Christmas Lights Near Nixa, MO: The Drive-Thru Worth the Trip
Load up the car in Nixa and head south for a paved mile of 250+ light displays at Lights of Joy in Branson, Missouri. Heat on, Christmas music playing, and one price for everyone you can buckle in.
Voted Best of Branson four years running, 2022–2025
The Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Nixa Families Head To
Nixa does Christmas right at home, from decorated neighborhoods to holiday events around town. When your crew wants a full drive-thru light show, the one to plan for is Lights of Joy in Branson: a self-paced mile you see from the warmth of your own car, rebuilt with new displays every year.
- 1 mileof paved, self-paced drive
- 250+displays, built new every year
- Freephotos with Santa on Santa nights
- $30per carload, $25 most Mondays
How to Get From Nixa to Lights of Joy
It's an easy evening drive from Christian County. Set your GPS to 700 Expressway Lane, Branson, MO 65616, or follow these three steps.
Take MO-14 East to Ozark
From Nixa, head east on Missouri Route 14 toward Ozark, where it meets US-65.
Go South on US-65 to Branson
Pick up US-65 South in Ozark and stay on it into Branson, the main route most Branson visitors take into town.
Find Expressway Lane
In Branson, follow Shepherd of the Hills Expressway to Expressway Lane, just north of Sight & Sound Theatre. Free displays line the Expressway before the ticket booth.
A Christmas Night Out Without Leaving the Car
No parking lots, no cold walks, and no counting heads at the gate. Here's the Ozark Mountain Christmas waiting at the end of the drive from Nixa.
New Displays Every Single Year
Nearly all of the 250+ displays are built new each summer, so last year's drive isn't this year's. Families come back for the RGB Digital Tunnel, the 12 Days of Christmas, and the Nativity.
Music Through Your Speakers
Open the free Tune2 app, enter show code LOJC, and Christmas music plays through your car while you roll through the lights at your own pace.
One Ticket for the Whole Car
$30 per carload Tuesday through Sunday and $25 on most Mondays, tax included. Bring 3 cans of food for Christian Action Ministries and save $3 at the gate.
Three Easy Nights Out From Nixa
Whether it's a school night or a full Saturday in Branson, the lights are open every night from November 1 through January 3, 5 to 11 PM.
Monday Lights, Home by Bedtime
- After school: early dinner at home in Nixa
- Evening: head south while the kids get their pajamas on
- The drive: $25 on most Monday value nights
Photos With Santa
- When: Fridays through Sundays from November 6, plus Thanksgiving and December 21–22
- Hours: 6–10 PM Friday and Saturday, 6–9 PM Sunday
- Bonus: Santa photos are free with your carload
Show, Dinner & Lights
- Afternoon: a Branson Christmas show or holiday shopping
- Dinner: eat in Branson before dark
- Last stop: drive Lights of Joy, then head home to Nixa
Bring Your Nixa Group
Church small groups, youth groups, scout troops, sports teams, and classes are always welcome, and there's no need to call ahead. The route is fully paved with easy turns for buses. Limos and minibuses are $50, and a full-size motorcoach is $75 with a second same-night pass, so both sides of the bus get a turn at the window.
Lights of Joy in Branson, Missouri
700 Expressway Lane, at the corner of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, just north of Sight & Sound Theatre, with free displays lining the Expressway before the ticket booth.
Address
700 Expressway Lane
Branson, MO 65616
Directions from Nixa
Season & Hours
November 1 – January 3
Open every night, 5–11 PM
Closed only for ice or unsafe conditions
Contact
Nixa Questions, Answered
Where can I see drive-thru Christmas lights near Nixa, MO?
Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru in Branson is a paved mile of 250+ light displays you see from your car, open every night November 1 through January 3, 5 to 11 PM. It's voted Best of Branson four years running (2022–2025).
What's the best way to drive from Nixa to Lights of Joy?
Take MO-14 east to Ozark, then US-65 South into Branson. Follow Shepherd of the Hills Expressway to Expressway Lane, just north of Sight & Sound Theatre. For GPS, use 700 Expressway Lane, Branson, MO 65616.
Do I need a ticket for every person in the car?
No. Lights of Joy charges one price per carload: $30 Tuesday through Sunday and $25 on most Mondays, tax included. Everyone who fits in the car rides on that one ticket.
Is Lights of Joy open on weeknights?
Yes. Lights of Joy is open every night of the season, weeknights included, from November 1 through January 3, 5 to 11 PM. It closes only for ice or unsafe conditions.
Can Nixa church groups and sports teams visit together?
Yes, and you don't need to call ahead. Limos and minibuses are $50, and a full-size motorcoach is $75 with a second same-night pass included. The whole route is paved and bus-friendly.