Branson Christmas Drive-Thru Questions, Answered
Hours, prices, Santa, pups in the back seat — every question we hear at the ticket booth, answered in one place. Jump to your topic:
Tickets & Pricing
How much are Lights of Joy tickets?
One price per carload with tax included: $30 on Wednesday through Sunday nights and $25 on most Monday and Tuesday value nights. One ticket covers your vehicle and everyone in it. Full details on the tickets & pricing page.
Is tax included in the price?
Yes. Every posted price includes tax — the price you see is the price you pay at the gate.
How many people can ride on one ticket?
As many as fit safely and legally in your vehicle. A full minivan pays the same one price as a couple on a date night.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
No. Drive in any night and pay at the booth with cash or credit card. Online pre-orders are available if you prefer.
What discounts are available?
Bring 3 cans of food for Christian Action Ministries for $3 off, use the $2 coupon on the free Branson Christmas Map, or come on a Monday or Tuesday value night for $25 per car. Every car also gets a free program book with savings on Branson shows.
Hours & the Season
When is Lights of Joy open?
Every night from November 1 through January 3, 5:00 to 11:00 PM. No dark nights, no select-dates calendar — if it's the season, we're on.
Is Lights of Joy open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Yes. Lights of Joy is open every single night of the season, November 1 through January 3, 5 to 11 PM — Christmas Eve and Christmas Day included. We only close for ice or unsafe road conditions.
What's the best night to visit with smaller crowds?
November weekdays are the calmest of the season, and most Mondays and Tuesdays are also value nights at $25 per carload. Mid-December weekends are the busiest and brightest; the week after Christmas is quiet again, and the lights shine through January 3.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The lights shine in rain, cold, and snow — we only close for ice or unsafe road conditions. If the weather looks rough, check our Facebook page or call (417) 336-2744 before you drive over.
The Drive Itself
How long does the drive take?
The route is 1.25 paved miles and entirely self-paced — cruise as slowly as you like. Add extra time on Santa nights for free photos, hot cocoa, and Santa's Gift Shop at the end of the drive.
Can we walk through instead of driving?
Lights of Joy is a drive-thru experience, enjoyed from the warmth of your own vehicle — with a stop to hop out for Santa and the Gift Shop on Santa nights at the end of the drive.
Is there music with the lights?
Yes — download the free Tune2 app, enter show code LOJC, and Christmas music plays through your own car speakers as you drive.
Are the lights really new every year?
About 99% of the lights are built new each season. Favorites like the 12 Days of Christmas and the Nativity return — rebuilt in new lights — and the RGB Digital Tunnel is our signature that comes back every year. More on the about page.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are welcome to ride along in your vehicle for the drive — plenty of pups enjoy the lights from the back seat. For Santa's Gift Shop, service animals are welcome; please check with our team about other pets before bringing them inside.
Are there free lights before the ticket booth?
Yes. Free displays line Shepherd of the Hills Expressway as you approach, and the ticket booth sits about a quarter of the way along the route — so you'll enjoy plenty of lights before you ever pay.
Santa & the Gift Shop
When can we see Santa?
Select nights during the season, typically Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, through December 23. Exact nights are announced each fall — see Santa's schedule or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
How much do Santa photos cost?
Free with your carload admission. Bring your own camera and take as many photos as you like. Donations are welcomed and support a local non-denominational youth ministry.
Where is Santa located?
Near Santa's Gift Shop at the end of the 1.25-mile drive. Park, hop out, visit Santa, warm up with hot cocoa, and browse the gift shop before heading home.
What is Santa's Gift Shop?
Unique Christmas gifts and quirky stocking stuffers you won't find anywhere else — yes, including the famous reindeer snot. Open on Santa nights along with hot cocoa.
Groups & Motorcoaches
Do you allow motorcoaches?
Yes — full-size motorcoaches, minibuses, and limousines are all welcome. The route is fully paved with no steep grades and no tight corners. Details on the groups & motorcoach page.
Can our group go through twice?
Motorcoaches get a free second pass on the same night, so guests on both sides of the coach see every display up close.
What are the group rates?
Motorcoaches, minibuses, and limousines have their own rates separate from carload pricing. Call (417) 336-2744 for current group rates, or book your group online. Booking ahead is optional — group vehicles can also just drive up and pay at the booth.
Do groups need a reservation?
No. Walk-ins are welcome every night of the season — bring your group any night and pay at the booth like any other vehicle. No reservation and no phone call needed.
The Branson Christmas Map & Discounts
What is the Branson Christmas Map?
A free printed and downloadable map of all of Christmas in Branson: light displays, every Christmas show playing this season, shopping, attractions, and the time-saver routes that skip Highway 76 traffic. View or download it here.
Does the map include a coupon?
Yes — every printed map carries a $2 off Lights of Joy coupon. Present it at the gate, or use the promo code printed on the coupon when you pre-order online.
Where can I pick up a printed map?
Free printed maps are distributed across the Branson area every season — check coupon and brochure racks around town, or view and download the map here anytime.
Ask Us Anything Before Your Branson Visit
The fastest answers come from the folks at the booth. Call, message, or just come see us — we're easy to find.
Visit Lights of Joy in Branson, MO
700 Expressway Lane, at the corner of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, just north of Sight & Sound Theatre.
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