300 Displays, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides & More, At Lake Of The Ozarks' Enchanted Village Of Lights

LAURIE, Mo. — The Enchanted Village of Lights is a 27-acre, 1.5 mile, Christmas light display in the Laurie Park boasting over 300 light displays, with more ready to be installed.

“This is the largest display at the Lake of the Ozarks,” Laurie Parks Director James Bryant said. “There is not another like it in Missouri.”

The Enchanted Village is free and open to the public 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, until Monday, January 1, 2024. Everyone who drives through the display receives a free candy cane, and donations are accepted.

There is also horse drawn carriage rides through the park for $10 a person, or private princess rides for $50. A portion of the carriage ride fees are donated back to the park for Enchanted Village expenses.

This is the 30th year the Village has dazzled viewers. It takes 15 to 20 volunteers working every day from the beginning of November to plan, inspect, repair, and install the lights for all the visitors - some who travel across the country.

“It is amazing to hear their stories,” Bryant said. “There are families that have made visiting the [Village] an annual tradition because they enjoy it so much.”

Santa & Grinch Enchanted Village of Lights — Janet Dabbs

According to Bryant, the record number of visitors was set during COVID in 2020, with approximately 500 pets and 30,000 visitors driving through the park. That year the park received $60,000 in donations. Enchanted Village of Lights expenses vary from $1,600 to $2,600 a month for repairs, equipment, supplies, and advertising.

The park encourages businesses and individuals to donate and receive a sign with their name on it. The phrases differ based on what people want to say, like 'Merry Christmas', or 'sponsored by,' and others are placed in memory of a loved one. One hundred percent of the revenue goes back into the Village.

“We had a record number of sponsors this year,” Bryant said. “We are thankful for the huge outpouring of support from the community.”

People who are interested in being a sponsor can still call 573-374-8776.

This is Bryant’s first year as parks director, and he quickly realized how much goes into the display.

“The work that goes into setting up the [Village] is incomprehensible,” Bryant said. “No one person could get this done by themselves. It takes a village for a village of lights,” he quipped.

From power supplies to fixture animators to layout, Bryant said he has learned things he never dreamed about knowing.

“We are constantly adjusting things to be sure the community has the best Christmas experience possible," Bryant said. "Every night we walk the park to check bulbs. We have a lot of bulbs.”

Bryant said he welcomes volunteers to walk the park and check bulbs with him.

“If you have never been to the EVL, I can only describe it as mom and dad’s Christmas lights on steroids times ten,” Bryant said. “You can’t take it all in in one trip.”

Holiday Magic At The Lake — The Enchanted Village of Lights in Laurie is the Lake's largest drive-through holiday light park.
photo courtesy Lake of the Ozarks CVB

Different sections of the park are laid out in themes, such as wildlife, traditional Christmas, Santa Claus, the nativity scene, plus Christmas cartoon favorites like count the Rudolph. There is also a mailbox for children to mail their letters to Santa. Viewers can tune into 88.7 FM or roll down their window and listen to festive Christmas music while driving through the park.

Former Laurie Parks Director Susaan Huff oversaw the Enchanted Village for 15 years and she volunteered for five years. She came back in 2023 because she considers it her “baby.”

“It is amazing and beautiful,” Huff said. “One year we kept track of where visitors came from, and they were from almost all 50 states. We have even had several marriage proposals in the park gazebo during the EVL!”

Proposal at Enchanted Village of Lights (2018) — Janet Dabbs

Volunteers are still needed to run the exit at the Village and pass out candy canes and brochures.

“The view from the volunteer booth is breathtaking,” Bryant said. "It is at the highest point in the park. And the glow from the lights on Route O allows you to see the magnitude of how big it is.”

Bryant said he and the committee have a vision to increase the visual art themes, bring them closer together, and continue to come up with ways to make the Enchanted Village better and better.

“I want to say thank you to all the wonderful volunteers,” Bryant enthused. “The Versailles High School brought out 20 students to help unload the lights out of the garage. Some people choose the EVL to do community service. I know I can’t name them all, there are literally hundreds of volunteers that helped to make this the best light display in Missouri.”

Businesses and groups who made the Enchanted Village of Lights possible include the Laurie Public Works department, Laurie Kitchen and Bath, Sunrise Movers, Lake West Signs, all the in-kind trades, and more, said Bryant. Co Mo Electric Cooperative also brought a bucket truck to set up the oversized displays.

People interested in helping spread Christmas cheer by volunteering or donating can call the park office.