Best Things To Do In Branson At Christmas The Whole Family Will Love

Christmas in Branson

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Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by Lori

While Branson, Missouri is a great place to visit any time of year, if you haven’t experienced Christmas in Branson, you’re missing out on making some wonderful new Christmas traditions for you and your family.

Here are the top things to do in Branson at Christmas that the entire family will love!

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Where To Spend Christmas In Branson

There are so many things to do in Branson during Christmas – from Christmas light displays and live musical Christmas shows to Christmas shopping and spreading Christmas cheer – Branson seems to come alive during the Christmas season.

When I was young, we spent many family vacations in Branson. At the time, there were just a handful of live music and comedy shows, Silver Dollar City amusement park, and swimming and boating on Table Rock Lake.

Today, Branson has over 100 shows and is a year-round destination for all ages.

This past summer, our family visited Branson and found so many things to do that we decided to return to Branson to see all the Christmas festivities!

Related Reading: Top Things To Do In Branson All Ages Will Love!

You might be thinking, “Can’t you see everything you need to see in just one visit to Branson?”

I have found that there is always a musical variety show you haven’t seen, a winery you might have missed, a restaurant you ran out of time to try, or just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

And, now, having experienced all the Branson Christmas attractions, well it’s something you just can’t miss!

Our Favorite Things To Do In Branson At Christmas

Kringles Christmas Shop

Grand Village Shops
2800 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Open M-Th 10-6; Fri & Sat 10-7; Closed Sundays

Entrance to Kringles Christmas Shop Branson Mo
Kringles Christmas Shop Branson, Missouri. Photo by L. Andrews

Have you ever seen 9,000 sq. ft. of Christmas? Kringle’s gift shop is the largest year-round Christmas store in Missouri.

As I stepped into the store, I was a little overwhelmed with just how much Christmas there is to see! I didn’t know which way to look first.

The Christmas decorations were beautiful!

Kringles Christmas Shop Branson Christmas Trees
Christmas Tree Displays At Kringles Christmas Tree Shop, Branson, MO. Photo by L. Andrews

I first concentrated on the various Themed Christmas trees. There are over 100 themed trees in the store – trees decorated with ornaments for transportation, dogs, occupations, sports teams…and on and on.

100 Themed Christmas Trees in Kringles Christmas Shop Branson
Themes Christmas Trees Inside Kringles Christmas Tree Shop. Photo by L. Andrews

And, if you love Nativity sets – they had those too. They were absolutely beautiful!

Nativity Sets Inside Kringles Christmas Store
Beautiful Nativity Sets At Kringles Christmas Shop In Branson. Photo by L. Andrews

Stop by the Grand Village Shops to do some Christmas shopping – or at least to see all the beautiful Christmas displays at Kringles!

Grand Village Shops Branson Missouri
Grand Village Shops In Branson, Missouri. Photo by L. Andrews

Dick’s 5 & 10 Store

Located in Historic Downtown Branson
103 Main Street
Branson, MO 65616

Entrance to Dicks 5 & 10 Store Branson Mo
Dick’s 5 & 10 Shop in Branson, Mo. Photo by L. Andrews

No trip to Branson is complete without visiting one of the last Five and Ten Stores in America! Since 1961, Dick’s 5 & 10 has been open in Branson.

The store has grown to a 10,000 sq ft store with over 250,000 items – and a candy aisle that you can’t believe (My favorite aisle to visit!)

Candy Emporium At Dicks 5 & 10 Shop Branson
Dick’s 5 & 10 Candy Aisle in Branson Mo. Photo by L. Andrews

During Christmas, Dick’s 5 & 10 has an entire aisle dedicated to Christmas items. I purchased several Christmas ornaments that I just love!

You have to see and experience this old-time Christmas tradition in Branson!

Pro Tip: There is FREE parking in a parking lot behind the store! No need to drive around searching for street parking.

Showboat Branson Belle

4800 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616

Showboat Branson Belle boarding area
Showboat Branson Belle. Photo by M. Knight

As many times as we have been to Branson, we had never been on the Showboat Branson Belle. We loved it so much and were happy that we didn’t miss it!

The Branson Belle is also known as America’s Most Entertaining Christmas Cruise!

Lobby area of Showboat Branson Belle at Christmas
The lobby of Showboat Branson Belle. Photo by L. Andrews

There are two types of tickets you can purchase:

General Seating: A banquet-style seating that comes with a standard 3-course meal.

Captain’s Club: Priority boarding begins 1 hour before cruise time and includes a selection from the Captain’s Premium menu.

Stage of Showboat Branson Belle
The stage for the Christmas Show at Showboat Branson Belle. Photo by L. Andrews

We decided to purchase the Captain’s Club tickets for our family, which turned out to be the best thing for my elderly father, who has trouble walking distances.

We got to the dock area about an hour before cruise time and only had to sit a few minutes before the Captain’s Club ticket holders were called to board.

We did not have to stand in the long general boarding line. After taking our premium seats, our waitress came to take our order. We had a very nice selection for dinner with all of us opting for the Rib Eye. And the desserts were delicious too!

The Showboat Branson Belle is a great way to see Table Rock Lake and is a must-see while in Branson at Christmas!

Branson Belle docked at night during Christmas
Showboat Branson Belle Docked At Night During Christmas. Photo by M. Knight

Sight & Sound Theater

1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expy
Branson, MO 65616
800-377-1277

Sight and Sound Theater Entrance With Large Christmas Tree Branson Mo
Branson’s Sight & Sound Theater Entrance at Christmas. Photo by M. Knight

When we visited Branson in the summer, one activity on our to-do list was to see the live performance of “Jesus” at Sight & Sound Theater.

These live theatrical productions are like no other show in Branson with live animals, and amazing singers telling one of the stories from the Bible.

We saw that during Christmas, the show would be Miracle of Christmas. We decided then that our family would return to see this show during the Holidays.

Inside the Sight & Sound Theater Branson For Miracle of Christmas
Miracle of Christmas Show At Sight & Sound Theater, Branson, Missouri. Photo by L. Andrews

Pro-Tip – Purchase your tickets early! Shows almost always sell out at the Sight & Sound Theater!

During Christmas, the fountain is replaced by this beautiful Christmas tree. The show is one of the best shows we’ve seen in Branson.

Lighted Christmas Tree Outside Sight And Sound Theater Branson
Lighted Christmas Tree Outside Branson’s Sight & Sound Theater. Photo by M. Knight

Shows at Sight & Sound Theater change every two years. There are two theaters – the original theater in Lancaster, PA, and in 2008, they opened the theater in Branson.

Don’t miss seeing a show at the Sight & Sound Theater!

Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour

150 Top of the Rock Rd
Ridgedale, MO

Entrance at Top of the Rock Branson Decorated For Christmas
Entrance to Top of the Rock Branson, Mo. Photo by L. Andrews

If you want to see the beauty of the Ozarks, one of the best ways to see it is on a golf cart tour through Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail.

The two-and-a-half mile golf cart ride takes you into the Bat Cave (where you can stop for a drink!), view amazing waterfalls, covered bridges, and panoramic views of Table Rock Lake.

We took the Top of the Rock Golf Cart tour in the summer, but I wanted to see what the views were like in the winter, so I added it to our Christmas in Branson itinerary!

Pro-Tip: There is a $10 charge (credit card ONLY) to enter Top of the Rock. So be prepared!

Taking The Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour In The Winter

Not knowing how cold it would be on a golf cart, we dressed for winter, and away we went!

We were happy to see the golf carts had covers on them with zippers that you could either close all the way or, as I did, left my side open so I could take photos.

Enclosed golf carts at Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour Branson
My dad in the driver’s seat and my mom in the back of the enclosed golf cart on the Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour Branson. Photo by L. Andrews

The covers did a great job keeping the wind out. We happened to get a nice sunny day (for the winter time), but when we returned to have dinner at Big Cedar Lodge, we saw many people enjoying the golf cart tour in the heavy rain as well!

Waterfall at Top of the Rock Branson
One of the many Waterfalls you’ll find on the Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour. Photo by M. Knight

During the holidays, Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail is lined with lights for Christmas time! There are polar bears and even Rudolph and Santa are high above the Bat Cave!

Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour is fun for the entire family and you can take the tour all year round. They only close for ice and light

Here’s more information about Top of the Rock and their new Lost Canyon Christmas Cart Tour.

FlyRide

Located at Beyond The Lens!
3115 W 76 Country Blvd
Branson, MO 65616

Entrance to FlyRide in Branson Missouri
Entrance to FlyRide Branson, Mo. All Ages will love this! Photo by L. Andrews

One of the attractions we missed in the summer that I knew my parents would enjoy was FlyRide. It is a ride with full-motion seats that dip, turn and soar. Depending on the show you choose, you may also get spritzed with a little bit of water too!

For the holiday season, you can choose between The Polar Express – Journey To The North Pole or Flight Across America.

Take Flight Across America on FlyRide Branson Mo
Take Flight Across America on FlyRide Branson, Mo. Photo by L. Andrews

We chose Flight Across America, which took us to National Parks and other well-known iconic landmarks in America.

We loved it! If you’re looking for things to do in Branson for adults – FlyRide is one Branson attraction to add to your list!

Beyond the Lens Branson Missouri
FlyRide is located inside Beyond The Lens, Branson, Missouri. Photo by L. Andrews

Ozark Hills Winery

601 State Highway 165
Branson, MO 65616

Wine Tasting at Ozark Hills Winery Branson
Stop For Wine Tasting At Ozark Hills Winery Branson, Mo. Photo by L. Andrews

Since the history of moonshine runs deep in the Ozarks, you might be interested in stopping at Ozark Hills Winery to take a tour of Whiskey Jack’s Moonshine Still Museum!

Whiskey Jacks Museum At Ozark Hills Winery Bransonb
Entrance To Whisky Jack’s Moonshine Museum. Photo by L. Andrews

This trip to the Ozarks wouldn’t be complete without going to a winery in Branson. I decided to add Ozark Hills Winery because of the interesting online description of the Moonshine Still Museum.

Tours are free, and tastings are $5 per person; however, if you purchase a bottle of wine after the tasting, the $5 fee is waived.

Wine Display at Ozark Hills Winery Branson Missouri
Wines at Ozark Hills Winery. Photo by M. Knight

We only had to wait a few minutes in the lobby area of the winery before Dalton came to get us for the tour and tasting. While waiting, we checked out the cute displays of wines and this awesome truck on display!

Truck on display at Ozark Hills Winery Branson
Truck on display at Ozark Hills Winery. Photo by M. Knight

Dalton was well-informed not only about the history of the Ozarks and moonshining, but he was also very informative about the wines we chose to taste.

Tour Guide Dalton giving a tour of Moonshine Museum at Ozark Hills Winery
Tour Guide Dalton at Ozark Hills Winery. Photo by M. Knight

Their wines have fun unique names such as Laugh Until You Pinot Grigio, and Bestie Brunch Moscato – just two of the favorites that we tasted!

If you love wine tastings, you’ll want to make a stop at Ozark Hills Winery!

Pink Jeep Tour Adventure

3310 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616

Pink Jeep Adventure Tours Branson
Take a Pink Jeep Christmas Tour In Branson! Photo by L. Andrews

You’ve probably heard of the Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona, AZ, but did you know they are now in Branson, Missouri?

The Pink Adventure Tours in Branson opened in April 2022 with several different tours to choose from.

Pink Jeep Tour in Branson
Pink Jeep Tours in Branson. Photo by L. Andrews

We decided to take the new Branson Christmas Tour one evening.

Pro-Tip: While the jeeps are enclosed, be sure to take extra blankets because although the Jeep is enclosed and the heat is on, those riding in the back of the Jeep were still cold!

We saw many families carrying blankets and wished we had done the same!

The one-hour tour takes you to the privately-owned
Baird Mountain. The owner hand-cut metal scenes and placed the up the drive to the top of the mountain.

At the top were a traditional Ozark cabin decorated for Christmas and the tallest nativity scene in the state of Missouri.

Thoughts about the Pink Jeep Tour

We loved the idea of this tour. While waiting for your tour to begin, they served hot apple cider – which was very delicious! The Pink Jeep was decked out for Christmas with a wreath on the front and Christmas lights hanging inside for a bit of light.

We were a little disappointed that there weren’t more lights lining the roadway up the mountain; however, as more and more lights are added each year, I think this tour will grow into something that will become a Christmas Tradition in Branson.

Other Branson Holiday Lights Tours

The Promised Land Zoo has a huge drive-thru lights display along with a Candyland Courtyard and the VIP Yeti Express – a 45-minute Safari-bus tour through the lights and animals with one of Santa’s helpers.

Branson’s Lights of Joy is a drive-through light display near Sight & Sound Theater. The animated displays are grouped into distinct Christmas scenes such as a Christmas Safari, Santa’s Village Penguin Holiday, and the 12 Days of Christmas.

Lighted Christmas Tree At Branson Landing
Lighted Christmas Tree At Branson Landing. Photo by L. Andrews

Christmas in Branson Landing

One of the best free things to do in Branson at Christmas is to see the fountains at Branson Landing. From the holiday tree to Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops, there’s nothing more festive than to see the lights at Branson Landing at Christmas.

Bass Pro Shops Christmas Light Display Branson Landing
Christmas Light Display At Bass Pro Shops Branson Landing. Photo by L. Andrews

Big Cedar Lodge

If you’re looking for a nice resort experience while staying in Branson, Big Cedar Lodge has everything you’re looking for! Set on 4,600 acres, the resort is known as America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, created the rustic luxurious resort for families so they could enjoy the great outdoors.

You can choose to stay in a cabin, cottage, or Lodge and dine in one of their many restaurants.

Chapel at Top of the Rock Branson Mo
Beautiful Chapel At Top of the Rock Branson, Mo. Photo by M. Knight

There are also award-winning restaurants at Top of the Rock. We ate at the Osage Restaurant for Thanksgiving and it was delicious!

Top of the Rock Osage Restaurant
Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock Branson, Mo. Photo by L. Andrews

Pro-Tip: Make your reservations early if you want to dine in any of the restaurants at Big Cedar Lodge or Top of the Rock!

Other Branson Attractions At Christmas You Won’t Want To Miss

Branson Ferris Wheel
3345 W 76 Country Blvd
Branson, MO 65616

Branson Ferris Wheel
Branson Ferris Wheel during the summer. Photo by L. Andrews

You can see the Branson Ferris Wheel from a distance as it lights up the sky in Branson. With its 16,000 LED lights, the 240-person Ferris Wheel has been in Branson, Missouri since 2016.

During the winter months, the Track Family Fun Parks installs a real ice skating rink under the lights of the Ferris Wheel! So, while you’re there, take the family to the ice skating rink and make it a new Christmas holiday tradition!

Branson Scenic Railway
3345 W 76 Country Blvd
Branson, MO 65616

Branson Scenic Railway
Branson Scenic Railway. Photo by L. Andrews

During the holiday season, the Branson Scenic Railway becomes The Polar Express(TM) train ride taking you on a North Pole Adventure to pick up Santa Claus.

There are cookies and hot chocolate served during the ride while the story is read. Santa visits each car handing out a special gift to passengers.

Lost Canyon Christmas Tree Top of the Rock Branson
Lost Canyon Christmas Tree At Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour, Branson, Missouri. Photo by L. Andrews

Christmas in Branson is a special time when you can make new Christmas traditions and experience all that Branson has to offer from a different view. There are so many things to do in Branson at Christmas, you’ve got to visit at least once to see for yourself!

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