It’s only the beginning of November but it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Branson. When the weather turns cold, and the summer crowds retreat, Branson transforms into a Christmas wonderland.

In the distance, the rugged Ozark Mountains look like a perfectly manicured golf course. The intoxicating scent of hot toddies leads me to an enclave of shops selling maple syrup infused candles and cutsie knick-knacks for the house. Outside, a giant Christmas tree standing 20-feet tall is loaded with crimson ornaments. If you’re looking for more Christmas paraphernalia, an endless selection of baubles await across the laneway at Kringles Christmas Shop, the largest store of its kind in Missouri.