Christmas is one of the most popular times of the year in Branson, and the live holiday shows are a big reason why. Every season, families come back to the Ozarks to make a Branson Christmas show part of their tradition, and first-time visitors quickly see why. Some of these special performances appear only in November and December, so if you're planning a holiday trip, it pays to know your options early.
Branson is the live show capital of the central U.S., with performances daily throughout the year. During Ozark Mountain Christmas, the lineup fills with hilarious comedy, heart-warming musical productions, traditional gospel music and inspiring nativity scenes. There's dozens to choose from, but here are five holiday shows the whole family will love.
Where: Pepsi Legends Theatre
When: November and December only
If you're looking for a show you can only catch during the holidays, start here. Cassandré The Voice of an Angel Christmas Spectacular features Cassandré and Timothy Haygood along with The Stardust Band. It's a seasonal production, appearing only in November and December, which makes it a natural fit for families who want their Branson Christmas trip to include something special.
For music lovers, a Christmas spectacular built around live vocals and a full band is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.
Where: Kings Castle Theatre
Christmas Wonderland is a seasonal favorite and one of Branson's largest holiday productions. If your family loves big, colorful stage shows, this one delivers:
High-energy dance numbers
Elaborate costumes
Beautiful scenery
Gorgeous production numbers
The highest-kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole
It's the kind of show that keeps every age group watching, from kids who love the sparkle to grandparents who appreciate classic stagecraft.
Where: Hughes Brothers Theatre
No list of Branson traditions would be complete without the Baldknobbers. As Branson's first show, featuring the Mabe family, the Baldknobbers are a true piece of the town's history, and their holiday performance makes a great choice for families who want a little of everything.
The show is split into two halves:
First half: The best of this year's country music, gospel music and comedy
Second half: Dedicated entirely to the Christmas holiday
That format makes it a great pick for groups with mixed tastes. Country fans, gospel fans and anyone who just wants a good laugh will all find something to enjoy, and everyone gets a dose of Christmas cheer before the night is over.
Where: Pepsi Legends Theatre
The a cappella legends SIX are known during their regular season for bringing their best bits and fan favorites to the stage. At Christmas, they transport audiences into a holiday SIX-perience you and your family will remember.
If you've seen SIX before, the Christmas show is a fun way to experience them in a new light. If you haven't, it's a memorable introduction to what six voices can do with no instruments at all, and holiday music is a perfect match for that sound.
Where: Majestic Theatre
When: November and December
Looking for something a little different this Christmas? Murder By Eggnog is an interactive murder mystery dinner show set in Branson, somewhere around 1898. Everyone is getting ready for the Christmas Pageant when suddenly there is a mysterious death. That's where the story, and the insanity, begins.
Because it's interactive, the audience is part of the fun. It's a great option for families with older kids, groups of friends or anyone who enjoys a good laugh along with dinner and a whodunit. And like several shows on this list, it's only around in November and December.
Shows like the Cassandré Christmas Spectacular and Murder By Eggnog are only on stage in November and December. If one of them is on your family's must-see list, plan your dates around it.
One of the best things about Christmas in Branson is the variety. You could pair a big production like Christmas Wonderland with a comedy-filled night at Murder By Eggnog, or combine the Baldknobbers' country and gospel with the a cappella sounds of SIX.
BransonShowTicketsDirect.com is the only site and service operated in conjunction with the shows themselves. When you buy direct from the box offices, you can be assured you're getting the best seats and the best customer service, with no vacation club or timeshare strings attached.
Whether your family loves dazzling dance numbers, classic country and gospel, beautiful voices or a holiday mystery, Branson's Christmas shows offer something for everyone. Many families return year after year, and this could be the season you start a tradition of your own.
Ready to plan your Ozark Mountain Christmas? Book tickets at BransonShowTicketsDirect.com.
Brandi