Did you know that Branson was featured on the Travel Channel as one of the “Most Christmassy Places in America”? And with good reason! Christmastime in Branson is a wonder to behold! From over 6.5 million lights at Silver Dollar City to the ever-popular Polar Express train ride, there are endless reasons for anyone to crave the Christmas spirit in Branson, Missouri.
What Christmas Activities does Branson Host?
Branson’s list of Christmas attractions is quite vast! There is bound to be something to awaken the inner child in everyone and spark that magical Christmas spirit everyone loves! Here we will take a tour of some of Branson’s most exciting and beloved holiday attractions. However, if you’d like to experience the plethora of festivities Branson has to offer, you will just have to see it in person!
The Polar Express Train Ride
Take a fantastically magical train ride through a winter wonderland! This train ride-hailing from the ever-popular 1985 Christmas story The Polar Express, will lead you through Branson’s Scenic Railway while you drink hot cocoa and listen to Christmas carols from The Polar Express’s motion picture soundtrack! If that’s not magical enough for you, they even provide cookies and a reading of the book! Find familiar characters from the story aboard the train, pick up Santa Claus at the North Pole, and even receive a special gift from Santa in this 1 hour 15 minute excursion of Christmas cheer. Pajamas recommended!
Live Reindeer
Who doesn’t love seeing cute furry animals? Especially Christmas animals! At Promised Land Zoo, you can see the region’s only live reindeer herd. Here you will be able to watch, feed, take pictures with, and even pet the reindeer! They even offer a guided tour known as “Santa’s Safari”. This tour is an adventure through the animals’ habitat (there are more than just reindeer!) and drive-through displays on a climate-controlled bus.
Wolfe Mountain Snow Tubing & Zip Lining
Looking for a wintertime activity that’s a little more exciting? Snow tubing at Wolfe Mountain is for you! Wolfe Mountain is home to the largest synthetic tubing run in America! Measuring in at a whopping 400 feet long, this experience is sure to bring endless smiles. If tubing doesn’t holly your jolly, then try out the zip lining! Seven zip lines and ten Sky bridges should surely bring some excitement to your Christmas trip in Branson!
Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City
One event that would surely be a shame to miss is the “Old Time Christmas” festival at Silver Dollar City. Voted best theme park holiday event 3 years in a row by USA Today readers, this event leaves Silver Dollar City blanketed in over 6.5 million lights! If the lights aren’t enough, there are over 1,000 decorated trees (one of them is 8 stories tall)! One could spend hours at Silver Dollar City just looking at all of the wonderful decorations. In addition to overwhelming amounts of decorations, you can also catch Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade, light, and sound spectaculars, music & live shows, amazing comfort food, character meet & greets, and of course, shopping! Did we forget to mention the amusement rides?
The World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex!
The world’s largest toy museum is an attraction certain to put a smile on anyone’s face! This expansive two-building 26,000 square foot museum features many different types of toys from throughout the ages. Interactive displays, gift shops, over 1 million toys (both old and new), and endless nostalgia will excite the inner child in us all. A must-see for kids from 1 to 92.
Are You Ready to go to Branson?
We could go on for days about the endless attractions Branson has to offer around the holidays. There is so much to offer here that it may just take us until next Christmas to cover all of the options! Either way, whether you are young or old, thrill seeker or shopper, Cindy-Lou Who or the Grinch there is a little something for everyone here! Pack your bags and head on over to the winter wonderland that is Branson, Missouri!
