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LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO. - Find more than a spark of "holiday magic" at the Lake of the Ozarks as you enjoy the happiness of the season.
The Lake area transforms into a winter wonderland at year's end with holiday light parks, Christmas light displays, an annual Christmas show, discounts on lodging and enough shopping variety to help you provide a gift and a smile for everyone on your list.
Holiday Light Displays
If you want to enjoy the twinkling lights that accompany the season, the Lake of the Ozarks area has enough holiday light parks and displays to keep even the jolliest of elves satisfied. And best of all, admission is free.
 Over 250 massive holiday light displays are spread out over 27 acres at the 19th annual Enchanted Village of Lights at the city fairgrounds (269 Fairgrounds Dr.) in Laurie. The park is the area's largest display and is open daily through New Year's Day. Hours are from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and holidays. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the park are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12.
 Also in Laurie is the Festival of Lights at the Shrine of St. Patrick and The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church (176 Marian Drive). The Festival of Lights was originated by Father Fred Barnett in 1981 and is the longest-running light display at the Lake. The Festival of Lights is open from 6-10 p.m. each evening, and also runs through New Year's Day.
 Less than 20 minutes from Laurie is the Versailles Unity Circle of Lights at the city park (900 West Newton Street) in Versailles. The light park features over 40 holiday displays and is named after the "Unity Circle," a monument located at the park entrance that is symbolic of the unity among the Versailles community. The Unity Circle of Lights is open from 6-10 p.m. daily, through New Year's Day.
Christmas on Main Street Holiday Show
 The Christmas show at the Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach is one of the Lake of the Ozarks' most entertaining holiday traditions. This rollicking variety show features Thom and Sandy Gumm and a cast of musicians and singers belting out Christmas carols, gospel hymns, musical impersonations and comedy. The show is presented on select dates from now until Dec. 22. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (55 or older) and $10 for children ages 5-12. For more information and a full list of show dates and times, call the Main Street Music Hall box office at 800-348-9501 or visit LakeMusicHall.com.
 Lodging Discounts
Winter lodging rates at the Lake make it convenient and affordable to schedule a shopping getaway or a weekend tour of holiday light displays. Winter and special holiday rates are offered at most Lake-area resorts, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and RV parks and can offer deep discounts up to as much as 40 percent off the regular spring and summer in-season rates.
Shopping
 The Lake of the Ozarks is the home to the largest outlet mall in Missouri, the 110-store Osage Beach Premium Outlets. The area also has other malls, boutiques, antique shops, national brand retailers and stores to help you check off all the names on your holiday shopping list. Some lodging properties also offer shop-and-stay packages, so be sure and check with lodging properties to see what they have available when planning a shopping getaway. Some accommodations also offer shop-and-stay packages that include discounts on both shopping and lodging, so be sure and check with lodging properties to see what they have available when planning a shopping getaway.
For a list of lodging properties, information on money-saving shop-and-stay packages, as well as the best places to view the Lake's holiday light displays, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the Bureau's website, FunLake.com.
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