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The Ultimate Branson Holiday Guide
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If I am being honest, I didn't really see myself as a "Branson person," whatever that means. I think I thought that perhaps I was too cultured to enjoy a place that leans into its twang. Or maybe it's because I typically resist touristy places because I don't like crowds and feel like going against the grain makes me edgy somehow. Neither one of those thoughts is something I am proud to admit. I don't want to be a pretentious person and I don't want to be someone who dislikes things simply because they are well liked.
Luckily, I decided to give Branson a fair shot instead of just assuming I wouldn't like it. And it turns out we had a lot of fun!
My family has been to Branson the last two years during the fall and again for the Christmas season. I am excited that we will be going back this Christmas. For someone who supposedly "likes going against the grain," I reeeeeally enjoy leaning into the holidays and there is truly no better place to do that than Branson.
So if you're a Branson person, or even if you aren't yet, I created some holiday itineraries to help you plan a Branson trip so epic, that even your grinchiest family member will have a blast.
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π A Fall Weekend in Branson
Branson is beautiful in the fall. The Ozarks are full of color, the weather is great for being outside, and there are plenty of places that go all in on pumpkins and fall fun.
A few things I would put at the top of your list:
π Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival
βThere are more than 20,000 pumpkins throughout the park, plus rides, shows, fall food, and huge pumpkin displays that light up after dark.
π Lost Canyon Cave Tour at Top of the Rock
βDrive your own golf cart through caves, across bridges, past waterfalls, and through some gorgeous Ozark scenery.
π₯Ύ Dogwood Canyon
βThis 10,000-acre nature preserve is beautiful in October. You can hike, bike, or take a tram tour. We loved the waterfalls and seeing the bison and elk.
π PumpkinFest at Shepherd of the Hills
βAdd pumpkins, fall photo spots, a mountain coaster, and the Treetop Skytrail to your weekend.
There is a LOT more you could fit into a fall trip. I put together our entire itinerary, including where we stayed, where we ate, and more things to do. Check it out on my blog below.
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π Christmas in Branson
Then Christmas arrives, and Branson takes things to another level.
This city LOVES Christmas.
There are lights everywhere, Christmas trees all over town, holiday shows, festive food, and enough Christmas activities to fill an entire weekend.
Here are a few of my must-do's:
β¨ An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
βMore than 6.5 million lights! There are also Christmas shows, festive food, rides, huge Christmas trees, and nightly parades.
π Ride the Polar Express
βThe train ride brings the story to life with cookies and cocoa, dancing chefs, and a visit from Santa. Each child even gets their own jingle bell.
π See a Christmas show
βIt wouldn't be Branson without a show. We have seen Christmas Wonderland at King's Castle Theatre and Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound Theatre.
π See the Christmas lights
βWe drove the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights, and there are several other light displays around Branson. Even driving around town feels festive during Christmas.
βοΈ Go tubing at Wolfe Mountain
βMy kids LOVED this one. You get the fun of flying down a hill without needing actual snow.
You can find more Christmas activities, where we stayed, what we ate, and my tips for planning your trip in my full guide below.
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Fall Ideas from the Blog
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Best Hidden Gems & Things to do in Weston
Get the most of your visit to Weston with my favorite stops.
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10 Best Day Trips from KC
Here are 10 of my favorite getaways near KC.
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Midwest Fall Trips
If you have some time to travel farther, here are 10 of the best trips in the Midwest.
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7 Best Weekend Trips from KC
This isn't fall related, but great if you're planning a trip.
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Can't Miss Fall Events
Faulkner's Ranch
I love Faulknerβs Ranch because it has so many fun family activities for toddlers through teens. There is good food, music, hayrides, slides, and more. It is always clean, well-staffed, and well maintained.
Open Thursday through Sunday October 2-31, with select Tuesday and Wednesday open dates too. Discount Code: OUTDOORFAMILY10 for 10% off admission.
Johnson Farms
Johnson Farms is the best pumpkin patch if you want to do everything fall-related in one place. You can pick apples, do a corn maze, pick pumpkins, sunflowers, and veggies, plus they have all the typical fall fun! They are open daily from 9 am- 7pm. Use code OUTDOOR26 for 10% off admission!
Dark Forest
I love Dark Forest because it's Powell Gardens made spooky. It's a 1-mile trail turned into a fun and immersive experience. I also enjoy it because it feels like being in a haunted house without worrying about someone jumping out at you around the corner.
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Kansas and Missouri Maps
Branson and other cute small towns are pinned on my Kansas and Missouri Maps. Find all the coolest spots in these two states.
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I Want to Hear from You!
My kids and I have set off on our epic fall adventure, where we are going to 5 states in 11 days. (Ok, technically we are only driving through Missouri, so I am not sure the fifth state really counts.)
Please send me all your Wisconsin fall recommendations because that is where we will be spending the bulk of our time!
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Happy Exploring, Amy
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Thank you!
Thank you so much for being here and supporting me! It means so much to me that youβre here. I hope that I can provide value for you and your family, so youβre inspired to get out and explore more! Happy adventuring!
-Amy
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