Category Archives: Branson Events

“Speech, Song and Celebration” to start Branson Centennial

Branson Centennial Logo

BRANSON, Mo. It is not an April fool’s joke, the City of Branson was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1912 and will be celebrating “100 years of Heritage, Harmony, and Hospitality” with special events throughout 2012, starting with the kick off of its “Centennial Celebration” (Centennial) on April 1, 2012. Although many events will be tied into the Centennial such as the Titanic Museum Attraction’s, “A Night to Remember” on April 14, the “The 52nd Annual Plumb Nellie Days” May 17-19 and others; the primary Centennial events will be the “Centennial History Museum Grand Opening and Celebration,” in Historic Downtown Branson on Sunday, April 1; “Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century,” on Sunday April 15 and “Branson’s 100th Fest and Street Dance,” at a place TBD, on Saturday, July 7.

The first official event of the Centennial will be the “Centennial History Museum Grand Opening and Celebration,” which will be held at the Museum, located at the corner of Main Street and Veterans Boulevard, Business Highway 65, in the heart of Historic Downtown Branson, on Sunday, April 1, with the actual ceremony starting at 2:00 p.m. The short ceremony will include “a blessing of the crowd by Bob Hubbard, the National Anthem, performed by renowned tenor George Dyer, and a Color Guard presentation by local Veterans will set the tone for an earnest, but uplifting celebration for its citizens. Celebrity Ventriloquist Jim Barber will serve as Emcee, and featured Speakers in addition to Mayor Presley include Museum Supporter Leon Combs and Katie Danner, Department of Missouri Tourism.”

After the ceremony the crowd can follow a Dixieland band into Historic Downtown Branson for more music, fun and festivities until 5pm. This will include an afternoon of street musicians, walking tours, and story tellers and other entertainment.

The Branson Centennial Museum will remain open throughout 1912 and is made possible through the combined efforts of “The Downtown Branson Main Street Association,” The White River Valley Historical Society, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (BLACC) and the City of Branson. It will be located at 101 Veterans Boulevard in a building formerly housing the Morris Oil Company and donated for the Centennial by Jim D. Morris, philanthropist and local merchant.

Some of the Museums initial exhibits are planned to include “Early Branson, prior to its 1912 incorporation,” “The White River,” “The Roots of Tourism” “School Days” and others. With its prime visibility, visitors and locals alike will find the museum attractive and engaging. To keep the exhibits fresh, interesting and exciting many will be rotated “on a six-eight week basis.”

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “The Centennial Celebration activities and events will be another unique and exciting thing for Branson visitors to experience in Branson during 2012.” For additional information on Branson’s Centennial Celebration or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, 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.

Experience the excitement and awakening of Spring in Branson

View the beauty of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake from the top of "Wildfire." SDC's world class coaster.

BRANSON, Mo. From a temperature perspective, it seems as if the Winter of 2011-2012 forgot to come to a large part of the country including Branson, except in name. The unseasonably mild weather since Fall almost mutes the fact that the official first day of Spring begins at 12:14 (CDT) on March 20. Temperatures and weather aside however, as the other harbingers of Spring begin to manifest themselves, Branson’s Ozark Hills come to life, not only with their natural beauty, but with the sounds and sights of people simply having fun and enjoying themselves as they bask in the first natural blush of Spring.

The first wave of those celebrating Spring Break in Branson are just in time to experience the explosive natural beauty of the Ozarks with a spectacular display including the Bradford Pears, Dogwoods and Redbuds along with the opening of Branson’s great live shows, activities, shopping and attractions, including the opening of “Silver Dollar City.” The majority of Branson’s major attractions such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum,” “Hollywood Wax Museum,” “Veterans Memorial Museum” and many others are open year round, but Spring brings the excitement of the reopening of many of Branson’s other exciting seasonal attractions such as “Ride the Ducks,” “Branson Scenic Railway,” Branson’s many outdoor mini golf courses including “Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf” and of course, its biggest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is an internationally recognized 1880’s style theme park that opened its 2012 season on March 15. The park features over 30 rides and attractions including its high-flying multi-looping world class roller coaster “WildFire” reaching speeds of up to 66 miles per hour; demonstrating craftsmen working at crafts that have been passed down from generation to generation; some of the best live shows in Branson; unique shopping and food and a series of world class festivals starting with “World-Fest,” the country’s largest international festival, running from April 12 through May 6

Spring brings freshness and  renewal to most of Branson’s live shows as they present their new 2012 shows. From the addition of “Rumble in the Tree Tops” at “Dixie Stampede,” the spectacular new production of Joseph and shows as varied as the Acrobats of China, “The Baldknobbers Jamboree,” Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Haygoods, “it presented by the Hughes Brothers,” “the Duttons,” SIX, “George Dyer,” “Grand Jubilee,” Shoji Tabuchi, Pierce Arrow, “Jim Stafford,” “Doug Gabriel,” “Legends in Concert” and “Amazing Pets,” just to mention a few, Branson’s offers a variety of live entertainment that is unrivaled in any destination city of its size anywhere.

Branson is almost as famous for its shopping as it is for its live shows, attractions and other activities. “Branson Landing,” with its lakeside location, fire and water show, restaurants, “Bass Pro Shop” and 100 other retail shops, two factory discount malls, countless specialty shops in historic downtown Branson and throughout Branson provide a unique and unparalleled shopping opportunity.

Spring activities for a lot of people include golf. The mild winter and excellent course maintenance has Branson’s world class golf courses, including the Payne Stewart Golf Course at Branson Hills, Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and Branson Creek, among others, ready to provide a great golfing experience for the seasoned champion tournament player and challenge for the beginner as well as.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, also reminds potential visitors that the Spring of 2012 will be very special in Branson. The city of Branson is celebrating its Centennial with special activities on April 1 and 15 and the Titanic Museum Attraction is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic during 2012, including a Night to Remember on April 14 and other events. For additional information on any of the shows, attractions, events or activities mentioned in this article please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Mayor expects famed Branson Strip to reopen tomorrow

BRANSON, MO. In a telephone interview completed earlier this evening, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that she was so grateful for the support shown to Branson by so many and reiterated her thankfulness that so few were injured and there were no fatalities as a result of the EF-2 Tornado that hit Branson during the early morning hours today. She expressed her concern and sympathy to the businesses that were directly hit by the storm.

When asked when the Branson Strip would reopen she said that the western end was never closed and that crews are working hard installing poles and other infrastructure necessary to completely restore power and expects that the closed portion will be reopened sometime tomorrow. She points out that the vast majority of Branson’s theatres, attractions and other activities were not damaged by the storm and will continue providing Branson visitors with the same great experience for which Branson is famous.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that Branson’s 2012 season is just beginning to unfold. In addition to most of its major attractions being open this week the following shows are scheduled to perform this weekend with more opening up next weekend:

A Tribute to Marty Robbins
Comedy Jamboree
Dixie Stampede
Grand Jubilee
Hank Williams Revisited
Haygoods
Hamner Barber Variety Show
it at the Hughes Brothers Theatre
Ozark Mountain Jubilee
Ozark Murder Mysteries
Pierce Arrow
SIX
Sunday Gospel Jubilee
The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band

For additional information on the status of the storms effect on Branson, these Branson shows or the other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements in Branson, 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, through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/bransontourismcenter.

Branson Centennial is a celebration of history, heritage, fun and excitement

The gravestone of Ruben Branson, the man Branson is named after, is readily visible. without having to go into the cemetery, from the northwest corner of the intersection of Okalahoma and Commerical Streets in historic downtown Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. In 1882, when Ruben S. Branson started a general store near the mouth of Roark Creek and the White River and named the post office “Branson” he had no idea of what was to follow. Who could have known that decades later the railroad would come down Roark Creek into the heart of a developing community benefiting not only from the intense logging industry in the area, but the building of the Power Site Dam on the White River near Forsyth and the tourism resulting from the publishing of the epic story of life in the Ozarks, Harold Bell Wright’s novel, “The Shepherd the Hills?”

Interestingly, all that took place prior to the incorporation of “Branson” as a city. In fact, in 1902 the name of the post office was changed to “Lucia” as competing sites and interests tried to get land and plat their own towns. The issue was settled in 1903 when Charles Fulbright and his “Branson Town Company” acquired both town sites and the name of the post office was changed back to “Branson” in 1904. A short eight years later the city of “Branson” was incorporated on April 1, 1912.

As  the city of Branson begins the celebration of its Centennial Year, it might be appropriate to note that Branson’s first show, The Baldknobbers Jamboree was 47 years away as was Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City was 48 years away and its first show on the now famous “Branson Strip,” Presley’s Country Jubilee was 55 years away. Yet today, as the city of Branson celebrates its Centennial, an estimated 8 million visitors a year come to Branson making it “Missouri’s top vacation destination.”

Why do they come? “To experience all that Branson has to offer,” says Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Where else in America’s heartland, or perhaps anywhere, can a person go and experience the unique combination of 100 plus live shows, attractions, family entertainment, shopping, water activities, championship golfing and everything else Branson has to offer? What other destination has so beautifully integrated the entertainment, adventure and excitement of what it offers into the surrounding natural beauty of its magnificent and spectacular hills, valleys, lakes and hollows?”

Branson’s Centennial, “100 YEARS OF BRANSON, MISSOURI – a Story of Heritage, Harmony and Hospitality” has events scheduled to run from April 1 through July 7 with the “Centennial Heritage Museum” remaining open from April 1 throughout, at least, the rest of the year. It is a celebration of Branson’s history, heritage and spirit combined with all the fun and excitement that makes Branson such a wonderful family vacation destination.

The “Centennial Kick-Off Event” will be on April 1, exactly 100 years to the day from Branson’s initial incorporation, in its historic downtown district. The day will begin with the dedication and opening of the “Centennial Heritage Museum,” with the National Anthem being sung by Branson tenor George Dyer, comments by Branson’s Mayor Raeanne Presley and other dignitaries and other entertainment. Bogie Bohinc, the producer of the festivities that will follow, said that the entire historic downtown area will be a celebration of fun, action and entertainment until 4:00 p.m., including street performances; horse and buggy rides; bands; music of all genres from Bluegrass to Dixieland and much more including a “few surprises.”

Throughout the Centennial, there are a number of activities and events contributing to the excitement of the celebration. These include Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s styled theme park; the Titanic Museum Attractions “A Night to Remember,” on April 14, providing a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the 100th year remembrance of the fateful night the great ship sank in the north Atlantic; the Branson Centennial Celebration Show on April 15; the “52nd Annual Plumb Nellie Days Arts and Crafts Festival” in historic downtown Branson, May 17 through 19 and “Branson’s 100th Fest and Street Dance” on July 7.

Ross Summers, President/CEO, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, “Throughout the town, our community welcomes you to our once-in-a-lifetime celebration. And our birthday wish is that you leave with a rekindled spirit and renewed hope for the next century.”

Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Milton suggests that Branson visitors make advance reservations for shows and lodging during the Centennial to ensure they get not only availability, but the seating and accommodations desired. She also points out that there is a limited number of VIP tickets available for the Titanic Museum Attractions “A Night to Remember,” on April 14 and that BTC’s exclusive package for the event also includes a special keepsake coin incorporating an actual segment of a piece of coal that has been brought up from the Titanic.

For additional information on Branson’s Centennial Celebration, any of the events connected to it or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact 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.

That special Valentine’s Day celebration in Branson

Pierce Arrow will be celebrating Valentines Day with performances.

The British poet and humorist, Thomas Hood, said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” It seems that on Valentine’s Day extra effort is made to show those we love how much we care, but how much more special each day would be if we followed Hood’s, words and treated those we love in a manner that said, “Thou art every day my Valentine?”

With Valentine’s Day coming up on Tuesday, February 14th, what better way to show your Valentine how much you care than by celebrating Valentine’s Day in Branson, Missouri, “the live music show capital of the world?” Whether that celebration takes place the weekend before or on Valentine’s Day itself, Branson, with its many restaurants, shopping, shows and other activities offers a variety of ways to share a special Valentine’s Day with that special someone.

From the simple café fare of a downtown staple like Clocker’s Café to an elegant romantic gourmet meal at the Chateau on the Lake, Candle Stick, Table 22 or the Level 2 Steak House and everything in between, Branson offers a variety of Valentine dining experiences for every budget and taste. Many will be offering special menus just for Valentine’s Day and it is suggested making reservations as early as possible.

Branson Landing Cruise line has special Valentine’s Day dinner cruises scheduled on the Branson Landing Princess on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11 and on Valentine’s Day. The Landing Princess is a 100 foot long luxury yacht and the cruise will include a romantic gourmet dinner, served while cruising Lake Taneycomo, and seeing the spectacular nighttime view of Branson Landing and its fire and water Fountain Show from the water.

As one would expect in Branson, Missouri, there is a variety of live entertainment shows available to share with your Valentine. Shows including the Hamner Barber Variety Show; Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, and Amazing Pets; the Hughes Brother’s presents “It”; the Haygoods and Pierce Arrow will be performing during the weekend of February 11. In addition, all the shows listed above except for the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Amazing Pets will also be performing shows on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

For those coming for the weekend, a package, combining lodging, shows, attractions and more offers not only a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but to save money. One example is Branson Tourism Center’s “Sweetheart Package.” It offers 3 days and 2 nights lodging, two tickets to either the Hamner Barber Variety Show or the Hughes Brothers Presents “It”, two tickets to the Titanic Museum Attraction, a special “romance basket” and more.

With all Branson has to offer, why not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with your special Valentine, in Branson? For additional information or tickets on Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, 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.

Unsinkable “Molly” Brown remembered in newest Branson Titanic exhibit

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.

BRANSON, Mo.  “The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson has boarded more than four million passengers since it opened in April of 2006 with many of those passengers being repeat passengers,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is constantly offering its guests special events, such as the National Ice Carving Association’s Championships taking place at the Titanic Feb. 4-5, the 100th anniversary special events being held in remembrance of her sinking and the updating and changing of its exhibits to provide guests with a fresh and exciting experience each time they visit.”

One of those new exhibits is the new “Molly Brown Gallery,” devoted to remembering one of the heroines of the Titanic disaster. According to information released by the Branson Titanic Attraction, “Her real name was Margaret ‘Maggie’ Tobin Brown, but the world knew her best as the irascible, indestructible Unsinkable ‘Molly’ Brown. ‘Beginning this month, hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Titanic Museum Attraction will explore the myth, lore and legacy of this larger-than-life Titanic heroine,’ announces John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions and leader of the first private expedition’s dive to the wreck site.

“According to Brown’s great-granddaughter, Helen Benziger, ‘My great-grandmother was born in 1867 in Hannibal. She made a name for herself in Denver, Colo., and around the world, with an indomitable spirit that charmed European society and helped her survive the Titanic disaster.

“I was about 13 years old, sitting in a darkened movie theater watching Debbie Reynolds in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, when my mother finally told me that the fictional Molly Brown on screen was, in reality, based on the life of my great-grandmother, Margaret Tobin Brown. Since that unbelievable moment, I have devoted much of my life to keeping her legacy alive.

“Now, I’m thrilled and excited to know that the extensive Molly Brown Artifact Collection will have a new home at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, not too far from where my great-grandmother was born,’ Benziger adds.

“Featured pieces in the collection include furniture, crystal glassware from Ireland, artwork, photographs, Titanic memorabilia and many other treasures gathered from around the world to grace the Denver mansion Maggie shared with her millionaire mining husband, J.J. Brown.

“Museum guests will see original costumes worn by Debbie Reynolds in the movie ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown,’ including the pale-green, elaborately beaded silk gown she wore while celebrating her birthday abroad in Paris.

“‘Helen Benziger was in Branson to help us launch the museum attraction in 2006. She inspired us all,’ says Joslyn, ‘and we’re honored to welcome her back Thursday, March 22, to dedicate our new gallery, entirely devoted to her great-grandmother.'”

For additional information or tickets for the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, any of its 100th anniversary events, the “Molly Brown Exhibit” 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.

Plungers Freezin’ for a Reason as Branson Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics of Missouri

Be a Polar Bear for the 2012 Branson Polar Plunge .

BRANSON, Mo. At 2 p.m. on February 11 some special people are going to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as they plunge into the cold water of Table Rock Lake in the 7th Annual Branson Polar Plunge. The reason the participants, appropriately designated as “Plungers,” will be “freezin'” is to support the more than 1,700 athletes in the Southwest Area of the “Special Olympics of Missouri (SOMO).” The 2011 Branson Polar Plunge raised more than $30,000 for the Special Olympic Athletes. The goal for the 2012 is $34,000.

Branson’s Polar Plunge will be held at the marina of the Still Waters Resort, 21 Still Water Trail, just south of Silver Dollar City in Indian Point, Road . Registration starts at Noon and the Plunge itself is right after the “Plunger Parade of Costumes,” at 2 p.m. After the Plunge there will be “free food, music and a silent auction” at the Post Plunge Party that will be held at the Best Western Branson Inn and Conference Center in Branson West.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the corporate sponsors of the event and herself a past “Plunger” said, “The event a great fund raiser for a great cause and is a lot of fun, not only for the ‘Plungers,’ but for those who come out to watch and support them.” She notes that there will be food and concession sales featuring food and warm “Plunge” clothing. One of the highlights will be the opportunity to see the costumes worn by some of the competing “Plungers” as groups and individuals compete for the coveted “Golden Plunger Award.”

Milton encourages everyone to come out and support the event and to donate what they can to support the “Special Olympics of Missouri” and its athletes. For further information on the Branson Polar Plunge or other Branson shows, and events please call Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or visit their web site wwwBransonTourismCenter.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.

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.

Branson is a Thanksgiving cornucopia of food, shows, fun and shopping

Silver Dollar City's town square during "An Old Time Christmas" with its five story Christmas Tree and the "Holiday of Lights" parade passing through.

“Traditionally, Thanksgiving signals the beginning of the Christmas Season and what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving and get that Christmas Spirit than in Branson, Missouri, said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is in full swing with a full slate of activities scheduled right through the long Thanksgiving weekend. From drive through Christmas lighting displays, special Christmas activities at many Branson attractions, live shows, wonderful food, great shopping and a wide choices of other activities there is something for everyone in Branson this Thanksgiving,” she continued.

One thing just about everyone looks forward to on Thanksgiving Day is the traditional Thanksgiving meal. In that regard Branson’s restaurants will be offering a large variety of special Thanksgiving meals and buffets. For a list of Thanksgiving Day dinning choices, schedules and, in some cases menus please click here and look under the tab “Thanksgiving in Branson.” In addition, for those who might want to eat and be entertained at the same time, it should be pointed out that the Showboat Branson Belle, Legend of Kung Fu, Yakov’s Dinner Adventure and Dixie Stampede will also be available not only on Thanksgiving Day, but during the whole Thanksgiving weekend.

And speaking of entertainment, there will be a full selection of Branson’s live shows available on Thanksgiving day as well as over the Thanksgiving weekend. The following list of Branson shows scheduled to be open on Thanksgiving Day is sorted by time. The full schedule of Branson shows will resume on Friday, November 25. Click here for complete information, schedules, pictures, or tickets on any of Branson’s great live shows.

9:00 am

IMAX Adventure Films

10:00 am

A Tribute to John Denver
Hughes Brothers

1:00 pm

A Neil Diamond Tribute
Bill Chrastil, The Many Performances of

2:00 pm

A Tribute to Marty Robbins
Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band
Christmas with the Lennon Sisters
The World Famous Platters Revue
Twelve Irish Tenors

3:00 pm

Acrobats of China
Amazing Pets
Legend of Kung Fu
Legends in Concert

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

5:00 pm

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show
George Strait Tribute
The Rat Pack – Live & Swingin
Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

5:15 pm

Christmas on the Trail

5:30 pm

Dixie Stampede

7:00 pm

Amazing Pets
Andy Williams Christmas
Motown Downtown
Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

7:30 pm

Grand Jubilee
Pierce Arrow
Shoji Tabuchi

8:00 pm

A Christmas Snow
Chubby Checker
Clay Cooper’s Country Music ExpressDixie Stampede
Duttons
Hamner Barber Variety Show
Haygoods
Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular
Jim Stafford
Kirby VanBurch
Legend of Kung Fu
Legends in Concert
Sanders Family Christmas
Tony Orlando Christmas
Untamed Illusions

From the wonders of Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas to an exciting “voyage” aboard the Titanic complete with live reindeer, most Branson attractions will be open not only on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the whole weekend. In addition Branson’s two major drive – through Christmas Lighting displays, the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights will also be open for the enjoyment of Branson visitors..

With handmade gifts by the craftsmen at Silver Dollar City to the amazing assortment of unique and specialty stores in historic downtown Branson at places like Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10, Rosa’s Lost treasure Chest, the art work of outdoor artist Tom Crain and literally hundreds of other shops, and three major shopping malls, Branson provides a unique unrivaled shopping experience. Branson’s three major shopping malls Branson Landing, Factory Merchants and Tanger Outlets and will have special schedules for Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving. Click here for their schedules and links to discount coupons and specials under the tab “November & Thanksgiving Weekend Shopping.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that from Thanksgiving through the middle of December is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson and suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging. For additional information on any of Branson’s shows, attractions activities or for lodging arrangements 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.