Author Archives: O. C. Gull

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas – One of Nation’s Top Ten Christmas Light Displays

The City Square with its five story Christmas Tree and the "Holiday of Lights" parade passing through.

“What a well deserved honor,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center when she learned that a lighting display of Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas had been highlighted as one of the “10 Best Christmas Light Displays in the US” by AOL. She continued, “When you are on a select list with the likes of Rockefeller Center in New York, Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando and the National Christmas Tree it reflects just how special the lighting at Old Time Christmas really is.”

She points out that this is at least the second year in a row where Silver Dollar City has received national recognition for its Old Time Christmas lighting displays. Last year, the award winning 1880s themed park won second place in the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards in the “Christmas Event” category, placing higher than either Disney’s ‘Magic Kingdom’ or ‘Disneyland?’ It also won first place in the “Friendliest Park Staff” category and second place in the “Best Food” category.

Although the parks celebration of Old Time Christmas is a Christmas Festival with shows, craftsmen, rides (weather permitting,) food and all the fun and excitement Silver Dollar City is known for, its millions of decorative Christmas lights and lighting displays are special. Johnson said, “Over four million sparkling lights, transform the park into a glowing Christmas spectacle.”

“The focal point,” she says, “Is the City Square and its five story tall Special Effects Christmas Tree. Each day at dusk it comes to life playing Christmas music such as “Carol of the Bells, “Joy to the World,” “Suite from Polar Express” and more as its many colored Christmas lights twinkle and dance in choreographed unison blend into the one million plus lights of the surrounding City square area. The “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade,” with over 100,000 lights, passes through the park twice each evening if the weather permits. Although it is a spectacular sight anywhere in the park as it passes by the Christmas Tree and its lights are combined with the lights of the tree and surrounding square it is truly a breathtaking sight.

Johnson says that visitors to Branson and Ozark Mountain Christmas will be able to enjoy An Old Time Christmas Thursdays through Sundays through December 19, plus December 22-23 and from December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. most days. For additional information, specific hours or tickets for An Old time Christmas or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

6th annual Titanic Ice Carving Competition is also NICA National Finals

Beautiful ice sculture with Jaynee, the Titanics First Class Maid.

BRANSON, Mo. “Becoming a tradition over the last five years, one of the most anticipated events of the Winter Season in Branson is the annual ice carving competition held at The Titanic Museum Attraction each year,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “As exciting and amazing as the first five have been, this year’s event, being held in Branson on February 4 and 5 promises to be even more exciting because it will be the National Ice Carving Association’s (NICA) National Finals and a ‘preliminary for competitors to end up in the city of Sochi, Russia, the host city for the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014,'” she continued.

In addition, the competitors will be competing for the largest NICA Prize Purse to date, $25,000 in two categories, “Master” and “Professional” with competitors creating beautiful pieces of art from 250 pound blocks of ice within a prescribed period of time. New this year will be a ” Speed Carving Competition at the end of each day which will result in the crowning of a “National Speed Carving Champion.”

“We are very excited to have the Titanic in Branson host the 2012 NICA U.S. Nationals. This two-day ice carving competition brings the nation’s best ice carvers together for a chance at the title of NICA U.S. Nationals Champion. This will be one of our premier stops on NICA’s International Tour Champions Ice Carving Competition Circuit, currently the largest circuit in the world,” said Jeff Petercsak, Executive Director, National Ice Carving Association.

NICA, is an association with the stated objective of promoting ice sculpture through education, competitions, standardized judging, and exhibitions and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. In addition to competing for thousands of dollars in cash prizes, the carvers will also be competing for professional recognition within NICA and seeking points under NICA’s certification program

Six years ago, prior to the holding of the very first Ice Carving Competition, Mary Kellogg Joslyn, co owner of the Titanic with her husband John Joslyn, said it was a “first for Titanic and for Branson.” She emphasized that it was the first of many special family events coming to the Titanic designed to give their guests something new and exciting to see every time they visited. The fact that the Titanic is hosting its sixth Annual Ice Carving Competition, as part of a continuing series of special family events, illustrates its commitment to making each visit to the Titanic a fresh exciting experience.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson says that the event annually draws thousands of visitors and expects that this year’s event will draw even more, not only because of the NICA National Championship, but because 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and suggests advance reservations for lodging and shows. She also points out that time is running out for people to participate in the Titanic’s “Rose Petal Memorial Tribute,” a unique, historical and once in a lifetime event. For additional information or tickets for the Titanic, the Ice Carving Competition or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson #3 in Top 50 Group Tour Destinations for 2012

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many things available to do in Branson.

When Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s leading provider of Branson travel services, first read about Branson, Missouri being ranked Number 3 in a listing of the Top 50 Group Tour Destinations for 2012 in a recent “Byways” online article entitled, “North America’s Top 50 Group Tour Destinations,” she enthusiastically and understandably said, “Yeah Branson!!” Calling Branson “the small town that transformed the entertainment business,” the article reports that Branson was surpassed only by Number 1 Washington, D.C. and Number 2 New York City on the list finishing ahead of cities such as Pigeon Forge, TN; Myrtle Beach, NC; Orlando, Las Vegas and dozens of others.

The listing was based on Byways “annual nationwide survey of tour operators and where they think their groups will be going during 2012.” The article explains that the survey is not a random survey, but is based on a “compilation of information received from tour operators throughout North America who responded to the annual Byways survey.” “Byways” is a bi-monthly publication “distributed electronically, via email to more than 4000 tour operators and 20,000 travel agencies” including bank travel managers, school band and athletic planners and meeting planners.

In addition to reporting and listing the Top 50 Group Tour Destinations for 2012, the article also listed the “Top 30 State Tours Destinations” with Missouri ranking Number 6 ahead of states such as Florida, Hawaii, and North Carolina. Branson also offers five out of the “Top Ten Tour Group Friendly Hotel chains including the Number 1 listed Holiday Inn Express, Number 3 Best Western, Number 4 Hampton Inns, Number 6 Comfort Inns and Number 9 Radisson Hotels.

The 1880’s theme park, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular attraction was listed Number 14 out of the “Top 15 Man-Made Attractions,” in the survey. The list included the Statute of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Disney World and the Grand Old Opry. In addition to six world class festivals each year, the international award winning theme park features 30 rides and attractions encompassing everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and some of the best live shows and entertainment available anywhere.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood feels that Branson is popular with groups for the same reason it is popular with families and individuals. The natural beauty of the Ozarks and its lakes, when combined with Branson’s great value; live shows; attractions; golfing; fishing; shopping and other activities makes Branson a wonderful unique travel destination for groups and families alike.

Chances are what “they” love most about Branson is what you will love about Branson

Silver Dollar city's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and a small portion of Table Rock Lake.

BRANSON, Mo. Recently, in connection with making a video for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, the question, “What do you love most about Branson?,” was asked. When the question was posted on www.1Branson.com, the responses paint a wonderful picture of Branson, what it has to offer and why Branson just might be the ideal place to visit or plan your next vacation.

Originally, I was going to separate the ten representative responses into categories, but in retrospect, their testimony speaks for itself and needs no categorization. Each post is preceded by the poster’s online name in italics:

Suselit… The Patriotism is what I love because I love America and Branson shares my love of God and County. And Branson has the right mix of Excitement and that comfortable feeling you get when you feel at home some place. Live Entertainment! We love attending Shows and Branson has some wonderful Shows!

Irishgirl… My home state is quite beautiful, but there is something magical about the hills there in SW Missouri….especially when the fog/haze comes over them. My second favorite thing will always be Shepherd of the Hills – the story, the play, and the park. The history of the area is fascinating to me.

shis1…The thing that brings us to Branson is the live music, the live Country Music. And the music we love the best is that music we hear at Clay Cooper‘s theatre!

biscuitcreek… Silver Dollar City, the lake, the variety of music available, the history of the area, the hills…

Lynndaof NJ…Branson is more than 1,000 miles from where we live, yet we’ve visited for the past 3 summers and already have reservations for July. We keep coming back because we feel that Branson epitomizes patriotism and basic American family values.

rjw1991A1…I could say a lot about the shows, SDC, the great restaurants, and of course my favorite, and what started it all for me, the trout fishing. But with all that, it’s the general friendliness of the people I met when I’m there. From the resort owners, and staff to the restaurant servers. From shop owners and clerks to ticket sellers and ushers in the shows, and everybody at Silver Dollar City, their friendliness has always come to the forefront and has been sincere.

MNtrveler…I like that a small city of about 10,000 permanent residents, with all the friendliness and values of a typical small town, has entertainment, dining and shopping options that you usually only find in cities of over 100,000 people. It is a great place to visit in a beautiful part of the country. Yes, at times I think they need to broaden their offerings, but it is still a GREAT vacation destination.

Zack7777…As MNtraveler has mentioned and I totally agree….It is really awesome to live here in a small town atmosphere and have big city options in a beautiful area of the USA….anything you want is within minutes, lakes, caves, dining, shopping, entertainment of every sort….shows, movies, golf, SDC. And great medical options here and only a few miles to the north….my regrets are I didn’t move here sooner. These last 10 years have been heaven.

ggh…The dogwood, the water, fishing, the fall colors, water skiing, the winding roads, nature, with SDC, shows, music, lights, go karts, and shopping all intertwined. You can enjoy upscale lodging, and restaurants, or enjoy some rustic lodging and comfort foods. There is definitely something for everyone in Branson.

Jalva2…I can name a lot of things I like about Branson, but if I have to pick one, It’s the Ozark landscape. Absolutely beautiful. If I can add a couple more: An outstanding theme park (which is also an outstandingly THEMED park) [Silver Dollar City]; and some of the best hotel prices in the country!

The responses indicate the wonderful experience most who visit have and are reasons why those who haven’t might want to consider doing so,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). For information on all that Branson offers, provided by people who live and work in the Branson area, please feel free to contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Grand Village Shops another exceptional Branson shopping experience

Highway 76 entrance with Mel's Diner and, to the left, a glimpse of "interior" of Grand Village Shops.

Shopping is an integral part of the Branson experience for many people,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She also points out that its availability, like the majority of Branson’s other attractions, is year round and not weather or seasonally dependent.”

The variety and quality of the shopping offered by Branson’s outlet malls, Branson Landing, its historic downtown shopping district and other specialty shops is well known. Perhaps not as well known, but providing one of the most unique, interesting and attractive shopping experiences in Branson, is the Grand Village Shops located in the middle of Branson’s entertainment district at 2800 W. Highway 76 on the famous Branson Strip.

Opened in 1993, the Grand Village Shops’ architecture and design is a not an attraction to be missed. Its beautiful fountains, plantings, brick walkways, flower beds and buildings were designed based on “the look of old town Charleston, South Carolina” and provide a charming relaxing shopping venue that is unique in Branson.

From apparel, gift, specialty, toy. book and jewelry stores the shopping experience provided at the Grand Village Shops is exceptional. The confluence of the gallery and fine arts of Helwig Art Glass, Peter Engler Woodcarving and Design, Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Gallery and Mark Karpinski Photography add to the  total shopping experience available at the Grand Village Shops.

The Grand Village Shops has two restaurants that are as unique as its design and shopping. “Sugar Leaf Treats” has some of the most delicious hand crafted treats, cookies, cakes and pies available in Branson to go with their specialty soups, salads, quiches, sandwiches and other items.

Mel’s Hard Luck Dinner, is noted for serving “the biggest banana split in Branson,” its “famous Root Beer Malts” and serving hearty portions of good home cooked food and one other thing, entertainment. As it serves up its delicious food, Mel’s staff of singing servers, interface with the customers in an up-close and personal one on one entertainment experience that the customers from kids on up just love. The singing servers come from varied backgrounds such as Broadway, cruise ships, shows and TV. Two of these servers, Jason Yeager and Matt Kester, appeared on the hit Fox Show “American Idol,” Yeager in 2008 and Kester in 2005.

The Grand Village Shops has great shopping, food, entertainment all presented within a unique and relaxing environment. “It’s another of those unique quality experiences that makes Branson so exciting and interesting,” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson added. For additional information on the Grand Village Shops or Branson’s other shopping, shows, attractions, or lodging please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

TripAdvisor recognizes Branson as one of top “Destinations on the rise”

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of the many shows and attractions on the famed "Branson Strip."

BRANSON, Mo. Branson was recently recognized as one of the “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com in a select list with the likes of Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. In naming Branson as Number 7 out of the 15 destinations recognized, the article said that Branson’s natural beauty, attractions, live entertainment, shopping and other activities “draw 8.4 million tourists a year.”

While pointing out that the “live music and comedy shows, numerous restaurants, theme parks, shopping outlets and myriad hotels” available on the famed “Branson Strip” is reminiscent of the non-stop entertainment provided by Las Vegas the article stresses some very important differences. There are no casinos and all that Branson provides is done amid “small town rural surroundings” by a “warm, hospitable town tucked into the foothills of the Ozarks.”

The article goes on to say that Branson’s “Rolling hills offer 200 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking, and three scenic lakes that are havens for fishing and water sports.” Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, said that not only is Branson surrounded with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, but that, from Silver Dollar City to Branson Landing, that natural beauty has been integrated into the Branson experience. “When all that Branson has to offer, in terms of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities is considered together with its small town atmosphere, spirit and natural beauty, the result in a unique experience that can only be found in Branson, Missouri,” she continued.

Milton said, “What an honor it is for Branson to be recognized as one of the of “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com.” She also explains that during the Spring of this year Branson also received recognition from TripAdvisor as one of the “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.” She feels that such recognition is in large part due to the efforts of all those involved with Branson’s Tourism Industry to ensure that Branson’s guests have a great Branson experience and a philosophy of ‘If it’s important to you then it’s important to me.”‘

To those who have never been to Branson before she suggests, “Why not plan a visit to Branson during 2012 to see what all the excitement is about?” Too, she reminds those who have visited before that Branson will be celebrating its Centennial throughout all of 2012 providing an ideal time to revisit and enjoy all that Branson has to offer. For assistance in planning a trip to Branson or getting your questions on Branson answered by local Branson experts, Milton offers the free services of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson is a unique “gift,” at Christmas or any time

Branson's Titanic Museum always an exciting voyage back into history is even more so during 2012 as the 100th anniversary of its sinking is remembered.

When one thinks of Branson, Missouri many things instantly come to mind, fun, excitement, variety and value to name a few. The word “gift” might not often come to mind, but at this special time of the year describing what Branson represents as a “gift” might be totally appropriate.

Particularly at this time of the year, when the word “gift” is used people think of Christmas presents, but as the term is used in this article a “gift” is “a notable capacity, talent, or endowment.” Branson is notably endowed with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, three pristine lakes, spectacular shopping, more than 100 shows filled with some of the most talented performers anywhere and a variety of exciting fun filled attractions unmatched anywhere.

Where else can a person go in this country where, less than 10 minutes away from a 45,000 plus acre lake, Table Rock Lake, they can be sitting in a theatre seat watching one of Branson’s numerous live shows? Is there a another place where a family can share a “voyage” aboard a half scale replica of the R.M.S. Titanic at the Titanic Museum Attraction during the day and enjoy a wonderful cruise on Table Rock Lake, dinner and great entertainment aboard the magnificent Branson Belle?

Is there another place in America where an attraction such as the 1880’s theme park, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular attraction and its dozens of exciting rides, shows, demonstrating craftsmen, has been built over a Natural National Landmark such as “Marvel Cave?” One has to wonder how many theme parks anywhere have been integrated into the natural environment surrounding them as Silver Dollar City has to become a virtual part of the Ozark Mountains surrounding it and whose history, crafts and culture it preserves and shares with the world?

Is there anywhere else that has the variety of attractions that Branson has? From the World’s Largest Toy Museum and the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks, called the “Smithsonian of the Ozarks” to the Veterans Memorial Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and many other activities; Branson’s attractions provide an opportunity for fun and excitement that would be notable anywhere.

In the snow of winter or the heat of summer, Dick's 5 & 10, in historic downtown Branson, is just one example of the unique shopping Branson has to offer.

Branson is a shopping Mecca for shoppers endowed with one of the most varied shopping experiences available anywhere. From hand crafted items in Silver Dollar City and many of Branson’s other specialty shop to two major outlet malls, Dicks 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson and the $150 million Branson Landing, Branson offers a unique shopping experience not available anywhere else.

As notable and exciting as everything Branson has to offer is, what really makes the gift of Branson special is the spirit of its people as they present the gift of Branson to its visitors. At a recent employee gathering, Lianne Milton, the co-owner of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, might just have summed up that spirit as well as it can be when she said, “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me.” That’s the icing on the cake in terms of the gift that Branson gives its guests because to each of its millions of annual visitors, it says, “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me” and does its best to make it so.

Usher in the New Year in Branson Missouri

Pierce Arrow is just one of the many Branson shows that will be holding special New Year's Eve Shows.

“What better place than Branson, Missouri for families to say, ‘Goodbye’ to the old year and welcome in the New Year?” asked Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “When it comes to family entertainment and fun there is no place like Branson and from the morning of New Year’s Eve, December 31, to the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration at midnight, there are numerous interesting and exciting ways for families to celebrate the occasion together,” she continued.

As would be expected in the place called “The live music show capital of the world,” Branson will offer a variety of exciting live shows.. The Official Branson.Com Show Schedule, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, indicates that the following shows, sorted alphabetically by time, will be open on December 31. In addition, if a show has indicated they are doing something special to celebrate New Year’s Eve the words “New Year’s Eve Show” follows the shows name. Click here for information on the specifics of each show’s celebration.

10:00 AM

Amazing Pets
The Lennon Morning Show

2:00 PM

Hank Williams Revisited

3:00 PM

Acrobats of China
Comedy Jamboree

3:30 PM
Miracle of Christmas

5:00 PM

Circle B Supper Show
The Rat Pack – Live and Swingin’

5:15 PM

Christmas on the Trail

5:30 PM

Dixie Stampede

7:30 PM

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show New Year’s Eve

8:00 PM

Clay Cooper’s New Year’s Eve
Jukebox Journey

9:00 PM

Acrobats of China New Year’s Eve
Doug Gabriel New Year’s Eve
Grand Jubilee New Year’s Eve
Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve
Haygoods New Year’s Eve
Jim Stafford New Year’s Eve
Kirby VanBurch New Year’s Eve
Pierce Arrow New Year’s Eve

9:30 PM

Legends in Concert New Year’s Eve

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of many Branson Attractions that will be open for Branson visitors to enjoy.

Although Silver Dollar City will be closed for the season, from the magnificent Titanic Museum, to ziplines, and so much more, the vast majority of Branson’s attractions will also be open over New Year’s weekend. The Titanic, always interesting, fresh and exciting is even more so as it remembers the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the great ship.

Other highlights would include the areas two major drive through Christmas Lighting displays and their millions of glittering lights, the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hill’s Trail of Lights. One of Branson’s most unique Christmas events is “White Flight,” at the Butterfly and Rainforest Adventure, with thousands of white butterflies, live statute art and much more. The ships of Branson Landing Cruise Lines, the “Lake Queen” and the “Lake Princess” will be sailing throughout the day and also have special New Year’s Eve cruises.

What would it be like without the famous shopping for which Branson is noted? Well no one will have to find out because Branson’s major retail centers and many of its specialty shops will be open. Branson Landing will be open from 11 AM to 7 PM on both December 31 and January 1; Tanger Outlets from 9 AM to 6 PM on December 31 and from 10 AM to 7:00 PM on January 1 and the Factory Merchant Mall, the Red Roof Mall, is open from 9 AM to 6 PM on December 31 and from 10 AM to 7:00 PM on January 1.

“From shows to attractions, great shopping, cruises and so much more, Branson is the ideal place for families to celebrate New Year’s together,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Milton. She also advises that weather and other factors could cause schedule changes etc and offers the services of the Branson Tourism Center in answering any questions anyone might have about any of the activities mentioned in this article or for assistance with tickets or lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City’s spectacular award winning Christmas lighting

Silver Dollar City's town squarea glitter with the beauty of its giant Special Effects Christmas Tree and its Parade of Lights passing through

One of the features of Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is millions of colorful Christmas lights arranged in beautiful displays. Nowhere is that more evident than at Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas Festival. The festival itself has won awards and been recognized nationally, but it’s the millions of Christmas lights that turn the 1880s theme park into a spectacular Christmas wonderland.

How spectacular? Spectacular enough to have been named in a number of nationally recognized lists of “Holiday Lights” such as “Yahoo Travel’s Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Lights,” “MSN’s Top 10 Extreme Holiday Lights” and Mainstreet.com’s “10 Best Holiday Light Displays in the U.S.”

Branson’s Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas was one of the major factors why Branson was listed as number six out of ten by Yahoo! Travel in an article entitled “Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Lights,” written by Elissa Richard. ” In pointing out that Branson is transformed into a “veritable winter wonderland each holiday season, bursting at the seams with lavish light displays” the article specifically refers to Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas in detail.

It describes it as a glittering and “elaborate light-and-music show showcasing with no fewer than 4 million radiant lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. That same general theme was consistent throughout all the listings as well as other reasons cited for their recognition such as the spectacular five story high “Special Effects Christmas Tree” which “comes alive with lights and music each day as it is lit at dusk in the middle of the town square. Its music and lights fill the square with the sounds and sights of Christmas as it serves as the centerpiece of a unique and beautiful Christmas spectacle not available anywhere else.

And things just get brighter and more exciting from there. Twice a night the Holiday Light Parade with is glittering floats winds its way throughout Silver Dollar City.  As it enters and travels through the town square by the Special Effects Christmas Tree the result is a unique and beautiful Christmas experience that will provide Christmas memories for a lifetime.

“And that’s just part of what An Ole Time Christmas has to offer,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “It features the Broadway-style production A Dickens’Christmas Carol, the interactive kids’show “Frosty,” a musical Living Nativity, holiday foods, unique special gifts made by Silver Dollar City craftsmen and much more,” she continued.

As is the case with all of Silver Dollar City’s world class festivals, the special events, shows and activities associated with the festival are in addition to everything else the 1880’s styled international award winning theme park offers including, weather permitting, 30 rides and attractions encompassing everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7, craft demonstrations and so much more.

Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), through their toll free number, 1-800-785-1500 from 7 AM to 9 PM every day of the year, except Christmas Day, to talk with one of their trained Branson Vacation Travel Planners for additional information or tickets to Silver Dollar City. All of BTC’s Vacation Planners live in the local area. They and their families dine, have fun and enjoy the same restaurants, attractions, lakes, shopping, shows and other activities they are discussing with you. There is no service charge or other fees for their advice and assistance.

Last 2011 Call for some of Branson’s most popular shows

Musical cast of Presleys' Country Jubilee at the opening of Christmas Show.

The fun, color and excitement of the attractions, Christmas Lighting displays, shopping, and many other activities continues until December 31. Although some of Branson’s most popular shows will be performing through December 31, 60 Branson  shows will be ending their 2011 seasons by December 17. Although subject to change, as of December 3, the Official Branson.Com Show Schedule, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, shows that this will include, but not be limited to the following shows, listed alphabetically by date of their final 2011 performance:

December 5

Buck Trent

December 6

Duttons

The World Famous Platters Review

December 7

Barbara Fairchild

Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together

Neal McCoy

Osmonds

SIX during Jaks reading of the "Night Before Christmas." When they interact with him as he reads the result is the funniest reading of the story most people have ever heard.

December 8

Joey Riley Comedy & Music Review

Ralph Kuster’s Christmas in Branson

ROCKIT!

Roy Rogers Jr. Show

The Tweeds

December 9

Alabama Revival

Angels of Country Music

Down Home Country

Eagles Tribute

Fountains of Faith

Mike Walker

The Cats Pajamas

Tony Orlando Christmas

The fabulous Lennon Sisters performing their beautiful rendition of "The Star Carol."

December 10

#1 Hit of the 60’s

3 Red Neck Tenors

A Tribute to John Denver

Andy Williams Christmas Show

Bill Chrastil, The Many Performances of

Brett Family

Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band

Christmas with the Lennon Sisters

George Strait Tribute

Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular

Jim Owen

Legend of Kung Fu

Paul Harris Live

Rankin Brothers

Red Skelton – A Tribute by Tom Mullica

Shake Rattle & Roll

Statler Brothers Revisited

December 11

Chubby Checker

Ozark Mountain Jubilee

Shoji Tabuchi

Sunday Gospel Jubilee

Yakov

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

December 13

Mickey Gilley

December 15

A Tribute to Marty Robbins

December 16

Cassandre’ The Voice of an Angel

December 17

A Neil Diamond Tribute
Hughes Brothers
Motown Downtown
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
SIX
The Hughes Brothers
Twelve Irish Tenors

In view of the limited time frame in which to see some of these shows and the fact that it is the busiest time of the year in Branson, it would be advisable for anyone wanting to see any of these shows to consider making advanced reservations,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She also points out that a number of Branson’s most popular shows will remain open, albeit on a reduced schedule, through December 31,” For the latest information, schedules, and ticketing for the shows mentioned in this article, as well as those that will remain open through December 31, Johnson recommends calling the Branson Tourism Center, toll free at 1-800-785-1550.