Branson holidays
The self-proclaimed ‘Live Entertainment Capital of the World’, Branson draws visitors from across the globe with its theatres, theme parks and live music venues. But beyond the dozens of stages and concert halls you’ll discover a world of natural wonders in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. Whether you’re here for the hikes or the honky tonks, a holiday to Branson means year-round fun.
Branson holiday highlights
Missouri Divsion of Tourism
Showtime city
Live music has been a Branson holiday staple for more than 50 years. And, with more theatre seats than Broadway, it’s easy to see why people flock to the city for entertainment. Plan on catching a show? Make a beeline for the 76 Strip where you’ll find Pepsi Legends Theater, the Americana Theatre and the Grand Country Music Hall.
Outdoor thrills
Branson’s location in the Ozark Mountains offers a feel-good mix of fresh air and fun. For water sports and fishing, head to Table Rock Lake. If hiking is more your thing, Branson Lakeside Forest Wilderness and Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Areas will be your happy places. Marvel Cave, meanwhile, calls to adventurers looking to explore one of Missouri's deepest caverns.
Wine tasting
The wineries in and around Branson began popping up in the 1830s and enjoyed 100 years of success before Prohibition put a stop to the industry. Happily, the 1960s saw a wine renaissance and production has grown ever since. Get a taste of the local grapes during your Branson holiday — Lindwedel and St. James wineries are great places to start.
Branson: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – March
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Photographer name
Find the best time to go to Branson
Weather in Branson
March – May: Spring brings mild days and cool nights, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and hitting the golf courses.
June – August: Summers can get hot and humid, so cool off at one of Branson’s lakes. Short bursts of rain make it a great season to catch a live theatre show too.
September – November: Be sure to pack layers for autumn’s often unpredictable weather. Hiking is at its best when the Ozarks are blanketed in colourful foliage.
December – February: Don’t let the warm glow of Branson’s Christmas lights fool you — temperatures plummet below freezing. Layer up and take advantage of the seasonal festivities.
Events in Branson
Branson Music Festival (April): This weekend event celebrates the city’s live music and entertainment. You’ll see local and international artists perform country, bluegrass and gospel music.
Fourth of July (July): Head to Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake for dazzling fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day.
Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts & Music Festival (September): Going strong for more than 50 years, this autumn festival hosts vendors, artists and food trucks, as well as daily entertainment from local performers.
Ozark Mountain Christmas (November to January): During the festive period, Branson earns its nickname as America’s Christmas Tree City with twinkling lights, live music and Christmas-themed activities for the whole family.
The best neighbourhoods in Branson
Things to do in Branson
Missouri Division of Tourism
Family-friendly things to do
Known as a ‘family-friendly Las Vegas’, Branson offers fun for all ages. The 1880s-style theme park Silver Dollar City is famous for its rides, shows and workshops. At Shepherd of the Hills, watch an outdoor dramatisation of the 1907 novel that put Branson on the tourist map. This entertainment park also features zipline rides and a downhill roller coaster.
Shopping
No trip to Branson is complete without stopping by Dick's 5 & 10, a souvenir shop in business since 1961. For locally made gifts, head to the Branson Craft Mall with its hundreds of booths selling artisan goods. You’ll also find speciality stores in Branson Landing near Lake Taneycomo. The boardwalk here is perfect for a breather between shopping sprees.
Places to eat
Branson’s food scene has boomed in recent years. It now offers everything from popular chains to hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints and fine dining restaurants. Expect long queues outside the Branson Cafe, a local institution since 1910. If you’re planning on catching a show during your stay, you’ll find dining options galore in the Branson Theatre District.
Free things to do
There’s no need to break the bank to have a good time in Branson. Enjoy free admission to the Branson Centennial Museum and catch choreographed fountain shows at Branson Landing. If you’re visiting outside the winter months, grab your peanuts and crackerjacks to watch free weekly baseball games at Ballparks of America.
Take in the culture
Branson is big on museums – literally. Visit the world's largest Titanic model at the Titanic Museum and unleash your inner child at the World's Largest Toy Museum Complex. If you’re into local history, don’t miss the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum for its Native American artwork and dress, Civil War artefacts and replicas of prehistoric animals.
Beaches
You’ll find sandy Moonshine Beach hugging the shores of Table Rock Lake, the perfect spot for a summertime swim. Complete with bathrooms, outdoor showers, barbecue grills and a playground, it’s a popular spot for all ages. There’s a small admission fee to enter the park and it can get busy in the warmer months, so arrive early to score a parking spot.
Plan your holiday to Branson
FAQs about Branson holidays
With maximum temperatures of 32ºC (90ºF), July is the hottest month in Branson.
Branson is generally considered a safe place to visit, especially if you're staying in the popular tourist areas. As with any destination, stay aware of your surroundings and keep belongings secure. Read up on any travel alerts or safety tips to ensure your holiday to Branson is enjoyable and stress-free.
Tickets for shows and attractions can add up but there are ways to create a cheap holiday to Branson. Book your flights and hotels outside the peak summer and Christmas seasons and use the free downtown trolley to explore. Buy show tickets in advance for the best chance of discounts.
The wettest month is May, which has an average rainfall of 6 cm. But don't let the weather take the shine off your Branson trip — there's still loads to do indoors such as shopping, discovering museums, or hanging out in restaurants.
During your city break in Branson, you'll hear the locals mostly speaking in English.
January brings the coldest days of the year. Plan your Branson trip then and you can anticipate lows of -7ºC (19ºF).
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From buying souvenirs to tipping, carrying some cash during your trip to Branson is wise.
A short break to Branson of at least three days will give you enough time to take in live shows, attractions and museums. If you plan on making the most of the city’s great outdoors, consider extending your holiday to five or six days.
The city offers year-round fun, so there’s no bad time for a holiday to Branson. Spring and autumn have pleasant weather, fewer crowds and good deals on accommodation. Visit in November or December for Branson’s famous Christmas festivities – just know that some attractions may be closed due to cold temperatures.
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Plan your holiday to Branson
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