Christmas in Missouri usually means schedules filled to the brim with chores, activities, and events. We pack a whole lot into a relatively short time. Sometimes, among all the craziness of the season, we forget to just slow things down a bit to relax and enjoy. You only need a night for one of the best holiday getaways in MO, but it’s sure to fill you with the holiday spirit.

Start your Christmas adventure with a leisurely drive through Lights of Joy in Branson, a spectacular lights display that is often called "The Ozarks Best Drive-Thru." Even if you’ve been to this Branson classic before, you’re in for a whole new experience this year as the popular Christmas attraction in Missouri tends to change its light displays annually. More than 250 new light displays will debut in 2024.

While I love driving around neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights and decorations, there's just something so magical about going through a Christmas lights display with my kiddo. We bring snacks and snap photos along the path, enjoying every moment.

Put Christmas carols on the radio, and take your time as you make your way through the mile-long lights display. While the weekends are usually busy, try to plan a visit for Friday or Saturday when Santa is typically on hand to pose for selfies with guests. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, too, before exploring the Santa Claus Gift Shop. (Always confirm Santa's set to attend before heading over.)

Tickets for Lights of Joy are available online, or you can buy them at the gate. The beloved Christmas lights display generally runs from the beginning of November through early January.

All those twinkling lights are sure to get you ready for Santa’s big day. However, the merry fun keeps on going at our next stop. Celebrate the holidays at Still Waters Resort in Branson. The holiday hotel in MO hosts a Winter Wonderland during November and December, boasting a full menu of family-friendly fun. The kiddos will love, for example, the Christmas-themed inflatable park and bounce house. Give a gentle push to help the little ones down the winter toboggan ride.

The whole family can channel their inner creativity with a variety of Christmas crafts, from wreaths made out of pool noodles to mason jar snow globes. One of the best Christmas resorts in MO also welcomes the man of the season, Santa, on select days. He'll be on hand to pose for photos and listen to Christmas wishes.

For a bonus, consider making it a weekend and heading to nearby Silver Dollar City for its annual An Old Time Christmas. Even better, you don't have to worry about driving to and from the park, which is just over two miles from the resort. Still Waters Resort offers a free shuttle to and from An Old Time Christmas.

Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas is an epic celebration that features more than 6.5 million lights, and familiar faces like Ruldolph. One of the most beloved Christmas traditions at Silver Dollar City is the Holly Jolly Light Parade. For a unique adventure and an additional fee, sign up for the VIP experience that includes meeting Rudolph and Holly, Santa Claus's niece. All VIPs receive a bag of kettle corn, hot chocolate, and a front-row seat at the parade.

If you feel like exploring some more, glide around the ice at the ice skating rink under the Branson Ferris Wheel at Track Family Fun Park, or enjoy a hike.

Learn more on the official websites of Lights of Joy, Still Waters Resort, and Silver Dollar City.

What do you think are the best holiday getaways in MO? How about your favorite holiday hotel? Let us know by filling out this nomination form. Then, if you’ve still got room on your holiday to-do list, how about adding a visit to one or more of these Christmas towns in Missouri? Don't fret about your holiday shopping while you're out exploring. Check out the OIYS gift guide, which highlights more than 75 gifts that are perfect for the travelers in your life.