November 2009

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"Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" Underway in Branson

Christmas comes early in the Live Music Show Capital of America and, beginning November 1, Branson celebrates Ozark Mountain Christmas. Like Andy Williams says, “For many visitors to Branson, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

With lots of star-filled Christmas shows and a glittering array of animated lighting displays, including the one-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through, a trip to Branson will create beautiful memories and new Christmas traditions for your family.

Branson’s star performers, special effects and elaborate holiday production numbers are ready to dazzle visitors and their families in November and December. In addition to Andy Williams, Christmas favorites include the Lennon Sisters with Tony Orlando, Debby Boone and Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan. There’s a multitude of shows that deck the halls and showcase Branson’s finest talent.

Music fills the air at Branson’s family shows like the Presleys, The Baldknobbers, and the Hughes Brothers. Peals of laughter roll through the aisles at Jim Stafford, Hamner-Barber and Yakov Smirnoff’s shows. Broadway’s Spirit of Christmas, Dino’s Christmas Extravaganza and The Osmonds wrap it up with musical packages of one-of-a-kind holiday family fun.

Here is a sampling of what Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson also has to offer:

Silver Dollar City celebrates with An Old Time Christmas, ranked as one of the world’s top holiday events by CNN.com, and one of the nation’s top celebrations by USA Today, Good Morning America and The Travel Channel. The 1880’s themed park dazzles with a highly acclaimed five-story special effects Christmas Tree and an all encompassing light-and-sound show on the Square. The festival runs Nov. 7 through Dec. 30 and includes the production of A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, a Holiday Light Parade, the interactive kids’ show Frosty, and over 4 million lights.
“Miracle of Christmas” at Sight & Sound Theatre allows you to experience the journey of Mary and Joseph and witness the miraculous birth of Jesus, the Savior, in this original musical production featuring a cast of over 45 actors, live animals, elaborate 40-foot high sets and spectacular costumes on one of the largest stages in the country.
The Brule and Airo American Indian Rock Opera Christmas Show features cutting-edge Native American music and dance performances. The show is a blend of contemporary Native American rhythms and dance with traditional Christmas music played on Native American instruments designed to deliver a powerful message of peace, unity and reconciliation.
Thousands of white butterflies at The Butterfly Palace flutter like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparkling with thousands of twinkling lights, while fantastic holiday music fills your soul during Christmas and New Year holidays. Living statues of breathtaking angels will amaze you with their quiet beauty and joyful peace, and will stun you when they suddenly come to life!
Our nation’s Capitol Christmas Tree will stop in Branson en route to Washington, DC, from Alpine, AZ. Locals and visitors alike are invited to the welcoming festivities at Sight & Sound Theatre on Monday, Nov. 23.
After the lighting of the area’s largest Nativity Scene, overlooking Lake Taneycomo, enjoy the 61st annual Adoration Parade on Sunday, Dec. 6. Over 60 entrants, including floats and bands from throughout Missouri, will participate in this non-commercial event where the community comes together for the sole purpose of “Keeping Christ in Christmas.”
The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead allows you to drive through the farm and visit different themed areas and “peek in” on life-sized three-dimensional characters.

Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade moves to Highway 76, will be broadcast nationally

For the first time in recent history, traffic on Branson’s world famous Highway 76 will be rerouted on the north and west ends of the Strip on the morning of Nov. 7 for the Annual Holiday Promenade of Stars.

The Saturday parade will roll at 10:30 a.m. and follow the 1.4 mile long parade route beginning at White Water and ending at noon at the Grand Village, and also make history with national broadcasts on two networks. Debby Boone and Jimmy Osmond will host the national television broadcasts on RFD-TV and Retro Television Network (RTN), and on KSFX Ozarks FOX locally. In addition, the parade will be b to being broadcast live in KOMC-FM radio.

The television special is scheduled for broadcast on Thanksgiving Day and rebroadcast on Christmas Day. RFD TV is carried on several satellite and cable providers including over 625 independent cable operators to 42 million households and RTN is seen in 17 of the top 25 markets to more than 60 million households on nearly 100 stations in cities such as Pittsburg, Atlanta, Seattle, Orlando, St. Louis and Boston, according to Nielsen ratings.

“We are working hard to earn the Macy’s of the Midwest label,” said Gary Bartlett of Midwest Concerts and Events and parade organizer, announcing that “Mr. Christmas” Andy Williams will be the grand marshal. Celebrity performances include Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, the Lennon Sisters, the Osmonds, the Spirit of Christmas Dancers and an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, among others, on a stage in front of the Titantic Museum.

The parade will move south on the Strip, round the bend, pause for brief stage performances at the Titanic and then move east to end at the Grand Village.

America's largest Veterans Day celebration takes place in Branson Nov. 5-11

Branson honors our veterans every day, but Veterans Homecoming Week, Nov. 5-11, is America's largest Veterans Day celebration. This seven-day tribute to America's heroes includes many special events, many of which are free. Again in 2009, a special guest at several events will be Lt. Col. Oliver North.

Also this year, the Welk Resort Branson will again host the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as "The Wall,” during the Veterans Homecoming celebration. This official half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial spans nearly 240 feet in length and lists the more than 58,000 names of the nation's fallen heroes in the Vietnam conflict.

The Veterans Village has a new location this year at the Cobblestone Inn, Suites & Conference Center, 276 Tanger Blvd., and is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Friday-Tuesday.

Some of the many Veteran's Week events include:

Thursday, Nov. 5

10 a.m. - Free Ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Welk Theater
2 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies at Mansion Theater
8 - 10:30 p.m. - The Showboat Branson Belle salutes the Veterans with a special show and dinner

Friday, Nov. 6

8 a.m. - Memorial Service at Welk Theater
2 - 5 p.m. - WWII Veterans Mini Reunion at the Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks

Saturday, Nov. 7

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Iraq, Afghanistan, Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion at the Tri-Lakes Center
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Road Show

Sunday, Nov. 8

9 am - Noon - Veterans Shoot for the outdoor enthusiasts, Ozark Shooters Sports Complex
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Road Show
10 a.m. - Missouri Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony at the Starlite Theater
2 p.m. - #1 Hits of the 60's show at the Caravelle Theater to benefit the Branson Veterans Task Force
5 p.m. - Military Gala and Banquet at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa
6 p.m. - Candlelight Military Memorial Service at Skyline Baptist Church

Monday, Nov. 9

2 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion at Charlie's Steak, Ribs & Ale
6 p.m. - Women Veterans Mini Reunion at the Starlite Theater
8 pm - Rankin Brothers Show, free to all veterans, $22.50 for non-veterans

Tuesday, Nov. 10

9 a.m. - Noon - Korean War Veterans Association Mini-Reunion at the Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
10 a.m. - Lt. Col. Oliver North book signing at Bass Pro Shops, Branson Landing
10:30 a.m. - Woman's Veterans Rose Petal Ceremony to honor women veterans who have died, Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks
11:30 a.m. - Rose Petal Lunch, Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks
2 p.m. - Free outdoor concert by the USAF Band of Mid-America from Scott AFB, IL. at Factory Merchants Branson lower courtyard
5 p.m. - 234th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Branson Convention Center featuring Lt. Col. Oliver North

Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)

8 - 10 a.m. - Breakfast with Lt. Col. Oliver North at Tri-Lakes Center
9 a.m. - USAF Band of Mid-America performing at the Branson Landing Town Square prior to the Veterans Day parade
11 a.m. - 76th annual Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the American Legion Post 220 through downtown Branson
Noon - VIP luncheon with Lt. Col. Oliver North at Chateau on the Lake
1 p.m. - Branson Veterans Task Force Closing Ceremonies at the Starlite Theater
2 p.m. - Tony Orlando’s Veterans Show at Welk Theatre

For more information about Veterans Homecoming Week, visit www.bransonveterans.com or ExploreBranson.com

Branson Area Festival Of Lights Opens

The Branson Area Festival of Lights mile-long drive-through opened Sunday, Nov. 1. The entrance is across from Sight & Sound Theatre on Expressway Lane.

There are more than 170 displays including a 40-by-100 foot Santa’s Castle and 16-arch Tunnel of Lights. Open nightly from dusk until 11 p.m. through Jan. 2. Tickets are $10 for family vehicles; $20 for a season pass. It’s $25 for mini-coaches with 12-28 seats, church vans and limos, and $50 for full-sized motor coaches. Discount coupons are available online at www.ExploreBranson.com/specialoffers/

Also opening at dusk each night is the Trail of Lights drive-through at Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. Call 334-4191 or visit www.oldmatt.com.

Reindeer Days Set for Second Santa Season at Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson

Free Family Events Scheduled December 4, 5, 11 & 12

Real live reindeer were a surprise hit with hundreds of boys and girls visiting Titanic during last year’s holiday celebrations. “By popular demand, Santa and his regal reindeer will come prancin’ back this year to entertain and enchant families for two weekends in December,” says Jaynee, Titanic First Class Maid.

“This free family holiday attraction will give parents and kids alike the chance to meet Father Christmas, pet his reindeer, have their pictures taken with them and make Christmas wishes while gazin’ into their gentle eyes,” she says.

For more information, please contact us at (417) 334-9500 or visit www.titanicbranson.com

The Polar Express: Branson Scenic Railway Initiating Service to the North Pole!

The Branson Scenic Railway is proud to bring the officially licensed Polar Express Train Ride event to Branson this holiday season! The Polar Express Train Rides are based on the holiday feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures and the beloved children’s book, by Chris Van Allsburg, about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pajama clad passengers will relive the magic of the story as this nighttime train whisks families away for an unforgettable ride to the North Pole. During the journey, the Conductor will punch tickets and chefs serve hot chocolate, followed by a reading of Van Allsburg’s classic. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train, greet the children and give a gift for those who truly believe — a silver sleigh bell.

Branson Scenic Railway joins more than thirty other officially licensed Polar Express Train Ride events nationwide this holiday season and is the only one in Missouri. The Polar Express holiday schedule consists of 60 train departures in November and December leading up to Christmas from the historic depot in downtown Branson on:

Nov. 6, 13, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 4:45 pm, 6:30 pm and 8:15pm pm
Nov. 8, 12, 15, 19, 22 & 29 at 4:45 pm and 6:30 pm
Nov. 7 & 14 at 8:00 pm
Dec. 4, 11, 12, 18 & 19 at 4:45 pm, 6:30 pm and 8:15 pm
Dec. 3, 10, 14, 15, 16 & 17 at 4:45 pm and 6:30 pm
Dec. 5 at 8:00 pm

Tickets are on sale now and start at $34 per adult and $24 per child (ages 2-12). First Class tickets are available on a limited basis and are $49 per adult and $39 per child (ages 2-12). Along with upgraded seating, all First Class passengers will receive their own Polar Express ceramic souvenir cocoa mug! For tickets and event information, call the Branson Scenic Railway at 800-287-2462 or visit www.bransontrain.com or www.polarexpressride.com.

Chateau On The Lake Resort & Spa Hosting Elaborate Thanksgiving Day Buffet

An annual tradition for many, the Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa Thanksgiving Day buffet will feature all of the traditional Thanksgiving fare, along with an array of other offerings to please everyone in the family, according to Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of the resort.

Under the direction of the resort’s Executive Chef Doug Knopp, the brunch will be served in Chateau’s impressive Great Hall, elegant Chateau Grille, and picturesque Atrium Café from 10:30 a.m - 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. There will be live entertainment featuring both a piano and a harpist, and the resort will be beautifully decorated with holiday décor, which will include two 18-foot trees in the Great Hall, smaller trees throughout the resort, and lighted garland adorning the atrium lobby.

In addition to featuring Sorghum Roasted Tom Turkey with Giblet Gravy, the buffet will also offer Chateau’s traditional Southern Fried Turkey, Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef with Horseradish and Red Wine Sauce, Sautéed Shrimp with Brandy Peppercorn Cream over Grilled Focaccia, Beef Bourguignon with Wild Rice, Cashew Crusted Rainbow Trout, Lamb with Apricot Mint Stuffing, and made-to-order Omelets and Waffles.

An array of cold offerings and desserts also will be offered. Children may choose from the main buffet, and/or may select from a special “Kids Buffet” with such offerings as Chicken Fingers, Hot Dogs, Macaroni & Cheese, Pizza, and Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches.

The Thanksgiving Buffet is $44 per person, $22 for children ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and under with a paid adult. Tax and gratuity is additional. Reservations are highly recommended.

The AAA Four-Diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, owned and managed by Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, is located at 415 North State Highway 265 in Branson. For reservations to the Thanksgiving Buffet, or for additional information, call (417) 243-1711.

Branson/Lakes Area Calendar of Events

November 1 - January 2
Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
This 2-1/2 mile Christmas Adventure includes 3 dimensional mechanical displays with themed music and story lines. Once you drive onto the property until you leave, you will be in a wonderland that will bring back the magic of Christmas you had as a little child.

November 1 - January 2
Branson Area Festival of Lights
Join the community-wide celebration as all of Branson is aglow for the holidays. Special holiday shows, drive through light displays and spectacular shopping and dining provide all the reasons to celebrate the holidays in Branson. Included is the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Though Display, more than 1 mile of Christmas lights on display.

November 1 - January 15
White Flight at The Butterfly Palace
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Thousands of white butterflies flutter like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparkling with thousands of twinkling lights . . while fantastic holiday music fills your soul. Simply unforgettable! Back for the 2009 holidays - Living Statues! These breathtaking angels will amaze you with their quiet beauty and joyful peace . . and will stun you when they suddenly come to life! Each self-guided holiday journey also includes a 3-D movie about butterflies, a sneak peek at some amazing creatures inside the Living Rainforest Science Center, and a chance to get lost inside the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze.