Spend Christmas in Branson

Neil Sawford • December 5, 2022

Here comes the most wonderful time of the year, and if you are visiting Missouri, you should be in Branson!

This Christmas, it will be fun to spend it in Branson, where there are great shows with holiday themes, Christmas light drive-throughs, meetings with Santa, thrilling rides on the Branson roller coasters, and much more.

Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show

This is the Christmas Story from the Trail The Shepherd of the Hills' Chuckwagon Dinner Show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In the spirit of the season, the dinner show will feature performances of heartfelt Christmas music and moving poem readings.

Then take a ride along the Trail of Lights or ascend Inspiration Tower to observe the holiday displays from Santa's perspective. The entire experience lasts around three and a half hours, and it will quickly become a family tradition if you celebrate the holidays in Branson.

Annual Adoration Parade and Lighting Ceremony

Every year since 1949, when Joe Todd and Steve Miller created the first 28-foot-tall Nativity tableau, the scene has been illuminated in Branson. The locals have a new tradition of attending the annual procession and lighting ceremony introduced in 2012.

The festival features festive Christmas tunes, twinkling lights, marching bands, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself. On the first Sunday of December, there is a spectacular march and ceremony. Take advantage of one of the most reliable indicators: the holiday season has arrived!

Runaway Mountain Coaster

Spend Christmas in Branson in a different way by riding the thrilling Runaway Mountain Coaster at Branson Mountain Adventure Park. Coaster tracks are also illuminated with festive Christmas lights throughout the park. It is wonderful to reach the mountain's peak and even more amazing to rush down the mountain with gravity.

Barbara Fairchild Christmas Show

Among Branson's sweethearts is Barbara Fairchild. She performs joyful Christmas tunes alongside her traditional gospel and country favorites at dinner and evening shows. Fans of her witty and entertaining Branson act keep coming back for more.

Barbara Fairchild rose to fame with her hit track "The Teddy Bear Song," and she has since been nominated twice for an Oscar. You can expect lots of smiling faces and tapping toes at this heartwarming country event. However, reserve your reservations as soon as possible because the show typically concludes before the holidays.

Dublin's Irish Tenors & The Celtic Ladies Christmas Show

Since country music is an inspiration for the Ozarks, many of Branson's attractions center on that genre, but that does not mean there are no more holiday performances to check out! The Irish Tenors of Dublin and The Celtic Ladies will delight Celtic music fans with an authentic flavor of Ireland.

Because of the singers' fluidity and the soaring harmonies, even Christmas carols you have heard a thousand times will sound brand new. The ensemble will also play traditional Celtic tunes in this kid-friendly concert.

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

For many Branson residents, the holiday season officially begins once Santa arrives by boat at Bass Pro Shops to bring seasonal cheer. Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops is a free event where kids can make Christmas crafts, play holiday-themed games, and get their picture taken with the big guy in red.

Older kids will love the laser arcade, while younger ones can ride the train through the hamlet and sign up for free prizes. Bass Pro Shop's real stuffed animals and wide selection of presents for hunters and outdoor lovers make the store a destination in and of itself.

Shoji Tabuchi's Christmas Show

Shoji Tabuchi, a world-renowned violinist, has arrived in Branson, and his show is one of the most original in this city, known for its country music. This fantastic performance has Christmas costumes, exuberant dancing, gorgeous harmonies, and superb violin arrangements of your favorite holiday tunes.

Tabuchi offers a range of rock, blues, and country songs throughout the two-hour show. You will be astounded by the incredible talent on display at this engaging event.

Buck Trent Morning Christmas Show

The Buck Trent Morning Christmas Show is a must if you want something enjoyable to do before a day of shopping in Branson, even if most of the events occur in the evening. At this event, Trent, armed with a five-string banjo, will perform traditional Christmas carols, among other country music standards.

The show has excellent songs, hilarious country jokes, and classic Branson charm. Trent was a two-time CMN Instrumentalist of the Year and a regular on Hee Haw and The Porter Wagoner Show, so that he may be familiar to viewers.

Branson's holiday season is in full swing as the weather becomes more relaxed. Many festive activities include great shows, festive shopping, Christmas parades, and a thrilling ride on the Branson roller coasters.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.