Our Top 10 Branson Activities for Christmas

There’s something about Branson during the holidays that just feels right. The whole town lights up, the shows lean into the season, and everywhere you look there’s something festive happening. If you’re planning a Christmas getaway to the Ozarks, here are our top 10 activities that make Branson the perfect holiday destination.

1. An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is incredible any time of year, but during Christmas it transforms into something truly special. We’re talking over 6.5 million lights, an eight-story Christmas tree, Broadway-style holiday shows like “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” and the new “Heart of Christmas” featuring bluegrass legend Rhonda Vincent, plus Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade (the final year in its current form before a new parade debuts in 2026). The 1880s-themed park combines thrilling rides with old-fashioned holiday charm, and the craftsmen demonstrations, festive foods, and warm atmosphere make it easy to spend the whole day here.

Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, MO 65616

2025 Schedule: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026; Generally Thursday–Monday, 1 PM – 9 PM (closed December 31 and January 1; hours vary so check the calendar)

2. Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Dinner and a show takes on a whole new meaning at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. During the Christmas season, the arena features 32 horses, talented trick riders, a live nativity scene complete with three kings riding camels, and the new “Elegance on Ice” segment where the arena transforms into a frozen wonderland with ice skaters. You’ll enjoy a four-course holiday feast while cheering on your side in some friendly North Pole vs. South Pole competition. Don’t forget to visit the Horse Walk before the show to meet the four-legged stars.

Address: 1525 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

2025 Schedule: Christmas show begins October 23, 2025; Multiple showtimes daily (typically 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM on most days, with additional matinees on busy days)

3. Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills

For over 30 years, the Trail of Lights has been a Branson Christmas tradition. This 2.5-mile drive-through winds through the 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, featuring millions of multi-colored lights and themed animated displays. The Travel Channel rated it one of the top five drive-through Christmas displays in the country. Afterward, stop by Aunt Mollie’s Mercantile for free hot cocoa through their “Cocoa for a Cause” program—all donations benefit local charities.

Address: 5586 W Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616 (enter at Tower Entrance)

2025 Schedule: November 1, 2025 – January 3, 2026; Dusk–10 PM Sun–Thu, Dusk–11 PM Fri–Sat (closes at 9 PM on New Year’s Eve)

4. Branson Landing

Shopping during Christmas is different at Branson Landing. The waterfront shops and restaurants deck themselves out for the season, and the centerpiece is a 63-foot animated LED Christmas tree in Town Square that puts on shows every 20 minutes after dark until around 10:50 PM. The famous fountain and fire show runs hourly, and you can pop into Bass Pro Shops for Santa’s Wonderland—free crafts, games, and photos with Santa. When you’re staying at Thousand Hills Resort Hotel, you’re just a short drive from the Landing’s holiday festivities.

Address: 100 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

2025 Schedule: Open daily; Mon–Thu 10 AM – 9 PM, Fri–Sat 10 AM – 9 PM, Sun 10 AM – 8 PM (hours may vary for individual stores and holidays)

5. The Polar Express Train Ride

If you’ve got kids (or you’re just a kid at heart), the Polar Express experience on the Branson Scenic Railway is pure magic. The classic story comes to life as you ride through the Ozark hills for a one-hour and fifteen-minute journey, complete with a reading of the book, hot cocoa and cookies served by dancing chefs, and Santa boarding the train to give each guest the “First Gift of Christmas”—a silver sleigh bell. Fair warning: this one sells out early, so plan ahead.

Address: 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616 (Downtown Branson Depot, across from Branson Landing)

2025 Schedule: November 13, 2025 – January 3, 2026; Select dates with multiple departure times

6. Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo

Promised Land Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland after dark with their Let There Be Lights drive-through display. Two miles of LED Christmas lights wind through 74 acres, and the experience includes the Candyland Courtyard with Cinderella’s carriage and a giant Yeti, live reindeer you can actually meet, and an exotic animal petting zoo. Tune your radio to 106.9 K-KLAUS for synchronized Christmas music as you drive through. VIP Tram Tours with Santa’s helpers include popcorn, cocoa, and animal encounters.

Address: 2751 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, MO 65616

2025 Schedule: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026; 5 PM – 11 PM nightly

7. Titanic Museum Attraction

The Titanic Museum is fascinating year-round, but during the holidays the exterior glows with over 1,500 luminaries and the interior is decorated for the season. You’ll receive a boarding pass with a real passenger’s name, climb the grand staircase built from original blueprints, touch a real iceberg, and experience history in a way that sticks with you. Over 400 authentic artifacts tell the stories of passengers and crew. It’s a nice change of pace from the lights and shows, and genuinely moving for all ages.

Address: 3235 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616

2025 Schedule: Open daily 9 AM – 7 PM (until 8 PM Fri–Sat); Closed Christmas Day

8. Christmas Shows Along the Strip

Branson is the live entertainment capital of the world, and during Christmas the theaters go all out. The Hughes Family Christmas Show and The Haygoods are local favorites that pack houses every night. Gospel concerts, variety shows, and holiday musicals run throughout the season. When you’re staying at Thousand Hills Resort Hotel, you’re just minutes from the main theater district, making it easy to catch a show and head back to relax.

Address: Various theaters along W 76 Country Blvd (The Strip), Branson, MO 65616

2025 Schedule: Most shows run November through December; Schedules vary by theater

9. Showboat Branson Belle Christmas Cruise

There’s something special about cruising Table Rock Lake while enjoying a three-course meal and live holiday entertainment. The Showboat Branson Belle’s Christmas show features talented singers, dancers, and a four-piece band performing holiday favorites alongside hits from the 60s to today. On select weekend mornings from November through December, they run “Santa’s Pancakes and PJs” cruises at 9:30 AM—breakfast, a Santa visit, and kids’ activities all while floating on the lake.

Address: 4800 MO-165, Branson, MO 65616 (near Table Rock Dam)

2025 Schedule: Christmas cruises run November and December; Santa’s Pancakes & PJs on Saturday and Sunday mornings November 9 – December 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM; Arrive 1 hour before departure

10. Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru

Rounding out our list is the Lights of Joy, a one-mile drive-through featuring over 250 displays. For 2025, they’ve installed all-new themed areas including Candy Canes and Poinsettias, Christmas in NY, Christmas Gardens, North Pole, Safari Christmas, 12 Days of Christmas, Penguin Holiday, and Dragon Kingdom. Santa visits most Friday through Sunday evenings, hot cocoa is available on weekends, and your visit supports the local KLIFE youth ministry. Bring three cans of food and save $3 on admission.

Address: 700 Expressway Lane, Branson, MO 65616 (near Sight & Sound Theatre)

2025 Schedule: November 1, 2025 – January 5, 2026; Dusk until 11 PM (value pricing Mon–Tues)

Make It a Trip to Remember

With so much to see and do, a day trip just won’t cut it. Book a stay at Thousand Hills Resort Hotel and give yourself time to experience everything Branson has to offer during the holidays. You’ll be close to all the action but have a comfortable place to unwind at the end of each day. This season, come see why Branson does Christmas like nowhere else.