Santa and Mrs. Claus name Branson, Missouri, their favorite place to visit

After centuries of travel, several billion chimney landings, countless cups of cocoa and more Christmas destinations than even the elves can count, Santa and Mrs. Claus have made it official: Branson, Missouri, is their favorite place to visit.

The news arrived in appropriately official fashion. Earlier this month, the Branson Christmas Coalition received notice that a Certified Mail® letter from an unusually northern ZIP code was awaiting delivery. The return address simply read:

Office of Santa & Mrs. Claus The North Pole

Given the significance of the correspondence—and the fact that no one at the Coalition could remember ordering anything from an elf—the letter was opened immediately.

Inside was an official proclamation, bearing the signatures of both Santa and Mrs. Claus, declaring Branson, Missouri, their favorite place to visit, especially during Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Coalition leadership, while delighted, decided such extraordinary news required verification.

So they called the North Pole. After a brief hold reportedly caused by “heavy pre-Christmas workshop activity,” the Coalition was connected directly with the Clauses. The news was confirmed.

“Mrs. Claus and I have traveled just about everywhere there is to travel, and there’s simply something special about Branson at Christmastime,” Santa said. “The lights, the music, the Christmas trees, the shows, the families and the way the entire community celebrates the season—it feels a little like the North Pole, only with more hills.”

Mrs. Claus was quick to add that their affection for Branson extends beyond the decorations. “Christmas isn’t really about how many lights you hang,” Mrs. Claus said. “It’s about how brightly a community shines. Branson understands that. There’s a warmth here—a genuine spirit of hospitality, tradition, faith, family and joy—that makes us feel right at home.”

The designation is particularly fitting for a community that has spent more than a decade building its reputation as a Christmas destination. The Branson Christmas Coalition was formed by area business leaders to encourage, inspire and help implement high-quality holiday experiences and visual presentations throughout Ozark Mountain Country.

Among its Christmas initiatives, the Coalition helped establish Branson as America’s Christmas Tree City and created the annual Community Christmas Tree, first implemented in 2020. And apparently, all that Christmas spirit has been noticed at the North Pole.

Santa & Mrs. Claus are coming to Branson

The North Pole also confirmed another piece of big news: Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance in Branson at 10 a.m. on November 5 to help with a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Community Christmas Tree, which has once again been enhanced—this time as: AMERICA’S MOST PATRIOTIC CHRISTMAS TREE

The special event will take place at the Community Christmas Tree, located on Highway 76 between The Track Family Fun Parks and Branson Helicopter Tours in Branson. The public is invited to come welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus back to Branson and experience America’s Most Patriotic Christmas Tree. The enhanced tree will serve as another signature centerpiece of Ozark Mountain Christmas and a highly visible symbol of the community’s love of country, Christmas and the traditions that bring generations together.

This year, Santa says he is particularly eager to see what Branson has created. “The elves keep a pretty close eye on Christmas innovation,” Santa said. “And Branson keeps giving them ideas. But combining the spirit of Christmas with a celebration of America? That’s something Mrs. Claus and I wouldn’t miss.” North Pole officials would neither confirm nor deny reports that several members of Santa’s decorating department have requested “research trips” to the Ozarks.

A Christmas destination worthy of Santa’s list

For the Branson Christmas Coalition, receiving Santa and Mrs. Claus’ endorsement represents something more than a whimsical holiday honor. It celebrates years of collaboration among businesses, attractions, community leaders, volunteers and residents who have worked together to make Christmas an unforgettable season in the Ozarks. The Coalition’s goal has been to create Christmas experiences that visitors of all ages will remember—and hopefully turn into annual family traditions.

Apparently, that philosophy works for families from the North Pole, too. When asked whether Branson’s new designation means the community can expect preferential treatment on Christmas Eve, Santa laughed. “Nice try.” He did, however, confirm one thing. “When people ask Mrs. Claus and me where they should go to really experience Christmas, we don’t have to think very long anymore. We tell them: ‘Go to Branson.’” Mrs. Claus agreed. “And stay a few days.”

The Branson Christmas Coalition invites residents, visitors, veterans, families, Christmas enthusiasts and believers of all ages to join Santa and Mrs. Claus at 10 a.m. on November 5 at the Community Christmas Tree on Highway 76, between The Track Family Fun Parks and Branson Helicopter Tours.

Come welcome the Clauses back to their favorite Christmas destination and be among the first to enjoy a newly enhanced Branson holiday landmark: AMERICA’S MOST PATRIOTIC CHRISTMAS TREE.

Until then, the official word from the North Pole is clear: Santa loves Branson. Mrs. Claus loves Branson. And when it comes to their favorite place to visit during the Christmas season… BRANSON, MISSOURI IS OFFICIALLY ON TOP OF THE LIST.