Updated November 27th, 2023

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Are you wondering what to do in Branson at Christmas? You need to to have yourself an Old Time Silver Dollar City Christmas! Silver Dollar City is a theme park in Branson, Missouri. While it has over 40 rides, it has much more to offer than just high flying thrills. Even if you don’t plan on trying out any rides, you should still spend a day at the park. November and December are the perfect months to visit Silver Dollar City because of all the Christmas festivities and lights. Continue reading to find out everything there is to do, see, and eat to celebrate Christmas in Silver Dollar City.

An Old Time Silver Dollar City Christmas

Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular 

The Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City are truly spectacular. While the whole park is lit up with over 6.5 million lights, the lights in Midtown are unbelievable. I knew they would be pretty awesome, but they exceeded my expectations. Words can’t explain the amount of lights or the effect they give. Walking through midtown at night is like walking through a bedazzled village from your favorite Christmas movie.

Silver Dollar City Christmas Tree

You can’t miss the Christmas tree at Silver Dollar City, literally and figuratively! Shortly after walking into the park you will see the stunning 8 story high tree. Don’t leave without admiring the tree at night when it is lit up and changing colors and patterns. The whole town square puts on a colorful show full of lights, music, and imagery several times each evening with the tree as the central focus.

Silver Dollar City Christmas Shows

All year round the park has a wide selection of shows included in the entrance admission. Beginning in November there are special Christmas shows, including two Broadway-style musicals.

Broadway-Style Musicals

Every year two Broadway style musicals take place for Christmas in Silver Dollar City. When I went I saw the musical version of the classic Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The production was at the Red Gold Heritage Hall, an indoor heated theater. The show included singing, dancing, sets, costumes, along with the storyline every-one knows and loves.

This year a production of “Coming Home For Christmas” takes place in the same theater. This special Silver Dollar City Christmas show is sure to be filled with music, dancing, and Christmas joy.  The long-time classic “A Christmas Carol” continues to be a favorite performance at the Opera House at Silver Dollar City as well.

For both of these shows you can buy a Show Lover’s Pass for an extra $22.60 per show. With this pass you have reserved seats for one of the shows. These are the two most popular shows in the park so if you don’t buy a pass, make sure to arrive early to ensure you find a seat. We arrived about 45 minutes ahead of time to the Red Gold Heritage Hall and found seats near the back on the far side. You can’t save seats, but you can use the restroom within the building after finding a seat. They are strict about not letting anyone else in when the seats are filled.

Frontier Fa-La-La Follies

Frontier Fa-La-La Follies is such a fun 30 minute show and very different from the other traditional musical productions. This wild west comedy show involves audience participation, singing, dancing, and lots of jokes and silliness. When we tried to go to the show the first time it was full, so like the other shows arrive early. Show Lover’s passes are also available for this show.

Other Christmas Shows at Silver Dollar City

While watching The Living Nativity performance you will be reminded of the real meaning of Christmas. Tinker Junior’s Toy Shop is an interactive children’s show. Other singers and musicians also perform daily.

Silver Dollar City Christmas Sing-Along Steam Train

The Frisco Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train takes you through the countryside of the Ozark Mountains. You see holiday lights along the way and stop out in the woods for a special Christmas story from Grandpa. In case you are wondering like I was, Grandpa is real! Other than the surprise that ‘Grandpa’ is actually sitting out in the woods all night, the best part of the train ride is the music. You are encouraged to sing along with all your favorite holiday songs as you chug around the park. The 20-minute train ride goes by way too fast.

Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Parade at Silver Dollar City

Don’t make the same mistake I did and miss the Christmas parade at Silver Dollar City. I was so bummed that I didn’t have enough time to stay for this parade full of dazzling floats, marching soldiers, holiday characters, and musical cheer. The parade travels through the park on a marked path on the ground. People find their spots on the edge of the path early.

Demonstrating Craftsmen & Shops 

The park is divided into different themed areas and designed to resemble the Ozarks in the 1880s. Instead of feeling like a theme park, Silver Dollar City truly feels like a historic city with streets and local shops. In addition to the rides, shows, and holiday attractions you will find shops and craftsmen demonstrations within each area just as you would if you were walking through an old Ozark town.

You can watch a blacksmith in action, see leather craftsmen at work, and observe how the delicious cinnamon bread (that you can smell wafting in the air) is made. The best part is that after watching a demonstration you can buy items the craftspeople made! These items make the perfect holiday gifts or treats for yourself! I like that online and in person you can learn a bit about these artisans, their history, and their work. These are skilled craftspeople, not just high school students hired to work at a theme park shop!

Many of the shops, like Christmas Hollow, are full of ornaments, decorations, and holiday items. There are many fun stores if you simply enjoy looking at holiday decor and if you are shopping for some unique Christmas gifts. The Ozark Marketplace has a variety of items including food goods such as jellies, apple butters, and BBQ sauces.

Silver Dollar City Rides

By this point you may have forgotten that you are reading about a theme park, because Christmas in Silver Dollar City is full of so many other things to do! Of course you may want to check out the rides eventually. There are thrilling roller coasters and tamer children’s rides.

Food at Silver Dollar City 

Let’s not forget the food! Don’t expect your typical run of the mill theme park food. While my mom had to search for a hot dog, I was very happy to have a variety of food options. You can find everything from food stands with potato chips on a stick to sit down Christmas buffets. You can also dine with Santa. Buckshot’s Skillet Cookery made me quite happy with the hearty southern dishes like Succotash and Jambalaya.

This year there is a Christmas tasting passport which gives you five tastings throughout the park. What’s included isn’t outlined, but sounds like a fun foodie surprise to me!

And that’s how to have yourself a Silver Dollar City Christmas! As you can see Christmas in Silver Dollar City offers so many things to do. After one day in the park you will be in the holiday spirit for sure! For more ideas on what to do in Branson in December check out my Branson Christmas post. 

Visiting Information

Silver Dollar City Christmas Hours

November 4th – December 30th, 2023

The daily hours vary. Thursdays – Mondays the park opens between 11am – 1pm. It closes at 9 or 10pm.

Except for the last two weeks in December the park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is also closed December 24th and 25th.

If possible visit during the week to avoid the more crowded weekend days.

Tickets for Christmas in Silver Dollar City

One general admission ticket (discounted tickets for children), includes all the rides, attractions, and Silver Dollar City Christmas festivities. The cheapest adult ticket price for this November and December is $96.10 including tax, when purchased through GetYourGuide.

You can save by buying a two day ticket. You can also save money with a combo ticket to the park and the Showboat Branson Belle Cruise. Season passes are also available.

Daily capacity is limited so it is recommended to buy a ticket online for a specific day. Season pass holders can make reservations online as well.

Parking

There is free and paid parking. Make sure to get in the correct lane when entering the park. If you don’t it is hard to switch. The free parking is in the far left lane when entering the park and the paid parking is in the right. There are multiple parking lots and trolleys come by to take you to the admission gate for free.

Food

As I said above in the food section, it isn’t your typical theme park food so I would recommend buying food at the park. If you want to save money you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the park. I would definitely recommend bringing a water bottle with you to avoid the steep cost of bottled water in the park.

WiFi

Free WiFi is available without a password throughout the park.

Tips for Silver Dollar City Christmas

As you can tell the Christmas in Silver Dollar City celebration has a lot of things to do. On arrival pick up a newspaper that contains a map, list of restaurants, and daily show times and events. Make a plan for your day and decide what you want to see and experience the most. As mentioned above you need to arrive at the shows and parade early! The train starts running at 4pm (2pm on Saturdays) and there is usually a long line. You may want to watch one show during the day and one at night. That way you have time to explore and see the park both in daylight and at night.

There are lockers within the park. If you spend all day at the park you may notice that there is a large temperature change from a sunny afternoon to a chilly evening. You might end up parking far away so it’s helpful to keep warm clothes in a locker. Also it comes in handy with any craft or store purchases.

Where to Stay Near Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City has its own campground with campsites, RV spots, trailer rentals, and cabins. A complimentary shuttle is provided to take you to the park.

If you prefer a hotel I recommend the AmericInn by Wyndham (formerly Camden Inn). It’s right off the main road in Branson and thus close to all the main attractions, restaurants and shows. Silver Dollar City is only about a 13 minute drive away. The hotel has all the amenities you need, including an indoor pool, hot daily breakfast, and nightly desserts!

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