See Santa in Branson: Free Photos at Lights of Joy
At the end of a mile of lights, Santa's waiting. On select nights, typically Friday, Saturday and Sunday, park at Santa's Gift Shop, hop out for free photos with the big man himself, warm up with hot cocoa, and find the stocking stuffers nobody else has. All included with your carload admission. It's the sweetest stop of an Ozark Mountain Christmas.
How Santa Nights Work at Lights of Joy in Branson
No separate line across town, no photo package upsell. Santa is simply the grand finale of the drive.
Drive the Lights
Cruise a mile of all-new displays with Christmas music through your speakers via the free Tune2 app (code LOJC). Take it slow, Santa isn't going anywhere.
Park at the Gift Shop
At the end of the drive, park by Santa's Gift Shop. On Santa nights you'll spot him easily, follow the line of very excited kids.
Photos, Cocoa & Gifts
Snap free photos with your own camera, warm up with hot cocoa, and browse gifts you won't find anywhere else. Donations for Santa photos support a local youth ministry.
Santa's 2026 Schedule in Branson
Santa visits Lights of Joy on select nights each season, typically Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from opening night through December 23, when he has a rather important prior engagement.
Exact nights are announced each fall. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for this season's Santa nights, or call (417) 336-2744 before you drive over.
Santa's Gift Shop: Branson's Quirkiest Christmas Gifts
This isn't a souvenir rack. Santa's Gift Shop carries unique Christmas gifts and the kind of stocking stuffers that make the whole car laugh, yes, including the famous reindeer snot. Grab the hot cocoa, take a lap of the shelves, and finish your night with something nobody else's stocking will have.
Find Santa at Lights of Joy in Branson, MO
700 Expressway Lane in Branson, Missouri, at the corner of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, just north of Sight & Sound Theatre. Santa's Gift Shop sits at the end of the mile-long drive.
Address
700 Expressway Lane
Branson, MO 65616
Get directions
Season & Hours
November 1 – January 3
Open every night, 5–11 PM
Santa: select nights, typically Fri–Sun through Dec 23
Contact
Santa in Branson Questions, Answered
When can we see Santa at Lights of Joy in Branson?
Santa visits on select nights during the season, typically Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, from opening night through December 23. Exact nights are announced each fall, follow Lights of Joy on Facebook or Instagram for this season's schedule.
How much do Santa photos cost in Branson at Lights of Joy?
Santa photos are free with your carload admission. We welcome donations, which go to a local non-denominational youth ministry.
Can we take our own pictures with Santa?
Yes. Bring your own phone or camera and take as many photos as you like, there's no charge for pictures with Santa.
Where is Santa located at Lights of Joy?
Santa greets families near Santa's Gift Shop at the end of the mile-long drive. Park, hop out, visit Santa, warm up with hot cocoa, and browse the gift shop before you head home.
Do we need a separate ticket to see Santa?
No. Your regular carload admission covers the drive and the Santa stop on Santa nights, $30 per car Wednesday through Sunday, $25 on most Monday and Tuesday value nights, tax included.
What is Santa's Gift Shop?
Santa's Gift Shop sits at the end of the drive and carries unique Christmas gifts and quirky stocking stuffers you won't find anywhere else, including the famous reindeer snot. It's open on Santa nights along with hot cocoa.