Why Branson, Missouri?

Have you ever dreamed of exploring Europe’s charming Christmas markets? Does the idea of immersing yourself in the season’s festivities beckon?

What if I told you that you don’t need to travel internationally to experience the wonders of the holiday season? Believe it or not, you can find that same joy right here in the United States—in Branson, Missouri, to be exact.

When I mentioned to friends that I was heading to Branson just after Thanksgiving, many asked, “Why Branson? What’s there?”

Plenty! Branson has so much to offer, especially during the Christmas season. According to ExploreBranson.com, the Ozarks transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with live music shows, dazzling light displays, and an atmosphere brimming with cheer. Known as America’s Christmas Tree City, Branson is the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas close to home.

Route 65, also known as "The Strip," reminded me of Las Vegas. Every business seemed to sparkle with lights and festive Christmas displays, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. During our visit, we enjoyed an Elvis impersonation show, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and The Miracle of Christmas at the Sight and Sound Theatre. That experience was truly magical—outstanding performances by the actors and singers, paired with set designs so incredible they could rival Broadway’s finest productions.

In the evening, we explored Silver Dollar City, where 6.5 million lights illuminated every building and tree, transforming the park into a breathtaking Christmas wonderland. We also drove through several dazzling light displays, including the Lights of Joy and the Trail of Lights, each one adding to the enchantment of the season.

But there’s so much more to this area than the dazzling lights and festive glitz of the strip. We spent a significant amount of time at Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock, both owned by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, whose vision and influence are truly remarkable and ever present in this area.

At Top of the Rock, we explored the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, which showcased fascinating galleries of prehistoric animals, Native American artifacts, and Civil War relics. One of the highlights was a 2.5-mile self-guided golf cart tour along a beautifully maintained trail. The route took us past waterfalls, rock formations, and through covered bridges, even leading us into a cave featuring a towering, cascading waterfall. It was absolutely spectacular!

We dined at Big Cedar Lodge, indulged in some shopping at their charming gift shop, and marveled at an enormous gingerbread creation that took over 450 hours to construct. As night fell, the lodge and grounds were transformed by the most elegant Christmas light displays I’ve ever seen. Photos below.

The College of the Ozarks was another truly inspiring destination. Established in 1906, this small Christian liberal arts institution, aptly nicknamed “Hard Work U,” is built on a foundation of appreciation of the world, love of country, and promotion of a strong work ethic. It is a hidden gem, and if you are in the area, it’s a must-see. There are even hotel accommodations there.

At the heart of the campus is The Keeter Center, which features a delightful gift shop filled with handcrafted creations made by the students, along with a bakery, an ice cream shop, and an impressive museum honoring military service members.

We enjoyed a farm-to-table lunch at Dobyns Dining Room, where every dish was prepared and served by the students. The food was absolutely incredible—fresh, flavorful, and a testament to their hard work and talent! It was one of our best meals while visiting Missouri.

What stood out to me most during our time in Branson and the surrounding area was the deep respect and appreciation for patriotism and veterans. At every show we attended, veterans were honored with heartfelt recognition—announcers invited them to stand, and the audience erupted into cheers and applause in gratitude for their service.

This reverence extended throughout the city, with veteran memorial gardens and a dedicated veterans museum prominently located on the main strip as well as specially designated areas for parking in every lot. Flags and tributes to the armed forces were woven into nearly every experience, from the light displays and the Top of the Rock golf cart tour to even the intricate gingerbread house at Big Cedar Lodge. It was a touching reminder of the community’s enduring commitment to honoring those who served.

Our trip to Missouri right after Thanksgiving was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. It left us with a profound sense of gratitude for our country and the courageous men and women who have served, while also filling our hearts with the joy and warmth of the Christmas season. And it was almost a step back in time.

Branson, known as “America’s Christmas Tree City” for its 700 beautifully decorated trees scattered throughout town, offers an unforgettable holiday experience. From endless fun to world-class entertainment, this vibrant destination has something for everyone.

So, before you book that Viking River cruise to explore Europe’s Christmas markets, consider discovering the magic of Branson. We’re so glad we did!