Thanksgiving in Branson: Where to Eat, What to Do, and Why You Need to Book Now

Is Thanksgiving a good time to visit Branson, or will it be too crowded? Dear NatTy answers a question from Holiday planner in Kansas, who wants to travel over the holiday, see attractions, and eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal without cooking it herself. Tyann and Nat start with a surprise: Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson. They say it rivals the Fourth of July week and the week between Christmas and New Year's, and that it is busier than Memorial Day or Labor Day, even though none of those are lake days. Busy does not mean avoid it, they say. It means plan ahead and expect traffic on Route 76. Then comes the food. They sort Thanksgiving Day dining into groups: the places to reserve right now (the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks, Big Cedar Lodge, Chateau on the Lake and more), local favorites that may or may not take reservations, the Branson Landing restaurants with a quick-fire round on what to order, and the chains that are an easy backup when the local spots are packed. They also cover dinner and a show at Dolly Parton's Stampede, Silver Dollar City and the Showboat, and options for people who would rather stay in, including the Rogue Chef, the Allen Event Group and pre-ordered holiday meals. They share Thanksgiving memories, and the travel tip is simple: book your lodging, tickets and reservations as early as you can. Branson sells out for this week. Hours and availability are as the hosts described them. Check each place before you go. Have a question for Dear NatTy? Email hello@dearnatty.com.