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See & Do BransonTravel Information for the Smart Traveler™
A small cabin outlined in Christmas lights beside a tree wrapped in purple lights at night

Branson Events and Festivals

Theme park festivals, a week for veterans and one of the busiest Christmas seasons in the country.

Most of Branson's big events fall into three seasons. Spring and summer belong to Silver Dollar City's festivals and to the lakes. Fall brings the Harvest Festival, changing leaves and a busy run of theater shows. The Christmas season, which the town promotes as an Ozark Mountain Christmas, starts in early November and is one of the most popular times to visit, with nearly every theater staging a holiday version of its show.

Veterans have a special place on the Branson calendar. Many shows salute service members every night, and the week leading up to Veterans Day draws veterans and their families from across the country for reunions, ceremonies and a parade. Hotels and shows fill quickly that week, so book early.

Annual Festivals and Events

Bluegrass & BBQ at Silver Dollar Cityusually May · Silver Dollar City

Several weeks of bluegrass bands on the park's stages paired with barbecue from smokers around the grounds; included with park admission.

Summer Celebration at Silver Dollar Cityusually June through early August · Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City's summer festival, with extended evening hours and special nighttime shows and events.

Southern Gospel Picnicusually late August into September · Silver Dollar City

A run of southern gospel concerts from well-known groups on the park's stages.

Harvest Festivalusually September and October · Silver Dollar City

Fall crafts, pumpkin displays, seasonal food and evening pumpkin events throughout the park.

Veterans Homecoming Weekevery November, ending on Veterans Day · Branson

A week of reunions, ceremonies, free events for veterans and a Veterans Day parade through downtown Branson.

An Old Time Christmasusually early November into early January · Silver Dollar City

Millions of lights, holiday shows, a towering lighted Christmas tree and a nighttime Christmas parade at the theme park.

Ozark Mountain Christmasusually November and December · Throughout Branson

The town-wide Christmas season, when most theaters stage holiday shows, including the Christmas production at Sight & Sound Theatres and the holiday edition of Dolly Parton's Stampede.

Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lightsusually November and December · Shepherd of the Hills

A long-running drive-through Christmas lights route on the Shepherd of the Hills homestead west of town.

Adoration Parade and Nativity Lightingusually the first Sunday evening in December · Downtown Branson

A Christmas parade held since the late 1940s that opens with the lighting of the Nativity scene on the bluff above Lake Taneycomo; free to attend.

Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.

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Branson Events — FAQ

When does the Christmas season start in Branson?

Early November. Silver Dollar City starts An Old Time Christmas in early November, and most theaters switch to holiday shows around the same time. The season runs through December, and a few attractions continue into early January.

Are Silver Dollar City festivals included with admission?

Yes. The park's festivals are part of regular admission or a season pass, though a few special concerts and dining events are ticketed separately.

What is Veterans Homecoming Week?

An annual week of events for veterans and their families in early November, organized with the city and local volunteers. It includes reunions, ceremonies, free activities and the Veterans Day parade downtown.