14 Ways to Enjoy the Christmas Magic in Branson, Missouri
** I received free lodging and expenses paid for this visit to Branson, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Please take a look at the Privacy Policy for more details.
When the holiday season rolls around we love to enjoy all the fun at home, but taking a road trip to a Midwest destination is fun too! There are many places to experience the holiday magic around the Midwest including Branson, Missouri. When the calendar hits November 1st, Branson transforms into a Christmas wonderland. I have gathered your personal itinerary of the best places to see Christmas decorations, eat, shop, stay, and play. Bookmark this guide to get you in the spirit of the season in Branson!
Branson Lodging
First, where do you stay!?!
When traveling staying at a comfy spot is a priority, but I find it even more important during the Holiday season. It is important that the whole family feels comfortable and relaxed after a day of exploring Branson. Westgate Branson Woods Resorts is the perfect option. Not far from all of the holiday celebrations, but you still feel out and away from the hustle and bustle.
Westgate Branson Woods Resorts offers many types of different rooms and accommodations depending on your family’s needs. Our room was perfect for a bigger family which included a separate room, living area, washer and dryer (amazing for families with young kids!), and kitchen. This is a great option if you do not want to eat out all the time. Bring some basic groceries for breakfast and/or dinner. The kitchen is full-size and includes a full refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, dishes, pots, and more. The dining area had a large table with many chairs
In addition, the living area was super cozy with large comfy couches, a fireplace, a television, and beautiful scenery of trees. A couple of mornings we saw deer out back! The highlight of it all? The large jet whirlpool in our suite! My daughter enjoyed swimming around after a busy day of fun.
The rooms are amazing, but the resort offered some great accommodations as well. The lobby was all decked out which provided a ton of holiday cheer when we checked in. They also have an indoor pool, an outdoor pool (plan a visit during the Summer!), lots of seating areas with games to play, Starbucks coffee available, a shop, miniature golf, a playground, and a nature trail you can follow to see a waterfall! Truly everything you need to enjoy your stay in Branson.
Address: 2201 Roark Valley Rd, Branson, MO 65616
Phone: (417) 334-2324
Website: Book your room here!
14 Ways to Enjoy the Christmas Magic in Branson, Missouri
Now that you have your room booked at Westgate Branson Woods Resort, it is time to plan your worry-free vacation in Branson! Here are 14 ways to enjoy the Christmas magic.
Bass Pro Shops
Address: 1 Bass Pro Dr, Branson, MO 65616
There is always something special about visiting Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops. The Bass Pro Shop is located in Branson Landing and is the perfect way to visit Santa, get a picture for free, do some shopping, and more. There are kids’ activities too!
Billy Gails Restaurant at Branson Mill
Address: 3300 Gretna Rd., Branson, MO 65616
No trip is complete to Branson, Missouri (any time of year) without a stop at Billy Gails for a 14-inch pancake! This restaurant is a staple and offers amazing comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Do not forget to give the Billion Dollar Bacon a try too.
Branson Ferris Wheel
Address: 3335 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Take in the view of Branson at all new heights! This Ferris wheel once lived at Navy Pier in Chicago, but today now stands in Branson. Not only is it a ride to see the city, but it also consists of a free light show that has 144,000 LED lights. If you are scared of heights, you can also tune into the radio and watch the light show from the comfort of your car. Check out all the details.
Branson Landing
Address: 100 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
The Branson Landing is a newer and “hip” area in Branson. A great place to do some Christmas shopping, dine, and enjoy entertainment. You can enjoy fun restaurants such as Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar. This outdoor mall-style area is full of fun and the highlight of the area is the fountains. There is a scenic boardwalk and it consists of the first-ever light show that is a merging of water, fire, light, and music. A show goes off every hour starting at Noon. Take a look at the full schedule here. If you are visiting during the holiday season, don’t miss the giant Christmas Tree in the center that also puts on a fun light show.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Address: 1525 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
There are many Christmas shows to choose from when you visit Branson, but Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a must! The entire family will enjoy dinner and a fun show which includes many horses, special effects, Christmas music, falling snow, twinkling lights, and more. If you have to choose just one live entertainment option, this is it.
Hughes Brothers Christmas Show
Address: 3425 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Hughes Brothers Christmas Show is another great option for families at Christmas time. The brothers and family sing country music, dance, humor, and share the magic of Christmas.
Kringles Christmas Store
Address: 2800 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
A favorite shop for us! Kringles Christmas Store is the largest year-round Christmas store located in the Grand Village shops. We had fun wandering with some coffee and checking out all the shops. Plan to carve out some time as you explore Kringles. You will most definitely walk away with some new ornaments and/or holiday decor.
Polar Express
Address: 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616
Are you ready for a North Pole adventure? Book your tickets on the Branson Scenic Railway Polar Express! Put your holiday pajamas and attire on! The entire ride is an experience with Santa and each child receives the “First Gift of Christmas”, a silver sleigh bell as we all travel and eat cookies and hot chocolate. If you plan to do this, you will want to make sure to book your tickets early!
Promised Land Zoo
Address: 2751 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson, MO 65616
During the holiday season, the local zoo puts on a ‘Let There Be Lights ‘ Drive-Thru light display. The route is two miles long throughout the 74-acre park. Families will enjoy light displays and live animals too! Once your drive thru the display guests have the opportunity to get out at the Candyland Courtyard and experience more Christmas lights and animals up close. Purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Shepherd of the Hills Homestead
Address: 5585 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
All year round Shepherd of the Hills Homestead is an entertainment park for families to visit. During the Holiday season, the park is transformed into a North Pole Adventure! This is a magical walk-through experience where visitors experience thousands of Christmas lights, a visit with Santa Claus, fun activities, and much more. Activities include TreeTop Sky Trail, letters to Santa, Mega Tube Slide, Jump pad, nativity scene, live music, and much more. I would compare it to a pumpkin patch/fall experience, but Christmas-themed.
Showboat Branson Belle
Address: 4800 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616
The Showboat Branson Belle is another unique Christmas dinner show! Climb aboard a ferry boat and take a ride on Table Rock Lake while you are served dinner and watch live entertainment. The sparkling cast of singers put on a wonderful show full of songs, dancing, and laughter, and even includes the audience. Amelia was invited on stage to help sing The 12 Days of Christmas. Guests are given the opportunity to explore the boat during that time as well.
Silver Dollar City
Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616
Is there any better way to celebrate Christmas than at America’s #1 theme park? Before my visit to Branson, I had no idea how awesome Silver Dollar City is! While it was extremely fun and magical at Christmas time, I cannot wait to make another visit during the warmer months. An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City consists of live shows including A Dicken’s Christmas Carol, Live Nativity, and more.
Beyond live entertainment wandering through the miles of lights will get you in the Holiday spirit. There are 6.5 million holiday lights throughout the theme park, including 1.5 million lights in one concentrated section called Christmas in Midtown.
Don’t miss the Christmas parades! Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade is one of the many holiday festivities offered at Silver Dollar City.
If you are looking for the perfect gift, take a look at all the different passes they offer so families can visit any time of the year. Bonus! One thing I learned is many will come to the park just to eat because they offer so many unique food options and I can attest it is all very tasty.
Trail of Lights
Address: 6021 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Trail of Lights is one of the Branson area longest longest-running drive-through Christmas light attractions. Visitors will enjoy millions of multi-colored Christmas lights, and animated displays, as it winds through the 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. Visitors will enjoy an unforgettable experience and will leave with Christmas cheer!
BONUS! America’s Christmas Tree City
Are you up for a challenge this holiday season? Grab the family and head out to take the America’s Christmas Tree City Tour. Branson is decorated with over 700 Christmas trees not including the more than 1,000 trees at Silver Dollar City. You can view the interactive map and while you explore Branson see how many Christmas trees you come across!