Best Christmas Lights in Branson.

If you’re coming to Branson for Christmas, let’s talk about one of my favorite things, the lights. We have some truly magical displays all over town, and I’m gonna tell you which ones are totally worth it, which ones are just okay, and even one that’s not coming back this year.

Silver Dollar City

Over six and a half million lights. Every tree and building wrapped from top to bottom. Plus that iconic parade, the giant tree that everyone takes photos in front of, and the train ride that turns into a full Christmas singalong. The rides are open too, and flying through the air with all those lights glowing around you is pure magic. It’s the one everyone comes to see, and I totally get why. It’s beautiful, it’s immersive, and it feels like stepping straight into a Christmas movie.

The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills

This one’s been around forever, but they’ve really stepped it up in the last few years with brighter colors and new displays. It’s so nostalgic, and I’m glad they’ve upped their game. I still think it’s a little steep on price, but it’s definitely better than it used to be and still has that old Branson charm that locals love.

Promised Land Zoo’s Let There Be Lights

This is a two-mile drive-through, and you can get out, meet Santa, and feed animals. It’s like Christmas meets safari. I know I sound like a broken record, but this is the best value for families. You can find my discount for it at BransonShowAndGo.com under the discounts tab, along with the best places to stay, top-rated places to eat, and more fun things to do.

Lights of Joy

Okay, honesty time. This is probably the shortest thing on my list, and in my opinion, it’s the least value. I’m originally from Oklahoma where we had big light displays in several towns around us, and you could donate however much you wanted to. So paying for Christmas lights like this came as quite a shock to me. And I hear from people all the time who say the same thing.

Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock

If you want fancy, this is it. You can drive through the lights at Big Cedar or take the tram to see them up close. They also offer snow tubing, ice skating, and the Nature at Night tour at Top of the Rock where you ride a golf cart through a lighted cave and trails. It’s totally stunning. Big Cedar knows how to do Christmas.

Chick-fil-A Downtown

This one sounds random, but do not skip it. The downtown Chick-fil-A turns their drive-thru into a full light tunnel, and it’s one of the coolest things in Branson. Just make sure you go to the downtown location, because the one on the Strip doesn’t go all out.

The Branson Strip and Downtown

Driving the Strip and downtown area this time of year feels like a Christmas parade. So many restaurants, attractions, and businesses are covered in lights. And the best part? It’s completely free. Branson Landing and Downtown Branson are also beautiful spots for walking and photos.

Light Tours and Helicopters

If you don’t want to drive yourself, check out the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour, VIP Tours, or the Branson Trolley Tours. They’ll take you around to see all the lights while you sit back and enjoy it.

And if you really want to see something spectacular, book a helicopter ride with Charter Choppers and see Branson lit up from above. Their Christmas lights packages are surprisingly affordable and honestly one of the coolest ways to see the city.

What’s Not Coming Back

Last year I showed you Jingle Holiday up in Ozark. It got mixed reviews, it started off a little rocky and the price was kind of high. I’ve confirmed they will not be back this year, which is honestly shocking because Branson has the space and the visitors to make something like that huge. Somebody needs to contact me, because we need to make that happen next year. And yes, we’re adding pop-up bars and dining experiences while we’re at it.

Springfield Light Displays

If you’re already up in Springfield, check out the Asian Garden of Lights, it’s gorgeous, peaceful, and colorful. It starts mid-month. Wonders of Wildlife also added indoor Christmas lights this year that make it really special. It’s still sea-themed, but now it has that extra Christmas glow that feels magical for kids and adults.

Wrapping It Up

There are so many ways to see the Christmas lights in Branson, from bougie and breathtaking to simple and fun.

Check out BransonShowAndGo.com for discounts, guides, and insider tips to make your trip magical.

And tell me in the comments, which Branson light display is your favorite?