Celebrate Branson’s Beloved Adoration Parade & Scene Lighting – December 7, 2025

When: Sunday, December 7, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m.

Where: Throughout Historic Downtown Branson (grandstand on Commercial Street)

Why: Because CHRISTMAS!

A Branson Tradition Like No Other

Merry early Christmas! It’s time for one of the most magical evenings of the year in Branson. Join families from across the Ozarks as we gather for the annual Adoration Scene lighting and Adoration Parade—a cherished tradition that’s been lighting up our community for generations.

This isn’t just any parade. It’s a celebration that brings our entire community together to kick off the Christmas season in true Branson style.

What to Expect

The parade steps off at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7th, featuring:

  • Local high school marching bands filling the streets with festive music
  • Beautifully decorated floats from area churches and organizations
  • Community groups celebrating the season
  • Santa Claus himself making his grand appearance!

The parade route begins in the south parking lot of the Branson Convention Center, winds through the heart of Historic Downtown Branson, and concludes along Branson Landing Boulevard. It’s a spectacular journey through the most beautiful parts of our downtown.

The Adoration Scene Lighting

Witness the lighting of the beloved Adoration Scene—a breathtaking moment that marks the official start of Christmas in Branson. This iconic display has been a cornerstone of our community’s holiday celebrations for decades.

Important: Special Trolley Schedule

Please note: Sparky the Trolley will run on a modified schedule on Sunday, December 7th.

  • Operating hours: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. only
  • Routes end early to prepare for parade activities

If you’re planning to use Sparky to get Downtown for the parade, make sure to arrive before 2 p.m. After that time, you’ll need to find alternate ways to get around in the Downtown area.

Start the Evening Early

Be sure to stop by Branson Christian Church (213 S. Commercial St.) between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. for their annual Open House with Hot Cocoa and Cookies. They have hosted this event since 1957!

Make It a Perfect Evening

Tips for enjoying the parade:

  • Arrive early to snag a great viewing spot along the route
  • Dress warmly—December evenings can be chilly!
  • Bring the whole family—this is a memory-making event
  • Explore Downtown before or after with all the festive decorations
Though the city has changed in the past 60 years, the Downtown Branson Adoration Scene has remained much the same (pictured circa 1959, source: Missouri State Archives)

A Time-Honored Community Celebration

Seventy-four Christmases ago, two Ozarks men spent their lunch designing a lasting tribute to the Nativity of the Christ child. Those simple plans sketched on a napkin by businessman Joe Todd and artist Steve Miller would soon turn into one of the area’s most treasured holiday scenes: a large Nativity display adorning the bluffs of Mount Branson and Lake Taneycomo. The 28-foot-tall nativity scene, refurbished to its original glory in 2012, can be seen from miles away and has become a symbol of Christmas in the Ozarks. Each year at dusk on the first Sunday in December, the iconic nativity scene is lit, followed by the annual Adoration Parade that truly kicks off the Ozark Mountain Christmas season in Branson.

The Adoration Scene Lighting and Parade are a reminder of what makes Christmas special, and why it’s so special in Branson. It’s neighbors gathering together, local students showcasing their talents, and our community coming together to celebrate the true meaning of the season.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. We’ll see you Downtown!


For more information, visit RideSparky.com or call (417) 598-4680