What is Santa’s Pancakes & PJs?
This special cruise takes place aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, a classic paddlewheel boat docked at 4800 Historic Highway 165 near Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri.
On select dates from December 6–23, 2025, families can board for morning departures that typically begin at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, or 12:00 pm depending on the day, with the experience starting about one hour before cruise time.
Children are encouraged (but not required) to come in Christmas PJs, turning the entire morning into a cozy, picture-ready holiday tradition.
Activities kids will love
Santa’s Pancakes & PJs is designed around interactive, kid-friendly fun rather than just sitting at a table for breakfast.
Before the cruise, kids receive a map to follow as they explore the Showboat Branson Belle for Sugar Plum Fairy Sweet Stops and other surprises.
They can visit the captain in the wheelhouse for a special gift, enjoy face painting with Santa’s helpers, and fill out a Christmas wish list to drop in the Toy Soldier’s Mail Box so it can be delivered straight to Santa.
During the cruise, families enjoy story time, a sing-along, and a festive stage show with music, dance, comedy, and Christmas characters that keep younger guests engaged all the way through the morning.
What’s on the breakfast menu?
The Santa’s Pancakes & PJs menu keeps things classic and kid-approved while still offering a filling breakfast for adults.
Pancakes with warm maple syrup served with sausage and bacon.
Fresh fruit plus drinks like orange juice, chocolate milk, and regular milk for kids.
Hot coffee for adults who are along for the ride with their pajama-clad cruisers.
Because the event takes place inside the Showboat Branson Belle, weather is not a major concern, and there is an optional visit to the top deck wheelhouse if conditions allow.
How this cruise fits into your Branson Christmas
Santa’s Pancakes & PJs works especially well as a centerpiece for a family Christmas weekend in Branson.
The morning cruise leaves the rest of the day open for Silver Dollar City’s Christmas festival, Branson Landing shopping, or drive-through light displays like Lights of Joy and other Ozark Mountain Christmas attractions.
Because it is on Table Rock Lake, the cruise also offers beautiful winter lake views and a different perspective on Branson than what you see from the Strip or the theme parks.
Younger children can burn off energy with the activities and show, then nap back at the hotel, lodge, or vacation rental while older family members head back out for evening shows.
Getting tickets through Branson Show Tickets
Families can find Santa’s Pancakes & PJs listed on Branson Show Tickets, which provides cruise descriptions, location details for the Showboat Branson Belle, and ticket information in one place. Using Branson Show Tickets as part of your planning makes it easier to line up this breakfast cruise with other Branson Christmas shows and attractions on the same trip so you can build a smooth, kid-friendly holiday itinerary without juggling multiple booking sites.