November 2010
Come Celebrate an Ozark Mountain Christmas!
With dozens of star-filled Christmas music shows and a glittering array of light displays, including the 1-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through, "The Live Music Show Capital of the World" kicks off its annual Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration Nov. 1.
"What a great time of year to share love and laughter with your family," said comedian and singer-songwriter Jim Stafford. "When folks come to my theater in Branson and see our Christmas show, they always leave with a little more elf in themselves and some jingle in their bells!"
Branson's star entertainers and their elaborate holiday production numbers are all set to dazzle visitors during November and December. From the voice of "Mr. Christmas" Andy Williams to Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters, in their final Christmas season together, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers with Debby Boone, the Oak Ridge Boys and the Osmond Brothers, there's a multitude of entertainers that showcase Branson's Christmas spirit.
Familiar carols fill the air at family music shows like the Baldknobbers, Presleys, Duttons and the Hughes Brothers, and peals of laughter roll through the aisles at Jim Stafford, Hamner Barber and Paul Harris' shows. And, for the kid in all of us, there's a special Holiday Lights Ride the Ducks to see the sights and lights on a sing-along holiday adventure through a lighted forest of twinkling snowflakes, candy canes and holiday ornaments.
Silver Dollar City rings in the holiday season with a grand finale to their 50th Anniversary, presenting An Old Time Christmas Nov. 6 - Dec. 30. Following what has been a year-long look at the best of the past five decades; this Christmas spectacular culminates the 50th festivities with one of the most acclaimed holiday festivals in America.
The 1880s-style theme park transforms into an evening wonderland, featuring the Christmas on Main Street light and sound show, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, 5-story special effects Christmas Tree, a Holiday Light Parade, the Broadway-style production A Dickens' Christmas Carol, festive holiday foods and over four million lights – plus thrilling rides, as guests can soar into the night while viewing the awesome lights from above.
Fine craftsmanship is showcased as the park's 100 demonstrating craftsmen create one-of-a-kind handmade holiday items. The Culinary & Craft School celebrates with classes on Christmas specialties, while tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the 100-acre park, including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites such as turkey with all the fixings.
At the Sight & Sound Theatre, best known for its vast and inspiring "Noah, The Musical" production, the real story, "The Miracle of Christmas"—about the birth of Jesus—comes to life for the season. You'll be touched to watch how it all unfolds with kings, angels and Mary and Joseph, a simple, faithful couple chosen by God. As a bonus, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the characters and see the animals up-close from the Nativity story.
The Showboat Branson Belle is bedecked in Christmas finery and charts a course for holiday food and fun on Table Rock Lake through December. Also, the World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with hundreds of merry lights and holiday trim that recall those elegant Christmases past.
The Butterfly Palace during "White Flight" becomes an enchanting stroll through a world of living snowflakes. Thousands of white butterflies and hundreds of poinsettias combine with twinkling light displays for a lovely tribute to the holidays that truly has to be experienced.
Your family can discover Branson's newest "Winter WonderLanding" at the Branson Landing waterfront district, featuring a promenade of trendy specialty shopping and dining establishments, the brilliant water and fire spectacular that dances to the sounds of the season in the Town Square and even Santa Claus, who has been known to vacation in Branson himself!
If there is Christmas shopping to do, Historic Downtown Branson is a good place to find great gifts, and there are three name-brand outlet malls, boutique shops and Ozarks craftsmen in the Grand Village as well as stores throughout town all decked out with elaborate holiday decorations that beckon Yuletide visitors.
You can also enjoy huge Christmas lighting displays with the Branson Area Festival of Lights, off of Shepherd of the Hills Expy., and the Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Homestead.
And on the first Sunday in December, thousands of people gather in downtown Branson to watch a Christmas parade with no hint of commercialism. This year marks the 63rd Adoration Parade, an evening event with dozens of high school bands and lighted floats. The theme has always been "Keeping Christ in Christmas."
That's just a little of what Branson has to offer at Christmas.
As Andy Williams always tells us, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," and Christmas in Branson is like Christmas nowhere else on earth. We're giving you the very best we have to offer, so come enjoy our gift to you — a wonderful, enchanting vacation that you and every member of your family will never forget!
Merry Christmas!
Jerry Van Dyke Featured In “The Sunshine Boys”
For the first time EVER in Branson, Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys,” featuring Jerry Van Dyke, is coming to The Clay Cooper Theater for three weekends in November. This play was first presented in December 20, 1972 at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City, it completed 538 performances on Broadway, making it one of the most popular plays of our time. For more information visit www.claycoopertheatre.com
The Johnny Mathis Christmas Show is a Limited Engagement
Johnny Mathis is scheduled to perform his Christmas show at the Mansion Theater Nov. 12 & 13. He is one of the last in a long line of traditional male vocalists who emerged before the 1960s, Mathis concentrated on romantic jazz and pop standards for the adult contemporary audience through to the 1980s. Starting his career with a standard flurry of singles, Mathis was far more popular as an album artist, with several dozen of his albums receiving gold and platinum status and seventy-three making the Billboard charts to date. Mathis has sold more than 350 million records and albums. For more information visit www.themansiontheatre.com
Holiday Lights – Duck Style
See the sights and the lights as this sing-along holiday adventure takes you through our own twinkling snowflake-filled forest! Nothing gets you ready for the holidays like a sleigh ride duck-style. Sing and quack along with your Captain as you listen to Christmas favorites and hear stories of Ozarks Christmas traditions. Bundle up as you head through their lighted forest of twinkling snowflakes, festive candy canes and other holiday favorites. Create a Christmas ornament in our Kid Splash Room as your family creates quacktastic Christmas memories – you might even sneak a peek at Santa Claus.
Santa and His Reindeer at The Titanic
Father Christmas and his regal reindeer will come prancin’ back this year to entertain and enchant families for two weekends in December at the Titanic Museum Attraction.
This free family-friendly holiday attraction will give parents and kids alike the chance to meet Santa, pet his reindeer and have their pictures taken with them.
Veterans Homecoming Nov. 5 – 11, 2010
In November, Branson honors veterans with the nation's largest patriotic celebration, Veterans Homecoming. Thousands of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families attend more than 50 special events honoring their service and sacrifice, concluding with the Nov. 11th Veterans Day parade in Historic Downtown Branson.
77th Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
Branson Missouri will host the 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony on Veterans Day. See Veterans from all over the country as they participate in America's largest Veterans Day Parade event. See marching bands, floats and many fun parade activities The parade starts at 11:00 AM on November 11th!
United States Air Force Band of Mid-America
On Sunday, November 7th, at 2:00 pm see a free outdoor concert presented by the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America stationed at Scott Air Force Base. The concert will be held in the upper courtyard of Factory Merchants Branson. Enjoy a variety of music performed by talented, active-duty Air Force personnel. The outdoor concert is open to the public and is free of charge. Just look for the red roofs.
Historic Stitching Ceremony to repair American Flag destroyed on 9/11
Destroyed in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and stitched back together seven years later by tornado survivors in Greensburg, Kansas, The National 9/11 Flag is a living testament to the resilience and compassion of the American people. It is the modern day version of The Star Spangled Banner. The New York Says Thank You Foundation is currently taking The National 9/11 Flag on a journey across America where local service heroes in all 50 states will be given the historic privilege of stitching the flag back to its original 13-stripe format using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in each state. Once the flag is restored and made whole again by the 10th Year Anniversary of 9/11, The National 9/11 Flag will become a part of the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site.
During Veteran’ Week on November 9, 2010, The National 9/11 Flag will make its way to Branson, MO where FDNY firefighters will assist local service heroes and veterans in an historic stitching ceremony to help sew the Missouri restorative patch onto The National 9/11 Flag.
To see a complete list of Veterans Homecoming events visit www.ExploreBranson.com/veterans
Christmas Shopping at the Branson Mill Craft Village
Admission is always free as demonstrating craftsmen create works of art while you watch, with different artisans featured daily. A great place for your holiday shopping, there are also 150 booths filled with jewelry, gifts, home décor and more–all indoors under one roof at the Branson Mill shopping complex. You can even enjoy homemade treats at the bakery or a full meal at our sandwich shop. The Branson Mill offers Old-World Craftsmanship with World-Class Shopping. For more information visit www.bransonmill.com
Located in the Branson Mill complex is the new Mountain Mama’s General Store features over 25 free samples daily. You can try blueberry pretzels, blackberry and peach ciders, soups, many different coffees, nuts, fruit, and candies. Mama’s Pantry includes a great selection of chocolates, jams, honeys, sorghum, mixes, and sugar-free items. Mountain Mama’s is the ideal place for all of your holiday shopping, with baskets handmade by Missouri Mennonites, Mountain Mama’s necklaces, and hand-poured soy candles in a variety of enticing scents! You can even get custom-made gift baskets. For more information visit www.mountainmama.com
Legends In Concert Unveils New Winter Show
Beginning Nov. 1, see The Temptations, George Strait, Marilyn Monroe, The Blues Brothers, Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley in one incredible theatrical production including the Legends in Concert band and fabulous singers and dancers. See the country classics of Patsy Cline, listen to George Strait’s number one hits and hear the harmonies of The Temptations. Held over for a limited engagement see Marilyn Monroe’s sultry comedy now through December 20 only. And don’t miss the opportunity to experience the King of Pop on the Legends In Concert stage. Beginning December 26 through January 1 only, see Michael Jackson perform with such immense accuracy, emotion and detail – you won’t believe your eyes or ears. Looking for a New Year’s Eve Show, make your reservations now to celebrate the countdown to 2011 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. For more information visit www.legendsinconcert.com.
The Track Family Fun Parks Launches Multi-Million Dollar Building Projects
After 30 years of providing family entertainment to local residents and area visitors, The Track Family Fun Parks has decided to celebrate by reinvesting almost three million dollars in its facilities. Construction is underway in a two-facility capital upgrade that will be completed in the spring of 2011. Track 4 (3345 W. Hwy. 76) will feature a new high-rise go-kart track constructed of steel and concrete that rises 40 feet in the air. Track 3 (2505 W. Hwy. 76) will take on a new look with additional go-kart tracks as well as an expanded building that will offer greater flexibility in indoor activity. The new high-rise go-kart track at Track 4 will be the latest addition to The Track’s high-rise family. The LumberJack at Track 5 and Wild Woody at Track 3 were built in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The new track’s state-of-the-art steel and concrete construction will be more weather-friendly and will offer all the high-rise excitement of the other tracks. For more information visit www.bransontracks.com
Branson Airport Receives Prestigious Award For Growth
The Airline and Airport News & Analysis website anna.aero has awarded Branson Airport (BKG) the anna.aero U$ ANNIE Prize 2010 “Fastest Growing US Airport 100,000-500,000 passenger category.” Opening just over 15 months ago, seat capacity at the Branson Airport has more than doubled in only one year of service as a result of expanded AirTran flights, the addition of Frontier service and the development of Branson AirExpress. The Branson Airport now has 12 non-stop destinations including Atlanta, Denver, Milwaukee, Orlando, Houston, Austin, Chicago, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Gulfport/Biloxi, Nashville and Shreveport. From the AirTran and Frontier hubs, travelers can connect to over 100 other cities conveniently. For more information visit www.flybranson.com
Special Offers from Branson/Lakes Area Businesses
America’s Best Campground:
Branson Centennial Special, Extended for 2013!
Anchor Inn on the Lake Bed & Breakfast:
Military Discount for our servicemen and women
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May Midweek Getaway Deals
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Multi-night discounts
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Get $5.00 Off per night
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Receive 15% off your next stay!
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Hughes Brothers Theatre:
Buy 1 Adult Ticket Get 1/2 off 2nd Adult Ticket to Ayo starring Voices of Glory!
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Indian Point Lodge & Condos:
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Branson/Lakes Area Calendar of Events
November 1 - January 15
White Flight at the Butterfly Palace
November 1 - January 2
Branson Area Festival of Lights
Daily 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
This drive-through light festival is designed to delight children of all ages. Your journey begins with a one-mile drive along a path illuminated with more than 175 displays. The path is located off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road, this one-of-a-kind family experience promises to be spectacular.
November 1 - January 2
Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
Dusk till after the shows
With a Heritage of Holiday Magic, The Trail of Lights is a drive-thru animation display that will carry you into the very heart of Christmas. The Trail winds its way through the historic 160-acre homestead, and will take you down the famous "Trail that Nobody Knows How Old" into a holiday wonderland.
You'll travel through a variety of different lands, each with their own theme, from fantasy to religious to patriotic. Life-size (and some larger than life) three-dimensional characters have their own housing so you can "peek" in on the fun happening inside. Festive holiday music is themed to each scene, and visitors are sure to find themselves singing along.
The Trail also includes millions of multi-colored Christmas lights. Every building on park is completely illuminated, and there are hundreds of lighted displays as well as the animated scenes.
As the grand finale to the journey, visitors are invited to stop by Inspiration Tower where they can ride glass elevators up 230’ for a Santa’s eye view of the lights from above.
