The Best Things to Do in Branson for Christmas

The Best Things to Do in Branson for Christmas

If you’re coming to Branson for Christmas, we have some incredible options and a few that are kind of meh. Here are some of my favorites and a couple I think you can skip this season!

Showboat Branson Belle

The PJ and Santa Cruise is always fun for families, and I’ve been hearing talk that some big changes might be coming to the Belle soon. It’s still a great memory for kids and one of those classic Branson Christmas experiences that make the season special.

Top of the Rock

At Top of the Rock, you’ll ride golf carts through incredible Christmas lights, including a cave that’s completely lit up. It’s one of the most magical light experiences in Branson. Get there early and check out the museum next door because it’s included with your ticket.

Big Cedar Lodge

You don’t have to stay at Big Cedar Lodge to enjoy it! They’ve got snow tubing, an ice-skating rink, drive-through Christmas lights, and tram rides. It’s basically a winter wonderland, and you can spend a whole evening there soaking it all in.

Downtown Branson Shopping and Dining

Downtown Branson is going all out this year. If you saw how over the top they decorated for fall, wait until you see Christmas! 417 Vintage Market is always a must, and The Pie Safe and Transylvania Bakery are two spots I always tell people to visit. For dinner, Hidden Pines is absolutely stunning. It’s one of the best steaks in town, and the decorations are next level.

Snowflex

If you want to go snow tubing in Branson, head to Snowflex. We don’t get much snow here, but this is the next best thing! They’ve also got a rope course that’s super fun for kids and teens.

Silver Dollar City

Obviously Silver Dollar City is the main event. They’re always voted the number one Christmas light display in America, and it’s easy to see why. Silver Dollar City is the reason so many people come to Branson every single year, and once you see the lights, you’ll understand why!

Promised Land Zoo’s Let There Be Lights

The Promised Land Zoo has a drive-through light display and a walk-through petting zoo at the end. You can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on select nights, and if you can, do one of their VIP animal encounters. You’ll get to hang out with kangaroos, monkeys, and more. It’s such a fun family experience!

Shepherd of the Hills

Shepherd of the Hills is another one of my favorites. Their North Pole Adventure has letters to Santa, live music, s’mores, face painting, and hayrides through the lights. They’ve really stepped up their Christmas display in the last few years, and it’s become a must-do for families.

Christmas Shows

You can’t talk about Christmas in Branson without the shows! The Dean Z Christmas Show is one of my favorites with so much energy and nostalgia. The Haygoods always blow me away, and The Duttons and ReVibe both have Christmas versions that are perfect for families who love live music.

Now, Branson’s Christmas Wonderland, I’ll be honest, it’s just okay. If you’re an adult, you probably won’t love it. It’s geared more toward kids with lots of Santa and elves. So if you’ve got little ones, this might be a fun one for you. But if you’re just a couple coming for a Christmas getaway, this one might not be your thing.

Redneck Comedy Bus Tour and Light Tours

If you want something hilarious, try the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour. They take you through Branson’s lights, stop for whiskey tasting, and it’s honestly one of the funniest nights I’ve had in town.

If you want something calmer, check out VIP Tours of Branson or Branson Trolley Tours. Both are great ways to see the city and enjoy Branson’s Christmas glow without having to drive yourself.

Things I Don’t Recommend This Year

The Polar Express got new owners, and I had a ton of people message me last year with bad experiences, so I can’t recommend it this season. And sadly, Jingle Holiday in Ozark isn’t happening this year.

I still wish someone would bring something like that to Ballparks of America. It would be the perfect spot for a big Christmas festival here in Branson.

Plan Your Branson Christmas Trip

So there you have it, the good, the magical, and the ones I hope get better. While you’re here on Branson Show and Go, make sure to check out the Christmas crowd calendar, hotel deals, and discount tickets to plan your perfect Branson Christmas getaway.

And tell me in the comments, what did I leave off this list? What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson at Christmas?