shine Bright Lighting Show is Corey and Tammy Bright's first pixel light show. The display features two 12-foot trees and 8,000 pixel lights throughout the entire yard. Tune in to radio station 94.1 FM for synchronized music while driving by. For updates, visit "Shine Bright Lighting Show" on Facebook.
Smith Farms Christmas Light Display, 2837 S. State Highway PP in Republic
The Smith Farms Christmas Light Display has plenty of inflatables, blow molds and of course, Christmas lights. Part of the display dances to music. The display is on everyday from 6-9 p.m. through Christmas.
Steinert Family Lights, 752 W. Apache St. in Republic
The Steinert Family Lights are back again this year with their bright display. The display is on from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Folks can tune in to radio station 88.1 FM to enjoy holiday music. The Steinert family are hosting their sixth annual free hot cocoa night on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
Underwood Lights, 349 S Mahn Ave.
The Underwood Lights operate 5:30-10 p.m. everyday of the week through Dec. 26. This is homeowner Cole Underwood's 11th year hosting the display, which features 11,000 lights. The lighting display is synced to the radio station 94.1 and there are a total of five songs on loop for passerby to enjoy.
Vicky Owens, 3971 N. Bannister Ave.
The Owens Family light display features hundreds of Christmas lights along the porch, fence and sidewalk. Lit Christmas trees, reindeer and other characters litter the front lawn too.
Vorst family, 6479 N. Fremont Road in Ozark
The Vorst family begins putting thousands of lights up for their annual display at the beginning of October each year. Homeowner Shelly Vorst said, "We love Christmas and it makes us happy when families come by each year to enjoy our winter wonderland!"
Waterford Christmas Cottage, 602 E. Falls Circle in Ozark
The Waterford Christmas Cottage is located just 1.5 miles east of Lambert's Café on Highway NN. The display features a Whoville-themed scene with more than 20,000 pixels synchronized to holiday classics. Tune in to the radio station 107.3 FM for the music. This year, the shows will run through Jan. 6, 2023. The display is on from 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For updates, visit "Waterford Christmas Cottage Tune to 107.3" on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Over 35 Christmas light displays near Springfield, MO to see in 2022