Twinkling Christmas lights are beginning to fill the night sky in Springfield, as folks gear up for the holiday season. Throughout the month of December, there is plenty to do, whether it be enjoying a live production of "White Christmas" or playing a few rounds of Bingo while laughing to a holiday comedy show.

The News-Leader compiled a list of 23 holiday concerts, parades and light displays and four locations hosting Santa Claus photo opportunities this winter.

Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.

The story of "White Christmas" follows veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who have a song and dance act together after World War II. The musical is adapted from the book by David Ives and Paul Blake with music and lyrics by Irving Blake.

Springfield Little Theatre is performing "White Christmas" on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase on the Springfield Little Theatre website at sforce.co/3ipLJOT.

Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.

A combination of pop culture and holiday fun, this year's Geekmas will host Texas voice actor Barry Yandell and Kansas City cosplay and comedy group EBA Comedy. Attendees may also enjoy table top gaming, vendors, electronic gaming, a Super Smash Bros. tournament, a cosplay contest, and various workshops about gaming, cosplay and improv.

Geekmas is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite at bit.ly/3AWr4bH. Day tickets are $25 and weekend passes are $35.

When: Dec. 3-18 from 5-9 p.m.

Where: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park at 3825 W. Farm Road 146

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park is hosting a holiday drive-through, featuring a display with over 10,000 lights through mid-December. Admission is $5 per vehicle.

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: 1600 University Ave. in Bolivar

Bolivar's Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Christmas Parade with parade floats and Santa Claus.

Where: The Workshop at Finley Farms at 840 Finley Farms Lane in Ozark

The Workshop at Finley Farms is hosting two do-it-yourself craft opportunities on Saturday, Dec. 4.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., folks can make homemade Christmas cards with a variety of stamps, block prints, lino cuts, washi tapes, ribbon and craft paper. Participants are welcome to bring their own materials and photo. Each person will receive 10 cards and envelopes to decorate during the come-and-go event. Reservations are $40 per person.

From 3-5 p.m., Hannah Klein with Hannah Klein Designs is leading a workshop on creating pressed floral ornaments. During the class, Klein will lead participants through flower selection, pressing techniques and execution. Each person will make four ornaments. Reservations are $50 per person.

To secure a spot for either or both events, make reservations on the Finley Farms' website at finleyfarmsmo.com/happenings/.

When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 3-18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: The Discovery Center at 438 E. St. Louis St.

Every Saturday and Sunday in December The Discovery Center is offering A Very Grinchy Christmas, which includes an interactive Whoville, letter writing to Santa Claus and photos with Santa and the Grinch.

Pictures with Santa Claus are Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photos with the Grinch are Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

A Very Grinchy Christmas experiences are offered with the cost of general admission and free for all Discovery Center members. Children ages 3-15 are $8, adults ages 16-59 are $12, seniors are $10, military personnel with a valid identification are $7 and children under the age of 2 are free.

When: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

Where: The X Center at 701 N. Taylor Way in Nixa

Nixa's 68th annual Christmas parade's theme is "A Cinematic Christmas." Folks are encouraged to decorate their floats inspired by their favorite Christmas movie. The parade will start at The X Center and conclude at Nixa Junior High School.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m.

Where: Mother's Brewing Company BarrelHouse at 215 S. Grant Ave.

Hosted by Artistree Pottery, folks can enjoy a craft beverage from Mother's Brewing Company while painting a piece of pottery. A ticket includes a chosen piece of pottery and the first drink. Folks can choose between a moose mug for $25 or a Christmas tree decoration for $50. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite at bit.ly/3ioUIQo.

When: Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

Where: Central High School at 423 E. Central St.

The 97th Kiltie Drum & Bugle Corps is performing its Christmas show and hosting a silent auction on Friday, Dec. 9. The Kilties will perform in the Springfield Christmas Parade the following day.

When: Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 from 5-7 p.m.

Where: Ozark Square at East Church St.

The Ozark Historic River District, Christian County, city of Ozark and the Ozark Chamber of Commerce are working together to bring Christmas events to the Ozark Square throughout the month of December. Each evening will include free temporary tattoos, crafts, train rides for children, food trucks and photo opportunities. Carriage rides around the square will also be available for $10 per person. Children under the age of 12 are free.

Emergency responders night is Friday, Dec. 2. The evening will include a music performance from Chadwick School at the square's gazebo and a lighting ceremony to kick off the month-long event. There will also be an emergency vehicle decoration contest.

On Friday, Dec. 9, folks may enjoy live music from the Clever R-V School District choir at 5 p.m., the Sparta R-III School District choir at 5:30 p.m. and an Ozark High School group at 6 p.m. at the square's gazebo.

On Friday, Dec. 16, music will be provided by the Ozark High School band at 5:30 p.m. and the Ozark High School choir at 6:30 p.m. at the gazebo.

More:8 things to do for Christmas in Branson, for an out-of-town but close-to-home celebration

When: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m.

Where: Moxie Cinema at 305 S. Campbell Ave. Suite #101

Moxie Cinema's final Moxie Mornings for the year is coming up, and the theme is Comfy and Cozy. Moxie Mornings is a children's event put on at the cinema prior to normal business hours. One of the theaters is dedicated to playing film shorts related to the theme and afterwards, families can enjoy a variety of crafts in the lobby. This month's craft will be fiber based and collaborative, featuring felt, yarn and the like.

When: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.

The annual Springfield Christmas Parade's theme this year is "Hope for the Holidays." The parade begins on South Street heading north, then it goes around the northwest side of Park Central Square before finishing off on Park Central East.

A holiday market will follow the parade at Park Central Square from noon to 4 p.m. There will also be free carriage rides throughout the evening downtown.

When: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.

Where: Corner Pocket Comedy at 541 E. Saint Louis St.

Comedians Andrew Gaffigan of St. Louis, Daniel Nguyen of Kansas City and Kyle Gilbert of Fort Smith, are hosting the Christmas Comedy Bingo at Corner Pocket Comedy. Tickets are $10 at the door.

When: Sunday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 417 Taphouse at 431 S. Jefferson Ave.

A Very Flam-BOY-ant Christmas is a holiday drag show, featuring performers Cassie Cass, Ivana B Real, Mikayla Monet, Nicki Savage and Connie St. James. The drag show is 21 and up only.

Tickets are available for purchase for $20 on Eventbrite at bit.ly/3F8zNKp. The doors open at 11 a.m. and the show starts at noon.

When: Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.

Springfield Little Theatre's Elementary Musical Theatre Troupes are partnering with Illumination Dance Company, UpstAGE and Y.E.S. Troupe to perform two holiday variety shows on Sunday, Dec. 11.

Tickets are available for purchase on the Springfield Little Theatre website at sforce.co/3ipLJOT.

Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway

"In Love at Christmas" includes an array of holiday music performed by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Public Schools choirs.

The orchestra is performing "In Love at Christmas" on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. A free matinee is Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. Register for the free matinee online at springfieldmosymphony.org/events/holiday-matinee. Free matinee tickets are available through Dec. 7 or until supplies are gone.

Tickets are available for purchase on the Springfield Symphony Orchestra website at springfieldmosymphony.org/tickets or over the phone at 417-836-7678.

Where: Reynolds Auditorium at 237 S. Florence Ave.

The story of "Alice's Christmas in Wonderland" is based on the traditional "Alice in Wonderland" with a holiday twist.

Springfield Little Theatre's Education Department is performing "Alice's Christmas in Wonderland" as a part of the its 2022-23 Education Series. Shows that are a part of this series are performed by children ages 4 to adult and are described as "perfect for beginners."

Springfield Little Theatre's Education Department is performing "Alice's Christmas in Wonderland" on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase on the Springfield Little Theatre website at sforce.co/3ipLJOT.

Where: Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.

The Springfield Ballet has been putting on "The Nutcracker" for over 30 years. In eight different shows this year, more than 100 local students and adults will take the stage. To purchase a ticket, visit the Landers Theatre website at springfieldlittletheatre.org/, call 417-869-1334 or purchase from the box office directly. Tickets range from $25-60.

When: Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.

Where: Springfield Brewing Company at 507 W. Walnut St.

The Ugly Holidays Sweater Beer Mile is a part of Springfield Brewing Company's year-long beer mile series. Participants must run four laps around Springfield Brewing Company's The Cellar, drinking a full 12-ounce can of beer (5% minimum ABV) before each lap. Competitors who vomit before they finish the race must complete one penalty lap at the end.

Prizes are available for both men and women:

Register for the race online at bit.ly/UglySweaterBeerMile. Registration is $15 per person.

When: Sunday, Dec. 18 from 1-4 p.m.

Where: The Workshop at Finley Farms at 840 Finley Farms Lane in Ozark

The Workshop at Finley Farms is hosting holiday cookie decorating with hot chocolate, beer and wine. Cookie decorating bundles are $12. No reservation is required for this come-and-go event.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway

A Magical Cirque Christmas is a nationally touring Christmas show, hosted by Lucy Darling. Tickets are available for purchase online at bit.ly/3AUEcOq. Ticket prices range between $36-96.

Where: Finley River Park at 891 N. Riverside Road in Ozark

The city of Ozark is hosting its annual drive-through Christmas lights show until Dec. 31. Driving through is free, but donations are recommended to help build the light show next year. The Ozark High School National Honor Society will be handing out free candy canes at the end of the show to all who drive through. Lights are on from 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Santa Claus will be available for photos in the JCPenney East Court inside Battlefield Mall through Christmas Eve. The Santa Photo Experience is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday Reservations are encouraged but not required. To make a reservation, check availability online at battlefieldmallsantaphoto2022.splashthat.com/.

In addition to traditional photos with Santa, on Sunday, Dec. 4, Battlefield Mall is hosting Caring Santa, a private event for children with special needs from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and Pet Photos with Santa from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. Make a reservation for Caring Santa online at bit.ly/3AFLWnE.

Battlefield Mall is located at 2825 S. Glenstone Ave.

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops is open through Christmas Eve. Each guest may receive a free 4x6 photo with Santa. Bass Pro Shops also offered letter writing to Santa and free giveaways at Santa's Wonderland.

To make a reservation, visit the Bass Pro Shops' website at bookings-us.qudini.com/0TZEEHB5NWW/venues. First, select your preferred store location, select a timeslot and then show the reservation confirmation at check-in. Reservations are not required but are recommended. Santa's Wonderland is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Bass Pro Shops is located at 1 Bass Pro Drive.

Separate from Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops, Wonders of Wildlife offers photo opportunities with Scuba Claus and Peppermint the Elf, swimming in a fish-filled aquarium. Mrs. Claus will be reading "Twas The Night Before Fishmas." Scuba Santa will be available Dec. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20 and 23. Wonders of Wildlife is located at 500 W. Sunshine St.

The Springfield Park Board is also hosting an underwater Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at the Chesterfield Indoor Aquatics Center, located at 2511 W. Republic Road. Children ages 2-10 may swim with Santa in the pool, trying out different poses for photos. In addition to a photo with Santa, tickets include a take-home holiday ornament kit and one poll pass to be used in the future at the Doling or Chesterfield Aquatic Centers.

Tickets are $10 for aquatic center members and $20 for non-members.

Big Cedar Lodge offers two opportunities for folks to get photos with Santa Claus.

Through Dec. 23, Santa will be available for exclusive, 10-minute timeslots at Big Cedar Lodge, located at 190 Top of the Rock Road in Ridgedale.

Big Cedar Lodge is also hosting Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and 24 from 7-11 a.m. Breakfast includes a meal and photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elf. Purchase a ticket online at bigcedar.com/activity/breakfast-with-santa/. Tickets are $42 per adult, $24 per child, and children 5 and under are free. Breakfast with Santa is located at 612 Devil's Pool Road in Ridgedale.

Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts

Springfield Little Theatre is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts, located at 237 S. Florence Ave. The event will include a breakfast meal, music and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

Tickets are available on the Springfield Little Theatre website at sforce.co/3ipLJOT. Admission for adults is $7 and admission for children 10 and under is $5.