Branson MO in the Winter: 13 of the Best Things to Do

Snow-topped Ozark mountains, sipping Wassail, and an abundance of live theater shows. Branson in winter combines the best of Missouri’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and Yuletide Charm.

Follow along to discover the 13 best things to do in Branson MO in winter.

From scoring a hole-in-one against the backdrop of sparkling Lake Taneycomo to enjoying millions of twinkling lights at Silver Dollar City, Branson MO, in Winter is unparalleled. 

Complete your Christmas shopping with ease when you stop by Branson Landing. Or, embrace the holiday season with camels and Wisemen in Bethlehem.

Whether you yearn for a cozy day of couples’ wine tasting or wish to brave the snowflakes and flurries for family-friendly fun, a Branson Winter is wonderful.

Branson Missouri in Winter

Wondering what to pack for Winter in Branson MO? While you won’t likely be flitting around in a T-shirt and flip-flops, Branson, in the winter, generally experiences mild temperatures. December and January feature daily highs of 45-48 degrees and lows in the mid-20s.

Be sure to dress in layers and pack your favorite sweaters, scarves, mittens, and coats. Travelers dreaming of a white Christmas can expect mild flurries and snowfall. Visitors of all kinds will uncover a wide array of things to do in Branson Missouri in December. Intrepid adventurers can tackle hiking or go-kart fun, while indoor creatures can cuddle up with a good book and mug of tea. 

Make the most of your merry Missouri adventure when you secure your lodgings ahead of time. From rustic mountain lodges to luxurious resorts, we offer a wide variety of Branson Hotels

water fountain with christmas trees in background in the middle of two buildings at night at Branson Landing Winter Wonderland in Branson, Missouri, USA
photo credit: Branson’s Best via Facebook

Things to do in Branson MO in the Winter

Silver Dollar City

Lucky enough to be passing through Branson Missouri in the winter? Take the chill out of your bones and belay your spirits with plenty of 1880s charm at Silver Dollar City. Branson’s #1 attraction has been delighting guests for over 60 years. Enjoy breathtaking spins on the Time Traveler coaster and WildFire, or observe the craftsmen at work.

From November 5th through December 30th, revel in the holiday hoopla of an Old Time Christmas. This beloved annual event features millions of sparkling lights, daily live holiday shows, decorated rides, and more. Savor s’mores and hot chocolate as you take in the brand-new Coming Home For Christmas spectacular.

Featuring a live four-piece band, five Christmas scenes, and over 18 songs, this is one on the list of Branson MO Winter Attractions not to be missed.

light up floats and Christmas trees at the Old Fashioned Christmas parade in Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, USADolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction

Who says food and fun don’t mix? So eat at Branson’s most joyous eatery when you dine at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction. From awe-inspiring equestrian acrobatics to your four-course feast, this thrilling experience will leave you coming back for more.

Munch away on tender rotisserie chicken and flaky butter biscuits as you delight in the songs and special scenery of the Christmas show. An atmosphere of glittering lights, poinsettias, and evergreens transforms the arena. Guests will learn about the true meaning of Christmas as they observe angels, nativity scenes, and impish elf games. 

Delicious dinner and lodgings? Level up that budget when you purchase our thrifty Dolly Parton’s Stampede Vacation Package.

Ladies and Santa on a balcony gathered around a Christmas tree and Santa is putting the star on top at Dolly Parton's Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USATitanic Museum

Want to feel like your ‘King of the World.’ Step back into the romance of the Edwardian era when you swing by Branson’s Titanic Museum. Avoid a frigid iceberg fate and instead discover a world of luxury, history, and science. The Titanic Museum is a dreamy destination year-round thanks to its over 400 artifacts and 20 different galleries.

Tour expertly recreated cabins and parlors, step into the shoes of a real-life passenger, or touch a growing iceberg. Come wintertime; the museum pulls out all the stops. Admire attention to detail, as the ‘ship’ is outfitted with a mass of lights, garlands, and trees. Chat with costumed crew members, ogle piles of gifts, or pick up a keepsake collectible from the gift shop.

the grand staircase in the Titanic museum decorated with christmas garland lights and trees in Branson, Missouri, USABranson Missouri Winter Activities

The Track Family Fun Parks

Curious about what winter activities are on deck in Branson MO? Bundle up for a day of nonstop thrills when you challenge your little ones to a competition at the Track Family Fun Parks. Mini-speed racers of all ages will be clamoring to race through high-rise and classic go-kart tracks.

Prime yourself for tons of bumper car crashes, arcade games, and more. After hours of adrenaline, recharge your batteries with a tasty frozen custard. 

Inhale that fresh Ozark air as you explore caves, lakes, lights, and more with our Branson Sightseeing Tours.

families riding go carts at the track in branson missouriBranson Golf Courses

Golfing may not be what comes to mind when you think of Branson winter activities, but thanks to not-too-frosty weather, most courses here stay open year-round. Relish the serene solitude of playing 18 holes in the shadow of Table Rock Lake when you reserve a tee time at any of the following clubs:

  • Thousand Hills Resort & Golf Club
  • Johnny Morris’ Top of the Rock
  • Branson Hills Golf Club
  • Ozark National
view overlooking the Top of the Rock Golf Course and orange fall autumn tree foliage in with Tablerock Lake in the background in the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri, USA
Top of the Rock / Facebook

Branson Landing

Slacking on your Christmas shopping? Close out that Amazon browser and treat yourself to some IRL retail therapy at Branson Landing. This mecca of designer retail apparel, restaurants and magnificent fountain shows will be open all holiday season. Stock up on stocking stuffers for your favorite fisherman at Bass Pro, or eat your fill of southern fried chicken at Paula Deen’s.

All season long, wander through a land of evergreens, magical lights, music, and more at Winter WonderLanding. Be sure to bring a camera as you’ll want a snapshot of the spectacularly animated 63’ Christmas Tree in Town Square. 

Things to do in Branson MO for Couples in Winter

VIP Wine Tasting and Dinner Tour

Treat your mon Cherie to some gourmet goodies and delicious vino with a VIP Wine Tasting and Dinner Tour. Let the flavors and tastes of the Ozarks whisk you away as you spend 4.5 hours visiting the area’s top wineries and distilleries. Ideal for any culinary-inclined couple, this thorough tour will take you to three locally revered eateries and includes a three-course meal.

Savor grilled salmon, rosemary chicken, and more at Black Oak Grill as you soak in Lake Taneycomo. Cruise around in style as you are chauffeured from location to location in a Mercedes Sprinter van.

Hey there, hotshot! Tackle Branson like the A-lister you are with our elite line of VIP Tours

friends clinking wine glasses together at La Belle Amie Vineyards in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USABear Creek Winery & Brewery

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Branson when you scurry away for a romantic day at Bear Creek Winery and Brewery. Located just 10 miles north of Branson, this rustic winery and small-batch brewery is overflowing with Ozark spirit.

Sip a smooth, semi-dry red as you devour plates of pizza and charcuterie. Try to swing by during the weekend to get down to a variety of live musical performances. 

Things to Do in Branson MO at Christmas

The Live Musical Capital of the World is no stranger to entertainment. However, come holiday time, Christmas is on everyone’s mind. Cure any case of Grinchy grouchiness with an array of Christmas shows or awe-inspiring light displays:

Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights

Colorfully outfitted polar bears, serene nativity scenes, and magnificent miniature sleigh recreations. Enter a world of all things merry and bright when you cruise through the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights. For over 30 years, Santa’s helpers, young and old, have flocked to the Shepherd of the Hills homestead to observe millions of multi-colored lights.

This drive-through Christmas celebration has been rated as one of the best holiday displays in the country. Make your way through 160 acres of animated and themed displays featuring cabins, curious elves, and holiday music. Enter at the Inspiration Tower* entrance, and don’t forget to stop by for free hot cocoa!

*Please note inspiration tower admission is not included in this ticket. 

Baby, it’s cold outside! But our Branson Christmas Packages are red hot! Keep those savings sizzling when your bundle your Yuletide activities, accommodations, and attractions. 

Trail of Lights Christmas Display in Branson MissouriBranson Holiday Lights Tour

Joy to the world! Conquer the creme de la creme of Branson’s Christmas lights when you indulge in an authentic VIP experience. Your Branson Holiday Lights Tour lets you witness the creativity of Branson’s most arresting displays from the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter coach.

Sit back and relax as you learn about the history of Branson’s Historic Nativity, and capture the scene on camera. Then, hum along to holiday tunes, and ride your sugar high all the way home as you fill up on cocoa and cupcakes from the Backstage Cafe.

Christmas Shows

The legend of Bethlehem, crooning country brothers, and high-kicking chorus girl, oh my! Branson’s Christmas shows truly show us the reason for the season.

Whether you are yearning for an appearance from St. Nick or candy cane-inspired costumes, there’s no shortage of seasonal spirit here:

performers in angel costumes on stage with colorful lights and smoke for Miracle of Christmas production at Sight and Sound Branson Theatre in Branson, Missouri, USA
photo credit: Sight & Sound Theatres – Branson, MO via Facebook

Feeling that mistletoe spirit? Hum along to Silent Night and Jingle Bells when you load up on even more Branson Christmas Shows.

Visions of sugar plum fairies and eggnog dancing in your head? This winter, make your favorite Christmas fantasies a reality when you visit Branson MO.

From riveting displays of equestrian prowess at Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner to the dramatic allure of a garland-wrapped Grand Staircase at the Titanic Museum, Missouri was made for the holidays. 

Devour caramel apples and rich hot chocolate at an Old Time Christmas. Or, dance and sing along to the exceptionally talented Hughes Brothers.

However you celebrate the Happiest Season, there’s no resisting the shining lights and sublime Ozark scenery of a Branson getaway. 

Tell us, How Will You Spend Your Branson Winter?

Did we miss any of the best things to do in Branson in Winter?

Leave us a comment below!


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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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