If your family is looking for a Thanksgiving getaway, Branson, Missouri might be your ideal vacation. Family-friendly shows, lots of world class shopping, and a wide range of lodging options set in the beautiful Ozark mountains make for a great getaway for families with kids of all ages.

Entertainment
Fall is beautiful in the Ozarks, and there are many opportunities to experience the beautiful weather and foliage in and around Branson. Self-guided driving tours in October and November are a great way to see the natural scenery at its best. Driving through the Ozarks as the leaves are turning color will give you and your family a great Thanksgiving experience. Helicopter rides and dinner cruises on Table Rock Lake are other great options for seeing the Ozarks at their best.

Branson has lots of attractions that are available year-round that you and your family can enjoy at Thanksgiving. Branson shows feature musical productions, comedy acts, concerts, magic shows, and more. Almost all shows are kid-friendly, so everyone in your family can enjoy themselves. Silver Dollar City, an amusement park that combines crafts shows and Ozark art traditions with thrilling rides, is just a few minutes outside the city. The crowds are usually smaller in the fall than in the summer, so Thanksgiving can be an ideal time to visit.

Shopping
Branson is a major shopping hub at any time of the year, but during the holidays, it is a shopper’s dream! The city is decorated with lights, bows, trees, and holiday trimmings to make your shopping a special experience. The weekend after Thanksgiving features lots of sales and early-bird specials to take advantage of. In Branson, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday and get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Additionally, throughout November and December, “Ozark Mountain Christmas” offers many shows and festivals for the holidays.

Lodging
Branson offers lodging options to fit every family budget, with 18,000 total lodging units available. From private luxury condos to cottages on the lake to campgrounds, your family will find a place to enjoy your Thanksgiving vacation that fits your style. Fitness clubs, golf courses, business centers, retail stores, swimming pools, and horseback riding are just some of the amenities offered in Branson lodging. Many even provide daycare, giving you the option of spending an evening on the town with your spouse. Lodging books fast in Branson over the holidays, so be sure to make reservations far in advance!

Image Credit: StarMama, Flickr