My grandmother loved Branson (compare Branson vacpacks 3-Night) (see our Branson deals for Families) at Christmas. She talked about Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas like it was the eighth wonder of the Ozarks. I always thought she was being dramatic until we finally did it last December on a Branson Christmas vacpack. Turns out grandma was right.
The Christmas Light Economy
Branson runs Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City from early November through December 30. Over 6.5 million lights. It's legitimately impressive. Tickets run $69-$89 per person (under 4 free).
Silver Dollar City isn't the only thing. Shepherd of the Hills has their Trail of Lights ($25/car). The 76 Country Boulevard strip mall-ifies into Christmas lights everywhere. The Branson Scenic Railway does a Polar Express run ($50+).
The Vacpack
Westgate Branson Lakes Resort and Wild Bear Inn both run preview packages year-round. For Christmas season specifically, $129-$149 is the standard 3-night rate. You get a 1-BR condo with a fireplace (actually lights up), balcony, full kitchen.
The resort is a 15-minute drive to Silver Dollar City, which is far enough to avoid the tourist trap pricing but close enough to hit SDC in the evening for lights viewing.
What Else to Do in December
Weather in Branson in December is unpredictable. Some years its 60°F, some years its 25°F. Plan for either.
- Silver Dollar City Old Time Christmas — 1 full day
- Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights — 1 evening drive-through
- Branson Landing waterfront lights + dinner — 1 evening walking
- One of the Christmas shows (Dolly Parton's Stampede or Presleys') — 1 evening
- Table Rock Lake during daylight — 1 morning
The Tally
| Line | Family of 4 |
|---|---|
| Westgate vacpack (3 nights) | $129 |
| Silver Dollar City tickets x 4 | $276 |
| Shepherd Trail of Lights | $25 |
| One Christmas dinner show | $280 |
| Groceries + one restaurant dinner | $150 |
| Gas from St. Louis | $65 |
| Total | $925 |
$925 for a 4-person Branson Christmas weekend thats fully stuffed with activities. Hard to match.
Browse Branson Christmas vacpacks or see the full winter Branson inventory.