Branson Board of Aldermen Hear Two Proposals For Future Designations and Events

Two proposals aimed at enhancing future events and tourism opportunities in Branson were presented to the Board of Aldermen this week, including a request to support legislation creating an entertainment district at Branson Landing and a funding request for a new European-style Christmas market.

During a Board Study Session, Branson Landing representative Becky Blair asked city leaders to consider making legislation authorizing entertainment districts a priority for the city's 2027 legislative agenda.

Blair said the designation would allow visitors to carry alcoholic beverages purchased within the district between participating businesses and event areas during approved events. She said the change would create new opportunities for Branson Landing to host festivals and other special events.

According to Blair, the authority to establish entertainment districts must be granted through state legislation. She asked the city to support efforts to secure the necessary changes during the 2027 legislative session.

Later, during the regular Board of Aldermen meeting, Branson Christmas Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Hughes requested $30,000 from the city's Tourism Tax Contingency Fund to help launch a new Branson Christkindlmarkt Festival at the Shoppes at Branson Meadows.

Hughes said the festival would be modeled after traditional European Christmas markets and would become part of Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration. The funding request would allow the coalition to purchase and maintain permanent vendor huts that could be used for the Christkindlmarkt and future community events.

While expressing support for the concept, Alderman Glenn Schulz raised concerns about whether tourism tax funds could legally be used to purchase physical assets. Schulz noted that state law generally restricts the use of tourism tax revenue to marketing and promotional purposes.

Hughes responded that the festival huts could be viewed as a marketing tool because they would help create the event's visual appeal and visitor experience. However, she agreed to work with city staff to ensure the proposed use of the funds complies with applicable state guidelines.

No action was taken on either proposal during this week's meetings. Both discussions are expected to continue as city officials review the requests and their potential impact on future tourism and event development in Branson.

The video for both meetings can be accessed through the City of Branson Website.