Branson's Tour Guide

Christmas in Branson, MO

Christmastime in Branson, MO is like no other time of year.  Not only is it a lot of fun to be here, but people on a mass scale acknowledge the true meaning of Christmas.

It seems that everywhere you look there are manger scenes, Christmas trees, and a great abundance of Christmas lights.



Branson, MO has had a rich history of being a family-friendly vacation destination for many decades.  At Branson's Tour Guide we say, "Branson Is Our Happy Place!™"



Whether you take a cruise through one of the drive-thru light parks, or just drive down the Branson Strip, it is easy to see this place LOVES Christmas.

There is a place here called The Grand Village.  I have actually heard people call it Christmas Village!  The stores and restaurants are so wonderfully decorated.

Kringles Christmas Stores and Village Treasures is open all year.  They are the largest Christmas store in this part of the country, and should be seen to fully appreciate. 

Kringles has around 100 fully decorated Christmas trees that customers shop from.  I say "around" because they are constantly changing and adding to their massive inventory. 

While at The Grand Village, be sure to allow time to visit Mel's Hard Luck Diner.  Mel's is home to Branson's Original "Singing Servers," and they are so much fun to watch and listen to.

Ozark Mountains
Just outside of Branson (5 minutes away), you will find plenty of shopping, lodging and even a huge theme park - all with the beautiful Ozark Mountains as a backdrop.

Silver Dollar City, an 1880's themed amusement park has become a national treasure and a huge drawing card for Branson.  They do more for our community than even many locals know.

Shepherd of the Hills has re-designed and re-opened their stores, play and restaurant.  They are quickly regaining their former glory, and it is a beautiful thing to see.

The Shows
What is the number one thing the majority of people come to Branson to do?   The answer is easy. 

When polled, Branson visitors consistently state that shows are what they build their Branson visit around.  Branson Shows are the foundation of our community. 

This time of year is not unlike any other when it comes to having fun at our live shows.  Branson shows and entertainment are family friendly, and we want to keep it that way.

For decades we were known for only having one type of entertainment - country and gospel music, which I personally happen to enjoy.

Today, we have a wide variety of live entertainment.  Whether you are looking for a full-scale Broadway style production, Southern Rock, Chinese Acrobats, Las Vegas style Illusionists or something else, Branson has it.

This time of year, the shows turn to a Christmas theme for either part of their production or the entire show. 

Indoor Shopping and Entertainment
This time of year, the Branson weather can be warm one day, and cold the next.  Our visitors from the north, find the weather refreshing! 

To best accommodate people, several Branson businesses have come up with year-round water parks, shopping and attractions.

We have indoor go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, movie theaters, a variety museums, and more.     

Sticks in the mud
A small, but sometimes vocal minority of people have criticized Branson for celebrating Christmas too early and making it "too commercial".  To that there is a simple explanation and solution.

Explanation   
We officially begin the Branson Christmas season on Nov. 1st.  Believe it or not, the millions of Christmas lights and decorations don't go up in a day.  

It takes time to transform our town, so every year people spot decorations going up ahead of the opening date.  Some are excited (like me), and some..."not so much."  

People from all across the nation come to Branson to celebrate the Christmas season with us.  Due to schedules and personal choices, they can't all be here on a certain day.  The window of time needs to be big enough to accommodate so many visitors. 

These visitors and the revenue they bring are vital to our local economy and the families who live and work here.  People work hard in Branson to make sure that our visitors have a good time. 

We want you to create good memories that will last the rest of your life.  

Solution
If you don't like how or when we celebrate Christmas, don't come here.  I am not speaking for any official entity, but I can say as someone who has been doing this a long time, we only want people here who love our town and want to have fun.

On the other hand, if you have never been here, we hope that you come and visit to see Branson at Christmastime seeing all of the spender for yourself.  It truly is the most wonderful time of the year

The best time to be here "with all the people" is prior to December 10th, but if you can't make it until mid-month that is ok too.

We do have stores, restaurants, entertainment, fishing and other outdoor sports open year-round. 

So if you have wondered what Branson is like for Christmas, consider this your official invitation! 

2 QUICK QUESTIONS
  • Have you been to Branson at Christmastime? 
  • What is your favorite place to visit this time of year? 

To learn more about Branson on a daily basis, please visit us on Facbook at https://www.facebook.com/BransonsTourGuide/

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Great article! Many people love the early Christmas in Branson! They come from long distances and appreciate the fact that they can be entertained and have a fun get away before they return to their home and have to start planning their own Christmas celebrations, shopping, parties, etc. There will always be those who criticize. I feel sorry for them. They are missing so much.

Jeremy said...

We have been going to Branson during the Christmas season for over 24 years. We started out going every year the weekend before Veterans Day. Now we have to work around the kids school calendar and sports schedules. So with a 2 month window, we can find a weekend that works with our schedule.

Of course, Silver Dollar City is a must, but we also enjoy just driving through the strip looking at all the decorations.

Unknown said...

I can't remember a time we didn't visit Branson at Christmas time. Silver Dollar City because they have millions of lights.

Georgia Beck said...

Oh, Christmas in Branson is truly magical! All the lights, trees and decorations make me so full of joy! Besides enjoying some wonderful Christmas shows I always have to go to SDC atleast twice and usually get a season pass for the drive through light displays so I can drive through whenever I am in town in the evening.
I wish people would have the Christmas spirit all year long...oh what a wonderful thing that would be.
As for the bah humbugs, stay home.... we don't need that negativity in Branson!
Andy Williams was right... it is the most wonderful time of the year!!!