Break out the hot cocoa and mittens, it's time to celebrate the holiday season! For many Missouri residents, the holidays don't officially start until there are some festive twinkling lights throughout our towns and neighborhoods. Most of us already don our houses with colorful lights, but these wonderful places in Missouri take Christmas decor to a whole new level. If you've been tempted to Google "Christmas lights near me" in Missouri, don't! Instead, grab your family, hop in the car, and blast your favorite holiday tunes, because these are the best Christmas light displays in Missouri that are all well worth the trip.

1. Country Club Plaza Lights - Kansas City

It may not be Michigan Avenue in Downtown Chicago, but the Plaza Lights in Kansas City still draw guests from all over the region. Enjoy Christmas shopping at major retailers and small boutiques under the beautiful lights. The Lighting Ceremony takes place November 25th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and features live music. The Plaza Lights then shine daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., Thanksgiving through mid-January.

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2. The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights - Branson

Enjoy a 2 and a half mile driving tour through Shepherd of the Hills as you take in the bright green, red and white lights. This lighting takes place from November 1st through December 31st. The cost is $25 per car Sunday to Thursday, and $30 per car on Fridays and Saturdays.

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3. Garden Glow - St. Louis

Located inside the world-renowned Missouri Botanical Garden, Garden Glow almost feels like a Christmas rave with the variety and amount of lights it features. It's truly one of the best Christmas lights displays in Missouri. The lights are displayed from 5pm-10pm, November 13th-January 8th.

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4. Celebration of Lights - O'Fallon

More than 10,000 vehicles drive through this holiday light display in Fort Zumwalt Park each year. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. It takes place from November 26th - December 30th from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday, and from 6 – 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. On November 29th, December 6th, December 7th, and December 13th, it is closed to vehicles, but can be accessed via the holiday train or segway.

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5. Wild Lights - St. Louis

Celebrate in the wild at the St. Louis Zoo this Christmas. The lights are on from November 26th to December 30th, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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6. Ozark Mountain Lights & Village - Branson

This pop-up Christmas village features a "magical mile" drive-through display, North Pole Express train rides, selfies with Santa, gourmet hot chocolate, photos with the Clydesdale horses, and a life-size nativity experience. It takes place from November 1st through December 31st, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

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7. Holiday Night Lights - Wentzville

Take in the holiday lights and festive scenes at Rotary Park in Wentzville. Holiday Night Lights is open from November 26th to December 30th.

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8. Old Time Christmas - Branson

Enjoy over 5 million dazzling lights, 1,000 decorated Christmas Trees, two Broadway-style productions and a 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree at Silver Dollar City. The Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade is also a favorite attraction among guests. It takes place from November 6th through December 30th, and is one of the best things to do at Christmas in Missouri.

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9. Candy Cane Lane - St. Louis

Who says Christmas lights are only for the professionals? This neighborhood goes above and beyond each year to deck the halls on their street. You can rive through nightly until December 31st to see the entire neighborhood come to life.

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10. Northern Lights - Kansas City

The lighting ceremony takes place Saturday, November 20th, from 4 to 6 p.m. Visitors can enjoy shopping at the Zona Rosa mall underneath the Christmas lights until December 24th.

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11. Brewery Lights - St. Louis

Free walking tours, a s'mores station and a beer tasting are just a few of the fun activities offered at the Anheuser Busch Brewery during the holiday season. Guests can attend every Friday through Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. starting Nov. 26th and going until Dec. 30th.

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Looking for more great Christmas lights near me? If you enjoy Christmas festivities, take a look at the 11 best Christmas towns in Missouri! Where do you think are some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Missouri? Let us know in the comments!