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Published Nov/Dec 2006 Left: Andy Williams will bring his holiday show to the Moon River Theater. Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau photo |
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Branson’s theme parks, shops and shows
herald the holidays in style. By Deborah Reinhardt Palmer |
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 he crowd was swelling around the five-story musical Christmas tree. With colorful lights pulsating and the “Hallelujah Chorus” blasting from its boughs, the tree couldn’t help but attract people, including my 9-year-old daughter. We were waiting for the Holiday Light Parade, part of the spectacle held annually at Silver Dollar City, located in Branson. And this southwest Missouri town is one of the best places to gather at Christmastime. Christmas at the parks Silver Dollar City (399 Indian Point Road) is the well-known 1880s theme park with shows, shops, restaurants and rides–including those in the new Grand Exposition area. The park’s Old Time Christmas (Nov. 4–Dec. 30) is a festival of sensory delights. With more than 50 acres to explore, plan several hours to see it all. Everyone will enjoy “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” which retells the familiar tale using music and special effects. No wonder lines were long (about 30 minutes) to see this first-rate performance. After dark, take in the lighted parade. Folks several rows back had a tougher time seeing, as good vantage points go quickly. Stake a spot at least 20 minutes before the parade passes by. Four million twinkling lights, a living nativity and holiday treats like warm mulled cider, cinnamon roasted pecans and holiday dinners with the trimmings help to make it a full day at the park. Another themed attraction, the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead (5586 W. Highway 76), dazzles visitors with its Trail of Lights, Nov. 1–Dec. 31. A 15-year tradition, this drive-through trail features millions of colorful lights and animated displays as it winds through the 160-acre homestead, ending at Inspiration Tower, which climbs 230 feet into the air. Take in the Christmas on the Trail chuck wagon dinner and show, with Christmas sing-along carols. After dinner, take in the light display. A combination ticket is $28 for adults, $14 for children (4–16) or $78 for a family. Trail of Lights tickets are $8 and $4, or $35 per car. Holiday shows Most theaters are open in November into at least part of December, and they will offer some type of Christmas program. Call the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce or check out their Web site for updated show information. Companies that package Branson trips, such as ReserveBranson.com, also have holiday show schedules. Here are a few suggestions to put you in the spirit. You’ll hoop and holler at The Dixie Stampede (1525 W. Highway 76), the show that combines a casual meal with music, horses and a friendly North-South rivalry. That’s where the hollering comes in. At Christmastime, the show has a holiday theme that includes falling snow, a live nativity and lights. The blue and gray rivalry takes on new colors–red and green–as the Rebels now are elves, but the cheering and good-natured fun are the same. An hour before the show, gather in the Carriage Room for holiday entertainment. The Showboat Branson Belle may not be rowdy but it’s a festive night out. The showboat, dressed in holiday finery, cruises Table Rock Lake while serving guests a full dinner. An energetic cast performs holiday music standards, and the whole family will laugh at comedian-ventriloquist Todd Oliver, whose act features the wisecracking dog, Irving. Coming back for a second season, the “Spirit of Christmas” will feature the Osmonds, holiday music, high-stepping dancers and singers. It’s at the Branson Variety Theater, 2701 W. Highway 76, Nov. 1–Dec. 9. And Andy Williams’ Christmas show is an annual favorite, returning to his Moon River Theater, 2500 W. Highway 76, Nov. 1–Dec. 9. Shopping and more New shops this year are at the Branson Landing downtown on the bank of Lake Taneycomo. Plenty of visitors will be doing holiday shopping here. There’s also three outlet malls in Branson and a variety of boutiques scattered throughout town. The Branson Area Festival of Lights, open daily Nov. 1–Dec. 31, is a twinkling trail that begins just off Highway 65 north at Bee Creek Road and winds up at Branson Hills Parkway. Admission is $8 for family vehicles, or a passport ($15 per card) is available at Branson Lakes Area Chamber Welcome Centers in town and is good for the entire season. Visitors also can take in the Port of Lights, off Highway 13 in Kimberling City, with the same passport. Travel tips Branson now is an almost year-round vacation spot that appeals to young families, multi-generational families, girlfriend getaways–you name it. The lodging options are extremely plentiful. The key to make your visit more fun and less work is advance planning. First, pick the attractions and shows you want to see. Then you can find a hotel or resort nearby, some within walking distance. For our family’s two-night stay last year, we wanted to see Silver Dollar City and the Showboat Branson Belle, so staying near these attractions on Indian Point Road was the clear choice. We found The Village at Indian Point (24 Village Trail), just south of Silver Dollar City, to be very comfortable and convenient. The two-bedroom, two-bath setup is perfect for a traveling family. A holiday trip to Branson is sure to put you in a festive mood. Deborah Reinhardt Palmer is managing editor of AAA Midwest Traveler magazine. |
 The Geyser Gulch area at Silver Dollar City bedecked for the holidays. Silver Dollar City photo
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