After a magical morning of opening presents and celebrating with family, keep the holiday cheer going with a delicious Christmas Day meal in Branson! Whether you're craving a traditional holiday buffet, a hearty breakfast, or a festive dinner show, there are several ways to enjoy a little extra holiday hospitality on December 25.

Skip the grocery shopping, cooking, and mountain of dishes this Christmas! Instead, let Branson's restaurants and entertainment venues take care of the meal while you spend more time making memories with the people you love.

From traditional Christmas buffets and casual family dining to entertaining dinner shows, here are some places to look forward to enjoying during the 2026 holiday season.
 

Please note: Christmas Day hours, menus, and performance schedules are subject to change. Contact each business directly to confirm availability, operating hours, and reservation requirements before visiting.

 

Christmas Buffets & Holiday Dining

Devil's Pool at Big Cedar Lodge

Address: 612 Devil's Pool Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Christmas Day Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Reservations: Required

Celebrate Christmas with a festive holiday buffet at Devil's Pool Restaurant inside Big Cedar Lodge. Enjoy a selection of seasonal favorites, including hand-carved prime rib, herb-roasted turkey, traditional sides, and delicious desserts. With its rustic Ozarks atmosphere and hearty Southern-inspired cooking, Devil's Pool offers a memorable setting for a special Christmas meal.

 

Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock

Address: 150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Christmas Day Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Reservations: Recommended

Enjoy an elevated Christmas dining experience at Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock. Featuring sweeping views of the Ozark Mountains, this special holiday buffet brings together seasonal favorites, regional cuisine, and an inviting atmosphere. It's a wonderful choice for families looking to make their Christmas celebration a little more memorable.

 

The Historic Worman House at Big Cedar Lodge

Location: Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, MO

Christmas Day Hours: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Reservations: Recommended

For a more intimate Christmas celebration, consider dining at the Historic Worman House. This charming restaurant at Big Cedar Lodge offers its regular menu alongside an optional holiday prix fixe experience. Enjoy an elegant atmosphere and a special holiday meal in one of the Ozarks' most distinctive dining settings.

 

Chateau Grille at Chateau on the Lake

Address: 415 N State Hwy 265, Branson, MO 65616

Christmas Day Hours: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (reported; confirm directly)

Reservations: Recommended

Celebrate Christmas with an upscale dining experience at Chateau Grille inside Chateau on the Lake. Overlooking the beautiful waters of Table Rock Lake, this restaurant provides an elegant atmosphere for enjoying a holiday meal. It's an excellent option for couples and families looking to add something special to their Christmas celebration.

 

Casual Restaurants & Family-Friendly Dining

Joe's Crab Shack

Address: 717 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

Phone: 417-337-7373

Christmas Day Hours: 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.

If you're in the mood for seafood instead of a traditional Christmas turkey dinner, head to Joe's Crab Shack at Branson Landing. Known for its seafood boils, crab, shrimp, and coastal-inspired favorites, this casual restaurant offers a fun alternative for Christmas Day dining.

 

Denny's

Address: 2335 W MO-76, Branson, MO 65616

Phone: 417-339-3670

Hours: Typically open 24 hours, including Christmas Day.

For a casual meal at just about any hour, Denny's is a convenient option for Branson visitors. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a classic burger, or a comforting homestyle meal, you can enjoy familiar favorites without having to spend the holiday in the kitchen.

 

Christmas Day Dinner Shows in Branson

Why settle for dinner alone when you can enjoy an entire evening of entertainment? Branson is famous for its live performances, and a few theaters keep the holiday fun going even on Christmas Day. Enjoy a delicious meal alongside music, comedy, spectacular performances, and plenty of Christmas spirit.


Dolly Parton's Stampede

Address: 1525 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

Phone: 417-336-3000

Christmas Day Showtimes: 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Make Christmas Day an unforgettable experience at Dolly Parton's Stampede! This spectacular dinner attraction combines an exciting live production featuring 32 magnificent horses, trick riding, music, comedy, and a friendly North Pole rivalry. Guests can enjoy a four-course Southern-style feast while watching the action unfold in the arena. It's a memorable Christmas celebration for the entire family!

 

Riga-Tony's Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Address: 2820 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

Phone: 417-251-5192

Christmas Dinner Show: 5 p.m. listing; confirm December 25 availability.

Add a little mystery to your Christmas celebration at Riga-Tony's Murder Mystery Dinner Show! This interactive dinner theater experience invites guests to follow the clues, question the suspects, and figure out who committed the crime. Enjoy an Italian-inspired dinner as the mystery unfolds around you.

 

More Branson Restaurants to Check for Christmas Day 2026

Additional restaurants have appeared in Branson-area Christmas dining guides and are worth checking as the holiday approaches. Their Christmas Day 2026 schedules should be confirmed directly before making plans.

  • Billy Gail's: A local favorite known for its generous breakfast portions, pancakes, and homestyle cooking.

  • Grand Country Buffet: A family-friendly buffet offering a variety of familiar favorites.

  • Papa Grand's Pizza: A casual pizza option for families looking for something different from a traditional holiday meal.

  • McFarlain's Family Restaurant: Known for its homestyle cooking and Ozarks-inspired atmosphere.

  • Shoney's: A casual family restaurant offering breakfast and traditional American favorites.

  • Saltgrass Steak House: A steakhouse option at Branson Landing.

  • Outback Steak & Oyster Bar: A local steakhouse offering a variety of seafood and steak selections.

  • Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar: A casual dining spot with classic American food.

  • Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub: An Irish pub at Branson Landing.

  • Hurts Donut: A fun stop for specialty donuts, pastries, and coffee.

Check back for additional Christmas Day dining announcements as more restaurants release their holiday schedules.

 

Planning Your Christmas Day in Branson

Christmas Day is a popular time for dining out, especially at restaurants offering special holiday buffets and dinner shows. If you're planning to enjoy a meal at one of Branson's resort restaurants or book a dinner show, make reservations as early as possible.

Keep in mind that some restaurants may operate with limited seating, adjusted menus, or modified holiday hours. Calling ahead is the best way to ensure your preferred restaurant is open and ready to welcome you.

However you choose to celebrate, we hope your Christmas in Branson is filled with wonderful food, family, and plenty of Ozark Mountain holiday magic!