Christmas in Branson: The Ultimate Holiday Getaway in the Midwest
There’s something truly magical about Branson, Missouri during the holiday season; the way the lights twinkle, the smell of hot cocoa and kettle corn in the air, and the pure joy that radiates from every attraction and show. It’s no wonder Branson has been named one of the best Christmas towns in America. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or planning a festive couples’ getaway, this Ozark mountain town is the perfect place to make holiday memories.
Where to Stay in Branson
The Ozarker Lodge
This is our family’s top pick for where to stay this holiday season! The Ozarker is a cozy, family-friendly boutique lodge tucked in the heart of Branson, with warm mountain-modern décor, a coffee bar, and the most festive holiday touches. From the firepits to the on-site s’mores kits, every corner is Instagram worthy, and will get you in the holiday spirit from the moment you wake up. Plus, I love that they offer rooms that sleep 6! Perfect for families like us who need just a little more room!
✨ They are currently running a huge Black Friday Sale- check it out! And make sure to use my code MIDWESTTRAVELMAMA for an additional 5% off your stay!
Big Cedar Lodge
If you’re dreaming of a more luxurious Christmas getaway, check out Big Cedar Lodge. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, this resort transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, complete with twinkling lights, festive décor, and so many family activities that capture the spirit of the season.
Vacation Rentals
For larger families or those needing a little more space, Branson has an amazing selection of vacation rentals to choose from. Enjoy lakeview cabins or downtown condos decked out for the holidays.
What to Do in Branson at Christmas
Silver Dollar City
It’s no surprise that you will find Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas” at the top of any must-see holiday list in the Midwest. With over 6.5 million lights, live holiday shows, and the spectacular Christmas in Midtown light display, this is one of the most magical Christmas attractions in the country. Sip hot cocoa, ride the coasters under the lights, and catch the Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Parade; it’s pure holiday joy and will make the most magical holiday memories for your family.
Want more information on this can’t miss attraction? Check out my full guide to visiting Silver Dollar City during the holidays.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Show
Step into a snow-globe world of holiday cheer at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas show, where 32 magnificent horses, live music, and festive performances take center stage. Watch as the North Pole and South Pole face off in a friendly rivalry, marvel at life-sized toys that come to life, and enjoy a delicious four-course feast while Santa makes his grand entrance in a horse-drawn sleigh! This was a hit with my whole family, and we had so much fun! This definitely needs a spot on your holiday itinerary.
Titanic Museum Attraction
The Titanic Museum becomes even more breathtaking at Christmas, with twinkling lights and décor that reimagine what a Titanic voyage might have looked like during the holidays. You will receive a boarding pass with the name of an actual Titanic passenger, and as you explore recreated rooms like the Grand Staircase, you’ll discover the stories behind the ship and its people, all beautifully tied to the season’s spirit of reflection and remembrance.
Fritz’s Adventure Park
For families needing an indoor adventure to balance out the chilly weather, Fritz’s Adventure Park is the perfect spot. With climbing walls, ziplines, tunnels, and slides, it’s an all-ages playground where kids can burn off some energy.
Wolfe Mountain Snow Tubing
Spend the afternoon snow tubing down Wolfe Mountain’s Snowflex tubing hill. This 400 foot long hill is the perfect adventure for the whole family. It operates all year round, so you don’t need snow for this unique adventure.
Shepherd of the Hills North Pole Adventure
This iconic Branson adventure park goes all out during the holiday season, and definitely cannot be missed. Spend your afternoon exploring the family friendly activities, meeting Santa, walking through the holiday displays, and taking a hayride through the magical lights.
- Use code MTM10 for 10% off your tickets!
Branson Showboat Belle Christmas Breakfast
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind morning on Table Rock Lake with the Showboat Branson Belle Christmas Breakfast Cruise. Savor a hearty breakfast, listen to live Christmas music, and take in panoramic lake views as the boat glides through the Ozarks.
Top of the Rock Nature at Night Tour
After sunset, head to Top of the Rock for the Nature at Night light tour, where you drive a golf cart through stunning illuminated pathways surrounded by waterfalls, caves, and magical Christmas displays. This is a truly unforgettable holiday experience
*Note that tickets sell out quickly to this event! If you can’t score Nature at Night tickets, the tour is still really neat during daytime hours!
Drive Thru Holiday Lights
Trail of Lights at Shepard of the Hills
This 2.5 mile display is Branson’s longest running drive-thru light display, and is well worth the $30/carload. Your kids will all the unique displays, from Under the Sea to Santa and his Reindeer. Running nightly through January 3rd, from 5-10pm.
Let There be Lights!
A 2-mile drive-thru light display located at the Promise Land zoo, you will catch tons of fascinating holiday displays, as well as a few glimpses of the zoo animals. Open nightly through January 4th from 5-11pm. Cost is $30/carload for up to 6 people, or $45 for 7+ passengers.
Home for the Holidays
Another unique drive through light display located at Big Cedar Lodge, this one is full of stunning holiday lights and decor, and will leave everyone mesmerized. Grab smores or hot cocoa to enjoy during your drive. Open nightly through December 31st from 5-10pm. Cost is $35/carload.
Branson’s Lights of Joy
This one mile drive thru show features over 250 displays, with thousands of twinkling lights enjoyed from the warmth of your car. If you visit on the weekends, don’t miss a visit with Santa and a cup of cocoa. Open nightly through December 31st, from 5-11pm. Cost is $25/weekday and $30 on the weekends.
Where to Eat in Branson
The Yard Milkshake Bar
If you have a sweet tooth like me, you have to stop here for one of their themed milkshakes. They are so over-the-top, you won’t even want to eat them! During the holidays, you can expect fun options like peppermint, gingerbread, and Little Debbie Tree Cake, piled high with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Mel’s Hard Luck Diner
A Branson staple, this over the top diner is fun all times of year, but especially during the holidays. At Mel’s Hard Luck Diner, the servers double as singers, serenading you with Christmas tunes while you enjoy diner-style comfort food. It’s quirky, fun, and full of heart, plus the food is great.
Cakes & Cream Fifties Diner
This fun, fifties style diner is decked out in holiday decor, and offers quick, delicious and cheap food- perfect for a jam packed holiday weekend in Branson. They offer burgers, pizza by the slice, and tons of dessert options.
Why You’ll Love Branson at Christmas
There’s truly no place that captures the magic of Christmas quite like Branson. Whether you’re sipping cocoa under millions of twinkling lights, watching the kids’ faces light up during Rudolph’s parade at Silver Dollar City, or cozying up by the fire at The Ozarker, it’s a destination that feels like stepping into a real-life Christmas story. It’s time to make Branson your next holiday tradition.
