Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in Branson

It’s almost 2018! There are plenty of options around town for ringing in the New Year in style. Here’s a list of places to bid 2017 goodbye and say, “Hello, 2018.”

 

The Keeter Center – New Year’s Celebration

 

The evening of Saturday, December 30th, enjoy a delectable four-course meal prepared by student chefs, a sparkling cider toast and live music, with plenty of opportunity for dancing the evening away. Reservations required.

 

The Hughes Brothers Show

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Hughes Brothers “it” show, 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 30th. Admission includes dinner, party favors, and the classic midnight balloon drop. After midnight, everyone is invited to come up on the stage and boogie the night away!

 

Silver Dollar City

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

Silver Dollar City is open December 31st from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on January 1st from noon – 8 p.m. The New Year’s special line-up of entertainers includes Disciple, comedian/juggler Albert Lucas, and Branson’s very own AYO: Voices of Glory. 80’s tribute band Members Only also performs with a dance party in the Red Gold Heritage Hall.

 

Big Cedar Lodge

 

Big Cedar celebrates the New Year in a big way, with a fireworks display at midnight to welcome 2018!

The Worman House offers a six-course meal and plenty of time to dance the night away with a live band, until midnight, when a complimentary champagne toast will be offered, along with the best view of the fireworks. Reservations recommended. Open 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Buffalo Bar at Top of the Rock is open from 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. and features live entertainment from 8 p.m. – midnight.

For an earlier dinner out, Devil’s Pool Restaurant and Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock are both open from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. with special chef creations offered just for the holiday. Reservations recommended.

 

Chateau on the Lake

 

Starting at 7 p.m., feast on hors d’oeuvres, followed by a special dinner menu prepared by the Chateau’s executive chef. Kelsie & Santino along with the All Stars provide favorite songs with the dance floor open. At midnight, a fireworks show begins! Reservations must be made by December 17th.

 

Clay Cooper Theatre – The Clay-Good’s Jambor-Eve

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

Clay Cooper and the Haygoods team up to create an unforgettable, show-stopping night for the whole family. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:30. A massive balloon drop and non-alcoholic toast take place at midnight. Refreshments are available with hors d’oeuvres & a cash bar.

 

New Year’s Eve at the Historic Owen Theatre

 

Support our local Branson Regional Arts Council while participating in a spectacular evening of refreshments and entertainment. The theme is the 1930’s Golden Age of Hollywood, with period costume encouraged but optional. Forte Theatre Company will be performing and hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

The party starts at 8 p.m. and after midnight, the keys to the downtown theatre will be handed over to the BRAC, who will be moving in to the building to make it a Community Theater. Tickets must be purchased through Branson Arts Council’s website.

 

Showboat Branson BelleNew Year’s Eve Cruise

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

Take a cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake for New Year’s Eve! The cruise lasts from 8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. and includes a 3-course dinner, a musical variety show, “Celebrate,” and music and dancing! At midnight there will be a sparkling grape juice toast and party favors handed out.

 

Hamner’s Variety Theatre – New Year’s Eve Fiesta Party

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

Dinner is catered by Mexican Villa at 8 p.m. and family-friendly beverages are offered. Watch a special New Year’s version of the Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety Show, enjoy dancing, and at midnight feast your eyes on a laser countdown to 2018!

 

Sycamore Creek Family Ranch – New Year’s Eve Barn Bash

Sycamore Creek Family Ranch country Barn Dance Branson MO
Photo: Sycamore Creek Family Ranch

Yeehaw! Put on your dancing boots and get ready to kick up your heels with a good old-fashioned Barn Dance for the New Year!

Sycamore Creek Family Ranch hosts a family-friendly dance in the giant barn, with emceeing and instruction given by Adam & Katlyn. Each attendee receives a party favor, light snacks, and champagne/sparkling cider for the midnight toast.  In addition to the dancing, games in the barn loft will be offered, as well as a fire pit lit outside, and a spot for photo-taking fun. The dance lasts from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.

Sycamore Creek is situated just northeast of the center of Branson, on Sunset Inn Road off T Hwy.

 

Title image of New Year’s Celebration courtesy of ExploreBranson.com

The Best Christmas Lights in Branson

There are so many fantastic light displays all over the Branson area during Christmastime. Here are our top picks for the season:

“Let There Be Lights” – Promised Land Zoo

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

With two miles of Christmas lights, Let There Be Lights at the Promised Land Zoo is one of Branson’s largest drive-through light displays. You can take your own car through the presentation or opt to take Santa’s Safari tour bus for a chance to get up close and feed the animals.

During Christmas season at the zoo, you’ll also get to meet Santa and his reindeer and experience a Living Nativity. The zoo is open every day; the drive-through Christmas lights are open every evening in December, from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

 

“Electrify Christmas” – Branson Ferris Wheel 

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

The Branson Ferris Wheel on Highway 76 is bedazzled with an electrifying display of Christmas lights and music every night, on the hour from 6 to 10 p.m. now through January 2.

 

“Branson’s Gift of Lights” – Expressway Lane

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

Over one million twinkling lights are featured on this 1.2-mile drive-through, open nightly from 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. until January 1st. Santa also makes a special appearance every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until December 23rd.The Gift of Lights is located on Expressway Lane, off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, just north of Sight & Sound Theatre.

 

“An Old Time Christmas” – Silver Dollar City

Photo: ExploreBranson.com

Silver Dollar City has always been a go-to favorite for Christmas lights – now the city is even more spectacular with this year’s Christmas in Midtown display. 1.5 million brilliant lights twinkle in the center of the city, creating an unforgettable panorama. The Christmas light parade and the lighting of the Christmas tree on Main Street are also choice events that are not to be missed.

 

“Classic Christmas” – Downtown

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The downtown area of Branson gets festive with lights and wreaths galore. You can take a romantic carriage ride through the streets to admire the lights, or stroll down the sidewalk for a chance to peer into shop windows’ dazzling displays.

A decorated window contest runs through December 22. Pick the business you think should win and place a vote in one of the ballot boxes, located in a number of located businesses.

Branson Landing’s spectacular light and water show at the big fountain is not to be missed, either. Shows take place every hour at the top of the hour during the Landing’s open hours.

 

“Christmas at Big Cedar” – Big Cedar Lodge

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Nestled deep in the Ozark hills, the entire Big Cedar Lodge is splendidly lit up for Christmas. Enjoy a leisurely drive through the woods to take in the all the sights over the sprawling resort. The entire family can enjoy an outdoor ice-skating rink, lit each evening with the glittering lights surrounding it. On December 9th, 16th, and 24th, a special tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 4:30 p.m. on the Swimmin’Hole Lawn, preceded by a bonfire and entertainment.

Title Photo of Branson Ferris Wheel from ExploreBranson.com

Free Christmas Family Fun in Branson

On a budget this holiday season? No worries, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from that won’t break the bank. In fact, many of the events the season offers are at no cost whatsoever. Here are a few area activities offered at no cost.

Branson’s Adoration Parade

Branson's Adoration Parade, every December in downtown Branson, celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.
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What would Christmas in Branson be without the yearly parade? Sunday, December 3rd marks the 69th annual celebration that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas. Don hats & gloves and bring plenty of blankets to bundle up in for this annual favorite in the downtown area – the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. following the lighting of the nativity scene atop Mount Branson.

You can view a map of the parade here – show up early to be sure to grab the perfect spot.

Gingerbread House Display at Chateau on the Lake

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Each year, Chateau on the Lake puts out an elaborate gingerbread house display. Stop by the hotel lobby to view this breathtaking lit gingerbread village. Each house takes about 40 hours to create from start to finish, with the tallest standing over three feet tall. The display remains in place ‘til early January.

Branson’s Festival of Trees

Every day until December 10th, Branson Landing hosts Branson’s Festival of Trees. Enjoy viewing all the elaborately decorated Christmas trees and wreaths in this festive exhibition.

On December 2nd, from 4 – 6 p.m., a Christmas cookie decorating activity will be hosted by United Methodist Church. Admission to the festival and cookie decorating is free; donations to Christian Action Ministries are appreciated and will be used to help local families in need.

Santa’s Wonderland

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At Bass Pro on the Landing, take a free photo in Santa’s lap, then enjoy a host of free Christmas crafts and fun activities, everything from a mini arcade to building with Lincoln logs.  You’ll need to stop by Bass Pro ahead of time to get a pass for a scheduled Santa appearance. Santa’s Wonderland takes place daily now through Christmas eve.

Santa Train

City of Hollister

On Sunday, December 3rd, Santa pulls in to the Historic Hollister Train Depot. Get there early – the line to see Santa at about  1 p.m. From 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. dancing elves, face painters, and of course Santa, will be present. All children who attend receive free goodie bags and refreshments.

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Old Time Country Christmas Silver Dollar City Frisco Train Christmas Lights

3 Things We Love About Christmas in Branson

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the heart of the Ozarks. When the Christmas tree lights start popping up around town, it’s a sign that the holidays are just around the corner.

Here are a few of the things we love most about Christmas in our town:

1. Christmas Shows

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show Branson MO

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Everyone gets decked out for Christmas, including the shows. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a show that doesn’t prepare a Christmas special during the months of November and December.

Dixie Stampede offers a Southern-style Christmas. The Hughes Brothers, The Johnson Strings, and The Bretts all celebrate Christmas with the entire family involved.  If you prefer your Christmas with a country music or a fun ‘50’s theme, you won’t lack for options there, either.

For classic Christmas favorites, “It’s a Wonderful Life” runs the entire season at Silver Dollar City. You can watch the traditional rendition of “A Christmas Carol,” also at Silver Dollar City, or, for a humorous twist on the familiar tale, there’s “Maxine’s Christmas Carol” playing at the Andy Williams Theatre.

Don’t forget “The Miracle of Christmas” at Sight & Sound, portraying the very first Christmas in song and story.

2. Christmas Shopping (& Shops!)

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Where else can you find an ENTIRE shop dedicated to Christmas? Kringles at the Grand Village Shops, full of collectibles, trees and ornaments, has the distinction of being the largest Christmas store in all of Missouri.  While there, don’t miss out on all the other unique shops at the Grand Village, providing everything from fashion to books to art.

There are plenty of offerings for local, made in the Ozarks finds as well. College of the Ozarks students stay busy this time of year crafting homemade goodies and gifts sold at the Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen and Edwards Mill. Local artisans showcase one-of-a-kind handmade items, as well as fun on-site demonstrations, at the Branson Mill. Downtown Branson boasts several shops featuring local artists’ work.

At Branson’s Festival of Trees at the Branson Landing, pick out a beautiful Christmas tree or wreath to take home. Sales go toward supporting a local charity, Christian Action Ministries, which serves area families in need.

3. Christmas Lights

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It would be hard to drive around Branson and miss the thousands of lights twinkling around the city. The whole town of Branson is lit like one big dazzling holiday display.  From Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas festival, to Shepherd of the Hills’ Trail of Lights, ‘tis the season in Branson for sparkle and glimmer.

The downtown area and Branson Landing turn into Winter Wonderland, with abundant decorations, the Christmas fountain & lights show and a visit from Santa, who takes up residency at his Treehouse this time of year.

Did you know our town has now been designated as “America’s Christmas Tree City”? This season, 150 Christmas trees have been placed at various businesses all around town, both in the heart and on the outskirts of the city. Check out this map showing the placement of all these spectacular Christmas trees. It’s hard to deny – Branson knows best how to get in the Christmas spirit!

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