Formerly Branson's Gift of Lights
About Lights of Joy: A Branson Christmas Tradition
Every summer, while Branson sweats through July, our crew is out on Expressway Lane building Christmas. Nearly every display is torn down and built new each year, so the drive your family loves is never quite the same drive twice. That’s the whole idea: a tradition worth repeating.
christmas, under construction
Same Road, Brighter Story
From Branson's Gift of Lights to Lights of Joy
If you’ve been driving these lights for years, you might remember us as Branson’s Gift of Lights. Same location on Expressway Lane, same family tradition, today it’s called Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru, and the name change came with a promise: rebuild the experience every single year.
Favorites still return. The 12 Days of Christmas comes back every season, built new in new lights. The Nativity anchors the drive every year, because it’s the reason for the season. And the RGB Digital Tunnel, our signature, never runs the same show twice.
the tunnel, always
Most light attractions hang the same displays every November. Here, favorite themes come back, but the displays themselves are built new: about 99% of the lights are new compared to the year before.
What We're About
An Ozark Mountain Christmas, the Way It Should Feel
This isn’t a light show you watch once and check off. It’s part of how Ozarks families do Christmas, and we build it that way on purpose.
Creating Traditions
Families come back year after year because the drive is part of their Christmas. Our job is making sure it’s worth returning to, new, every season.
The Reason for the Season
The Nativity scene anchors the drive every single year. Some things aren’t meant to change.
Everyone in the Car
One price per carload, tax included. Grandma rides free. So does the baby, the cousins, and whoever else fits. Christmas shouldn’t come with per-person math.
Giving Back
Canned food for Christian Action Ministries, Santa photo donations for local youth ministry. Every season puts something back into the Ozarks.
Lights That Give Back
How Your Visit Supports the Branson Community
Two simple ways, every season. Bring 3 cans of food for Christian Action Ministries and take $3 off your carload at the gate. The cans stock local food pantries all winter. And on Santa nights, photos are free while donations support a local non-denominational youth ministry.
Bring 3 cans of food for Christian Action Ministries. The cans stock local food pantries all winter.
Photos with Santa cost nothing. Donations left at the photo stop support a local non-denominational youth ministry.
A separate cause from the food driveBranson Voted, Four Years Running
A Best of Branson Christmas Light Display, 2022–2025
250+
All-new Branson light displays for 2026
10K+
Carloads welcomed last season
1.25
Miles of paved, drive-at-your-pace route
Proudly Sponsored By
Our Branson Partners
Lights of Joy is sponsored by the Branson Scenic Railway, home of The Polar Express™ Train Ride. Two Branson Christmas traditions that pair perfectly in one visit.
Ride the Polar Express and you will see part of the drive from the train.
Come Make It Your Tradition
Visit Lights of Joy on Expressway Lane in Branson, MO
700 Expressway Lane, at the corner of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, just north of Sight & Sound Theatre. Free displays light the Expressway before you ever reach the ticket booth.
Address
700 Expressway Lane
Branson, MO 65616
Get directions
Season & Hours
November 1 – January 3
Open every night, 5–11 PM
Closed only for ice or unsafe conditions
Contact
Good to Know
About Lights of Joy in Branson, Answered
What was Lights of Joy called before?
Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru was formerly known as Branson’s Gift of Lights. Same location on Expressway Lane in Branson, same family tradition, with a new name and all-new displays built every year.
Are the lights really new every year?
Yes. About 99% of the lights are new compared to the year before. Favorite themes like the 12 Days of Christmas and the Nativity return, but they’re rebuilt with new lights each season. The RGB Digital Tunnel is the signature piece that returns every year.
What charities does Lights of Joy support?
Two ways every season: bring 3 cans of food for Christian Action Ministries and get $3 off at the gate, and donations at Santa’s free photo nights support a local non-denominational youth ministry.
What awards has Lights of Joy won?
Lights of Joy has been voted a Best of Branson winner four years running: 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Where is Lights of Joy located in Branson?
700 Expressway Lane, Branson, MO 65616, at the corner of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, just north of Sight & Sound Theatre. Free displays line the Expressway before the ticket booth.
When is Lights of Joy open?
Every night from November 1 through January 3, 5:00 to 11:00 PM. We only close for ice or unsafe road conditions.