The Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive Through is part of Branson’s annual Christmas celebration. Each year the entire Branson area is coated in Christmas lights, and the Festival of Lights is just one way visitors to Branson can experience the Christmas season. From Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, vehicles can drive through the displays in Branson from dusk to 11 p.m. Family vehicles cost $15, while a family season pass is $25. Mini coaches (with 12-28 seats), including church vans and limos are $30, and full size motorcoaches are $55. Go online to explorebranson.com/Christmas/bafol to receive a $2 savings on your trip through the Festival of Lights.
The Trail of Lights at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead is another festival in Branson that celebrates with you. Your ticket through the light display includes a trip up in the Inspiration Tower where you can see the trail from a reindeer’s eye view, and hot chocolate to warm up with after your drive through the lights. The Trail of Lights is open from Nov. 1 – Dec. 31 and is open seven nights per week. The trail is open from dusk to after the shows. For more information, visit trailoflights.com.
In addition to these light displays, Branson is also home to attractions that highlight the holiday season. Ride the Ducks will be offering night tours at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. and will tour through the Branson Festival of Lights. While you’re at Duck Central on Highway 76, the kids can play some “reindeer games” and pose for a photo with Santa.
White Flight at the Butterfly Palace is also returning for the holidays in Branson. One of Branson’s newest family traditions, White Flight is the home of hundreds of white exotic butterflies and a host of other activities for your family. Living angel statues come to life as you tour the Butterfly Palace, and you’ll get to see the 18 foot tall poinsettia Christmas tree while you’re exploring White Flight. For more information about White Flight, visit thebutterflypalace.com.
One of Branson’s biggest family traditions is Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas Festival. From Nov. 2 – Dec. 30, Silver Dollar City will open its gates to the thousands of visitors that come to the park to enjoy the lights that cover the trees and buildings in the city. Among the highlights of An Old Time Christmas is the five story special effects Christmas tree. This tree’s 350,000 lights are set to music and is the center of attention on Main Street. In addition to the five story tree, the Holiday Light Parade makes its way through the city twice each night with over 100,000 lights and an appearance from Santa. This year, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of lights in the park, Silver Dollar City is featuring music and musical productions in its entertainment lineup. It’s A Wonderful Life, a musical based on the on the original 1946 Frank Capra film, will be showing at The Grand Exposition during An Old Time Christmas. Frosty will also be showing in the park, and Christmas on the Bayou will feature music from the Cajun Connection Band. For more information about events going on during An Old Time Christmas, visit silverdollarcity.com.
Finally, Branson will host its 64th Annual Adoration Parade on Dec. 8 for the Branson community. The annual lighting of the area’s largest Nativity scene is part of the celebration, and community members can come together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Make sure to check out all of the Branson area’s Christmas festivals and events. There is something to delight each member of your family. Share the season of Christmas with your loved ones in Branson this year.
