Silver Dollar City Combines Treasured Traditions, Spectacular Lights for An Old Time Christmas

(Branson, Mo. 10/09)  Combining the traditions families treasure at Christmastime and spectacular elements of holiday lights, sounds and activities, Silver Dollar City presents its brightest season and one of the most acclaimed holiday festivals in America -- An Old Time Christmas, November 7 – December 30. An Old Time Christmas transforms the 1880s-style theme park into an evening wonderland, featuring the Christmas on Main Street light and sound show throughout the park Square, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, a Holiday Light Parade, the Broadway-style production A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, festive holiday foods and over four million lights.

            The 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree is the park centerpiece, a towering visual icon that comes to life at dusk each evening when the Christmas on Main Street shows begin. During the shows, the massive tree blazes in synchronization to the musical movements of Christmas songs -- up to 100 light changes per second -- while lights on buildings, in hanging canopies over Main Street and on Christmas trees around the Square flash along with it, accompanied by surround-sound, immersing guests in the experience. While technologically incredible, the tree is “green” too, operating with energy-saving LED* lights.

           Many guests make it a tradition to see Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed production, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, an original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens. The show is brought to life with elaborate sets and visual effects, flying spirits, pyrotechnic special effects and a talented cast of 14, accompanied by a live band.

          In the two decades of the festival, Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas has become one of the country’s most recognized events for spectacular lighting and world-class entertainment. Profiled as one of the nation’s top holiday celebrations by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel and Good Morning America, the festival features dazzling elements throughout the 100-acre park. The colorful Holiday Light Parade, with musical floats covered in lights, winds through the streets of the City each evening as accompanying costumed characters interact with kids along the parade route. Additional shows include a musical presentation of the Living Nativity and the interactive show Frosty that invites kids to help bring the legendary snowman to life.

          Fine craftsmanship is also showcased, as the park’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen create one-of-a-kind handmade holiday items, from blown glass ornaments, angels and snowmen to hand-woven white oak baskets and Scotch-pine scented candles. Guests sing Christmas carols as they ride the Silver Dollar Steam Train and for nighttime thrills, most of the rides and the park’s five roller coasters are open after dark with great views of the lights from above.

         Silver Dollar City’s Culinary & Craft School celebrates the holidays with classes on Christmas specialties from cranberry dishes to the park’s famous ginger cookies. The tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the park, including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites such as turkey with cran-apple raisin dressing. Festive holiday treats from apple dumplings to hot wassail can be found throughout the park, and the bakery cooks up homemade cookies, breads and fruitcakes. For kids, there’s a lunch with Santa, available weekends throughout the festival.

         During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Thursdays through Sundays through December 20, plus Wednesday, November 25, and open daily December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. most days – check the website for exact schedules. For information, call 800-831-4FUN or visit www.silverdollarcity.com.