Updated November 24th, 2023

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Ok, not really, but doesn’t it seem like Christmas comes earlier every year? With the way the last few years have gone, we all need a Christmas miracle! If not a Christmas miracle, then at least a fun holiday trip to anticipate!

It is time to plan your December travels. Are you curious about the best places to visit in December in the US? Experiencing the holidays in New York is a must, but there are so many other US Christmas destinations to consider. If you are looking for somewhere a little warmer and not quite as crowded as NYC, but with quality shows and attractions then you need to head to Branson, Missouri!

Branson is a small Midwestern city within the Ozark mountains of Missouri. There are a lot of hiking opportunities and scenic places to explore nearby. While the city itself is small with a population of less than 12,000 you would never believe it because there are so many different things to do in Branson at Christmas time and throughout the holiday season. The city is home to over 100 shows! Start planning your perfect Branson Christmas vacation today! 

The Perfect Branson Christmas Vacation

Things to do in Branson at Christmas Time

Have an Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is a theme park right outside of Branson. Before you cross off Silver Dollar City from your list of Branson Christmas attractions you should know that the park is much more than rides. In addition to over 40 rides, the 1880s style theme park has shows, historic craft demonstrations, 18 unique restaurants, a gigantic underground cave, tons of shops and so much more. The park really doesn’t seem like your typical amusement park either. With the old-fashioned feel and the impressive themes in all the different areas you feel like you are transported to a different time and place.

If that isn’t enough, Silver Dollar City becomes a winter wonderland at Christmastime. Over 6.5 million holiday lights are added to the park with 1.5 million of them within the walk through Midtown light spectacular. There is a giant Christmas tree, a holiday parade, and Broadway style Christmas productions.

When I was in Branson in December I spent about 8 hours at Silver Dollar City and didn’t have enough time to see and do everything. Read more about Silver Dollar City at Christmas.

Don’t Miss Out, Buy Silver Dollar City Tickets Today!

See a Spectacular Branson Christmas Show

Andy William’s Ozark Mountain Christmas

My mom always dreamt of seeing Andy Williams perform in Branson. Unfortunately he is no longer alive so that is not possible. I did the next best thing, I bought my mom tickets to Andy William’s Ozark Mountain Christmas show in his former theater. The Christmas show with the Lennon Sisters and Nathan Osmond is a tribute to Andy Williams. Despite not knowing who the Lennon Sisters were, I absolutely loved the show. It’s a huge quality performance filled with singing and dancing.

One of my favorite parts was the large segment by the illusionist Rick Thomas. Last winter he was named the world’s best illusionist. He proves it in this show. I couldn’t stop talking about how amazed I was and how determined I am to figure out how does he do it??

Unfortunately the Lennon sisters are no longer performing in this spectacular Branson Christmas show, but the Andy Williams Christmas show continues to put on a wonderful family-friendly variety show. Every year different performers and musicians carry on the traditions of the show. The combination of stories, big dance & song numbers, illusionist acts, and funny jokes makes it one of the best Christmas shows in Branson for all ages.

Purchase Andy Williams Christmas Show Tickets before they are gone!

The Haygoods 

I haven’t had a chance to see the Haygoods perform yet, so I will let my fellow blogger and friend Kiana from Off the Rock Adventures recommend this one! 

One of the reasons we keep going back to Branson is to see The Haygoods perform (seriously, they’re that good). Here’s a little more info about them if you have never heard of them. The Haygood family has been performing in the Branson area for over 30 years. The five brothers and one sister all performed together at thousands of shows at Silver Dollar City before moving their show to the Branson Strip.

They’ve been at the Clay Cooper Theatre since 2014 and have put together an amazing show filled with all kinds of entertainment. Together, the six siblings who perform together now play over 20 musical instruments – yes, 20! If you’ve ever wanted to see the harp being played with a light show happening simultaneously, this is the show for you. Want to see a banjo and fiddle duel? They’ve got that for you, too. Humor, charm, beautiful voices? All of that, and more.

You’ve honestly got to see them in person to understand. And… they have one of the best Christmas shows in Branson. I would love to go see it.

Buy The Haygoods Show Tickets before they sell out!

More Branson Christmas Shows

• Clay Cooper’s Country Express Christmas Show: Tickets
• The Dutton Show: Tickets
• Christmas Wonderland: Tickets

Take a Trip on the Showboat Branson Belle Christmas Cruise

If you are in Branson at Christmas take a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle. Dinner, entertainment, and scenic lake views are all included on the cruise. Once on-board you are taken to your table where you will shortly be served a 3-course meal before you enjoy a show. During the holidays the main show is a Christmas variety show with singing, dancing, comedy, magic, and more. There is also a Santa’s Pancakes & PJ cruise this time of year.

At the end of the cruise you have time to wander on the outdoor decks and enjoy the views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains. Before or after boarding visit the gift and clothing shops on land.

Reserve your Showboat Tickets Today!

Take a Walk around Table Rock Lake

Another way to enjoy views of Table Rock Lake, while getting exercise is to take a walk on the paved path that runs alongside the lake. You can park and start from the Dewey Short Visitor Center (closed in winter) or from the parking lot of the Table Rock State Park park office. It’s about a mile walk one way between the two. Put either of those into google to find directions. Both have restrooms that are open year-round.

The Showboat Branson Belle is on the trail about half-way in between. You can also start and park there. The walk is mostly flat and very easy. It offers great views of the lake and some woodsy scenery. Plus it’s a nice diversion from the other Branson Christmas activities.

Visit Historic Downtown Branson

If you have extra time, head to Downtown Branson. Sparky, the free trolley, will take you around the area. Our driver gave us a bit of information, but the trolley is mostly used for transportation and not really a tour. The downtown isn’t that big so you can easily walk to all the shops. If you only visit one shop go to Dick’s 5 & 10 old-fashioned variety store. It’s the perfect place to do some holiday shopping. You can find old-fashioned candy, retro toys, home decor items, and much more. The store is large and usually packed with people.

A few attractions are also located downtown such as the Branson Centennial Museum. It is a free museum that explains how Branson came to be the city it is today. There are rotating exhibits on other topics, such as the stars and entertainers that have called Branson home.

Free public restrooms can be found in several locations downtown.

Ride the Branson Polar Express

Another one of the best Branson Christmas attractions is the Branson Scenic Railway. From downtown hop aboard and head into the Ozark Mountains on a beautiful train journey.

At Christmastime put on your pajamas and jump aboard the polar express! This special seasonal train ride is designed to resemble the experience from The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, the classic children’s book that was made into a movie. It’s a great holiday activity if you are in Branson at Christmas time with children.

Book Your Ride on the Polar Express!

Where to Eat in Branson at Christmas Time

Lambert’s

A Branson Christmas vacation is not complete without some really good food. After I returned from Branson I probably drove my family and friends crazy by how much I raved about Lambert’s. Lambert’s is actually about 30 minutes outside of Branson in Ozark, MO. It’s on the way to Branson if you are coming from the north and definitely worth the drive even if you aren’t.

You know how most gimmicky, touristy restaurants often don’t have the best food? That is not the case with Lambert’s. The food is definitely worth writing home about. The menu consists of southern country down-home favorites such as fried chicken, pork chops, and catfish. The sides, called pass arounds, come with the food and are also passed around. There’s nothing I love more than more good food being continuously offered at the table. The portions are huge to start and then with unlimited pass arounds you are seriously doing something wrong if you don’t leave stuffed…… Oh and the catfish was the best I have ever had!

AND don’t forget about the rolls! The restaurant’s tagline comes from them of course, “the home of the throwed roll”. I should warn you, the tag line is given for a reason. The rolls will literally be thrown at you! Thus, giving Lambert’s the full package of a tasty and entertaining meal!

For years I have heard about Lambert’s from one of my aunts & uncles. It was so hyped up to me, it was almost a mythical place. It turns out Lambert’s is the real deal!

Danna’s Bar-B-Que & Burger Shop

I can’t write about Danna’s without giving a longing sigh first. I am always on the search for the best BBQ in the US and Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop surpassed my expectations. This casual restaurant where you order at the counter is located about 15 minutes from downtown Branson. The service was some of the friendliest and quickest we received on our trip.

The food is the real reason I am telling you that you will regret it if you don’t go to Danna’s. The tender pork with the house BBQ sauces on it was scrumptious. All the main dishes are served with fries, coleslaw, baked beans, and a Memphis roll. I still can’t say what makes a Memphis roll a Memphis roll, but all you need to know is that I have been dreaming about them every-since my first bite at Danna’s. I’ve said this once before in a separate blog post, but I don’t like fries. Who knows what they did to the fries here, but it is the 2nd time in my life I can honestly say I liked the fries.

Then there was the pecan pie. I’m not a fan of pecan pie, but the pie was so good that I had to try more than my intended “I’ll just have one bite”. The crust……I could have eaten that crust with nothing on it.

Basically if even the foods I don’t typically like taste amazing, you know it is a good place to eat!

Where to Stay in Branson in December

Camden Hotel & Conference Center

AmericInn by Wyndham (formerly the Camden Hotel) is the perfect place to stay during your Branson Christmas vacation. The hotel is only a couple of minutes drive from 76, the main road through Branson with a lot of the shows and attractions.

All the amenities you could need are available in the hotel including a nice indoor pool! Not only is there a free hot breakfast included, but there are free nightly desserts as well! I had a super tasty cobbler one night during my stay. If the hotel desserts don’t suit your fancy, there is a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop just up the road.

Book Your Stay at the AmericInn today!

Musicland Kampground 

Camping, van life, and RV travel has become so popular in the last couple years. I haven’t given full-time RV life a try yet, but Kiana has lived in a travel trailer for months and will tell you about a great campground in Branson. 

When we stayed in Branson, we were living on the road in our travel trailer. Finding a place to stay in our trailer was, thankfully, easier than we thought it would be and we instantly fell in love with the place we chose: Branson Musicland Kampground.

Every employee we met was amazing and our site was a good size and surrounded by trees. Both times we stayed in the same site, at the top of the campground, right behind the Titanic… well, Titanic-shaped museum, that is. The major perk of that location is that it’s walking distance to the Strip where all the action is, such as a bunch of fun concerts – that you get a discount on just for staying at Musicland! There are a ton of other places to stay in Branson, but we truly feel that we found the best spot and we’ll keep going back.

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