The countdown to Christmas is ON in Branson, Missouri. Each year as the trick-or-treaters arrive home and the porch lights dim on Halloween night, the Ozark Mountain destination begins its impressively speedy transformation into one of America’s most Christmassy towns. November kicks off a spectacular two-month Christmas celebration filled with lights, music and joy. A Christmas destination unto itself, Branson’s lineup of Christmas events is truly something to behold, with celebrations (and lights) at literally every turn. Here are a couple of the most magical ways to take in Christmas in Branson:
Christmas Trees
With more than 1,500 Christmas trees throughout the destination, Branson has been nicknamed “America’s Christmas Tree City” since 2016. This year, the Branson Christmas Coalition will unveil “Be The Light,” a community Christmas tree adorned with nearly 10,000 genuine cut crystals and more than 20,000 lights.
Donated by Branson Centennial Museum and Aquarium at the Boardwalk, the Austrian crystals were originally part of a magnificent chandelier that hung in the theatre lobby of The Grand Palace in Branson — which has since transformed into the aforementioned aquarium. Located in the heart of Branson’s Entertainment District, in the same complex as the Branson Ferris Wheel and a seasonal Holidays on Ice Skating Rink, the 39-foot-tall “Be The Light” tree will quite literally serve as a shining beacon of what makes Branson such a special place to visit.
Both the community tree and skating rink are set to open in early November. In addition to this sparkling centerpiece, visitors can expect to see up to 60 landmark trees around town. These trees are truly one-of-a-kind and must either measure a minimum of 20 feet tall or be a display of 10 or more trees in a single location. A whopping 1,000 decorated Christmas trees at the celebrated Silver Dollar City theme park leads us to our second category.
Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas
This 1880s-style park’s “An Old Time Christmas” event features the largest concentration of lights in Branson — 6.5 million to be exact! Between November 6 and December 30, visitors can stroll among the incredible displays of twinkling lights while enjoying live holiday shows daily, including the new “Home for Christmas” Broadway-style production. Everything, including the park’s rides and attractions, is decked out for the holiday season, too.
A fan favorite is the Frisco Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train, which takes passengers on a 20-minute musical journey complete with the story of Jesus’s birth.
This year, children will be invited to share their wishes with Santa in a festive, socially-distanced setting at “Santa’s Cottage.” Each evening Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade, led by the most famous reindeer of all, winds its way through the streets of Silver Dollar City (twice each night).
About Branson, Missouri
Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains with dozens of live performance theaters; three pristine lakes; championship golf courses; an international award-winning theme park; family attractions and museums; a Historic Downtown district; shopping galore; a full range of dining options; and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, and meeting and convention facilities.
Branson is located less than one day’s drive for a third of the United States’ population. It’s also accessible via flights to the Branson Airport (BKG) and nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).