Holiday Fun for the Family at the Lake of the Ozarks

It's well-known that the lake area is a popular place during the summer, but there's a lot going on here in December too! Our scenic attraction at the Lake of the Ozarks is open year-round so you can enjoy the natural beauty of Thunder Mountain Park and the breathtaking wonder that is Bridal Cave anytime you are in the area. This month, however, there are a few fun holiday things happening that you may want to make some time to enjoy too.  

-Holiday Parades & Celebrations-
  • Lake Ozark Christmas Parade
    • The 33rd Annual Christmas Parade will happen along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip December 9 from 3-5 pm. This year's theme is "A Magical, Musical Christmas." Immediately after the parade, Santa will greet children and their families for a bonfire at Two Bit Town with hot chocolate, coffee, refreshments, music, and treats for the kids.  
  • Eldon's Electric Christmas Parade
    • Saturday, December 9 at 5 pm the first ever ELECTRIC Christmas Parade will take place, ending at the Rock Island Park where a tree lighting ceremony will happen. 
  • Versailles Christmas on the Square
    • Downtown Versailles will host an afternoon of holiday fun from 1-5 pm on December 9. Santa will arrive by fire truck to visit with children, and there will be vendor booths around the courthouse to browse and enjoy. 
  • Old Tyme Christmas in Linn Creek
    • On December 16 from 9 am - 4 pm, a holiday celebration will take place throughout the city of Linn Creek. It begins with Breakfast with Santa at Tonka Hills Restaurant from 9-11 am with free pancakes and gifts for kids ages 12 and under. The Camden County Museum will have kids' crafts, gift ideas, Christmas exhibits, and free tours from 9 am - 2 pm, followed by the children's Christmas play "The Rented Christmas." Admission to the play is $5 per family.  

-Holiday Light Displays
  • Enchanted Village of Lights  - Laurie Fairgrounds
    • This is one of the largest drive-through holiday light parks in mid-Missouri. It is free to drive through, but donations are welcome. They are open weeknights from 5-9 pm, and on weekends from 5-10 pm through January 1, 2018.
  • St. Patrick's Festival of Lights - Mother's Shrine in Laurie
    • This is the oldest light park in the area. It has grown each year since 1981 to now include 4,000 strings of lights, over 60 automatic timers, and more than 350 extension cords. It is open daily from 6-10 pm through December 31 and is free for the public to enjoy. 
  • Versailles Unity Circle of Lights - Versailles City Park
    • This is the 11th season for this display that is named after the "Unity Circle" monument erected at the park entrance It features as many as 40 lighted displays, including several animated holiday scenes the entire family will enjoy. You can see it from dark until midnight nightly until January 1, 2018, and admission is free. 
  • Osage Beach Holiday Lights in the Park - Osage Beach City Park
    • You can view over 100 holiday-themed light displays at the park plus more at a variety of spots along Osage Beach Parkway each Wednesday-Sunday until December 31. There is no entry fee to enjoy the fun. 

-Holiday Cruises-
Celebration Cruises hosts 2 wonderful holiday cruises on the lake in December. These trips book up very quickly each year, so make reservations early.  
  • Deck The Docks Light Cruise
    • It's year #7 for this incredible cruise that benefits the Dogwood Animal Shelter. Every Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday through December 30 you can take a cruise to view the beautifully lit docks on the Lake of the Ozarks. 
  • Frosty Float
    • This is a magical daytime cruise on the water filled with fun children's activities, a snack, caroling, and of course, Santa himself! The final Frosty Floats for this year will take place December 10 with 3 available time slots.  

 -Christmas Village & Ice Skating-
The outdoor ice rink at Old Kinderhook in Camdenton is open daily, and every weekend (Friday-Sunday) through Christmas Eve you can also enjoy their family fun Christmas Village. Experience s'mores around the campfire, gingerbread house making, horse-drawn carriage rides, elf storytelling, Santa visits, and more.

-Christmas on Main Street-
Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach offers an entertaining show full of music, laughter, and incredible performances to get you into the Christmas spirit. It's good clean family fun for all ages, and it runs through December 17. Santa and the Grinch will even be available for photos. For showtimes & tickets, visit www.LakeMusicHall.com or call 573-348-9500.  

While you are in the lake area taking part in a few of these holiday celebrations, make sure to swing by our Lake of the Ozarks family attraction too. We are open daily from 9 am - 4 pm, and tours of Bridal Cave leave every few minutes. Get out and take part in some of these holiday events and enjoy a day filled with Family Fun... As It Should Be! 


One of America's most scenic 
cave tours.

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526 Bridal Cave Road
Camdenton, MO 65020

(573) 346-2676
Location: 526 Bridal Cave Rd, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

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