Stepping into the heart of the Ozarks, our recent adventure led us to a truly unforgettable holiday spectacle: Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson, Missouri. More than just a dinner show, it’s a full-fledged family Christmas experience that begins the moment you arrive. The entire property transforms into a festive wonderland, with the theater and horse corrals adorned in sparkling holiday finery. An infectious holiday spirit fills the air, welcoming guests with warmth and excitement as they make their way to the main entrance.
A Grand Arrival: Stepping into a Winter Wonderland
As you approach the magnificent Dolly Parton’s Stampede arena, be sure to allocate ample time to savor the enchanting walk to the main theater. This isn’t merely a pathway; it’s an integral part of the experience, offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with the true stars of the show: the incredible horses. These majestic creatures, each a champion in their own right, reside in beautifully maintained corrals lining the walkway. Above each stall, you’ll find fascinating information about the individual horse, detailing their breed, personality, and accomplishments.
Even if you’re not an avid equestrian, the sheer beauty and impressive size of these animals are bound to leave you spellbound. Their gleaming coats, powerful builds, and serene presence create a sense of awe, setting the stage for the thrilling performance to come. The holiday decorations around their corrals add an extra layer of charm, making this pre-show stroll feel like a journey through a festive stable straight out of a storybook.
The Pre-Show Delight: Comedy, Carriages, and Camaraderie
Upon entering the grand main entrance of Dolly Parton’s Stampede, guests are immediately embraced by the warm hospitality of the incredibly friendly staff. Their welcoming smiles and efficient service ensure a smooth check-in process, helping with tickets and answering any questions you might have. This initial interaction sets a positive tone, making everyone feel like a cherished guest in Dolly’s home.
One delightful tradition is the opportunity to capture a quick family picture, often set against a charming holiday backdrop, such as a festive fireplace. These photos are a wonderful keepsake, and they’re typically brought around to your table during dinner for viewing. During our visit, the photo package, priced at $30, included multiple sizes of prints and a special ornament, perfect for holding your favorite holiday memory from the Stampede.
Before the main spectacle begins, guests are invited to the lively Carriage Room for an engaging pre-show. This complimentary entertainment often features a hilarious comedy act that perfectly primes the audience for the excitement ahead. It’s a fantastic way to unwind, share a few laughs, and build anticipation. While enjoying the show, you can visit one of the convenient beverage areas set up to purchase a variety of refreshments. Options typically include specialty drinks served in an iconic boot mug – a popular souvenir – along with classic sodas like Pepsi and bottled water. For a savory snack, freshly roasted peanuts are also available for sale, adding to the classic country fair atmosphere. This vibrant pre-show truly enhances the overall experience, ensuring there’s never a dull moment from the moment you step foot inside.
Entering the Arena: Your Seat Awaits the Spectacle
Following the joyful energy of the pre-show, guests are guided with friendly assistance into the magnificent main theater. The seating arrangement within the arena is organized by row, rather than individual assigned seats. To ensure your entire party can sit together and fully enjoy the experience, it’s highly recommended to enter the arena as a complete group. This simple tip will make finding your designated row and settling into your seats much easier, allowing everyone to focus on the spectacular show that is about to unfold.
Once comfortably seated, the real magic ignites! Prepare to be swept away into the holiday spirit as the arena comes alive with a captivating show featuring an incredible array of animals. From the graceful gallop of magnificent horses to the charming antics of camels, pigs, and even chickens, the stage is set for a truly unique and heartwarming holiday celebration. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation, promising an evening filled with breathtaking acts, festive music, and wholesome entertainment for the entire family.
The Main Event: A Dazzling Holiday Extravaganza
We were utterly captivated by the show’s seamless blend of thrilling entertainment and heartwarming holiday cheer. From the very first moment, it effortlessly transported us into a joyous Christmas mood, setting the perfect backdrop with an incredible selection of holiday music. A truly enchanting element was the gentle snowfall, gracefully descending from the arena ceiling, creating a magical winter wonderland ambiance that enhanced every act.
The performance itself is a masterclass in variety and skill. You’ll witness incredible feats of horsemanship, as riders and their majestic steeds execute daring stunts and intricate formations. But the show isn’t just about horses; it’s a celebration of farm animals too! One of the most unexpectedly delightful segments, and a personal favorite, was the uproarious pig races. Watching those energetic little piglets dash and hurdle their way to the finish line had the entire crowd roaring with laughter and cheering with all their might. It’s a genuinely charming and utterly random moment that adds an extra layer of unforgettable fun to the show. We were thrilled to be on the South Pole side, which, I’m happy to report, triumphed in the race!
Indeed, a playful competitive spirit is woven throughout your Dolly Parton’s Stampede Family Christmas experience. As part of the audience, you’ll be assigned to either the North Pole or South Pole side, adding an exciting dimension to the festivities. Don’t worry too much about your seating choice; the arena is thoughtfully designed with excellent views from both sides. The most important decision is simply deciding which side you want to enthusiastically cheer for and help lead to victory! The show climaxes with a spectacular finale, incorporating dazzling lighting, patriotic themes, and a powerful sense of unity, leaving every guest with cherished memories of an extraordinary holiday experience.
A Feast Fit for a King (or a Cowboy!): The Four-Course Dinner Experience
Prepare your appetite, because during the show, you are presented with an absolutely monumental feast! The sheer volume of food is astounding; my partner John confessed he felt full even before the entire spread was laid out. This is undoubtedly a dinner show where you should arrive hungry, as the generous portions and delicious flavors are designed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The food itself was exceptional, embodying hearty, home-style cooking that complements the show’s theme perfectly. Here’s a closer look at the mouth-watering options included in your traditional dinner:
- A Mouth-Watering Tender Whole Rotisserie Chicken, cooked to perfection.
- Delicious Hickory Smoked Barbecued Pork Loin, succulent and flavorful.
- Dixie Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable Soup, a comforting and flavorful starter.
- Scrumptious Homemade Biscuit, warm and fresh from the oven.
- Hot Buttered Corn on the Cob, a classic side.
- Tasty Herb-basted Potato, perfectly seasoned and tender.
- Dixie’s very own Specialty Dessert, a sweet ending to your meal.
- Unlimited Coca-Cola®, tea or coffee to quench your thirst throughout the show.
The unique dining experience involves enjoying your meal without utensils, adding to the rustic, communal atmosphere. It’s all part of the fun, encouraging guests to dive into the hearty fare with gusto!
Thoughtful Options for Every Guest: The Vegetarian Meal
For guests with dietary preferences, such as vegetarians like myself, there’s no need to worry! Dolly Parton’s Stampede thoughtfully provides delicious alternatives to ensure everyone can enjoy the incredible feast. However, it is crucial to notify staff when making your reservations if you require a vegetarian meal, allowing them to prepare it fresh for you.
Vegetarian meal includes:
- Country Garden Vegetable Pasta, a wholesome and flavorful main course packed with fresh vegetables.
- Dixie Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable Soup – **IMPORTANT NOTE: Our waitress kindly informed me that this soup is prepared with chicken broth. Vegetarians should inquire about this before ordering to ensure it aligns with their dietary preferences. An alternative side may be available if the soup is not suitable.**
- Scrumptious Homemade Biscuit, served warm and inviting.
- Hot Buttered Corn on the Cob, a sweet and simple side.
- Tasty Herb-basted Potato, complementing the main dish perfectly.
- Dixie’s very own Specialty Dessert, a delightful treat to finish the meal.
- Unlimited Coca-Cola®, tea or coffee, ensuring you stay refreshed.
Both John and I thoroughly enjoyed our respective meals. My vegetarian pasta was generously loaded with fresh vegetables, and it was served alongside comforting corn, a savory potato, and a soft roll. I learned that if you opt for a side of steamed vegetables instead of the soup (due to the chicken broth), you might not receive a roll. While I’m unsure of the reason for this, it’s a good point to clarify when placing your order to avoid any surprises. The transparency from our waitress regarding the soup’s ingredients was greatly appreciated, empowering me to make an informed decision based on my comfort level as a vegetarian.
A Grand Finale and Souvenirs to Cherish
The show culminates in a truly memorable grand finale that incorporates enthusiastic audience participation, an element I’m confident you’ll thoroughly enjoy. Without revealing any secrets, be prepared to become a part of the spectacle and contribute to the vibrant energy of the performance!
As you exit the arena, you’ll find yourself in a charming shopping area, perfect for picking up a souvenir to commemorate your visit. This delightful space offers a variety of unique items, including signature Dixie Stampede Creamy Soup Mix (allowing you to recreate a taste of the show at home!) and Dixie Stampede Chicken Rub, alongside other fantastic merchandise. For families with children who adore horses, be prepared for a truly enchanting experience in this shopping haven. It’s nothing short of a horse lover’s dream come true, filled with toys, apparel, and memorabilia celebrating these magnificent animals.
Planning Your Visit: Essential Travel Tips for Dolly Parton’s Stampede
To ensure you have the most enjoyable and stress-free experience at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, consider these important travel tips:
- Photography Policy: Please note that cameras and video recording equipment are strictly not allowed within the main theater during the show. This policy helps maintain the immersive experience for all guests and protects the performers.
- Book in Advance: Shows, especially during peak holiday seasons, sell out remarkably quickly. To secure your preferred date and time, it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets as soon as your travel plans are finalized.
- Arrive Early: To fully enjoy everything the Stampede has to offer, plan to arrive early. This allows ample time to pick up your tickets, stroll through the horse corrals, and, most importantly, experience the fun pre-show in the Carriage Room.
- Allergy Considerations: The show features live horses and other farm animals. While the venue does an excellent job of managing dust, if you or a member of your party has severe allergies to horses or farm animals, this might not be the most comfortable experience. Additionally, fresh roasted peanuts are served during the pre-show, so guests with peanut allergies should take necessary precautions.
- Seating for Young Children: If you have a child who might be nervous around large animals, you may want to avoid front-row seats. While the horses are safely a few feet away, they can appear much closer and more imposing to a small child.
- Group Seating: For groups wishing to sit together, it’s essential that your entire party enters the arena together and that your tickets are for the same assigned row of seats. While specific seats within a row are not assigned, staying as a group ensures you can find contiguous seating.
- Children Under 3: Children under the age of 3 are admitted free of charge only if they sit on a parent’s lap and share from their plate. Should you wish for your child to have their own seat or a separate meal, a regular children’s admission ticket will apply.
- Accessibility: Dolly Parton’s Stampede is committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests. The facilities are fully equipped to accommodate individuals with special needs. If members of your party require wheelchair access, hearing assistance, or have any other specific needs, please advise the staff when making reservations, and they will gladly assist in making appropriate arrangements.
- Show Elements: Be aware that the Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction incorporates live animals, dramatic lighting effects, loud sounds, and pyrotechnics. If you or anyone in your party has sensitivities or medical conditions related to these elements, it is advisable to take necessary precautions prior to entering the facility.
Ready to Experience the Magic? Book Your Tickets!
This unique holiday dinner and show experience is set within a colossal 35,000-square-foot arena, bringing to life a thrilling narrative featuring 32 magnificent horses, unparalleled horsemanship, a touch of romance, and engaging audience participation. All of this unfolds amidst a friendly rivalry between the North Pole and the South Pole, perfectly complemented by a truly fabulous four-course holiday feast.
For detailed information regarding showtimes and ticket prices, we encourage you to call 1-800-520-5544 or visit their official website at www.dixiestampede.com. Don’t miss out on creating unforgettable family memories this Christmas season!
Plan Your Branson Getaway
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Explore More of Branson, Missouri
Your Branson adventure doesn’t have to end here! Discover more fantastic experiences in this vibrant Ozark town:
- Top things to do in Branson, Missouri
- A heartwarming visit to College of the Ozarks
- Enjoy breathtaking views on the Branson Scenic Railway
- Step back in time at the World’s Largest Toy Museum in Branson
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We were provided with our admission to the Dolly Parton’s Stampede. All opinions expressed are our own and reflect our genuine experience.