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For 33 years, the Wappapello Lake Festival of Lights has been one of Southeast Missouri’s most beloved Christmas traditions — and this year, Borrowed Time Real Estate is proud to be one of the featured displays at Site 90!
If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and family-friendly way to kick off the holiday season, this self-guided drive-through tour transforms the Redman Creek East Campground into a glowing winter wonderland.
With hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights, beautifully decorated displays, and appearances from Santa himself, this is the perfect event for families, couples, and visitors exploring the Poplar Bluff and Wappapello Lake area.
Whether you’re new to the community or have lived here for years, the Festival of Lights is a heartwarming reminder of what makes Southeast Missouri such a special place to call home.
🎄Event details & Dates
The Wappapello Lake Festival of Lights opens the day after Thanksgiving — Friday, November 28th — and will run through December 27th, giving families plenty of time to experience the magic.
Here’s the full schedule for 2025:
Nov. 28 – Dec. 7:
Open Fridays, Saturdays, and SundaysDec. 12 – Dec. 27:
Open nightlyAdmission: Free
Note: For safety reasons, guests are asked to remain in their vehicles during the entire tour.
This long-standing event is partnered with Friends of Wappapello Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and River Radio — three organizations that have worked together to bring holiday joy to thousands of families.
What to expect on the auto tour
With approximately 250,000 sparkling Christmas lights displayed across the campground, this event is truly a sight to see. Local businesses, groups, and community members each decorate their own areas with as many lights and creative displays as possible. It’s a joyful competition full of color, character, and holiday cheer.
Here’s what visitors can look forward to:
Vibrant themed displays
A cozy stay-in-your-car experience — perfect for winter weather
Santa appearances throughout the season
Park rangers onsite to answer questions about 2026 events and activities at Wappapello Lake
🎬 For a closer look at the event, watch the video below from our very own local KFVS12 News team:
⭐ Vote for Borrowed Time Real Estate – Site 90!
Each touring family has the chance to vote for their favorite display, and we’d love your support this year!
Borrowed Time Real Estate is excited to participate, and our display can be found at Site 90. Be sure to look for our lights, decorations, and holiday scene as you drive through — and don’t forget to cast your vote!
- Receive a card: You will be given a voting card upon entry.
- Choose your favorite: As you drive through the display, find the campsite you feel is the best decorated.
- Write the number: Write the number of that campsite on the card you received.
- Submit your vote: Turn in the card when you exit the festival to submit your vote.
Your support means the world to our small business and helps spotlight our dedication to serving, supporting, and celebrating the communities we love.
Want to learn more – Get to know our incredible team of local experts at Borrowed Time Real Estate.
⭐ Vote for Borrowed Time Real Estate – Site 90!
Each touring family has the chance to vote for their favorite display, and we’d love your support this year!
Borrowed Time Real Estate is excited to participate, and our display can be found at Site 90. Be sure to look for our lights, decorations, and holiday scene as you drive through — and don’t forget to cast your vote!
- Receive a card: You will be given a voting card upon entry.
- Choose your favorite: As you drive through the display, find the campsite you feel is the best decorated.
- Write the number: Write the number of that campsite on the card you received.
- Submit your vote: Turn in the card when you exit the festival to submit your vote.
Your support means the world to our small business and helps spotlight our dedication to serving, supporting, and celebrating the communities we love.
Want to learn more – Get to know our incredible team of local experts at Borrowed Time Real Estate.
How to Get to the festival of lights (Plus Visitor Tips)
Directions from Poplar Bluff:
Take US-67 to MO-W, then follow signs to the Redman Creek Recreation Area. During event evenings, volunteers and signage will help direct traffic into the campground.
Visiting Tips:
Arrive earlier on weekends to avoid heavier traffic.
Bring hot chocolate or snacks to enjoy while driving through.
Keep your radio on in case organizers broadcast updates or holiday music.
Families with young children may want to visit earlier in the evening for shorter wait times.
Meet the Founders & Event Team
Andrew Jefferson, a natural resource specialist and park ranger at Wappapello Lake who helped establish this event 33 years ago, stated “This is one of my favorite times of the year.”
With as many as 25,000 visitors each season, the Wappapello Lake Festival of Lights has become a cherished tradition that brings joy, connection, and local pride to Southeast Missouri.
More information can be found on the following pages from the organizer:
👉 Friends of Wappapello Lake
👉 Festival of Lights Event Link
❤️ Why Borrowed Time Real Estate Supports This Holiday Tradition
At Borrowed Time Real Estate, we believe community is everything. Participating in the Festival of Lights is our way of giving back, connecting with local families, and celebrating the joy that makes Poplar Bluff and the surrounding areas so special this time of year.
Whether you’re brand-new to the area or simply looking for festive things to do this holiday season, we hope this event brings you warmth, cheer, and memories that last long after December has passed.
If you’re considering making Poplar Bluff or the Wappapello Lake area your home, explore our homes for sale in Poplar Bluff.
Holiday Cheer Continues! Explore More Festive Moments from Borrowed Time Real Estate
The Wappapello Lake Festival of Lights is one of Southeast Missouri’s brightest and most magical Christmas traditions — and we’re thrilled to be part of it.
We hope you’ll bundle up, load the family into the car, enjoy the lights, and vote for Borrowed Time Real Estate at Site 90 along the way.
The holidays bring out the magic in Poplar Bluff and the surrounding communities — and we’re thrilled to celebrate it with you! If you loved this festive highlight, don’t miss these other heartwarming holiday posts.
✨ More Holiday Posts You’ll Love:
PB Housing Authority Christmas Open House — https://borrowedtimerealestate.com/do-it-for-a-cause-poplar-bluff-housing-authority/
Shop With a Hero: Poplar Bluff 2025 — https://borrowedtimerealestate.com/do-it-for-a-cause-shop-with-a-hero-poplar-bluff-2025/
From shimmering lights to local acts of kindness, we’re honored to share these joyful moments with our community.
Wishing you peace, warmth, and all the holiday sparkle! ✨🎁🦌
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