Category Archives: Branson Shows

Is this Branson’s most “Legendary” 2017 show schedule?

Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis, and "Menopause the Musical" are just a few of the acts appearing at Branson's Legends of Concert in 2017.

Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis, and “Menopause the Musical” are just a few of the legendary highlights happening at Branson’s Legends of Concert in 2017.

“WOW, where else in Branson can a person go to be entertained by the likes of ‘Adele’ and ‘The Temptations,’ in one exciting show?” asked Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. The rhetorical question was, of course, referring to the Legends in Concert show, known for the quality, variety, and excitement of its productions, and was in reference to the “legendary” stars scheduled to perform in its recently announced 2017 schedule which includes:

SPRING: Feb. 3-May 16

Feb. 3-Mar. 31: Dusty Springfield
Feb. 3-May 11: The Temptations
Feb. 3-May 16: George Strait
Feb. 3-May 16: The Blues Brothers™
Feb. 3-May 16: Elvis
Feb. 16-Mar. 21: SPECIAL GUEST- Prince
Apr.1-May 16: Adele
May 12-May 16: Michael Jackson

MAY 18-21 Menopause The Musical

SUMMER: May 22-Sept 5

May 18-Sep. 5: Céline Dion
May 18-Sep. 5: Brooks and Dunn
May 22-Sep. 5: Michael Jackson
May 18-Sep. 5: The Blues Brothers™
May 18-Sep. 5: Elvis
June-July Only: SPECIAL GUEST- Bruno Mars

FALL: Sep.7-Oct 31

Sep.7-Oct 31: Frank Sinatra
Sep.7-Oct 31: Aretha Franklin
Sep.7-Oct 31: Johnny Cash
Sep.7-Oct 31: The Blues Brothers™
Sep.7-Oct 31: Elvis

CHRISTMAS: Nov.2-Dec. 31

Nov.2-Dec. 31: Michael Jackson
Nov.2-Dec. 30: Barbra Streisand
Nov.2-Dec. 31: Alan Jackson
Nov.2-Dec. 31: The Blues Brothers™
Nov.2-Dec. 31: Elvis
Dec. 31: Cher SPECIAL GUEST-NEW YEARS EVE

Legends in Concert’s General Manager, Jeannie Horton said, “Being a part of the Legends in Concert family, we have access to wonderful cast of “legends” from which to pick acts for our show. We are really excited about our 2017 schedule and the opportunity it gives us to be able to present Branson audiences with a variety of high quality legendary entertainment designed to entertain and appeal to the audiences we believe will be in Branson during a particular time of the year”

In addition, she said that they are really excited about the limited engagement performance of Menopause The Musical, May 18-21 as part of their national tour. “Set in a department store, four women with seemingly nothing in common, come to find they have more to share than ever imagined. The cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer The Silent Passage, but a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal!”

The Branson premier gives Branson audiences, albeit for short time, a chance to “see what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 14 years” in this “groundbreaking, hilarious celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change!”

For additional information or tickets on the Legends in Concert, Menopause The Musical, or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Final 2016 Curtain call for some popular Branson shows!

The last 2016 performance of the first show on the Branson Strip, Presleys' Country Jubilee, is Dec. 27.

The last 2016 performance of the first show on the Branson Strip, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, is Dec. 17.

“Although the clear majority of Branson attractions and shopping remains open year-round and many of our most popular shows will be open, albeit on a winter schedule, till the end of the year, a substantial number of shows will be concluding their 2016 season within the next three weeks,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Here is a list of the last date in 2016 that some of Branson’s most popular shows will be performing, sorted chronologically by date, starting on Dec.1 and ending on Dec. 31. It is followed by a list of some of Branson’s shows most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations:

Dec. 7: Duttons
Dec. 8: New South Gospel
Dec. 9: Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza
Dec. 9: Down Home Country
Dec. 9: Shoji Tabuchi
Dec. 10: George Dyer
Dec. 10:The Lettermen
Dec. 11: Sunday Gospel Jubilee
Dec. 11: Ozark Mountain Jubilee
Dec. 16: Branson Country USA
Dec. 17: Christmas Wonderland
Dec. 17: Presleys’ Country Jubilee
Dec. 17: SIX
Dec. 18: New Jersey Nights
Dec. 18: Puttin’ on the Ritz
Dec. 23: Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies
Dec. 29: The Haygoods^*Dec. 30: Clay Cooper’s Country Express^*Dec. 30: Hughes Brothers Christmas Show^*Dec. 31: Acrobats of China
Dec. 31: Amazing Pets
Dec. 31: Comedy Jamboree
Dec. 31: Grand Jubilee^*Dec. 31: Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show^*
Dec. 31: Legends in Concert^*Dec. 31: Million Dollar Quartet
Dec. 31: Moses
Dec. 31: Pierce Arrow^*

BRANSON’S MOST POPULAR NEW YEARS EVE PARTIES

Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve (Clay Cooper and Haygoods joint celebration)
Grand Jubilee
Hughes Brothers New Years Eve
Legends in Concert
Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess
Million Dollar Quartet
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show^*
Pierce Arrow

^*Has New Year’s Eve celebration. Clay Cooper &Haygoods are celebrating jointly

Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison points out that weather, abbreviated Christmas show schedules, and availability are excellent reasons to, not only check the schedule for the show(s) you are interested in, but to make advanced reservations. He suggests calling 1-800-785-1550 and talking with one of BTC’s Branson based Travel Planners where, “one call takes care of it all.” They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson, its shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you with reservations to help ensure that you obtain the best available seating at shows and the lodging accommodations you desire. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM. BTC may also be contacted through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

From its improbable start Million Dollar Quartet celebrates 60th Anniversary

How about celebrating New Year's Eve with the Miilion Dollar Quartet?

The Million Dollar Quartet, a special entertainment experience, based on the most unique Rock n’ Roll jam session of all time!

“For the past two years, Branson audiences have had the thrill of experiencing the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet, joining the ranks of the millions throughout the world who have enjoyed it since its creation in 2007, by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Prior to hearing about the Million Dollar Quartet show, most are not even aware of the event that the show was based on and, even after seeing it, many do not realize how improbable it was that we would be celebrating the 60^th anniversary of that event,” she added.

Wood points out that it’s obvious we are not celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the Million Dollar Quartet show. What’s being celebrated is the 60^th anniversary of the greatest Rock n’ Roll jam session of all time; a onetime impromptu event, involving four young performers, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, in the early stages of their careers. It happened in Memphis, TN inside the storefront recording studio of Sun Records on December 4, 1956.

Carl Perkins, Sun recording artist, was in the studio along with his brother Jay on bass, and drummer, WS “Fluke” Holland, and Sun recording artist Jerry Lee Lewis, who was there to play piano for the Perkins’ recording session of “Matchbox.” Sun recording artist, Johnny Cash, came in to observe the recording session and talk with Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records. Still later, Elvis Presley, RCA and ex-Sun Recording artist, dropped by with a girl he was seeing at the time, Marilyn Evans.

As musicians have done since time in memoriam, they just started “jamming.” When Phillips saw the improbable session taking place he called Bob Johnson, the entertainment editor of the “Memphis Press-Scimitar,” and invited him over. He came and brought a photographer with him. The next day Phillips wrote a story on the jam session calling them the “Million Dollar Quartet” which was accompanied by a photograph of the four around the piano.

The impromptu jam session would not have been recorded, but for the efforts of sound technician Jack Clement, who was there to record the Perkins session. As the informal jam session got underway, Clement decided that he would be remiss if he did not record it so, without anyone’s knowledge, he did.

Probably because no one knew that Clement had recorded the session, and despite “The Million Dollar Quartet” news story, the recording went unnoticed, into the Sun Records “library,” where it remained for decades until discovered by a new owner of Sun Records as they worked through the contents of the library. It was recorded and released in Europe in 1981, in the United States in 1990, and became the basis for the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet in 2007.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of this historic event, on December 4th, 2016, some of Branson’s biggest stars will join the cast of the Million Dollar Quartet in paying a musical tribute to the four legends and “to express their gratitude for the inspirational music they have given. “One of the highlights of the Million Dollar Quartet show is the finale that re-creates just how special that jam session was,” said Dathan Atchison, General Manager of the Welk Resort Branson.

“We are so honored to have these incredible guests join us in celebrating that historic night, and the four men who have inspired generations of performers,” Atchison continued. “The influence of the four members of the “Million Dollar Quartet” is certainly felt in Branson, and we are so thankful that Jim Stafford, Billy Dean, New South and David Brooks have been gracious enough to not only come and sing, but to share stories of how that influence changed their lives. It is going to be a rockin’ good time and a fitting tribute to four of the greatest entertainers in history,” he added.

Running through December 31, 2016, the Million Dollar Quartet tells the story and captures the high energy spirit and rockin’ sounds of a unique moment when four of music’s most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history” and features the greatest rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these music legends, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Walk The Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” “Whole Lotta’ Shakin’ Goin’ On,” and so many more.

For more information and tickets for the Million Dollar Quartet or other great Branson shows or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Best of Branson Insider Highlights for December 2016

The Titanic Museum’s “Christmas and Winter Celebration” is just one of the many inspirational and entertaining events in Branson during December.

“From the stages of its famous live shows, to the magnificently lit Silver Dollar City, and its Adoration Parade, December in Branson is filled with the special spirit of celebrating the traditional American Christmas,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Then, during the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Branson is abuzz with fun and excitement leading up to a celebration of New Year’s Eve as only Branson can do it,” he added.

Here’s our Featured Show, Event, and Limited Engagement of the Month, along with a list of the major, special limited engagement performances and events you can enjoy in Branson during December, 2016:

Featured Show: The Grand Jubilee Christmas show has it all, including amazing vocals by Branson’s award winning quartet, New South and Female Vocalist of the Year Jackie Brown; hilarious comedy with Jamie Haage, a.k.a. “Jim Dandy,” and his sidekick Mike Patrick, who is also the show’s emcee and producer; and the “Grand Band,” one of the best bands in Branson. From the preshow to the final curtain, this awesome production will entertain and inspire you with “grand” music, comedy, and the spirit of a traditional American Christmas.

“I love the show for the fact that Christmas is built on tradition and that we sing the traditional favorite Christmas songs that people sing every year,” said Mike Patrick, the shows emcee and producer. “To me our show is like taking out your favorite Christmas ornament each year and hanging it on the tree.” When asked what his personal favorite part of the show was he said, without hesitation, “When we get to read the Christmas story from the Bible and see how it resonates with our audience.” His two favorite numbers in the show are New South’s rendition of a Gatlin Brothers’ song “Santa Are You Going To Atlanta” and Jackie Brown’s beautiful performance of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: No doubt about it, there’s not a more “Limited Engagement” than the spectacular unique ways available in Branson to ring in the New Year. How about cruising Lake Taneycomo aboard Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess, a 100 foot luxury yacht, while enjoying a live DJ, dancing, games, prizes, party favors, full-service cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, a dessert bar, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight? Cruising not your thing, how about an entertaining and exciting evening with some of Branson’s most popular shows as they welcome in 2017 with unique awesome New Year’s Eve celebrations including:

Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve (Clay Cooper and Haygoods joint celebration)
Grand Jubilee
Legends in Concert
Million Dollar Quartet
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show
Pierce Arrow

Featured Event of the Month: The Branson Titanic Museum Attraction closes out its tenth year in Branson with its beautiful Christmas and Winter Celebration as magically, inside and out, she hails the sights, sounds and joy of the season. In addition to everything else the ship offers daily, it will be aglow with glittering lights, festive decorations, and the spirit of the Holidays, including free public access to hundreds of unique Titanic Christmas gift ideas and collectibles.

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Dec. 1: The Urban Cowboy Reunion
Dec 1-3: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Dec 31: NEW YEAR’S EVE BRANSON Style

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Dec 1-30: An Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City
Dec 4: Carols on the Belle aboard the Showboat Branson Belle
Dec 4: 68th Annual Adoration Parade and Lighting Ceremony
Dec 10: Breakfast with Santa – Branson RecPlex
Dec 11: Carols on the Belle aboard the Showboat Branson Belle
Dec 11: Tanger Club Member Exclusive Event at Tanger Mall
Dec 18: Carols on the Belle aboard the Showboat Branson Belle
Dec 18: Chateau on the Lake Breakfast with Santa
Dec 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dec 25: Christmas Day Champagne Brunch at Chateau on the Lake
Dec 31: New Years Eve Celebration at Keeter Center
Dec 31: Grand Jubilee New Years Eve Show
Dec 31: Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve New Year’s Eve Show
Dec 31: Million Dollar Quartet New Year’s Eve
Dec 31: Hamners Unbelievable Variety New Years Eve Fiesta
Dec 31: Legends in Concert New Year’s Eve Show
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Cruise Aboard the Landing Princess
Dec 31-Jan 1, 2017: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For additional information on these events, or any of 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 calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

One of a kind legendary million dollar Branson New Year’s Eve celebration

Is this a New Year’s Eve celebration of legendary proportions or what?

“Things will really be jumping on New Year’s Eve in Branson,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With a wonderful variety of ways to bring in the New Year including a party aboard Main Street Marina’s 100-foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, major fireworks displays, celebrations at hotels and other venues, and of course the famed Branson Show’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations, it’s hard to imagine a better way to welcome in the New Year than by celebrating its arrival in Branson,” he added.

He points out that it’s the titles of two of those shows, Legends in Concert and the Million Dollar Quartet, that provides Branson New Year’s Eve revelers with the opportunity to participate in a “legendary million dollar New Year’s Eve Celebration.” While having to pick one of the two, because they are both presented at the same time, each is a unique, extremely entertaining, and exciting way to celebrate the end of 2016 and the ringing in of 2017.

Where else would one expect the “legendary” celebration to come from, but Legends in Concert “We are so excited about our New Year’s Eve Celebration,” said Jeannie Horton, the General Manager for Branson’s Legends in Concert. “What could be a better way of ringing out the old year and ringing in the New Year than an exciting entertaining New Year’s Eve party at the iconic Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre in Branson with the legendary ‘Frank Sinatra,’ ‘Adele,’ ‘George Strait,’ ‘The Blues Brothers, ‘Elvis Presley,’ and special guest ‘Cher,’” she added.

The festivities start as the doors to the auditorium open at 8:30 PM and revelers receive a celebration package with party favors, hats, noise makers, beads, and more, along with a deluxe box lunch consisting of a delicious croissant sandwich, potato salad, dessert and beverage. As they enter the auditorium they may pose, decked out in their full New Year’s Eve regalia, with the stars of the show. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase and may be taken into the auditorium to enjoy.

At 9:30 PM the party continues with a performance of the of the amazing Legends in Concert show including performances by Legends in Concert’s Frank Sinatra, Adele, George Strait, The Blues Brothers, Elvis Presley, special guest Cher, and the Legends in Concert Dancers and Band. As millions have discovered, the result is a one of a kind awesome musical production that is, in and of itself, a truly legendary entertainment experience!

The mid-night countdown, welcoming in the New Year is a spectacular event done as only Legends in Concert can do it. The show’s cast will come out on stage and countdown to the New Year with the audience amid an awesome celebration of streamers, confetti, celebratory noise makers, and join in the singing of the traditional “Auld Lang Syne.” Horton promises that it will be a wonderful memorable evening from beginning to end, and is absolutely a great way to start 2017.

How about celebrating New Year’s Eve with the Miilion Dollar Quartet?

Although the actual 60^th anniversary of the actual jam session that started it all will be celebrated on December 4^th, Susan Smith, the Director of Sales & Marketing for Welk Resorts, said that the Million Dollar Quartet’s New Year’s Eve Celebration will be an entertaining, exciting, and memorable end to the 60^th year of that famous jam session. She said that the evening starts off at 8:30 PM with heavy hors d’oeuvres including sliders and variety of hot dishes. Alcoholic beverages will be available for sale from the lounge and are permitted in the theatre for both the show and the midnight celebration.

At 9:45 PM the popular Million Dollar Quartet show will be presented. The show is based on the most famous impromptu jam session of all time that took place in the Memphis studios of Sun Records on December, 4, 1956. It included Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and, but for a recording that remained forgotten in the library of Sun Records for decades, would have been forgotten. The recordings were discovered by a new owner of Sun Records and released in 1981. The stage musical Million Dollar Quartet, written by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, based on that music and what transpired at the original “Million Dollar Quartet” jam session, premiered in 2007. Since then, this smash hit musical, has played in Chicago, Broadway, Las Vegas, toured extensively in the US and internationally, and has a production in Branson, Missouri, at the Welk Resort Theatre.

Smith said that after the show the audience will come out to the lobby where they will get their sparkling grape juice for the midnight toast, some neat party favors, including glow sticks, noise makers, hats, and everything else needed to celebrate the New Year. There will also be a photo station where they “can dress up and take photos.”

“Then we’ll go back in the theatre for the New Year’s countdown on our giant screen with a huge balloon drop at midnight,” she said. “But it’s not over yet; because at 12:01 AM, on January 1, 2017, the Million Dollar Quartet will come back out on stage to start the New Year off in spectacular fashion with an energetic and exciting 20 minute after party jam session,” she added.

For more information or tickets to either Legends in Concert or the Million Dollar Quartet New Year’s Eve celebration, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Your ultimate year end – New Year’s Eve Branson show schedule!

Is this a New Year’s Eve celebration of legendary proportions or what?

“It seems almost impossible that we are nearing the end of our 2016 Branson show season,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although some of our most popular shows will be ending their season in the coming weeks, it is a gradual thing taking place between Nov. 26 and the end of the year” he added.

Garrison suggests that those wanting to see a particular show should make sure that the show is still performing when they are planning on being in Branson. He points out that an easy way to do that is to use Branson Tourism Center’s list of Branson shows. It’s Branson’s most current and up to date list of show schedules.

BRANSON’S MOST POPULAR NEW YEARS EVE PARTIES

Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve (Clay Cooper and Haygoods joint celebration)
Grand Jubilee
Hughes Brothers New Years Eve
Legends in Concert
Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess
Million Dollar Quartet
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show*
Pierce Arrow

LAST 2016 PERFORMANCES BETWEEN Dec. 24 – Dec.31

The Haygoods: Dec. 29^*Clay Cooper’s Country Express: Dec. 30^*Hughes Brothers Christmas Show: Dec. 30^*Acrobats of China: Dec. 31
Amazing Pets: Dec. 31
Comedy Jamboree: Dec. 31
Grand Jubilee: Dec. 31^*Legends in Concert: Dec. 31^*Million Dollar Quartet: Dec. 31^*
Moses: Dec. 31

Here’s a list of the last date in 2016 that some of Branson’s most popular shows will be performing, sorted chronologically by week(s), starting on Nov. 26 and ending on Dec. 31, and by date within the weekly period. It is followed by a special list of some of Branson’s most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations by Branson shows:

The Million Dollar Quartet, Moses, and Acrobats of China illustrate the variety of the shows that will be performing through Dec. 31.

The Million Dollar Quartet, Moses, and Acrobats of China are among the shows that will be performing performing through Dec. 31.

LAST 2016 PERFORMANCE BETWEEN Nov. 26 – Dec.10

Reza Edge of Illusion: Nov. 26
The Texas Tenors: Nov 30
New South Gospel: Dec. 8
Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza: Dec. 9
Down Home Country: Dec. 9
Shoji Tabuchi: Dec. 9
Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett: Dec. 10
The Blackwoods Morning Show: Dec. 10
The Lettermen: Dec.10

LAST 2016 PERFORMANCE BETWEEN Dec. 11 – Dec.17

Sunday Gospel Jubilee: Dec. 11
Ozark Mountain Jubilee: Dec. 11
Branson Country USA: Dec. 16
Christmas Wonderland: Dec. 17
Presleys’ Country Jubilee: Dec. 17
SIX: Dec. 17

LAST 2016 PERFORMANCE BETWEEN Dec. 18 – Dec.24

New Jersey Nights: Dec. 18
Puttin’ on the Ritz: Dec. 18
Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies : Dec. 23

^* Have New Year’s Eve celebration.

They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson, its shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you with reservations to help ensure that you obtain the best available seating at shows and the accommodations you desire. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM. BTC may also be contacted through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

Five reasons why Thanksgiving in Branson is so fascinating!

From the splendor or millions of Christmas Lights, to a Thanksgiving meal aboard a luxury yacht, shows from our families to yours, and world class shopping Thanksgiving in Branson is fun, unique, and inspiring.

The splendor or millions of Christmas Lights, a Thanksgiving meal aboard a luxury yacht, shows from our families to yours, world class shopping, and so much more help make Thanksgiving in Branson the unique fascinating event it is.

“From feasting, to entertaining, shopping, and so much more, Branson’s Thanksgiving cornucopia is overflowing with fun, excitement, adventure, and the spirit of Christmas,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Garrison suggests five reasons why spending Thanksgiving in Branson is a fascinating way to celebrate Thanksgiving while having fun and making special family memories that could last a lifetime:

1. Bountiful Choice of Thanksgiving Meals: From the traditional Thanksgiving fare like that served at the Welk Resort’s Stage Door Restaurant to mouthwatering Thanksgiving buffets and brunches such as those served at Grand Country, College of the Ozark’s Keeter Center, and the Chateau on the Lake, non-traditional Thanksgiving food such as the Italian cuisine at Florentina’s Italian Ristorante, and dozens more Branson diners will have a bountiful choice Thanksgiving dining options for every pallet and budget including a scrumptious traditional Thanksgiving dinner served aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Landing Princess, amid the luxury of a 100 foot yacht, while cruising on beautiful Lake Taneycomo.

2. Branson’s Great Shows: Although some of Branson’s shows will not be performing on Thanksgiving Day, many of its most popular shows will, including the Acrobats of China, Amazing Pets, Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, Grand Jubilee Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Million Dollar Quartet, New Jersey Nights, Puttin’ on the Ritz, The Haygoods, The Lettermen, Shoji Tabuchi, and many more. The full complement of Branson shows, including Billy Dean In Concert With Jarrett, Christmas Wonderland, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Moses, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, SIX, The Texas Tenors, will resume their normal performance schedules for the remainder of the season on November 25.

3. Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas: Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival is one of America’s top holiday events. Its spectacular display of five million Christmas lights throughout the park, entertainment, parade, Broadway style shows, and much more has been recognized and featured nationally by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel, Good Morning America and many others. One of the many features of this festival happens each evening at dusk, in the Square on Main Street with the lighting of the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree. As it sparkles to life with its 350,000 colorful sparkling LED lights, choreographed to Christmas music, and making over 100 light changes per second; it signals the beginning of Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade led by “the most famous reindeer of all.” Rudolph leads a spectacular parade of “nine musical, lighted floats, illuminated with 200,000 ultra-bright LED lights accompanied. “by 33 colorful costumed characters, including Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, 14-foot moose characters, 12-foot tall elves and 10-foot candy canes, plus penguins, elves and a troupe of marching wooden soldiers” that will amaze and delight all ages.

4. Fun, Attractions and Activities for Everyone: Many of Branson’s attractions will be open on Thanksgiving Day, and all over the weekend, including the extremely popular Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, as it celebrates its unique and beautiful Winter Celebration filled with beautiful decorations, unique shopping, and different special events, including, over Thanksgiving Weekend, 1500 luminaries casting a beautiful glow over its entrance. How about three spectacular drive through light displays including Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights, Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights and Village, and Branson Gift of Lights; a round of golf at one of Branson’s championship courses, or any one of dozens more exciting attractions and activities?

5. Shopping: Branson provides a world class shopping experience anytime of the year, and that is obvious over Thanksgiving, as Black Friday, and Christmas shopping takes center stage. Branson’s major shopping areas, such as Branson Landing, Tanger Outlets, The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, historic downtown Branson, Grand Village Shops, Branson Mill Craft Village and its more than 250 different boutiques, specialty shops, national chain stores, flea markets, craft malls, and famous-name outlet stores provide a wonderful opportunity to “shop till you drop” while making it easier to find that special gift for that special person. National chain stores in Branson will have the same Thanksgiving sale hours as elsewhere, and just about all Branson retailers and shops will be having Black Friday specials. Not surprisingly, the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year in Branson.

For additional information on Thanksgiving in Branson, Ozark Mountain Christmas or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website Branson Tourism Center.com.

Two of the most amazing ornaments on the Ozark Mountain Christmas tree!

A few scenes from Christmas At Dixie Stampede.*

Christmas At Dixie Stampede is truly a unique and inspiring Christmas experience.*

“It would be easy to picture all of the exciting, inspirational, and entertaining events, making up Branson’s spectacular celebration of the traditional American Christmas, Ozark Mountain Christmas, as precious ornaments on a giant Christmas tree,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From among many, two of the most amazing, unique, and spectacular ornaments on that tree would be Dixie Stampede’s Dixie Christmas and Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas,” she added.

Dixie Stampede’s Dixie Christmas (Nov. 1 – Dec. 31)

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is one of Branson’s most popular and favorite activities, and, as Dolly Parton herself says, “It’s Branson’s most fun place to eat.” With the combination of its famous four course meal, eaten without utensils, and a constant stream of colorful, entertaining, and exciting activities including 32 magnificent horses, amazing equestrian feats, a friendly interactive competition, and much more, it’s easy to see why the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest enjoy the Dixie Stampede.

During Ozark Mountain Christmas that same fun, and excitement is transformed into a festive Christmas experience that brings the spirit of Christmas to life with an experience that is as spectacular, fun and exciting as it is inspirational. John Richardson, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Dixie Stampede said, “The holidays are a season to celebrate and each year families make Christmas At Dixie Stampede part of their tradition, returning again and again, bringing more family members each time. We are delighted to welcome those families to come and make memories with us over a good meal.”

It’s transformed into “a true fantasy land complete with twinkling lights, evergreens, poinsettias, old-fashioned holiday costumes, familiar holiday music, and fun.” From the serving of Dixie’s famous four course meal to its friendly competition between the Elves from the North Pole and South Pole and everything else, the theme is Christmas.

The real reason for the season is not forgotten, but is celebrated with a magnificent and unique live nativity scene that you will never forget. “The true meaning of Christmas comes alive right before your very eyes as three kings ride atop camels on their way to Bethlehem, stunning angels” descend from above, and the traditional music of Christmas inspires audience members of all ages” with the true message of Christmas. No traditional celebration of Christmas would be complete without Santa Claus and his arrival is another highlight to a very special Christmas experience.

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas is a beautiful “centerpiece” of Ozark Mountain Christmas.**

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas (Nov. 5 – Dec. 30)

For over two decades, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival has been not only the centerpiece of Ozark Mountain Christmas, but one of America’s top holiday events. Its spectacular display of five million Christmas lights throughout the park, entertainment, parade, Broadway style shows, and much more has been recognized and featured nationally by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel, Good Morning America and many others.

Although the park is filled with rides, shows, crafts, food and other activities, something special begins to happen each evening at dusk, in the Square on Main Street with the lighting of the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree. It comes to life with its 350,000 colorful sparkling LED lights, choreographed to Christmas music, and making over 100 light changes per second and signals the beginning of Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade. It’s led by “the most famous reindeer of all” leading “nine musical, lighted floats, illuminated with 200,000 ultra-bright LED lights accompanied. “by 33 colorful costumed characters, including Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, 14-foot moose characters, 12-foot tall elves and 10-foot candy canes, plus penguins, elves and a troupe of marching wooden soldiers.”

The Festival also features two Broadway style musical productions, It’s a Wonderful Life and A Dickens’ Christmas Carol;” the tastes of the season including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites; and “new this year, Tinker Junior’s Toy Shop starring a 12-foot tall Christmas tree that talks, sings, and interacts with kids, accompanied by huge toy characters.”

All the activities involved in Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas are in addition to everything else the 1880’s international award winning theme park offers daily. This includes, weather permitting, 30 rides and attractions; the park’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen; and much more.

For more information and tickets for either Silver Dollar City or Dixie Stampede please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Photos used in composite courtesy of Dixie Stampede *
Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City **

How about some awesome Irish entertainment as part of your Branson Christmas?

The incomparable “Daniel O’Donnell” and international Irish dance spectacular “Titanic Dance” will bring a little bit of Ireland to Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas.

“It’s a Christmas gift from Ireland!” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “We’re really excited about two special limited engagement shows, Daniel O’Donnell and Titanic Dance, both from Ireland, that will add a little bit of Irish spirit, song, and dance to the broad repertoire of live entertainment that Branson visitors will enjoy during Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she added.

After taking a year off from touring, the incomparable Daniel O’Donnell will be performing a limited engagement of 2:00 PM shows, running from October 31 through November 19, in the Welk Theatre at the beautiful Welk Resort. Long a favorite of Branson area residents and visitors alike, O’Donnell presents a blend of traditional Irish ballads, country favorites, and traditional gospel with his engaging and charismatic style that invests the audience in their own entertainment experience. An already great entertainment experience is further enhanced with the guest appearance of the noted Irish folk and country singer, Mary Duff.

O’Donnell is well known in the United States for starring in several Public Broadcasting Network Specials, as well as charting 18 albums in the Top 20 of Billboard’s World Music Album Chart. He has sold millions of records and been “a household name across Ireland and Great Britain for decades” and, in 2016, became the first artist to have a new album in the UK charts, each year, for 28 consecutive years.

“Fresh from Belfast, Ireland and its recent appearance at the China International Folk Arts Festival in Qinghai last month, where it was seen by a live audience of over one billion people, Titanic Dance, the new Irish music and dance spectacular, will be performing a very limited engagement in Branson, November 9 through November 20. In the tradition of “Lord of the Dance,” a cast of 30 world class Irish dancers and musicians give a breath-taking romantic performance that is led and choreographed by principal dancer and creative director, Raymond Sweeney who performed with Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance,” for over fifteen years.

Titanic Dance is an electrifying “emotional journey of hope, aspiration, love, heartbreak and sadness set around, and aboard, the world’s most famous ship, from its beginning in the Belfast shipyard to its tragic end in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an electrifying show that has played to capacity audiences throughout Ireland and around the world and the first Irish Dance troupe to have the honor of dancing in the House of Commons in over 1,000 years.

For more information on Daniel O’Donnell, Titanic Dance and other amazing Branson shows, attractions, or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.Com, or one of its Branson based Travel Planners at 1-800-875-1550, where “one call takes care of it all.” They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson, its shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you with reservations to help ensure that you obtain the best available seating at shows and the accommodations you desire. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

The Best of Branson Insider Highlights for November 2016

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas is a spectacular “centerpiece” of Ozark Mountain Christmas.**

“November is one of Branson’s most inspirational and exciting months of the year,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Starting with the nation’s largest Veteran’s Day Celebration, to one of the biggest celebrations of the traditional American Christmas, and much more, the month of November in Branson is bursting with special events and other activities,” he added.

Featured Show: Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza continues the tradition of “Mr. Christmas” and the “Andy Williams Christmas Show” with its variety, color, and excitement and showing why It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! The vocal stars of the show, the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters, present the music of Christmas as only they can! That would be enough for most shows but, in keeping the Andy Williams tradition of variety, there’s more, a lot more! When you add the amazing magic of illusionist Rick Thomas and his lovely wife Tara, with elements of their magical “Let It Snow” act, the adagio dancing and quick change artistry of Pasha & Aliona, and other surprises, the result is like opening Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas morning. You don’t know what it is, but what a wonderful surprise it is when you get the wrapping off and open the package.”

Daniel O’Donnell, left, Osmonds and Lennon Sisters, from the Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, Titanic Dance, and the Armed Forces Flags in honor of Veterans Week

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: A favorite of Branson visitors and residents alike, the incomparable Daniel O’Donnell returns to Branson, after a year’s absence, for a very limited engagement of 2:00 PM shows, running from October 31 through November 19 in the Welk Theatre at the beautiful Branson Welk Resorts. Incorporating his charismatic and engaging style, he will present a blend of traditional Irish ballads, country favorites, and traditional gospel with an Irish twist that shows why he has sold millions of records and has been “a household name across Ireland and Great Britain for decades.”

In 2016, O’Donnell became the first artist to have a new album in the UK charts, each year, for 28 consecutive years. In the United States, O’Donnell has starred in several Public Broadcasting Network Specials as well as charting 18 albums in the Top 20 of Billboard’s World Music Album Chart.

Featured Events of the Month: Normally, for each month we have just one, but for the month of November there must be two:

Branson Veterans Homecoming Week is one of the biggest, Veterans Day tributes in America, and is celebrated from November 5 through November 11. It features dozens of events all keyed toward honoring those who have served our nation and sacrificed so much.

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas celebrates the true meaning of this special magical season amidst the glow of over 5 million dazzling lights. Proclaimed as “The Most Illuminated Park on Earth” by the Travel Channel and “One of the most sparkly, lively holiday celebrations anywhere” by Midwest Living, “you’ll take home beautiful holiday memories destined to last a lifetime!”

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Nov. 1-19: Daniel O’Donnell
Nov. 1-17: Oak Ridge Boys
Nov. 1-29: The Urban Cowboy Reunion
Nov. 2-17: Neal McCoy
Nov. 2: Gary Lewis & the Playboys
Nov. 4: Charlie Daniels Band
Nov. 9-20: Titanic Dance
Nov. 9: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Nov. 11-12: Johnny Mathis with Gary Mule Deer
Nov. 14-15: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Nov 16: Chubby Checker
Nov.26: Kenny Rogers
Nov. 27-29: Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Nov 5-Dec 30: An Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City
Nov 6: Veterans’ Spouses Luncheon^*Nov 6: Sunday November 6-WWII Veterans Recognition^*Nov 6: Sunday November 6-Tribute to Veterans Sunday Worship Service^*Nov 7-Nov 11: Veterans Week-Branson IMAX Military Film Festival^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Opening^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Sandbox Party^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Medics, Nurses, and Combat Vets Mini Reunion^*Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-POW/MIA Service of Remembrance^*Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-Women Veterans Mini Reunion^*
Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-Annual Tribute to Women Veterans & Rose Petal Ceremony^*Nov 8-Nov 13: Railway to Heaven^*Nov 9: Blue Star Mothers Afternoon Dessert^*Nov 9: Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov. 9: P.O.W. Network 20th Annual Military Gala & Banquet^*Nov 10: Veterans Grove Tree Dedication^*Nov 10: 4th Infantry Division^*Nov 10: Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans^*Nov 10-11: 6th Annual Indoor Open Car Show
Nov 11: Morning Flag Raising/Wreath Laying Ceremony^*Nov 11: WWII Mini Reunion^*Nov 11: Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade^*Nov 14: Free Golden Corral Dinner for VeteransNov 19: Most Wonderful Time of Year Holiday Parade
Nov 21-Nov 27: Thanksgiving Week in Branson
Nov 24: Thanksgiving Day Cruise on Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess
Nov 24: Thanksgiving Day
Nov 24: Moonlight Madness & After Thanksgiving Sales at Tanger Mall Outlet
Nov 24: 5th Annual Branson 5K Turkey Trot
Nov 24: Golden Corral Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Nov 24: Osage Restaurants at Top of the Rock Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 24: Arnie’s Barn at Top of the Rock Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 24: Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks Thanksgiving Day Brunch
Nov 24: Chateau on the Lake Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 25: Branson Landing’s Black Friday Blowout!
Nov 27: Carols on the Belle on the Showboat Branson Belle Nov. 27

* Branson Veterans Week Event
** Photo furnished courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve (Clay Cooper and Haygoods joint celebration) Grand Jubilee Hughes Brothers New Years Eve Legends in Concert Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess Million Dollar Quartet Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show* Pierce Arrow

Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve (Clay Cooper and Haygoods joint celebration)
Grand Jubilee
Hughes Brothers New Years Eve
Legends in Concert
Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess
Million Dollar Quartet
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show^*
Pierce Arrow