Holiday lights have begun illuminating the nights in Columbia with displays all through the city.
Whether you’re looking for a walk-through experience, want to celebrate the season under a magic tree, or just planning a scenic drive, KOMU 8 has you covered with a list of holiday and Christmas lights near you.
Tap or click each location on the map for its address, and keep scrolling for more details on each location.
Walk- or drive-through lights displays
Veterans United
The mile-long holiday lights display returned Tuesday at Veterans United. The Bright Lights/Holiday Nights drive-through display runs through Dec. 22.
The tour is located at 550 Veterans United Drive and is open from 7-10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6-10:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Vehicles can enter the display from the eastern-most Veterans United Drive campus entrance and continue through the display until the western-most Veterans United Drive exit. During event hours, the only way to access Veterans United Drive will be from State Farm Parkway, as traffic from South Providence Road will be restricted from turning east onto Veterans United Drive.
A map is available on the event’s Facebook page.
The event accommodates about 1,000 vehicles each night, and Veterans United recommends visiting later in the evening, as traffic flow was heaviest early in the evening last year.
Shelter Gardens
The Winter Wonderland Garden of Lights is located at 1820 W Ash St. The display is open every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. until Dec. 14.
The display features thousands of lights shining on several different holiday scenes.
Visitors are able to walk through the light displays for free.
The Gingerbread House
Located at 5403 Dalcross Drive, Columbia, The Gingerbread House will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night until Jan. 5.
The display covers the front and backyard and includes interactive elements.
Vehicles can drive by the house to view the lights as well as walking through the display.
Fulton Festival of Lights
Fulton Parks and Recreation lit the Festival of Lights on Dec. 5 and will remain lit until early January.
The festival is located at 808 State St. The display is free for the public and vehicles can drive through the light show.
Magic trees
The Crossing’s Magic Tree
More than eight miles of LED lights were lit on the 85-foot Sycamore tree at The Crossing on Nov. 29.
Located at 3615 Southland Drive, viewers can enjoy the sights and sounds of the magic tree from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night.
Live music will be provided by Mason Ridge Bluegrass Band and Indie Artist Johnny Knox on Dec. 13 during their special Friday night experiences.
Cherry Hill’s Magic Tree
Cherry Hill lit its new Magic Tree on Dec. 5. Located at 4200 Merchant St., the tree will be lit every night from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. until Jan. 6.
Since 2010, five trees have held the honor of being adorned with the Christmas lights. A nine year old Crabtree is enjoying its debut this year. It was planted with the intent of being the next long-term Magic Tree.
Boone Electric Cooperative’s Magic Tree
The Magic tree at Boone Electric Cooperative is located at 1413 Rangeline St.
More holiday and Christmas lights in Columbia and mid-Missouri
Logboat Brewing Co.
Logboat Brewing Co. held their annual Candy Cane Crib lighting ceremony on Nov. 29.
The lights are available to view at 504 Fay St.
Boone County Courthouse
Located at 705 E Walnut St., the Boone County Courthouse lit holiday lights that surround the old courthouse columns and surrounding trees and bushes.
Alley A
Between Ninth Street and Tenth Street just south of East Broadway, Alley A decorated the path with a holiday lights display.
