Holiday In The Hills

CHRISTMAS IN BRANSON, MO.

BY CHRISTINA GARCIA

Spending the holidays in Branson, Missouri, is like stepping into a winter wonderland filled with festive lights, live entertainment, and small-town charm. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, this hill-filled getaway comes alive with Christmas cheer and offers something for everyone.

SETTING THE SCENE

Lake resorts hug Table Rock Lake, one of three surrounding waterways, offering fun and relaxation. Underground formations in the “Cave State” shift your geological perspective. Wandering through the heart of the Ozarks leads to stunning waterfalls, but it also reveals the mountains of uniquely American entertainment, both glitzy and glamorous, from live country music to musical theater. Between the show-stopping scenery and talent on stage, we can see why it attracts over a billion tourist dollars yearly. In winter, if Branson can be counted on for anything, it’s to transform into a Christmas destination worth remembering. Here are just a few of the fun-filled activities to consider.

OLD TIME CHRISTMAS AT SILVER DOLLAR CITY

The theme park that grew out of a cave boasts more than 40 rides spread across over 100 acres. But what makes it shine is a luminous Christmas glow-up of 6.5 million lights. Enjoy over 1,000 trees decked out in their evergreen best and visit the park’s Midtown Light Spectacular to see light tunnels, running reindeer, and a Christmas light parade. Broadway-style holiday musicals and performances inside Silver Dollar City also run through the season.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

If the firs and pines steal your heart each Yuletide, this trail of 700 trees might be your highlight. The Branson Christmas Tree Tour means you’re never far from a conifer set ablaze with colorful lights, whether on a mountain coaster, showboat, or at a resort. Helicopter tours will happily fly you over the enchanted spectacle, but you can also cruise through the drive-thru displays at Branson’s Lights of Joy, The Shepherd of the Hills, Promised Land Zoo, and Big Cedar Lodge.

VISIT THE NORTH POLE

The Branson Scenic Railway offers historic rides that zip over Lake Taneycomo and tunnel through the Ozark Mountains at other times of the year, but Christmas is different. Especially for younger kiddos, this winter train ride to meet Old Saint Nick offers plenty of Christmas tradition. Marking the occasion, train cars arrive festooned in tinsel, draped in flowers, and otherwise bedecked for frosty weather fun.

Passengers should be prepared to meet Santa, sip hot chocolate, and eat cookies. Once Santa boards, he’ll gift everyone a tiny silver bell. It all happens on an hour and 15-minute round-trip. First, you’ll glide over to Hollister to pick up Mr. Claus, then head north to a light show before returning to Branson. On this trip to the North Pole — based on Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved book, The Polar Express — you’ll hear carolers singing, too.

The North Pole Adventure at The Shepherd of the Hills is a festive family experience where visitors embark on an enchanting journey through Santa’s workshop. Children can meet Santa, enjoy crafts, and explore magical play areas like the Elf Village. The adventure features twinkling lights, holiday music, and a sense of wonder that captures the spirit of Christmas. It’s a fun, immersive way to celebrate the season in the heart of the Ozarks.

BE DAZZLED AT THE THEATER

There are claims that Branson has more live theaters than Broadway, but unlike Broadway, Branson caters to all ages. Kids dine and enjoy face painting on the Santa’s Pancakes & PJs Cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, as well as sing-alongs and Christmas wishlist writing when they’re not watching talented performers. If a high-energy production with sparkling actors, singers, and dancers in a large theater is more your speed, check out Branson’s Christmas Wonderland in King’s Castle Theatre. You can also take in Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction for trick riders, aerialists, and acrobats. For an entirely different experience, head to the country and comedy-laced Presleys’ Christmas Jubilee — a show with roots stretching back 55 years.

From spectacular Christmas light displays and family- friendly shows to holiday shopping and exploring the scenic outdoors, Branson brings a magical touch to the holiday season that feels both traditional and uniquely special. Visit ExploreBranson.com/Seasons/Christmas for tickets and detailed information about all the fun offered this season.