Christmas in the Ozarks is filled with nostalgia and holiday cheer. If you’ve never celebrated the holidays in Branson, Missouri, you’re missing out on one of the most magical ways to experience the spirit of Christmas.
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Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:
Christmas in Branson, Missouri – When is the Best Time to Go?
Christmas in Branson is a whole season. That’s right, November 1 through the end of the year provides a full two months of holiday cheer. Each business may have its own official kick-off dates, but for the most part, you can count on things looking a lot more merry beginning in the first week of November each year.
I’ll go ahead and insert a fair warning here – the Friday after Thanksgiving is a POPULAR day for locals to visit Branson. If you have the flexibility, choose almost any other weekend aside from the post-Turkey Day festivities.
Second, you’ll want to watch the weather carefully. Most of the festivities are outdoors. Luckily, winter weather can be fairly mild in the Ozarks, but that doesn’t necessarily mean warm. I try to pick a day when the temperatures will reach at least 50 degrees with a good amount of sun.
I find that this is good weather to layer up with a warm hat and a pair of gloves and sip some hot cocoa as I walk around and take in all the decorations.
Of course, heated jackets like this one can always keep you cozy on a blustery while you enjoy the festivities, lights, and cheer.
Read: When is the Best Time to Visit the Ozarks?
Where to Stay in Branson During the Holidays
There is no shortage of accommodations in this Midwestern tourist hotspot. But, when it comes to spreading Christmas cheer, there are a few places that do it better than the rest.
Chateau on the Lake – Best for a Relaxing Escape
This hotel, spa, and convention center is known for its elaborate gingerbread house displays during the Christmas season. Affectionately known as the Castle on the Hill, Chateau on the Lake is one of Branson’s premier resorts.
Here’s what you need to know:
👉 This hotel is dog-friendly (up to 50 lbs)
👉 Multiple on-site dining options.
👉 Rooms with a view (Overlooking the Lake)
👉 On-site spa services
👉 This resort serves a Christmas Day brunch
Still Waters Resort – Best for an Incredible Holiday-Themed Deal
You can expect to dial up the Christmas theme with a stay at Still Waters Resort. The Ozark Mountain Christmas event at Still Waters Resort includes an on-site winter wonderland, a commemorative Christmas ornament, and exceptional deals to bundle and save when you add a day at SDC’s Old Time Christmas to your itinerary!
Still Waters Resort Winter Wonderland features:
👉 Up to 40% off regular room rates
👉 Assortment of DIY holiday-themed crafts
👉 Giant Christmas Inflatables
👉The Winter Toboggan Ride (kids)
👉 The Polar Bear Slide (kids)
👉 Winter Wonderland-themed bounce house (kids)
This family-friendly resort offers the best of both worlds–themed onsite, kid-friendly fun and unbeatable prices.
A Traditional Cabin at SDC Wilderness Campground
Another fan favorite for families looking to indulge in all the cozy, nostalgic feels of an old-time Christmas is a stay in a traditional cabin at Silver Dollar City’s campground. Of course, it’s a campground so there are plenty of RV sites as well. But we really enjoy the idea of an old log cabin with a traditional fireplace.
If you like to mix things up every time you stay, we highly recommend checking out these vacation rentals in Branson.
The Best Things to Do in Branson During the Holidays
Now that we’ve covered our favorite family-friendly places to stay in Branson for Christmas, let’s dig into the fun part–the bucket list of holiday things to do while you’re in town. Here’s the quick rundown:
1. An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
2. Self-Guided Christmas Tree Tour
3. North Pole Adventure at Shepard of the Hills
4. Drive Through Christmas Light Tours
5. Snow Tubing at Wolfe Mountain
6. The Polar Express Train Ride
8. Christmas at Big Cedar Lodge
9. Branson’s Christmas Show Lineup
10. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City – Best Overall Holiday Experience
Squarely on the top of our favorites list is an Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. During the holidays, this theme park transforms into a wholesome, nostalgic celebration steeped in early settler traditions.
The mere sight of 6.5 million twinkling Christmas lights is a spectacle to behold. But that’s just the beginning. As you enter the park, you’ll find Joy on Town Square featuring an 8-story animated Christmas tree that plays a Christmas-tune light show on a loop.
There’s a photo opp for pictures with Santa, a main street lineup of shops decked out for the holidays, and a lineup of live caroling performances, all to set the scene.
From here, you’ll go through Christmas in Midtown, which features a fantastic display of lighted tunnels and reindeer displays as you find more streets lined with festive holiday shops. Next, look out for Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade. And then, climb aboard the Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train.
Make time in your day to see a classic Christmas show. There are dozens to choose from, but our favorites include The Living Nativity and A Dickens Christmas Carol.
I also always make sure to grab cocoa and cookies to add that little bit of something extra special to the Old Time Christmas experience. Eva and Delilah’s Bakery (at the entrance) offers sink-your-teeth-into-delicious gingerbread cinnamon rolls, classic cinnamon rolls, and molasses cookies. This is another MUST for us.
Some things I hope to try this year include:
- A cinnamon churro with peppermint dipping sauce
- A gingerbread funnel cake
- Ozarks Chili and a Christmas Toastie
Self-Guided Christmas Tree Tour – Best for Free Holiday Fun
America’s Christmas Tree City is filled with 700 unique, exquisitely decorated Christmas trees. You could easily spend an entire week taking them all in! Plus, if you have passes to SDC, you’ll find another 1,000 trees there!
The full tour includes iconic stops at some of Branson’s best attractions, including:
- Branson’s Community Tree is located in front of the big Ferris wheel
- Chick-fil-a downtown
- Branson Landing
- Dolly Parton Stampede
- Big Cedar Lodge
- Christian Action Ministries “Festival of Trees”
- And Dozens More!
North Pole Adventure at Shepard of the Hills – Best for All Ages-Themed Family Fun
This is a walk-through experience that includes more than 25 activities, adorned with lights and festive decor. Enjoy a variety of photo ops, a Christmas light hayride, crafts in Santa’s workshop, a jump pad, and a giant inflatable slide, among many more holiday-themed activities on a farm.
Get the full scoop on the North Pole Adventure and the other festive attractions at Shepard of the Hills here.
Drive-Thru Christmas Light Tours – Best for Staying Out of the Cold
Another one of our favorite holiday activities is turning on some Christmas tunes and driving around to look at all the pretty lights! If that’s your jam, Branson will NOT disappoint (ride in cozy style with this cute heated car blanket). You should definitely put the Trail of Lights at Shepard of the Hills on your list, as well as Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo and Branson’s Lights of Joy.
Choose one–or do all three!
Snow Tubing at Wolfe Mountain – Best for Hands-On Fun
Okay, so it’s not exactly sledding…but it might be better! Wolfe Mountain uses Snowflex, a synthetic polymer designed specifically for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, to provide year-round sledding fun down a 400-foot slope.
Snow tubing is appropriate for ages 3+ and can be a great way to spend an hour or two, topping off the perfect Ozarks Christmas bucket list!
The Polar Express Train Ride Experience – Best for Families with Younger Kids
The Branson Scenic Railway offers a polar express train ride experience that brings the classic children’s story to life. Everyone in your group will receive a cup of cocoa and a bell.
Like many similar events, children are encouraged to wear pajamas. Go all in with the whole family with this matching Christmas pajamas set.
We’ve attempted to do this train ride in the past, but the tickets sell out quick!
If you are just now planning to head to Branson for the holidays, you might be able to get 2 seats together on a night in the middle of the week, but full tables and weekends will likely be sold out.
I also hesitated because the tickets are 100% non-refundable.
Christmas at The Landing – Best for Variety
Branson Landing is a hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment located on Lake Taneycomo convenient to downtown Branson. So, it only makes sense that this hot spot transforms into a winter wonderland beginning the first week of November each year. The biggest draw is the 63’ Christmas tree display as well as the dozens of shops decorated for Christmas.
Read: Our full review of The Landing in Branson
Christmas at Big Cedar Lodge – Best for a Self-Contained Holiday Experience
Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock host a variety of holiday-themed activities. While the list is nothing short of impressive, we find it a little more challenging to stick to our budget when we visit Top of the Rock or Big Cedar Lodge! In addition to upscale lodging and fine food with lake views, here’s a quick look at what they offer:
- Home for the Holidays Drive-Thru Tour
- Holiday Tram Ride via Lighted Tractor
- Lighted Walking Tour at Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail
- Build a Gingerbread Charceuterie Chalet (Adults Only Class)
- Explore the Property for Elf on the Shelf Elves (Self-Guided)
- Shop with an Elf Experience for Kids (Assisted Shopping)
- Baking with Mrs. Claus Class
- The Garden Chapel Christmas Eve Service
- Home for the Holidays Traditional Ice Rink
- Storytime with Mrs. Claus
- Meet the Grinch at Fun Mountain
- Breakfast with Santa
- Holiday Wreath Making Class
- Stocking Decorating
- Gingerbread House Build-Off
- Elf/Santa Visits
- And More!
Christmas Shows in Branson, Missouri
It’s almost hard to believe that I’ve made it this far into the list without mentioning the extensive lineup of Christmas shows available during the holiday season…after all, live entertainment is what Branson is known for!
I recommend the Christmas Wonderland show for families of all ages. This is a bucket list staple, along with the Living Nativity and the Charles Dickens Christmas Story performances at SDC.
Other notable performances include:
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Special
- The Showboat Branson Belle Christmas
- #1 Hits of the ’60s Christmas
- Rock ‘N Roll Royalty Christmas
- SIX Christmas Show
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop
Okay, technically this one is in Springfield, Missouri…but it’s close enough to notable enough to make the detour.
The entire store transforms into a festive, cheery holiday experience. But the real attraction here is a chance to sit with Santa. The event is free to attend, but reservations are recommended.
Where [and What] to Eat in Branson for the Holidays
There is no shortage of food to be found in Branson, Missouri. In fact, if you are looking to satisfy an appetite, start with our 10 Best Places to Eat in Branson post. But if you are especially interested in finding the seasonal flavors and secret spots for a little extra cozy, that’s what we’re talking about here.
Traditional Holiday Meals in Branson, Missouri
If you’re looking to sit down with your family and enjoy turkey, ham, green bean casserole, sweet potato pie, and the likes of traditional holiday fare…you’re in luck! Silver Dollar City and Grand Country Buffet are both easy answers here. We’ve been to both and enjoyed the food.
Also try:
- Chateau Grille (at Chateau on the Lake)
- Billy Gail’s (local favorite)
- Top of the Rock, Osage Restaurant
- Shoney’s (I have so many memories of childhood road trips and brunch at Shoney’s)
Read: Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving (and Christmas) Dinner in the Ozarks
The Best Cocoa and Cookies in Branson, Missouri
I always enjoy cocoa and cookies as a staple of our trip to SDC’s Old Time Christmas where you will find cute, themed pop-up stands serving appropriately delicious cocoa and warm cookies.
But if you’re not at Silver Dollar City, you can still find a good cup of cocoa with seasonal flair at Sugar Leaf Bakery or Dino Cakes and Coffee. And if all else fails, Branson has a Starbucks that keeps cocoa on the menu along with seasonal varieties of lattes like peppermint and mocha cookie crumble available.
Peppermint, Eggnog, and Other Seasonal Treats in Branson, Missouri
In addition to my personal bucket list…to try a gingerbread funnel cake, there are plenty of unique opportunities to indulge in flavors like molasses, peppermint, eggnog, and sugar cookies.
Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls
For us, Christmas morning means made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls. So, whenever I want to get in a merry mood, I start with this delicious, gooey treat! The most accessible option is Old Fashion Dough Company for great cinnamon rolls in Branson. But if you’re headed to Silver Dollar City, put Eva & Delilah’s Bakery on your list. Grab a pan of cinnamon rolls to take home for Christmas morning…you won’t be disappointed!
We also enjoy Clarabelle’s Cinnamon Bread which takes the traditional cinnamon roll to a whole other level!
Visit Branson, Missouri, and Experience Christmas in a Whole New Way
What is your idea of the perfect Christmas? Whether you’re coming to town to shop for the most incredible gifts (psst…you’ll totally win Christmas if you do!) Or, if you want to shake up old routines and try something new, Branson, Missouri, has a whole lot to offer in the final weeks of the year.
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