Branson’s three big Christmas shows for families in 2026 are Sight & Sound’s Miracle of Christmas (Nov 3 to Dec 31), The Polar Express train ride from the Branson Depot (select dates Nov 12 to Jan 2) and Santa’s Pancakes & PJs cruises on the Showboat Branson Belle (Dec 5 to 23). Read on each organizer’s page on 2026-10-20.
Compare The Three
| Miracle of Christmas | The Polar Express | Santa’s Pancakes & PJs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Nov 3 to Dec 31 | Select dates, Nov 12 to Jan 2 | Dec 5 to 23 |
| Where | Sight & Sound Theatres, 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expy | Branson Depot, 206 E. Main St. | Showboat Branson Belle, 4800 Historic State Hwy 165 |
| Length | About 2 hours 20 minutes with a 20-minute intermission | Ride about 1 hour 15 minutes; visit about 2 hours | Activities start 1 hour before the cruise |
| Price | Adults $59 to $79; ages 2 to 12 $34 | From $51 adult / $39 child, plus tax | $59 ages 10+, $49 ages 2 to 9, plus tax |
Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound, Nov 3 to Dec 31
- What it is: a large-scale stage production of the Christmas story. Sight & Sound says every production is written with guests of all ages in mind.
- Tickets: adults (13 and up) $59 to $79; children (2 to 12) $34.
- Showtimes: on the theater’s show calendar, or call (800) 377-1277.
- Running time: the show page says 2 hours 20 minutes; the FAQ says about 2½ hours including a 20-minute intermission.
The Polar Express, Nov 12 to Jan 2
- On board: hot chocolate and cookies served by dancing chefs, a reading of The Polar Express, a visit from Santa, caroling, and a silver sleigh bell for each guest.
- Timing: arrive about 40 minutes before showtime; boarding closes 10 minutes after showtime.
- Parking: the railway’s own lot across from the depot at 201 E. Main St. (limited, tickets checked), paid parking on Sycamore Street across from the Branson Convention Center, or the Branson Landing public garage. Drop-off is available at the depot.
- Dress: warm pajamas are encouraged; the boarding platform is not heated.
| 2026 prices, adult / child (2 to 11), plus tax | Value | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Coach | $51 / $39 | $61 / $49 | $71 / $59 |
| First Class | $61 / $51 | $71 / $61 | $84 / $74 |
| Coach Class Dome | $61 / $51 | $71 / $61 | $84 / $74 |
| First Class Dome | $71 / $61 | $81 / $71 | $94 / $84 |
Lap infants 23 months and under are $8 on any date and class. The railway’s own class descriptions show slightly different ranges for some classes, so confirm the price at booking.
Santa’s Pancakes & PJs on The Showboat Branson Belle, Dec 5 to 23
- Cruise times: Dec 5, 12, 19 and 22 at 8 a.m.; Dec 6, 13 and 20 to 23 at 9 a.m. and noon, as listed by Silver Dollar City. The experience starts one hour before cruise time.
- Before boarding: Sugar Plum Fairy sweet stops, a gift from the Captain in the Wheelhouse, face painting and a wish list for the Toy Soldiers mailbox.
- On the lake: breakfast, story time, a sing-along and a stage show with music, dance and comedy.
- Prices: ages 2 to 9 $49, ages 10 and up $59, ages 1 and under free, plus tax.
Still Unconfirmed
- Daily showtimes for Miracle of Christmas and departure times for The Polar Express (on each booking calendar, not the main pages).
- Which Polar Express dates are Value, Standard or Peak.
Not yet announced here. We check these pages weekly and update this guide when anything changes.
Plan The Trip
Pair these with An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City (Nov 7 to Jan 2). For more shows and events nearby see Branson and Table Rock Lake events, and for drive times see Missouri drive times.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound in Branson?
Nov 3 to Dec 31, 2026 at Sight & Sound Theatres, 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Showtimes are on the theater’s show calendar.
How much are Miracle of Christmas tickets?
Sight & Sound lists adults (13 and up) at $59 to $79 and children (2 to 12) at $34.
When does The Polar Express run in Branson?
On select dates from Nov 12, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027, from the historic Branson Depot at 206 E. Main St. The ride is about 1 hour 15 minutes, and the whole visit about two hours.
How much is The Polar Express in Branson?
Plus tax, Deluxe Coach runs $51 to $71 for adults and $39 to $59 for children 2 to 11, depending on whether the date is Value, Standard or Peak. Dome and First Class seats cost more, up to $94. Lap infants 23 months and under are $8.
What is Santa’s Pancakes & PJs on the Showboat Branson Belle?
A breakfast cruise on Table Rock Lake with story time, a sing-along and a stage show, Dec 5 to 23, 2026. Ages 2 to 9 are $49, ages 10 and up $59, and ages 1 and under free, plus tax. Kids are encouraged to wear Christmas pajamas.
Should we wear pajamas on The Polar Express?
The Branson Scenic Railway encourages warm pajamas, as in the book, and winter clothing, because the boarding platform is not heated.
Sources
- Sight & Sound Theatres, Miracle of Christmas, checked 2026-10-20
- Branson Scenic Railway, The Polar Express, checked 2026-10-20
- Showboat Branson Belle, Santa’s Pancakes & PJs, checked 2026-10-20
More big Missouri dates: Kansas City holiday lights, St. Louis holiday lights and all Missouri events.
Coming Up Near Branson
- An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar CityNov 7 – Jan 2 · Branson West · about 8 mi
Straight-line distance from the centre of Branson, not driving miles. Events within 40 miles. Dates come from our checked events list and may change; confirm with the organizer.
Cite this page: It's Missouri, “Branson Christmas Shows 2026: Miracle of Christmas, The Polar Express and Showboat Cruises”, itsmissouri.com/branson-christmas-shows-polar-express/ (updated ). By the It's Missouri editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.