If you are coming to Branson during the Holiday Season, you are in for a treat! There are so many Christmas themed things to do in Branson, and all are family friendly. With a Ferris wheel, The Polar Express train, dinner shows and shopping, there is something for everyone! Read on to see some of our picks!
Local Attractions with Christmas Themes
Shepherd of the Hills gets our vote for the best drive through Christmas light display. Their Trail of Lights has been a favorite Christmas attraction in Branson for over 30 years! With 160 acres of multicolored lights, animated displays, and free cocoa at the end, this is a must-do for your family this holiday season.
While you’re there, stop by the North Pole Adventure where you can meet Santa and go on a hayride.
Did you know Branson is recognized as America’s Christmas Tree City? There are over 1,000 Christmas trees at Silver Dollar City alone, and almost a thousand more scattered all over town, made of all kinds of materials. You can find some of the biggest and the best on an interactive map.
Experience an Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest attraction. Over 6.5 million lights, live shows, and Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade. Don’t miss the 8 story, animated Christmas tree singing all your holiday favorites.
All aboard the Polar Express! The Branson Scenic Railway brings the story to life as you wind through the Ozarks. Meet the characters, enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and beautiful scenery as you live this magical Christmas story. Oh, and wear your pajamas!
The Branson Ferris Wheel is always a fun time! Ride the wheel and enjoy a symphony of lights and music set to your favorite Christmas tunes.
Holiday Dinner Shows
Enjoy a Christmas meal while the hilarious family-favorite, A Christmas Story, is performed live on the Playhouse Theatre stage at Shepherd of the Hills.
Dine on a holiday feast at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show. During the Christmas season, this spectacular holiday show features a friendly competition between elves. Enjoy Christmas songs, falling snow, old fashioned holiday costumes, live animals, and stunning special effects.
Santa’s Pancakes and PJ’s on the Showboat Branson Belle is fun for the whole family! Santa and his helpers take over the Showboat while you cruise the lake eating pancakes in your jammies. There is also a dinner show with a festive holiday theme.
Holiday Shopping
What’s Christmas without holiday shopping? Find a great deal at Tanger Outlet Mall or stop by the Branson Landing for shopping, dinner, and a fountain show with fire and lights. There are many small, locally owned boutiques well worth checking out as well. If you really want to get into the Christmas spirit, you’ll want to visit Kringle’s Christmas Shop at the Grand Village. Over 9,000 square feet of Christmas collectibles!
Best Holiday Lodging and Resorts
Watermill Cove Resort is just 2 miles from Branson’s largest attraction, Silver Dollar City. This resort has rustic homes, Christmas trees in every home, and plenty of free things to do on the property.
If you need a lot of space for your Christmas clan, Serenity Shores is a brand-new resort and offers lodging from 10 – 20 in Modern Farmhouse style homes, beautifully decorated for Christmas. Tons of free amenities and almost every home has its own private hot tub.
If you want to be out away from it all after the hustle and bustle of Branson The Chalets on Table Rock Lake might be the place for you. Charming chalets and villas all decorated for Christmas and at a bit lower rate than the ones in Branson.