One of the biggest attractions in Branson, Missouri is the shows. You can find everything from gospel, country, to rock n’ roll. With so many shows to choose from, how will you know which ones you want to attend? We visited 6 different shows to give you the lowdown on Christmas Shows in Branson, Missouri.
We attended a media event hosted by the Stone Castle Hotel and their partners. All opinions are our own.
Christmas Shows Branson, Missouri
Whether you’re looking for a show for date night, a fun show to watch on vacation, or somewhere to take the family, Branson has a show for you.
1.The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show -This is truly a family show. The stars are the four Hughes brothers, but the rest of the cast consists of their wives and children. “Do you like the Hughes girls?” they quipped. “We liked them so much that we married them.” The talent starts early in this family as each child has grown up with a love of music. Their talents include playing instruments, including classical violin, dancing, and singing. It’s easy to see why the Hughes Brothers have won the Branson Best Christmas Show for ten years. The Hughes family are Mormons so the show has religious touches, including a skit in which Santa Claus examples the symbols of Christmas. Shows are available Monday through Friday, though show times vary. Check this link for a list of times available. While you’re at the show, be sure to try some of their goodies like their homemade fudge or pepper cookies. If you’re hungry, schedule a visit for the dinner show or stop by their bistro upstairs.
The Hughes Brothers
2. Clay Cooper’s Christmas Express Show – This show features the talents of the Cooper family, Clay, his wife Tina, and sons of Colton and Caden. The first half of the show is the traditional show while the second half features their Christmas selections. This show highlights the comic abilities of Clay Cooper whose improv skills with the audience will bring a smile to everyone at the theater. The traditional show includes “old and new country, rock, current hits, gospel, and patriotic songs, along with dance performances and impressions. You’ll want to be early so you can catch the preshow written by the talented Matt Gumm, who picks random audience members to participate on the stage. Clay has been performing in Branson for 32 years and has learned what will please a crowd. Show dates and times vary. Check this link to find a list of times available.
3. Andy Williams Performing Arts Theater-Created by Andy Williams, this theater is now owned by Jimmy Osmond, who carries on Andy’s legacy in his performances. The Andy Williams Ozark Mountain Christmas show features The Lennon Sisters, known for their performances on The Lawrence Welk Show, and Jimmy Osmond. During the performance, you’ll hear musical tributes to Andy Williams as the performers share his favorite songs, and memories of Mr. Williams shared by Jimmy Osmond. The show also features Charlie Green of Britain’s Got Talent and Voices of Glory from America’s Got Talent. The Ice Angels provide a lovely backdrop as they perform ice skating dances to enhance each song. Who knows, you might even see Rudolph and Santa Claus on the ice! Check for available showtimes here.
4. Branson’s Famous Baldknobber’s Christmas If you’ve ever wondered how Branson became associated with musical shows, this it is. The Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers was the first show in Branson, started in 1959. The show continues today with second and third generation members of the family. Staying true to their roots, there’s not a lot of special theatrical effects, just a solid variety show with music and comedy. The music features a variety of gospel, country, and Christmas tunes, plus performances by the highly talented band. The two comedy sketches in the show showcase Hargus and Droopy Drawers, who are reminiscent of skits on Hee-Haw. Shows are featured Monday through Saturday at 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM.
5. Showboat Branson Belle-This is a fun variety show with a twist; it’s held on a steamboat that takes a short cruise during the performance. Along with the variety show, you’ll be served dinner featuring a garden salad with roll, your choice of pot roast or honey citrus chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and lemon berry ice cream pie. This show includes a variety of music, along with Christmas tunes blended in, beginning with hits from the 1960s and ending with popular hits from today, as well as dance numbers. The comedy act is a must see, made even better with the audience participation. On the day we visited the two sisters chosen from the audience even managed to stun the emcee with their performance. Be sure to go out onto the deck to view the sunset over Table Rock Lake. It’s the perfect opportunity to take pictures. If you have young children, don’t miss the Santa’s Pancakes & PJs Cruise with a scavenger hunt, a chance to turn in your Christmas wish list, special visits from Santa, and more.
6. Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Show– If you are looking for a Christmas show that will delight the kids, then look no further than the Dolly Parton Stampede. This show has everything you’d want to keep the entire family entertained; good food, audience participation, and plenty of trick-riding and stunts on horseback. The show starts as the elves at the North Pole and the South Pole compete to see who can please Santa this season. While watching the show, you’ll be served a complete meal with creamy vegetable soup, a roll, an ear of corn, a potato wedge, an entire Cornish hen, a slab of pork, and an apple turnover to end the meal. There’s plenty of comedy as Skeeter appears throughout the show to give his opinions. One of the highlights of the show is the live nativity scene that descends from the ceiling and brings in sheep, camels, and other animals as the shepherds and wise men come to visit. Arrive early before the show to hear the musical pre-show and purchase one of the Stampede’s original drinks.
Have you been to Branson, Missouri? What shows have you attended? Have you seen any of the Christmas shows?Which is your favorite?
These all sound great! I really need to get back to Branson one day. So much to see and do!
What a fabulous selection of shows for the holidays! I’m so excited to see Christmas productions in December.
The Clay Cooper show seems like so much fun! I wish they had more shows like these where I am from.
Winter is tough here because it is so cold and seems to drag on forever. It’s nice to have some fun stuff to do and these look like a great way to spend time during the holiday season.
I have only visited Branson in the Summer months. I had no idea they had holiday themed shows. Id love to take the kids to check these out!
I’ve never been to Branson, but these shows all look amazing! I wish I could get down there for this holiday season
Branson is in my bucket list! We have friends that go every year and just rave about it. I need to get myself there soon!
Wow. This would be a lot of fun. I haven’t been to Missouri yet. I would love to go.
I used to love going to a panto when I was a child, but I’ve not been to a Christmas show in years! Definitely something I should change, it sounds like some amazing ones are going on in Branson!
I never been to Branson. I would love to attend one of these shows though. They look like a lot of fun.
I love Christmas so all of these shows look amazing! I would love to attend the Dolly Parton’s Stampede Christmas Show. It looks so lively and fun!
My grandparents went to Branson several years ago. They came back raving about the great times that they had. I enjoyed seeing their photos.
We are headed to Branson on the 23rd. However, almost all shows are dark when we are there! Boo! I love how Branson celebrates Christmas!
You know, I’ve never been to Branson. I have friends who have, and they love it. It looks like a great place for some awesome holiday fun!
My parents have been to the Christmas shows in Branson before and said they were the best they had been to. I hope to go someday.
Branson is one of our favorite places to visit during the Christmas holidays. They really go all out at Christmas. We always encourage everyone to get out and visit Branson. It’s so affordable and such a great place to visit during the holidays.
These all sound great! I really need to get back to Branson one day. I just love watching Christmas shows with my family.
One of these days we will make it down to Branson and take in the shows. Tons of people we know have visited