Have an Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson, Missouri
MO – Have you heard of the Ozark Mountain Christmas? It’s in Branson, Missouri, and runs from November 1 to the early part of January. Branson’s dedication to getting into the holiday spirit started in 1949 when Steve Miller and Joe Todd built a massive nativity scene on the bluff above Lake Taneycomo. The nativity lighting ceremony drew 10,000 people to downtown Branson. Today, the festivities span across three months in winter, and visitors to the area can enjoy fantastic Christmas light displays, amazing shopping and festive dining. Let’s take a look at what makes the holidays in Branson so special and how you can fly in with your airplane.
The Holiday History of Branson
The holiday festivities in Branson started in 1949 with the nativity scene, but they didn’t stop there. Just four years later, Branson’s Chamber of Commerce decided that an Adoration Parade with holiday floats and marching bands would join the nativity scene, and today, that parade is held on the first Sunday of December.
Branson would go on to host their well-known summer activities and a few Christmas events until the 1980s. At that time, the leaders of the community began looking for ways to extend the tourist season. The obvious solution was to extend the Christmas displays and events. After some debate, they settled on the Ozark Mountain Christmas in 1988. In 1990, they developed their own festival of lights, and today, there are lots of things to do and see in Branson, Missouri, over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays.
Flying into Branson for the Holidays
If you own your own airplane, you could fly into Branson for the festivities and land at one of the nearby airports. Two of those airports are M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport (PLK) and Branson Airport (BBG). M Graham Clark Downtown Airport (PLK) is located one mile south of the city. Its elevation is 940.1 feet, and it’s open to the public.
Downtown Airport (PLK) has one runway. Runway 12/30 is 3,738 feet long and 100 feet wide. The runway is paved and considered to be in good condition. Pilots can contact the CTAF on 122.7. Springfield Approach and Departure can be contacted on 126.35, and pilots can get 100LL and Jet-A. The airport also offers light powerplant and airframe servicing.
Branson Airport (BBG) is located 8 miles south-southeast of Branson, MO. Like PLK, BBG is open to the public. Branson Airport offers 100LL and Jet-A. Pilots can tie their aircraft down on the tarmac or rent a hangar. Runway 14/32 is 7,140 feet long and 150 feet wide. Pilots can contact the CTAF on 128.15. Branson Ground can be contacted on 118.4, and Branson Tower can be contacted on 128.15.
Ozark Mountain Christmas Vacation Events and Attractions
There are plenty of live shows, self-guided tours, Santas, places to stay, and restaurants in Branson. They even have a Polar Express.
Branson Lights of Joy
The Branson Lights of Joy is a self-guided driving tour that occurs daily from 5 PM to 11 PM. It’s located at the 700 Expressway Lane. Participants can enjoy more than 250 displays with more than 1 million LED lights. The drive is 1.25 miles, and the cost is $23.29 per car.
The Trail of Lights is Located at the 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead.
This driving tour is located at 5586 W. Highway 76. Guests can enjoy viewing the millions of lights and several animated characters that are sure to delight everyone in the car. This Christmas lights display is renowned because it tells a story. It is open until January 4 from 5:30 PM until 10 PM and costs $25 per car.
Snow Tubing on Wolfe Mountain
Branson, MO, is home to a synthetic snow tubing hill named Wolfe Mountain. It’s located a few miles north of the city in the Ozark Mountains. It boasts six tube runs and a 400-foot-long slope.
The Polar Express
When was the last time you read, listened to, or watched The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg? It was originally published in 1985. In 2004, it was turned into a movie starring Tom Hanks, and it’s now a beloved Christmas story. It’s also inspired many train rides across the United States, and one of those Polar Express train rides is located in Branson, MO. Polar Express tickets range from $38.50 to $75.
Promised Land Zoo Live Reindeer Exhibit
The Promised Land Zoo will have live reindeer, a petting zoo, and plenty of Christmas shops. Patrons can also enjoy the two-mile drive through some excellent Christmas light displays.
Visit with Santa
No Christmas vacation is complete without visiting with Santa. Thankfully, there are plenty of places in Branson to meet Santa. Some of them even let you eat breakfast with Santa. Santa can be found at the Promised Land Zoo, on the Polar Express, and at the Branson Reindeer Stable on Highway 76 near Panera Bread.
Enjoy the Christmas Shows
When visiting Christmas in the Ozarks, don’t forget to take in a show or two. The city offers plenty of live shows, including Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Dinner & Show, the Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound Theatre, the Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise, Santa’s Pancakes and PJs on the Showboat Branson Belle and A Christmas Story Dinner Show at Shepherd of the Hills, among many other shows. There are even half-Christmas shows and regular shows available.
Where to Stay in Branson, MO
Branson offers plenty of places to stay, including vacation rentals, hotels, motels, cabins, lodges, and bed and breakfasts. In fact, many couples and families prefer bed and breakfasts because of their homey charm and relaxing atmospheres. A few popular bed and breakfasts include the Bradford Inn, the Crystal Cove Bed and Breakfast, and the Carriage House Inn.
Where to Dine
Branson offers plenty of dining options, including the Branson Dinner Cruise, Charlie’s Steak, Ribs and Ale, and Saltgrass Steakhouse. If a buffet is more your speed, you might try the Grand Country Buffet, Golden Corral, the Great American Steak & Chicken House, or Pap Grand’s Pizza Buffet.
If you’re looking for a great Christmas escape where you can fly your airplane into a local airport and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in the mountains, Branson, Missouri’s Christmas in the Ozarks may be just for you.
