Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Show in Branson: Is It Worth It?

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I usually make it to Dolly Parton’s Stampede about once a year, and I’ve been a handful of times during the Christmas season.

The Christmas show definitely has a Christmas theme, but if you’ve been to Stampede before, it’s still going to feel very familiar. You’re getting the food, the audience interaction and all the whooping and hollering you expect from Stampede, just with Christmas mixed in.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Show at a Glance

📍 Location: Dolly Parton’s Stampede on Highway 76 in Branson, Missouri

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best For: Families, especially those traveling with toddlers and younger kids

🎄 Christmas Factor: Definitely Christmas, but it still feels very much like the regular Stampede show

🍗 Dinner: Come hungry. There is a LOT of food!

⏰ Time Needed: Don’t rush this one. Get there early enough to enjoy a drink and the pre-show before heading into the arena.

🐎 Seating: There really isn’t a bad seat, but I LOVE sitting right up front.

⭐ My Take: One of my favorite Branson shows for families with little kids because nobody expects your toddler to sit silently for two hours.

Satirah’s Tip

Do NOT skip the pre-show!

Get there early, grab a drink and take your time. The pre-show is super fun and part of the whole Stampede experience.

They even have a bar now where you can get a drink in a boot mug.

You’re on vacation. Get the boot. 😂

Is Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Show Worth It?

Is it a tourist trap? Absolutely. Is it one I still want to go to? Yes, it is. 😂

I usually make it to Stampede about once a year. There’s a reason for that.

Especially if you’re traveling with younger kids, this is one of the Branson shows I recommend most often. Nobody expects your toddler to sit silently through a traditional theater show.

This is a LOUD show. There’s cheering, clapping, stomping your feet and plenty of audience interaction.

If your three-year-old gets excited and yells during the show, nobody is turning around and glaring at you.

And that can make a huge difference when you’re trying to take little kids to a show on vacation.

What Do You Eat at Dolly Parton’s Stampede?

A lot. 😂

There is a LOT of food, so come hungry.

I still love that creamy soup. That stuff is the stuff of dreams.

And yes, they give you a fork now!

For dessert, you can choose between the classic apple turnover or the newer chocolate coconut cake. I love the chocolate coconut cake.

They were even nice enough to bring me both once, which is obviously the correct way to handle this situation. 😂

Where Are the Best Seats at Dolly Parton’s Stampede?

There really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Personally, I LOVE sitting right up front. Being that close to everything happening in the arena makes the show so much more fun for me.

There is one tiny downside.

You are sitting beside a horse arena. Horses are running around. Dirt is flying.

So technically, there is a very small chance some dirt could make its way toward your plate. 😂

It’s never happened to me, and the chances are pretty slim, but you’ve been warned.

How Different Is the Christmas Show From Regular Stampede?

It’s different, but it still feels very familiar if you’ve seen Stampede before.

There are Christmas touches throughout, but you’re still getting the Stampede experience.

They also include a live Nativity. It’s a relatively small part of the overall show, but I appreciate that they include it and actually acknowledge the reason for the season.

And they open the show with buffalo running into the arena.

I’m slightly obsessed with buffalo, so right off the bat I know we’re going to have a good time.

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FAQs About Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Show

Do you still have to eat with your hands at Dolly Parton’s Stampede?

Nope!

If you haven’t been to Stampede in a while, they give you a fork now. That changed after COVID.

Do I need to buy Stampede Christmas tickets in advance?

I would definitely buy ahead if you’re visiting during Thanksgiving week or Christmas week. Those are some of the busiest times of the Christmas season in Branson.

Outside of those busiest holiday dates, I wouldn’t panic if you haven’t bought your tickets months in advance.

Does Dolly Parton’s Stampede have food options for allergies or dietary restrictions?

They do have alternative meal options for some dietary needs, but I haven’t personally used them.

If you need an alternative because of an allergy or dietary restriction, I would contact Stampede directly before your show so you know exactly what they can accommodate.