What’s Open on Christmas Day in Branson, Missouri

You do not want to get stuck eating gas station food on Christmas Day when you’re vacationing in Branson, Missouri.

Because nothing says Merry Christmas like being stressed, hungry, and blaming each other.

This guide is going to help you avoid ruining Christmas over food while visiting Branson at Christmas.

I’m breaking this down into two categories.

Places you can purchase a meal to take back to your hotel or Airbnb and heat up.

And places you can actually go sit down and eat on Christmas Day in Branson.

Before we start, quick reality check. You have to call ahead or check social media before you go anywhere. Most restaurants open on Christmas Day in Branson will have limited menus, special holiday hours, and some require reservations. Even with a reservation, you may still have to wait because Branson is extremely busy over Christmas break.

Pack your patience. Nobody wants a Christmas Karen. Unless your name is actually Karen, then we’re cool.

If waiting is not your jam on Christmas Day, let’s talk food to go.

Country Mart on the north side of Branson will have individually packaged meals you can take back to your hotel room and heat up.

If you want the full Christmas dinner spread for your Airbnb oven, Price Chopper on the Branson strip takes orders. Billy Gail’s and Bob Evans also take pre orders for pickup.

Now pay attention to this part. Out West is what I call the trifecta of barbecue. These places get incredible reviews and are popular options for Christmas meals in Branson.

Old 76 Smokehouse

Pop’s Smoke Shack

Come and Take It Barbecue

They will be smoking meats and selling sides, but if you wait until Christmas Eve to call them, they will say no. You need to call ahead.

And please remember this. Christmas dessert does not magically appear like Santa.

We do not have bakeries in Branson that I think are spectacular and open on Christmas Day, so you must plan ahead.

There is a dessert company called Ninety Nine and the One. She makes incredible homemade desserts and delivers. She once made me a blueberry pie for Thanksgiving and even made a dog friendly cake for a dog’s birthday. Text her at 785-408-6868 for menu and pricing.

You can also order ahead from Tiers by Stephanie in Hollister and pick up a day or two before Christmas.

Now let’s talk sit down restaurants open on Christmas Day in Branson.

Most resorts will have their restaurants open, and you do not have to be staying there to eat.

Grand Country will have their buffet open, and this is one of the few places that usually does not require reservations.

The Château will have a special Christmas meal. I do not normally suggest eating there, but their holiday meals are fantastic.

Big Cedar will have Devil’s Pool and Worman House open. At Top of the Rock, Arnie’s and Osage will be open.

At Branson Landing, restaurants like Waxy O’Shea’s, Big Whiskey’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Saltgrass will be open Christmas afternoon.

Around town, you will also find McFarlain’s, Billy Gail’s, Shepherd’s Grill at Shepherd of the Hills, Level 2 Steakhouse if you want to get fancy, Little Hacienda for Mexican food, Indian Clay Oven, and the original Outback Steakhouse serving Christmas dinner.

Call ahead. Check hours. Confirm reservations.

Send this to the person planning your Branson vacation and tell them to save it so you don’t ruin Christmas over food.