Branson Missouri – Fall and Holiday Activities
A Seasonal Wonderland
As summer’s warmth gently fades into the crisp and foggy mornings of autumn, Branson Missouri completely transforms into a captivating collection of fall festivals and holiday celebrations. Known for its year-round appeal, Branson comes alive in the fall and early winter with a number of family friendly activities and festivities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a holiday lover, or someone seeking an escape to a picturesque destination, Branson has something for you in the fall. Join us on a journey through the fall and holiday magic that this charming city has to offer.
Embracing the Season at Silver Dollar City
Country Music Days: 9/8 – 9/10
As the leaves begin to change, Silver Dollar City’s Fall and Holiday Schedule kicks off a series of events that celebrate the spirit of fall and the upcoming holidays. Country Music Days welcomes visitors to revel in the smooth melodies of chart-topping country music from the past three decades. Each evening, SDC’s Echo Hollow Amphitheatre resonates with the tunes of talented artists like Mark Willis (9/8), Diamond Rio (9/9), and The Frontman (9/10).
Harvest Festival: 9/15 – 10/28
From mid September through late October, Silver Dollar City hosts its Harvest Festival, inviting visitors to experience fall at America’s premier theme park. The Ozark Mountains take on a beautiful tapestry of colors that blend seamlessly with the picturesque sunset over Table Rock Lake. While the park’s popular attractions like Time Traveler and Outlaw Run provide thrilling experiences, the aroma of apple and pumpkin treats fills the air.
As the sun sets, Pumpkins in the City illuminates the sky with the warm glow of thousands of intricately carved pumpkin masterpieces, some towering over 30 feet tall. The entire park embraces the fall spirit with a stunning display of fall colors and themed decorations, celebrating the annual harvest in all its splendor.
An Old Time Christmas: 11/4 – 12/30
This may just be Silver Dollar City at its finest. Every November, Silver Dollar City undergoes a remarkable transformation into a winter wonderland during its Old Time Christmas. The park becomes aglow with more than 6.5 million Christmas lights, creating a magical atmosphere that even requires stringing lights on buildings and attractions as early as late July. Families can take in the holiday spirit as they visit Santa’s village, savor home-style buffets, enjoy seasonal treats, and marvel at Broadway-style holiday productions.
Branson Missouri Fall Festivals: A Kaleidoscope of Delights
In the fall, Branson Missouri is renowned for its festivals that capture the essence of the season. Don’t miss out on the family-fun at these events:
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Craft Fair: 9/8 – 9/10
The Shepherd of the Hills Fall Craft Fair is a delight for craft enthusiasts. With craft booths, mini golf, and Lil Pete’s Playland, there is something for everyone in the family. Visitors can also savor a diverse array of culinary delights from food trucks, restaurants, and ice cream vendors, all accompanied by live music.
Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts & Music Festival: 9/14 – 9/16
Downtown Branson’s Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts & Music Festival offers a family-oriented event celebrating creativity. With hands-on demonstrations by artisans from across the country, visitors can immerse themselves in artistic marvels and even explore the Sleds of the Midwest Classic Car Show on Commercial Street.
Forsyth Harvest Moon Festival: 10/7
Experience a day of excitement at Forsyth’s Harvest Moon Festival. This vibrant event offers a mix of attractions, from captivating car and dog shows to an array of diverse food and craft vendors. Engage in Scottish Highland games or witness the grace of the Little Miss pageant. For the outdoor enthusiasts, try your hand at casting and archery. Relaxing wagon rides allow you to soak in the season’s beauty, making Forsyth’s Harvest Moon Festival an unforgettable day for everyone.
Hollister Grape & Fall Festival: 10/14
Step into vintage charm at Hollister’s Grape & Fall Festival. Stroll along Downing Street, where Tudor Revival-style historic buildings create a charming backdrop. Engage in the lively grape stomp or the Color Me Grape 5K run. The pup pageant brings smiles as adorable dogs take center stage, and don’t miss the chance to explore vendor booths filled with unique handmade crafts, delicious homemade treats, and fresh produce.
Branson Missouri’s Captivating Pumpkin Patches
The fall experience in Branson isn’t complete without indulging in the joys of pumpkin patches and fall festivals. Shepherd’s Pumpkin Fest (September 22 – October 29) at Shepherd of the Hills offers a unique pumpkin-picking experience, accompanied by hayrides and panoramic views from Inspiration Tower and the Copperhead Mountain Coaster.
McKenna’s Pumpkin Patch (September 23 – October 29) at Mckenna Family Farm is a family-friendly destination featuring pumpkins, bonfires, custom fall décor, and engaging activities like the big bale hay maze and bounce pillow. Meanwhile, the Fall Roundup at Sycamore Creek Ranch (September 29 – October 29) invites visitors to enjoy fall’s rustic charm with activities like corn mazes, bonfires, lawn games, and the thrilling “Ranch Rider Super Slide”
Exploring Branson Missouri’s Natural Splendor: Fall Foliage Tours
Branson Missouri’s natural beauty shines even brighter during the fall foliage season. For those who appreciate leisurely walks, the Downtown Branson and Branson Landing walking tour offers a 1.5-mile path adorned with vibrant fall colors, passing by landmarks like the Branson Landing Fountain and the Historic Downtown Branson.
Driving enthusiasts can embark on three captivating routes that showcase the stunning fall landscapes. The Table Rock Lake and Kimberling City driving tour offers lake and mountain views, historic truss bridges, and opportunities for breathtaking fall foliage photography. The Downtown Branson, Forsyth, and Rockaway Beach driving tour features charming views along Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake. For a longer adventure, the Bull Shoals, Peel Ferry, and Mark Twain National Forest driving tour offers the chance to explore the region’s natural wonders.
- Branson Landing Walking Tour
- Table Rock Lake and Kimberling City Driving Tour
- Downtown Branson, Forsyth, and Rockaway Beach Driving Tour
- Bull Shoals, Peel Ferry, and Mark Twain National Forest Driving Tour
For nature enthusiasts, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, nestled in nearby Lampe, Missouri, offers 10,000 acres of preserved wilderness. The park’s trails invite visitors to hike, bike, and even take a Segway tour. The tram rides offer a chance to observe wildlife amidst the vibrant fall foliage, natural waterfalls, and rugged rock formations.
Another unique experience awaits at Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Cave Tour. This 2.5-mile journey through illuminated scenes is best enjoyed during the fall, where electric carts lead visitors through a captivating landscape that is beautiful year-round but is absolutely breathtaking in the fall foliage.
Christmas Magic in Branson Missouri: A Timeless Celebration
As the holiday season approaches, Branson Missouri swells with a festive spirit that is unparalleled. With a variety of Christmas activities and attractions, the city becomes a true holiday haven.
Strolling through Branson Landing
Branson Landing transforms into a holiday haven, inviting visitors to enjoy Christmas shopping and festive lights. Children can even meet Santa Claus at the Bass Pro Shops.
A Journey on the Polar Express
Every Christmas, the Branson Scenic Railway brings the beloved tale of The Polar Express to life. Passengers are transported into the enchanting world of Van Allsburg’s timeless story, complete with character reenactments, a visit from Santa, and warm cups of hot chocolate and cookies. Families are encouraged to don their pajamas for an immersive experience.
Mesmerizing Drive-Through Christmas Light Displays
Branson’s drive-through Christmas light displays offer a captivating way to experience the beauty of the holiday season. The Lights of Joy, Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills, Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo, and the Lost Canyon Christmas Cart Tour at Top of the Rock create a tapestry of twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
A Symphony of Christmas Shows
Branson’s renowned shows take on a festive twist during the holiday season. From Dolly Parton’s Stampede to Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, visitors can enjoy Broadway-style performances that celebrate the magic of the holidays. Other shows, such as Sight & Sound Theatre, Hot Rods & High Heels, and Shepherd of the Hills, offer their own unique holiday-themed productions.
Meeting Santa Claus
Despite his busy schedule, Santa Claus can be found spreading joy at various locations throughout Branson. Whether it’s at Shepherd of the Hills North Pole Adventure, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo, Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (Branson Landing), or Lights of Joy, the opportunity to meet Santa is a cherished experience.
A Season of Enchantment in Branson
As the cool breeze carries whispers of winter, Branson, Missouri, emerges as a haven of fall foliage, festive lights, and holiday celebrations. From the vibrant colors of autumn to the enchantment of Christmas, this charming city offers an array of experiences that capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re savoring apple treats at Silver Dollar City, exploring artisan crafts at local festivals, or embarking on scenic fall foliage tours, Branson welcomes you to embrace the magic of fall and the holiday spirit.
The Lizzy’s Landing calendar is starting to fill up for this fall, so head over to our landing page for more information on how to book a stay with us this fall.
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Next week’s blog post will focus on the importance of family vacations. Until then, happy travels!
