BRANSON EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
A Christmas Story: Dinner and a 1940s Holiday Play at Branson’s Playhouse Theatre
An evening-length dinner-theatre presentation of the beloved family classic A Christmas Story with a holiday meal served at the Playhouse Theatre — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan your arrival.
A Christmas Story: Dinner and a 1940s Holiday Play at Branson’s Playhouse Theatre.
In Branson, The Shepherd of the Hills stages a holiday tradition: a two-hour dinner-theatre presentation of A Christmas Story at the Playhouse Theatre. The production stages the movie’s most familiar scenes — Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, the leg lamp, the tongue-on-the-flagpole gag — while guests share a plated Christmas meal in an intimate theatre setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Theatrical Rendering of the Holiday Classic
The play presents the film’s iconic moments onstage — Ralphie’s quest for the Red Ryder, the leg lamp, the flagpole scene and other beloved bits — bringing the familiar comedy to a live audience at the Playhouse Theatre.
A Classic Christmas Dinner Included
A holiday meal is served as part of the experience, featuring items such as potato soup, glazed ham, herb-roasted turkey breast, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, apple pie, dinner roll with butter, and a choice of beverage.
Family-Friendly Evening with Simple Ticketing Rules
The production is presented as a family Christmas play; ticketing requires seats for children ages four and older, while younger children may attend as lap children unless a child ticket and meal are purchased.
What the day feels like
What the Evening Feels Like
The experience unfolds as a combined meal and performance across roughly two hours: guests arrive at the Playhouse Theatre, take their seats for a Christmas-style dinner, and watch a staged version of A Christmas Story that recreates the film’s comedic set pieces and period detail.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening suits — and who should take care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The event runs approximately 2 hours. Shows begin promptly; late arrivals are not eligible for refunds or exchanges.
Evening traffic on the two-lane highway can be heavy between 5–9 PM with possible delays up to one hour; consider alternate routes such as the Ozark Mountain Highroad or Hwy 265 and allow extra time to arrive.
Bring whatever you need for an indoor theatre dinner; the operator requires that children ages four and older have a ticket if they are to have a seat and meal.
The included holiday meal features potato soup, glazed ham, herb-roasted turkey breast, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, apple pie, a dinner roll with butter, and a choice of beverage.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the A Christmas Story Dinner Show?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours.
Where is the Playhouse Theatre and check-in location?
The meeting location is 5586 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616-8129.
Is dinner included?
Yes — a holiday meal is served as part of the event, with the menu listing potato soup, glazed ham, herb-roasted turkey breast, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, apple pie, dinner roll with butter, and a choice of beverage.
Do children need a ticket?
Children ages four and older require a ticket. Children younger than four may attend as lap children; if you want them to have their own meal and seat, purchase a child ticket.
What should I know about arrival and traffic?
Evening traffic on the two-lane highway can be heavy; between 5–9 PM delays of up to one hour are possible. Plan to arrive early and consider alternate routes such as the Ozark Mountain Highroad or Hwy 265.
What happens if I arrive late?
Shows begin promptly and no refunds or exchanges are available for late arrivals.