Seven Ozark Mountain Christmas Must-Dos

From renowned festivals and elaborate light displays to gourmet hot chocolate and pictures with Santa, Branson has plenty of holiday fun in store. While you're in town, add these seven Christmas must-dos to your itinerary for the ultimate Ozark Mountain Christmas!

 

1. Get Festive with Branson's Live Christmas Shows

Branson's live music shows supply a large dose of Christmas cheer. Many productions showcase the cheer and goodwill of the Christmas season through music, story, and dance. Performances such as Christmas Wonderland (shown above), Dolly Parton's Stampede, A Shepherd's Christmas Carol, Grand Country Music Hall, the Presleys' Christmas Jubilee, and several more put thousands of visitors in the Christmas spirit each year!

 

2. Experience An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City

Known as one of the nation’s most family-friendly Christmas festivals, An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City is filled with favorite Christmas traditions, seasonal sweet treats, Rudolph's Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade, live bands, and a few unexpected surprises!

Celebrate the season with the theme park's 6.5 million lights, 1.5 million of which are located in the Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular. There is also an 8-story, state-of-the-art Christmas tree that will debut as the centerpiece for Joy on Town Square. Reaching 80 feet into the night sky, this tree will showcase an impressive combination of high-resolution lights, music, and imagery to wow you this Christmas! 

There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than one of Silver Dollar City's spectacular live shows. From heartwarming Broadway-style musicals like A Dickens' Christmas Carol to live bands and interactive experiences, you'll find festive entertainment that will fill your heart with the joy of the season.

 

3. Go on a Drive-Thru Christmas Light Tour

Branson is home to several drive-thru Christmas light displays that allow you to enjoy the dazzling scenery without leaving the comfort of your vehicle. See Branson all aglow at Branson’s Lights of Joy featuring hundreds of animated larger-than-life displays. This holiday journey features a spectacular RGB color changing tunnel along with all LED lighting throughout, creating a vibrant glow.  

Branson's Promised Land Zoo's Let There Be Lights! features a 2-mile LED display and a live nativity petting zoo. In the VIP Santa's Safari, you can grab some hot chocolate and popcorn and meet Santa's real reindeer team!

Drive through the Trail of Lights (pictured above), a trail filled with millions of multi-colored lights that winds through the historic 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Farm. A glowing tradition for over 30 years in Branson, bring your friends and family to see classic animated and themed displays that will leave you feeling bright and merry this season. Don't forget to grab your free cup of hot chocolate and make a kind donation to Cocoa for a Cause to support your local charities!

 

4. Explore a Candy Lover's Dream 

You'll have more than just visions of sugarplums dancing in your head after visiting Branson at Christmastime! Each holiday season, the Chateau on the Lake, Resort, Spa & Convention Center displays an incredible gingerbread village, which is made on-site by the Chateau's chef and culinary team. The village stands more than three feet tall and includes structures such as a church, store fronts, and grand houses. To give you an idea of just how massive this village is, ingredients include 330 pounds of powdered sugar, 120 pounds of egg whites, and 600 pounds of cookies, pretzels, candy, Pop-Tarts, and more!

The holidays are meant to be celebrated with tasty treats all season long, and Branson has plenty of bakeries and confectioneries ready to sweeten your holiday. Area fudge shops are also popular stops during the Christmas season to purchase as gifts and pick-me-ups. 

 

5. Complete Your Holiday Shopping

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a little Christmas shopping. Luckily, Branson's shopping options make checking your list twice easy. There are endless opportunities to choose the perfect gift in the Branson area. Visitors can find outlet centers, shops, and galleries focused on arts and crafts, as well as boutiques and stores offering themed experiences for collectors, gift buyers, and bargain-hunters alike. Find deals on favorite designer brands at Tanger Outlets, shop lakeside at the Branson Landing, or head to the Grand Village Shops for specialty items and a year-round Christmas store called Kringles Christmas Shop!

 

6. Ride Aboard The Polar Express

Based on the popular book, “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburgess, the transformation of the Branson Scenic Railway to the beloved holiday train each Christmas is an experience that the whole family will treasure. After you board The Polar Express at the historic 1906 depot in Downtown Branson, you'll be greeted by characters out of the story itself, including the prominent train conductor, friendly hobo, and Santa. Come ready for tasty cookies and hot chocolate, breathtaking scenery, and a reading from Santa. Tickets sell quickly, so be sure to book in advance. Pajamas are encouraged!

 

7. Follow the Ozark Mountain Christmas Pass

It's the most wonderful time of the year here in Branson, Missouri! Join us on a magical journey by following along the Ozark Mountain Christmas Pass, where you'll explore Branson's most festive spots and win free prizes—yes, it's that simple! Prepare to be enchanted by dazzling live music shows, twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive sights, merry activities, cozy food, and charming shopping locations all dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday memories for you and your loved ones this season. 

 

**Events are subject to change. Please refer back to our website near the holiday season!**

 

With its holiday touch on attractions, events, entertainment, and more, Branson makes for an exciting destination to spend your Christmas. Learn more about celebrating Christmas in Branson here.