USA TODAY's #1 Theme Park Holiday Event
Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas runs November 7, 2026 through January 2, 2027 — featuring over 6.5 million lights, the new eight-story animated Joy on Town Square Christmas tree, the brand-new Stars, Lights & Christmas Nights Parade with Yukon Cornelius from the classic 1964 Rudolph TV special, Broadway-style A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, the Heart of Christmas show, and the Grand Fir Tree Lighting in The Plaza. The 2026 season is also Thunderation’s farewell celebration after 33 years.
A 20-minute drive from Roark Creek Resort — Branson’s must-see Christmas experience and the longest-running Christmas attraction on the city’s calendar.
Who It’s For: Families, holiday-light lovers, theme park fans, photographers, USA TODAY award show enthusiasts.
What to Expect: Over 6.5 million lights throughout the park, eight-story LED Joy on Town Square Christmas tree synchronized to music, Stars Lights & Christmas Nights Parade, Broadway-style A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Heart of Christmas show, Grand Fir Tree Lighting, Christmas-themed food, all regular rides and attractions.
Do’s: Stay into the evening for the full light display, buy admission packages in advance for peak weekends, dress warmly for late-evening visits, and check the daily show schedule.
Don’ts: Don’t expect park operation on Tuesdays/Wednesdays in most weeks. Don’t skip the Heart of Christmas show — it’s a fan favorite. Park is CLOSED December 31 and January 1.
Information
📍 Venue: Silver Dollar City, 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616
📞 Phone: 800-475-9370
🌐 Website: silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/festivals/an-old-time-christmas
Distance from Roark Creek Resort: ~10 miles / ~20 min
Opening Hours
🕒 Date: November 7, 2026 – January 2, 2027
🕒 Opening Hours: Typically Thursday – Monday, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM (closed most Tuesdays/Wednesdays; CLOSED Dec 31 and Jan 1)
What to Know
• Type of Experience: Theme park holiday festival, light display, live entertainment.
• Fun Fact: USA TODAY voters have named An Old Time Christmas the “Best Theme Park Holiday Event” eight times — outpolling Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld parks in national voting. January 2, 2027 is also the final operation day for Thunderation, Silver Dollar City’s iconic mine train coaster, retiring after 33 years and 27 million riders.
