Big Cedar Lodge’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ returns brighter than ever with over 4 million lights
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- Nov 12
- 6 min read
America’s Premier Nature Resort, Big Cedar Lodge, is set to transform into a winter wonderland, inviting guests to journey “Home for the Holidays” and experience the magic of the season throughout November and December. More than 4 million lights will illuminate the resort, casting a festive glow across the Ozark Mountains. Guests can skate along Big Cedar’s brand-new real ice rink, race down the tube sledding hill with stunning views of Table Rock Lake and enjoy classic Christmas traditions like gingerbread build-offs, photos with Santa, and ornament decorating. Whether creating new memories or revisiting cherished traditions, guests are invited to celebrate the season surrounded by nature’s beauty.
See below for the full lineup of Christmas activities:
Ice Skating & Tubing ExperienceThis season, glide into the holidays at Big Cedar’s brand-new real ice rink and tubing experience, nestled beside a beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Lace up your skates and step into a twinkling holiday wonderland overlooking Table Rock Lake. This year, we’ve gone all in with real ice, and we can’t wait for you to feel the difference. Come make storybook memories under the stars! $25 for overnight guests | $30 for the public
Snuggle up, sit back, and relax on Big Cedar’s twinkling tram tour! Marvel at panoramic views of Table Rock Lake, cross bridges, and see the property’s historic sites while festive music plays in the background. Be surrounded by the magic of Christmas while creating lasting memories with friends and family! Overnight Guests $25 | Public: $30 | Ages 2 & under: Free
Step into a winter wonderland dream with our Private Sleigh Ride Tour a magical holiday experience for couples or families (up to six guests). Cozy up with provided blankets a choice of hot chocolate, or hot cider and a walking s’more pop in our festive Santa sleigh, pulled by a John Deere tractor, as you enjoy twinkling lights, holiday music, and the scenic route of our beloved tram lighted tour. $100 for 2 guests | $15 per additional guest (max 6 guests total) Open to both overnight guests & the public.
Experience the magic of the season at our Home for the Holidays Self-Guided Light Tour from the comfort of your vehicle. Journey through dazzling displays that bring the story of Christmas to life with more twinkling lights than ever before! Reservations are strongly recommended, as drive-up availability is limited and not guaranteed. Open to both overnight guests & the public. Open to the publicCars & SUVs | $35Mini Buses | $60
Experience the magic of the Ozarks after dark at Top of the Rock’s Nature at Night, running through year’s end. Drive your own golf cart along a 2.5-mile trail featuring dazzling lights, waterfalls, bridge crossings and a spectacular cave featuring the one-of-a-kind Bat Bar. Become illuminated with inspiration to conserve our natural world on this one-of-a-kind holiday adventure. Open to both overnight guests & the public.
Have breakfast with Santa at The Worman House! Enjoy an omelet station, festive cupcake wall, Belgian waffles, French toast and more. Snap a photo with St. Nick and say hello to Mrs. Claus and one of the elves. This activity is open to both overnight guests & the public.
Adults | $52 Plus tax and gratuityChildren 5–10 | $26 Plus tax and gratuityChildren 4 & under | Complimentary
Have breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Clause, and friends at The Grandview Conference Center! With a festive holiday spread curated by the world-class Big Cedar Lodge Culinary Team, make family memories to last a lifetime! Open to both overnight guests & the public.
Adults | $48Kids 4-10 | $24Kids 4 and under | ComplementaryCash bar available
Join the Big Cedar Elves for a fun-filled event, decorating your very own Christmas stocking! Our Elves provide everything you need. Use glitter, iron on patches, ribbon, bells and so much more to craft a masterpiece. $20 per stocking (Open to both overnight guests & the public)
A sugar rush is double the fun with gingerbread house decorating! We provide the houses, icing and all the fixings. Gingerbread houses will be displayed at Fun Mountain for guests to choose a winner! To participate in the judging, you may not use your own supplies but only what is provided. Prizes will be awarded to first and second place winners. $45 per gingerbread house. Open to both overnight guests & the public.
Come join our elves and decorate a Big Cedar themed ornament to remind you of your holiday spent with us! Choose one of our branded ornaments to paint and our elves will then fire them in our kiln, creating a lasting masterpiece you can enjoy year after year! $22 per ornament | Open to both overnight guests & the public.
Calling all kiddos! Join Santa’s elves for an evening full of Christmas adventure! Parents, enjoy an evening out at one of our award-winning dining locations, while kiddos can come party in their PJs! We will have dinner, a dance party, make Christmas crafts and have all the fun expected at our slumber party-themed event. There will even be a special appearance by Mrs. Claus herself! All kids receive a cozy critter, water bottle, and their crafts to keep! $90 per child | Open to both overnight guests & the public.
Join Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elves for a day of baking and decorating Christmas cupcakes! You will decorate your very own chef’s apron and hat to keep. We will enjoy Christmas songs, stories, and games. All kids receive a cozy critter, water bottle, and their crafts to keep. This activity is open to both overnight guests and the public. $90 per child |
Open to both overnight guests & the public.
Step into a wonderland of glowing tents, twinkling lights, and campfire favorites at Kids’ Club Holiday Lights and Campfire Nights. It’s a Christmas camping party unlike any other!
$100 per child. Open to both overnight guests & the public.
What’s included:
● Camp-style dinner: hamburgers, hot-dogs and classic sides
● Craft Time: A camping themed holiday craft with Mrs. Claus to take home
● Letters to Santa: Write your wish list on our special North Pole stationary
● Santa Visit: Santa stops by to deliver a special gift to each camper
● Movie Time: End the evening watching a Christmas movie from the comfort of your tent
Who says gingerbread houses are just for kids? Join us for a fun holiday spin on our charcuterie class at the adults-only Gingerbread Charcuterie Chalet! We will provide everything needed to design the dwelling of your dreams including meats, cheeses, nuts and extra edible items for snacking. This offering is complete with two glasses of complimentary wine, beer, or soda as you savor your edible architecture! $55 per person. Open to both overnight guests and the public.
Overnight Guest Christmas Experiences
Make your stay at Big Cedar Lodge even more magical. Once you book, we’ll reach out the week of your arrival to get your room number. Then, our Elves will secretly set up a festive scavenger hunt in your room, complete with a special letter, hidden clues, and four custom cookies. Want more treats? Add extra cookies for just $5 each. Make this season sparkle- book now! $40 per room, guests can add additional cookies for $5 a piece.
The elves have made a special trip from the North Pole all the way to the Ozarks to visit your little ones and spread holiday cheer. The elves love to read bedtime stories, collect letters to Santa, and deliver special Big Cedar stockings full of goodies! The elves also deliver a book they sign and leave one copy per family. $65 per stocking
Create memories that will last a lifetime with a visit from the one and only Santa Claus! Santa will come to your room to visit with your child, take pictures and gather any letters they have written to him. Santa will also bring a special gift for your child to keep! $75/per child
Mrs. Claus and her jolly elf sidekick are making bedtime extra magical with a sweet delivery of sugar cookies and milk! Kiddos can snap a festive photo with Mrs. Claus and share their biggest wishes on North Pole stationery before heading off to dreamland with hearts full of cheer! $50 per visit
We’d love to work with you to celebrate this special Christmas season at Big Cedar Lodge!