We're planning a trip up there this fall for DH and I to celebrate our 10th anniversary (it's where we went on our honeymoon, lol, and a cruise is not in the budget right now, so Branson it is!!) if we get our automobile issues resolved by then! Plus, we are also trying to budget a trip for the kids to go at Christmas time. We've been several times and we love it. I agree, walking around with a cup of hot cider, looking at the lights is the BEST!
By the way, if you go, don't forget to do the drive-through thing at the Shephard of the Hills-it's several miles of those antimated Christmas figurines...all kinds from Victorian carolers to nativity and kiddie stuff...just lovely and well worth the price of admission. Plus, you get to stay in your car and stay warm! Pack some snacks and drinks to enjoy and it's a great family trip...then if the kids get tired, they can just go to sleep!!