Branson’s Veterans Week and Ozark Mountain Christmas make ABA Top 100 Events List

Silver Dollar City lights up for its "An Old Time Christmas" celebration.

“It’s another indication of the quality and type of experience that people can expect when they visit Branson, Missouri” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson was referring to the recent announcement by the American Bus Association (ABA) that included both “Branson Veterans Week,” commonly called  “Branson Veterans Home Coming Week,” and “Ozark Mountain Christmas” on its “2011 List of the Top 100 Events in North America.”

In the announcement, Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO said, “The attractiveness of Branson Veterans Week as a don’t miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Branson, Missouri.” He goes on to point out that the real news is the recognition of Branson Veterans Home Coming Week “as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy” and that the honor gives Branson “an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

This is the second year in a row that Branson Veterans Home Coming has received Top 100 List recognition and the sixth year in a row for Ozarks Mountain Christmas. “The great news for Branson visitors,” says Johnson, “is that they can experience both events at the same time.”

Johnson explains that, “Ozark Mountain Christmas, running from November 1 through January 2, is a special and unique Christmas experience resulting from the synergy of all that Branson is. It has everything from drive through lighting displays, to great shopping, spectacular Christmas shows, “Silver Dollar City’s An Ole Time Christmas” and that special Branson way of celebrating the true spirit of Christmas that makes Ozark Mountain Christmas a unique one of a kind celebration.

The "Marine Corps Ball" is just one of the many exciting and colorful events held during "Branson Veterans Homecoming Week."

Johnson describes Branson Veterans Home Coming as a “weeklong celebration filled with events and activities honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families.” She points out that there is a variety of events, most of which are free to Veterans, all with the same theme, to honor America’s Military and their families. These events include the “Traveling Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall;” the Showboat Branson Belle’s “Special Salute to Veterans; “The United States Marine Corps 235th Birthday Ball,” Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute; the 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade through historic downtown Branson on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and much more. Click here for a complete schedule of events.

Johnson said that November through the middle of December is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson and recommends advance reservations, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments. She points out that the company she works for, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. This puts BTC in an excellent position to help their customers obtain not only the best seats and accommodations, but often, particularly when shows, attractions and lodging are bundled into one package, save them money. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

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