7 Fun Things to Do in Branson at Christmas

Still deciding where to go for your holiday trip? Consider Christmas in Branson, Missouri, and listen to a local who knows. “It is the consummate place to visit for all generations, and the memories that are made here will stoke those warm fires for years to come,” says Lynn Berry, a resident of Branson for over 40 years and director of communications for Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Branson is a place every member of your family will enjoy.”

Branson is known as America’s Christmas Tree City because there are more than 1,000 Christmas trees on display throughout the two counties that encompass the town.

The holiday celebrations typically kick off at the beginning of November and run through New Year’s Day. While the city has plenty to offer as a year-round vacation destination, there are many attractions and things to do in Branson at Christmas time. Below are seven ways your family can celebrate the magic of the season while staying in Branson.

Catch a performance at the Live Music Show Capital of the World

Swing to the music of one of the many seasonal live shows offered from November to December in Branson. Photo Credit: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

Branson has become known for its world-class live shows and performers. In fact, it’s also nicknamed the “Live Music Show Capital of the World.” There is always an amazing lineup of special performances and themed shows during Christmas time in Branson, including performances by artists such as Frankie Avalon, Lee Greenwood, Jim Brickman and Crystal Gayle.

“Our state-of-the-art, full production, Broadway-quality shows are the biggest surprise to people who visit,” says Berry. “Many people who come here for the first time might be thinking, once they get off the plane, they’ll see 50 ‘Hee Haw’ shows lined up ... but nothing could be further from the truth!”

Embark on a magical journey on the Polar Express Train Ride

All aboard the Branson Scenic Railway for a ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus! Photo Credit: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

Nothing conveys the magic of Christmas in Branson quite like a trip through the snowy Ozark Mountains on The Branson Scenic Railway’s Polar Express Train Ride. Based on the children’s book The Polar Express, this train ride will get you and your family into the holiday spirit. As in the original story, hot chocolate and cookies are passed out to each passenger. You’ll also see Santa, who will be reading parts of the book during the train ride. Tickets sell out fast, so get yours as soon as possible!

Experience an old-time Christmas festival at Silver Dollar City

Dazzling lights are on full display at Silver Dollar City’s magical Christmas celebration. Photo Credit: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

Silver Dollar City, the area’s internationally awarded 1880s-style theme park, hosts An Old Time Christmas Festival every Christmas in Branson. You’ll be amazed at this eye-popping display of 6.5 million lights. While there, be sure to catch one of the live Christmas shows, see hundreds of decorated Christmas trees (including a five-story special effects Christmas tree) and watch the twice-nightly Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade.

Cruise around the lake on Showboat Branson Belle

Take a holiday cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle and enjoy a three-course meal and live entertainment. Photo Credit: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

While you’re at Silver Dollar City, head over to the lake and board the majestic Showboat Branson Belle for a fun holiday entertainment experience. Each cruise on scenic Table Rock Lake features a delicious three-course meal and an unforgettable show that the entire family will enjoy.

Deck the halls with the community at the Adoration Celebration & Parade

Feel the warmth of community, music and caroling as you walk the streets of Branson in December for the Adoration Celebration & Parade. Photo Credit: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

Branson residents and visitors gather together once a year in early December to celebrate the meaning of Christmas during the Adoration Celebration & Parade. This parade begins with the annual lighting of a giant Nativity scene that sits atop Mount Branson overlooking Lake Taneycomo at dusk and culminates with a community gathering and caroling. The parade features dozens of bands and floats, with awards being given out to various divisions.

Go on a leisurely drive at the Trail of Lights

The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead comes alive in a special way during the holidays at their seasonal Trail of Lights attraction. Photo Credit: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

One of the top things to do in Branson at Christmas is the Trail of Lights at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, a two-and-a-half-mile drive-through attraction filled with twinkling lights. Turn on some Christmas carols and sip on hot chocolate as you wind your way through the historic Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and see dozens of displays, enjoy themed music and listen to stories. Expect to see scenes of Santa taking a break at the beach, a traditional church setting with holiday-decorated pews and elves giving the reindeer a bath in preparation for their big flight.

Take the plunge at Snowflex Tubing Hill

Want to try to tame gravity? Make your way to Snowflex Tubing Hill. At 400 feet by 60 feet, it’s the largest synthetic tubing run in the entire country. You’ll ascend the mountain on a moving sidewalk and then zoom down in a tube on a lightning-fast snowtubing lane. Race against your family members to see who can make it to the bottom of the hill first. Warning! You’ll have so much fun, you’ll want to go again and again.