Trail of Lights at The Shepherd of the Hills

Drive through millions of Christmas lights at The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights in Branson. A festive tradition starting on November 1.

🎄 Branson’s Christmas Classic – Trail of Lights

Branson has a way of turning the holiday season into something magical. It’s not just lights and decorations, it’s the feeling of stepping straight into a snow globe (even when there’s no snow in the forecast).

And right at the heart of that cozy, storybook magic is one of the city’s most beloved traditions:

The Trail of Lights at The Shepherd of the Hills.

A display of Christmas lights forms a trail of lights as Santa Claus in his sleigh is pulled by reindeer, set against a dark, cloudy sky.

This isn’t just a holiday attraction.
It’s the holiday attraction…the one families come back to year after year.
The one that has been glowing across the Ozark hills for over 30 years.

As part of our Holly Jolly RV Christmas Trail, we received complimentary tickets.

We got there a little early, but that worked out well, as we were first in line.

Hands hold a notebook open to a bucket list, with a pen writing about RV living trends. In the background, a serene lake mirrors the grandeur of mountains beneath a clear sky.

🚗 The Longest Running Drive-Through Christmas Light Display in Branson

The Trail of Lights is Branson’s #1 longest-running and most loved drive-through Christmas experience.

And it’s not hard to see why.

A narrow paved road curves through a wooded area at dusk, transformed into a magical trail of lights with colorful, illuminated stars and snowflakes shimmering among the trees.

The route winds through the 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, featuring:

Millions of multi-colored Christmas lights
Themed and animated displays
Classic nativity scenes
Whimsical village scenes
Sparkling light tunnels
And surprises tucked around every bend

It’s Christmas nostalgia delivered one glowing scene at a time.

No hiking.
Cold wind whipping your face.
No juggling mittens, cocoa cups, and cameras.

Just roll down the windows and let the warmth of the season come to you.

A wooden display features five gnome-like figures in festive attire, set up in a small house, part of a charming trail of lights viewed from a car window at dusk.

🎅 And the Best Part? It Starts on November 1st.

Listen, I will defend this with my whole peppermint-scented soul:

It is never too early for Christmas.

A colorful light display in the shape of a clown with bars and the words "Lock It Spook" shines along the trail of lights, illuminated against a backdrop of trees at dusk.

While most holiday events wait until Thanksgiving weekend (when crowds spike and schedules get hectic), the Trail of Lights flips the switch on November 1st.

Which means:

You get first pick of the season.
You avoid the holiday rush.
And you get to ease into the Christmas spirit instead of sprinting into it.

Early Christmas isn’t just festive.
It’s peaceful.
Gentle.
It’s joy… without the chaos.

And honestly, when you live on the road or travel often, that matters.

A red building outlined with holiday lights and labeled "Elves Headquarters" stands in a wooded area along a trail of lights, with illuminated elves pushing a cart of presents beside it.

☕ Cocoa for a Cause – A Cup of Kindness

After your drive, stop into Aunt Mollie’s Mercantile for Cocoa for a Cause.

A rustic building with a bright sign reads “Aunt Mollie’s Mercantile Gift Shop,” surrounded by trees and a magical trail of lights illuminating the evening.

They serve hot chocolate, and you’re invited to leave a donation,
but here’s the heartwarming part:

100% of the money collected goes directly to local charities.

Christmas trees decorated with ornaments stand in the center of a store, illuminated like a trail of lights, selling various gift items, clothes, and food products amid wooden floors and neatly arranged shelves.

No overhead.
No corporate cut.
Just neighbors supporting neighbors.

Sip slowly.
Chat with someone.
Feel the season settle in.

A paved path runs through a wooded area decorated with a trail of lights, passing by small festive buildings including one marked “Floral Shop.”.

🌟 Inspiration Tower (Optional, but Worth It)

Right where the light trail ends stands the Inspiration Tower, a 230-ft. observation deck with sweeping views of Branson and the rolling Ozark hills.

A tall observation tower rises above a wooden building surrounded by trees and fencing, while a trail of lights winds through the landscape under a partly cloudy sky.

At night, everything below glitters.

It feels like looking down into a snow globe scene that you just drove through.

🚙 Practical Tips for Visiting

Tip	Why It Matters
Arrive at dusk	The lights are most magical as night settles in.
Bring your favorite Christmas playlist	It completes the experience.
Roll the windows down for a moment	The cool air + pine scent = perfection.
Bring your own cocoa if you want	Then stop at Aunt Mollie’s for your second round 😉
Know the vehicle rule	Single axle vehicles only. No RVs, buses, or trailers.
Buy tickets online, but—	Buying online does not skip the line. Plan accordingly.

🎟️ Event Details You’ll Want to Remember

Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Location: The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, Branson, MO
Type: Drive-through Christmas light display
Cost: Typically $30 per carload (or $50 for 8–15 passenger vans)
Vehicle Requirement: Single-axle vehicles only
Extras: Cocoa for a Cause & Inspiration Tower available

More info & tickets:
https://theshepherdofthehills.com/trail-of-lights/

✨ Key Takeaways

Branson’s Longest-Running Light Display: The Trail of Lights has been a beloved Christmas tradition for over 30 years.
Drive-Through Experience: Enjoy millions of lights and animated displays from the comfort of your vehicle, no walking required.
160 Acres of Holiday Scenes: The route winds through the historic Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, featuring themed displays, nativity scenes, and light tunnels.
Starts Early — November 1st: Perfect for those of us who love kicking off Christmas before Thanksgiving crowds arrive.
Cocoa for a Cause: Stop at Aunt Mollie’s Mercantile after your drive to enjoy hot cocoa and support local charities; 100% of donations stay local.
Optional Inspiration Tower: For an added fee, ride to the top for panoramic views of Branson lit up for the holidays.
Single-Axle Vehicles Only: RVs, buses, and trailers cannot enter the drive-through; bring your tow vehicle or car instead.
Tickets Don’t Bypass the Line: Purchasing tickets online ensures entry but does not allow skipping the line; plan arrival time accordingly.
Perfect for Families, Couples, and Holiday Travelers: A cozy, relaxed, memory-making Christmas outing for all ages.