Bright Nights at Forest Park
Visitors take a three-mile drive through an illuminated winter wonderland glowing with more than 750,000 lights. The route showcases festive holiday scenes, iconic characters, and peaceful illuminated gardens.
Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 All ages
See more Christmas lights near Springfield
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
General admission: $30 per car plus a $2 ticket fee for November 25–December 27, 2026. After-Christmas price: $20 per car plus a $2 ticket fee for December 28, 2026–January 3, 2027. Oversized vehicles: $50 plus a $2 ticket fee; seating capacity 9–16 and reservations required. Minibuses seating 17–31: $100. Buses seating 31+: $200. Big Y advance tickets: $20 with a Big Y membership, available only at Big Y. Group tickets: $25 each with a minimum order of 25 tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Hours
Monday–Thursday and Sunday 5:00 pm–9:00 pm; Friday–Saturday 5:00 pm–10:00 pm; listed holidays 5:00 pm–10:00 pm.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy your tickets online before you head out, because Bright Nights only sells tickets in advance.
- If your dates are flexible, go between December 28 and January 3, when the After Christmas Sales rate applies to each car.
- Big Y members can buy discounted advance tickets with their membership, but those tickets are sold only at Big Y stores.
- If you're coming in a vehicle that seats 9 to 16, a minibus or a bus, make a reservation ahead of time.
- Note that the drive is closed Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1, so plan your night around those two dates.
Special Events & Promotions
- After Christmas Sales: lower per-car admission from December 28 through January 3
- Big Y advance tickets at a discount with a Big Y membership, sold only at Big Y
- Group tickets at a discount for orders of 25 or more, bought online
- Military & Emergency Responders Night
- Zoo Night
Links & Contact
Run by Spirit of Springfield
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets before I go?
Yes. Tickets must be bought in advance, and you can buy them online.
Can we come in a van or a bus?
Yes. Oversized vehicles that seat 9 to 16 need a reservation. Minibuses and full-size buses have their own rates and are booked through the reservations link.
How long is the drive?
The route is a three-mile drive-thru. It passes festive scenes, iconic characters and gardens, all lit up.
Is there music to go with the lights?
Yes. WELF 100.7 FM provides musical accompaniment, so tune your car radio to it as you drive through.
What else is there besides the drive?
The activities include horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides, Santa's Magical Forest, Visit with Santa, Supper with Santa, choral concerts, Elf Yourself with AR and the Bright Nights 5K Road Race.
Browse Christmas in Springfield
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.