15 Magical Things to Do in Branson at Christmas with Kids
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Have you ever thought about visiting Branson, Missouri during the Christmas season? If not, it’s time to add it to your holiday bucket list!
Our family has vacationed in Branson many times including two magical trips during Christmas, and I can confidently say: no place does Christmas quite like Branson.
Between the millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, and family-friendly attractions, it’s a holiday destination that feels straight out of a snow globe.
If you only have time for a few highlights, here are our top two must-see Christmas experiences in Branson:
- An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City – truly one of the most magical holiday events in the country
- Branson Landing – where the dancing Christmas tree and fountain show bring the riverfront to life
Keep reading for 15 magical things to do in Branson at Christmas, including these two favorites and more festive stops you’ll want on your list.
1. An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
If there’s only one thing you do in Branson at Christmas, make it Silver Dollar City.
This world-famous theme park completely transforms into a holiday wonderland with 6.5 million lights, an 8-story musical Christmas tree, festive parades, and live holiday shows.
🌟 Fun Fact: Silver Dollar City has been named one of the Top 10 Holiday Events in the Country by USA Today!
Be sure to:
- Stay until after dark to see the breathtaking Midtown light displays.
- Catch Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade.
- See a holiday show like A Dickens’ Christmas Carol or Tinker Jr.’s Toy Shop.
💡 Expert Tip: Silver Dollar City’s food is incredible. Plan to eat during off-peak hours and review dining options online before your visit.
👉 Read Next: Silver Dollar City Tips for Families
2. Gingerbread Houses at Chateau on the Lake (FREE)
Looking for a free Christmas activity in Branson?
Head to Chateau on the Lake to see their incredible Gingerbread Village — one of the most spectacular displays in town.
Each year, the pastry team creates an elaborate gingerbread masterpiece complete with houses, churches, and tiny candy-covered details that look straight out of a storybook. It’s truly worth a stop!
Our kids loved spotting all the intricate details, and even our youngest was mesmerized by the colorful designs.
The hotel lobby feels warm and festive, and there’s even a Home Alone-inspired nativity scene that makes for a fun surprise.
If you’re looking for something low-key yet magical between bigger attractions, this is the perfect stop to add to your Branson Christmas itinerary.
Still deciding on lodging for your Branson Christmas getaway? This post on where to stay in Branson with kids breaks down hotels vs. vacation rentals and what really matters.
3. Branson Landing (FREE)
Branson Landing is one of our top two can’t-miss spots at Christmas!
The dancing Christmas tree and synchronized fountain and fire show on Lake Taneycomo are absolutely magical.
The kids loved dancing in front of the tree while the lights and music played.
💡 Expert Tip: Plan dinner at Branson Landing or Downtown Branson. Family favorites include Mellow Mushroom and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
And don’t skip a stop at Northwoods Candy Emporium. It’s a family favorite for sweet treats!
4. The Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum is beautiful year-round, but it’s especially magical during the holidays.
The Grand Staircase, wrapped in garland and twinkling lights, feels straight out of a Christmas movie.
If you have a Titanic aficionado in your family, this stop is a must. My oldest has been obsessed with the Titanic for years, so we made sure to visit and seeing the museum at Christmastime made it extra special.
The museum offers both adult and kids’ audio tours, and there are plenty of hands-on exhibits to keep everyone engaged.
My boys especially loved trying to walk up the slanted decks and seeing how long they could keep their hands in the icy 28-degree “Titanic water.”
5. Branson Strip (FREE)
Even a simple drive down the Branson Strip feels festive during Christmas.
The restaurants, attractions, and hotels are covered in lights—and yes, even the Chick-fil-A gets into the holiday spirit!
6. Branson’s Christmas Tree Trail (FREE)
Branson’s Christmas Tree Trail features more than 25 of the city’s largest and most beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each one uniquely themed and dazzling with holiday lights.
And across Branson as a whole, you’ll find over 700 Christmas trees on display throughout the season — talk about festive spirit!
We turned the trail into a family scavenger hunt, and my boys were all in.
We do this the same way we hunt for bear statues in Gatlinburg and fountains in Kansas City—see how many we can find and snap a photo with each one.
Fun Add-On: Turn the trail into a quick photo scavenger hunt. Have the kids spot decorations like stars, candy canes, nutcrackers, ribbons, and angels. The winner picks where to grab hot cocoa at Branson Landing!
👉 Branson’s Christmas Tree Trail Interactive Map
7. North Pole Adventure at Shepherd of the Hills
The North Pole Adventure at Shepherd of the Hills is a walk-through Christmas experience your family will love.
Activities include:
- A Christmas lights hayride
- Visits with Santa
- Petting zoo and playland
- Mini golf, photo ops, and live nativity
💡 Must-Know: The Trail of Lights drive-thru is a separate experience, so plan time for both if you can.
Be sure to check the hours and pricing on the website before your visit.
8. Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar Lodge is breathtaking during the holidays. Think twinkling trees, cozy fires, and festive family activities like:
- Ice skating
- Holiday tram tours
- Gingerbread house workshops
- Visits from Santa
- And so much more!
If it’s open, don’t miss the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. This self-guided golf cart tour is one of our favorite things to do near Branson year-round.
9. Snowflex Tubing at Wolfe Mountain
For some outdoor fun, book a Snowflex tubing adventure at Wolfe Mountain.
Kids ages 3 and up can join in, and no experience is needed—it’s pure, family-friendly fun.
💡 Expert Tip: Reserve your tubing time online before your trip—sessions sell out fast!
10. Riding a Mountain Coaster
Add a little thrill to your Branson Christmas trip by riding one of the mountain coasters:
- The Branson Coaster
- Runaway Mountain Coaster
- Copperhead Mountain Coaster at Shepherd of the Hills
We’ve tried both the Branson and Copperhead coasters, and both are worth it!
For great daytime views, ride Copperhead and visit Inspiration Tower next door.
11. Branson Ferris Wheel
The Branson Ferris Wheel (formerly located on Chicago’s Navy Pier) is stunning at night, offering views of the lights all across town.
It’s one of Branson’s most iconic Christmas photo spots.
12. Mini Golf in Branson
Branson has tons of family-friendly mini-golf courses, and many are even decorated for the holidays!
Favorites include:
- Pirates Cove Adventure Golf
- Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf
- Bigfoot Adventure Golf
- Shoot for the Stars Hollywood-themed course
Each offers unique obstacles and immersive themes kids (and adults) will love.
13. Family-Friendly Museums
Keep the holiday fun going with Branson’s interactive museums:
- Titanic Museum
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Hollywood Wax Museum
- WonderWorks
- Aquarium at the Boardwalk
Even just driving along the Branson Strip feels festive, with twinkling lights and decorated attractions all around.
14. Branson Christmas Shows
Branson’s famous shows go all out for the holidays!
Top picks include:
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Dinner Show
- A Shepherd’s Christmas Carol Dinner Show
- A Christmas Story Dinner Show
- A Dickens’ Christmas Carol at Silver Dollar City
💡 Must-Know: All shows at Silver Dollar City are included with your park admission, but seating is first-come, first-served. If you want guaranteed seats for a specific performance, you can purchase a Show Lover’s Pass for that show. Prices vary depending on the performance.
15. Drive-Through Christmas Light Displays
End your trip with a Branson light display drive. This is the perfect way to soak in the magic before heading home.
Favorites include:
- Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru
- Let There Be Lights! at Promised Land Zoo
- Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
✨ Our Top 3 Can’t-Miss Christmas Experiences in Branson
- An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
- Branson Landing
- Drive down the Branson Strip
Final Thoughts: Branson at Christmas Is Pure Magic
Branson, Missouri at Christmas is the ultimate destination for families who want a holiday that’s both magical and manageable.
From dazzling lights to family-friendly shows, it’s the perfect place to make lasting memories.
🎄 Don’t miss the best of Branson at Christmas.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Grab my free Branson Christmas Checklist and skip the guesswork.
Inside you’ll get:
• The 15 best things to do in Branson at Christmas (kid-approved)
• A clean, printable one-page checklist you can bring along
Make it magical and doable—without missing a single sparkle. ❄️
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
