Branson 2025

Ozark Mountain Christmas

November 17-22

 

     Experience the magic of an Ozark Mountain Christmas with Laura and Gary Block, November 17-22, 2025.  All of Branson sparkles for the holidays, from fabulous Christmas shows and dazzling lights, to spectacular and breathtaking scenic beauty.  Branson can be a special gift to you or to someone else at this festive time of year.  Six days, five nights and lots of entertainment in Branson. Once again, this year we’ve included loads of meals with two lunches, five dinners, five breakfasts, seven big shows, and more surprises that help make up an unbelievable week of fun and entertainment. In fact, all of the meals while you’re in Branson are included. Compare our trip with other companies and you’ll find we offer more…more days, more entertainment and more meals…and a more reasonable price. We’re up front where you’ll be seated in the theaters and which hotels you’ll be staying at.  Not all tour companies do that, but we do!!  This just may be one of the best Branson trips we’ve ever offered!! 

Day One - Monday

     Our North Star Coach departs from Little Falls early in the morning.  You’ll get an itinerary in the mail before the trip! We’ll pick up in Royalton, Rice, St. Cloud, the Twin Cities or any other locations on our route.  Our destination is the Drury Inn, Kansas City Airport for our overnight stay. The 5:30 Kickback with a rotating menu of hot food and cold beverages will be waiting for us when we arrive.  Plus, there’s free evening sodas and popcorn in the lobby.    

Day Two - Tuesday

     The day begins with a hot breakfast buffet.  “Hot” means sausage and eggs, not bread and a toaster!  Choose from scrambled eggs, sausage, Belgian waffles, biscuits, gravy and more. This morning, we travel to Branson, Missouri.  Lunch is on our own today, before we arrive in Branson. We’ll check into Branson’s Best for the next three evenings We have stayed at this property for a number of years and we were impressed overall, especially the service.  Branson’s Best is centrally located, locally owned with exterior corridors and known for its friendliness and cleanliness.  It is rated #7 of 133 hotels in Branson by TripAdvisor. Dinner tonight is at Heroes in an atmosphere designed to highlight and honor our heroes from every walk of life.  Menu choices include Grandpa’s fried fish plate, America’s meatloaf and farmhouse smothered chicken. It’s “The Haygoods Christmas Show” tonight at the Clay Cooper Theatre where our reserved seats begin in the 13th row of the center section. Be prepared to experience incredible music, amazing special effects and one insanely talented family.  Five brothers and one sister performing on 20 plus instruments in a world class production and pure Christmas magic.  This year The Haygoods have rolled out new entertainment technology, new holiday songs and routines and once again taking the show to another level. This is the longest running, most successful, first generation show in the history of Branson. o top off our evening, there are nightly desserts of hot cobbler, ice cream and fresh-baked cookies served in the dining area of Branson’s Best for us to enjoy. Usually there’s someone waiting to play cards such as Cribbage. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, so an evening of relaxation will be appreciated.   

Day Three - Wednesday

     We’ll start off the day with the hot breakfast that includes eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, waffles, cereals and more. What a day of entertainment this is going to be. We begin in the morning with Down Home Country at Grand Country Music Hall.  The “Down Home Country” show is the best show in Branson to hear traditional country music.  With an incredible cast of singers and pickers, you literally step back in time to the classics, bringing to life the country music you will never forget.  You’ll love the variety of dynamic singing, side-splitting comedy, powerful gospel, barn-burning bluegrass and down-home fun.  This show alone will make sure that your trip to the Ozark Mountains is a memorable one.  Our right-side seats begin in the 13th row.     Following the show, it’s an included lunch at the Grand Country Buffet where we’ll enjoy an experience reminiscent of a meal at Grandma’s house.  The Mansion Theatre for the Daniel O’Donnell Show is our first stop this afternoon.  Daniel brings his smash hits to Branson in 2025 for a very limited engagement.  This afternoon’s extravaganza is a must-see performance that features Daniel’s iconic blend of country, Irish Folk and a Christmas song or two. We ordered our tickets almost a year and a half ago and the demand has been huge since his shows are limited to only a few afternoons. We feel lucky to even obtain seats for this show and our seats begin in row O on the left side.  There’s more fun, dining and shopping at our next stop which is at the Branson Craft Mall and Pickin’ Porch Grill.  This is the craft mall that has it all!  Thousands of handmade items, the work of creative and imaginative artisans is on display.  These artists hail from all over America, but you’ll also see many items that are staples of the Ozark Mountain region in this 16,000 square foot facility.  Also at the same location is the Hillbilly Nut & Fruit Company, offering a large variety of fruits and nuts as well as jams, jellies, salsas, soup mixes and local honey.  Don’t forget to visit the Branson Coffee Company and the Branson Fudge Company where they have free samples of the candy.  Dinner tonight is in the same building, The Pickin’ Porch Grill.  Enjoy one of the entrees, including pulled pork, single cheeseburger, turkey melt, chicken salad sandwich or a choice of grilled chicken, crispy chicken or chicken-salad salad. This evening we’ll be entertained by Branson’s Christmas Wonderland at the King’s Castle Theatre.  No yuletide trip to Branson would be complete without seeing this show, one of Branson’s largest holiday productions.  A sparkling cast of singers and dancers who take you on an unforgettable and magical sleigh ride to a grand Christmas extravaganza.  Don’t miss this perennial favorite, which rings in the spirit of the Christmas season with high-energy dance, elaborate costumes, beautiful scenery, gorgeous production numbers and the highest-kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.  Our reserves seats are in the center section, rows 8-11. Desserts will be available at Branson’s Best this evening.

Day Four - Thursday

     We’ll start our final full day in Branson with the breakfast at Branson’s Best.  What a day of entertainment this is going to be, once again.  We start the day at the Reza Live Theatre with the Doug Gabriel ultimate variety Christmas show.  High energy, great production, hilarious comedy and incredible music.  Just when you thought a show couldn’t be better, BAM!!!, Doug’s show this year will be amazing. Our reserved seats begin in the 8th row. , it’s time for lunch at McFarlain’s Family Restaurant in the Imax Entertainment Complex. You’ll have a choice of three entrees served with coffee, iced tea and dessert.  Take a little time to do some shopping at the complex before the show.  We’ll start our afternoon with reserved seats beginning in Row B of the Little Opry Theater for “The Petersen Family” with authentic music, clean comedy and family values. This award-winning family band will knock your socks off with their sibling humor and top-notched bluegrass sound. The band performs traditional bluegrass standards with a contemporary twist for a music style that appeals to audience members of all ages. We experienced this show a couple of years ago and loved it!  Dinner this evening is at Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House, home of the tossed rolls.  You’ll have a choice of four entrees including sirloin steak, country fried chicken, papa’s shredded beef plate and southern fried fish. Plus, all the rolls you can catch and eat!  From its grand opening in 1993 until today, The Mansion Theatre for The Performing Arts has remained a true landmark for exceptional entertainment.  From the soaring circular ceiling and magnificent regal staircase in the grand lobby to the classic 3,000 seat acclaimed state-of-the-art theater, The Mansion has set the standard for theatrical excellence.  Our seats begin in Row E for Jimmy Fortune who toured, sang tenor and performed with the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years.  Prepare for an evening of toe-tapping country music as Fortune creates a performance any country music lover will enjoy.  With many hits to his name, he is sure to impress.  Jimmy wrote many hits for The Statler Brothers, including “Elizabeth”, “Too Much on My Heart”, “My Only Love” and “More Than a Name on a Wall”.  With the rest of the Statler Brothers retiring in 2002, only Fortune continues to tour extensively. It’s been a busy day and a relaxing night at Branson’s Best is something we’ll look forward to.  And if you’re still hungry, there’s always dessert waiting for you!!

Day Five – Friday

     Breakfast is at the hotel this morning and then it is back on the road as we head north through Missouri and into Iowa.  We’ll stop for lunch on our own, visit the Osceola Cheese House and have some fun on the coach.  Our home tonight is the Drury Inn in West Des Moines, Iowa.  Dinner is included with the 5:30 Kickback with hot food and cold beverages. After a day of traveling, this beautiful Drury Inn will provide a comfortable place to relax and unwind. 

Day Six - Saturday

     Our final day together begins with a delicious breakfast at the Drury Inn as we prepare for our last day together.  Choose where you’d like to have lunch on your own today, Famous Daves BBQ or other choices in Owatonna.  Before we leave town, we’ll stop at the Russell Stover Candies store featuring a full selection of boxed candies and chocolates. This is an outstanding Ozark Mountain Christmas trip. A great time is almost a guarantee and you’ll have pleasant memories for many years in the future.

 

 

This is a one-of-a-kind six day/five nights Branson holiday getaway at a great price that includes seven shows, two lunches, five dinners, five hot breakfast buffets and some of the best seats in the theaters. The Branson tradition continues and we would love it if you joined us November 17-22,2025       

 

 

Cost:      $949 Double occupancy per person

$869 Triple occupancy per person

$809 Quad occupancy per person

$1319 Single occupancy 

 

$250 non-refundable deposit per person will reserve your spot and must be mailed within 3 days of signing up, unless previous arrangements have been made. Deposit is refundable if tour is canceled or if a replacement is found when you cancel.  Balance is due October 10, 2025. An itinerary with all pertinent information and times, along with luggage tags and emergency forms will be mailed a couple of weeks before the trip!

 

Gary Block Tours

320-632-8632

mgaryblock@hotmail.com                www.garyblocktours.com

 

 

 

 

   

Ø  Comfortable North Star Coaches motor coach transportation

Ø  Experienced and friendly driver

Ø  All meals are included while we’re in Branson, including the Pickin’ Porch

Ø  Daniel O’Donnell at The Mansion Theater (Reserved seats beginning with Row O on the left side)

Ø  The Haygoods (Reserved seats beginning in Row 10 Center Section)

Ø  Down Home Country (Reserved seats beginning in Row 13 right side)

Ø  Branson’s Christmas Wonderland (Reserved seats beginning in Row 8 Center Section)

Ø  Doug Gabriel Show (Reserved seats beginning in the 8th row)

Ø  The Petersen Family (Reserved seats beginning in Row B)

Ø  Jimmie Fortune (Reserved seats beginning in Row E in the Center Section)

Ø  One night lodging at Drury Inn Kansas City Airport, Kansas City, MO

Ø  Three nights lodging – Branson’s Best – Branson, MO

Ø  One night lodging at the Drury Inn – West Des Moines, IA

Ø  Osceola Cheese House

Ø  Russell Stover Candies - Owatonna, MN

Ø  Two lunches  

Ø  Five dinners

Ø  Five hot breakfast buffets

Ø  Shopping opportunities in Branson

Ø  Luggage handling

Ø  Refreshments and snacks on coach

Ø  Fun - Games - Prizes

Ø  Hosted by Laura & Gary Block

 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Transportation and lodging hosted by Gary Block Tours is arranged with independent firms.  Bookings for entertainment are arranged through independent hotels, theatres and other entertainment venues.  We take great pride in our selection of reliable firms.  However, we do not control these independent firms.  Sometimes shows or celebrity appearances are changed or cancelled without notice.  We cannot be responsible for claims or losses arising out of injury, Covid, accident, death, loss of enjoyment, frustration or inconvenience that arises from the act or omission of any independent firm supplying services to Gary Block Tours, or for mechanical breakdowns, governmental actions, acts of God, strikes or acts of war beyond our control.  We cannot be responsible for the consequences of your failure to follow instructions, including but not limited to check in, check out and baggage handling.  If events or reservations are cancelled or changed, we will make every effort to provide a comparable substitute tour experience. 

Deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled or we’re able to replace you. I have read and understand the Cancellation and Refund Policy notice. All participants of this trip must sign below.

 

Return with payment to:  Gary Block Tours, 112 SE 4th Street, Little Falls, MN  56345

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Branson 2025