Friday, November 5th, 2010
Branson’s “Ozark Mountain Christmas” is a special celebration of the true spirit of Christmas. Stretching from Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo to Silver Dollar City theme park and everything in between, Ozark Mountain Christmas offers everything from reindeer and Santa Claus to a spectacular five-story-high Christmas tree, millions of Christmas lights and spectacular drive-through lighting displays.Branson’s many shows, attractions, shopping and other activities also join the holiday fun by taking on the festive look and feel of the season. Even the local community gets involved with its annual “Adoration Parade” - now in its 62nd year - where they light a giant Nativity scene high atop Mount Branson featuring 30-foot tall figurines.
It all starts with the celebration of an Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City which begins Nov. 6 and runs through Dec. 30, 2010. The special theme park festival is recognized as one of the nation’s top Christmas celebrations. The 1880s-style theme park is transformed into a glowing Christmas extravaganza featuring more than four million sparkling lights throughout the park; a twice nightly Holiday Light Parade with over 100,000 lights; and special shows including the Broadway style production of an original musical adaptation of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” produced by Silver Dollar City.
Other theme park shows include “The Living Nativity” and “Frosty.”
Branson also has two extensive drive-through lighting displays. The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a one-mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated.
Meanwhile, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a 2.5-mile journey through of millions of Christmas lights and hundreds of displays featuring holiday music and animated scenes. You can also take a trip to Inspiration Tower, where you’ll ride glass elevators up 230 feet for a unique view of the lights from above.
As for the shows that help make Branson famous, the annual Ozark Mountain Christmas offers two major categories of Christmas shows. Some are only available during Christmas such as the Andy Williams Christmas Show, Spirit of Christmas, Miracle of Christmas, as well as Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration.
But many of Branson’s regular shows also get into the Christmas spirit. Typically, these shows will split their entertainment and provide popular parts of the year-round show along with special Christmas numbers.
Branson visitors will also have ample opportunity to finish their Christmas shopping. From the many shops at Branson Landing to handcrafted items by the local craftsmen and artists at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, you’ll find plenty of unique gift ideas. There are also several outlet malls and numerous specialty shops.
With so much fun and excitement it’s no wonder that Christmas remains one of the busiest seasons in Branson. For more information regarding discount vacation packages and discount Branson accommodations, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/ or http://www.ticket2branson.com/.
