In a socially distanced holiday season, there's one tradition that's perfectly suited for our scaled down celebrations amid pandemic life - searching out the most dazzling light displays.
From drive-thru light parks to neighborhood homes that go all out, there's no shortage of options for a safe, festive holiday outing. Take a look at this short, but not comprehensive, list of some of the area's best spots. Remember, this year is unlike any other, and some may have altered or even canceled annual features.
Let us know if we missed your favorite - visit newstribune.com or reach out on social media to fill us in!
Capital City Festival of Lights, hosted by HHC Community Outreach and Jefferson City Parks and Recreation, is a drive-thru light park that is open 6-9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and runs through Dec. 31 at Binder Park, 5840 Rainbow Drive. Cost is $20 per car or $35 for any vehicle with more than 10 passengers, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofit organizations, facebook.com/ccfestivaloflights.
Mayor's Christmas tree at Rotary Centennial Park, 102 Bolivar St., is a 26-foot-tall evergreen decked out for the season, and while the traditional lighting ceremony couldn't be held safely this year, it's worth checking out.
The Missouri Governor's Mansion at 100 Madison St. features a 40-foot Norway spruce decorated Christmas tree on the lawn, which is beautifully lit at night.
Christmas in Proctor Park will include more than 30 businesses and organizations, plus the city of California, in lighting up the park. The drive-thru lights are free to enjoy and will stay on through Dec. 31.
Holiday Lights drive-thru light park at Osage Beach City Park, 950 Hatchery Road, Osage Beach. The free light park is open 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 31, osagebeach-mo.gov.
Unity Circle of Lights drive-thru holiday light park at Versailles City Park, junction of Missouri 5 and 52 in Versailles. The light park is free and open each night from dusk until midnight through Jan. 1.
Enchanted Village of Lights drive-thru holiday light park at Laurie Fairgrounds, 269 Fairgrounds Drive, Laurie. The free light park is open nightly 5-9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on the weekends through Jan. 2.
Field of Joy, Wish Tree and Festival of Lights is open starting at 5 p.m. every evening through Jan. 1 at Veteran's Park, 1000-1098 Wood St., Fulton.
Each year, the News Tribune; the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department; and Cottonstone Art Gallery and Frame Shop sponsor a Home Decorating Contest and each entry is always worth checking out:
Charyl Clarkston at 1212 E. Elm St.
Joan and Dave Rothenay at 1306 E. High St.
Marcia Hart at 321 Riverview Drive
Donnia and Lisa Hurst at 3136 Algoa Road
The Huntley family at 126 Woodridge Drive
The Kreutz family at 237 Eastwood Drive
Roy Johnson at 1006 Washington St.
Scott and Tina Sellner at 1905 N. Circle Drive
Kenneth R. Elliott at 212 W. Hess Way
Donna and Homer Cavitte III at 326 E. Dunklin
Brad Giesing at 906 Belair Drive
Chris and Kelsey Hile at 3024 Mercedes Lane
Kirk and Cindy Rackers at 2016 W. Main St.
Elizabeth Milhollin and Ryan at 401 Ladue Road
Bob and Rene Miserez at 823 Nob Hill.
Governor Motor Co. at 2350 Missouri Blvd.
Donald Johnson at 3907 Riley Court
Robin Smith at 1716 Bunker Hill Road
Doug and Marilyn (Trachsel) Coleman at 2011 Trenton Court.
The Simpson family at 1810 Lisa Drive
Nina and Chris Theroff at 1105 Leslie Blvd.
Alan Wheat and Chase Batye at 1212 Moreau Drive
Sam and Mary Brizendine at 2003 Tanner Bridge Road
Tom and Ceil Whalen at 2105 Oak Leaf Drive
Cory and Chelsea Ketchum at 824 Fairmount Blvd.
Mary Ann Hall Murphy at 1110 Moreau Drive
Tom and Susan Lewis at 1809 Bald Hill Road
Chad and Alex Cypert at 1309 Moreau Drive
The Smith family at 1501 Tiffany Court.
Get out and enjoy the sights of the season!