November 2008

Festival of Lights, 60th Adoration Parade and Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas

With lots of star-filled Christmas music shows, the Holiday Promenade of Stars parade at Branson Landing, and a glittering array of light displays including the 1-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through, Branson kicks off Ozark Mountain Christmas on November 1 with new holiday traditions for your family.
Branson's star entertainers and elaborate holiday production numbers are ready to dazzle visitors and their families in November and December.  From the voice of “Mr. Christmas” Andy Williams to Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters at the Welk Resort, there’s a multitude of shows that deck the halls and showcase Branson’s Christmas spirit.

“Christmastime in Branson reminds me of Christmas when I was a boy. There’s an excitement about Christmas in Branson with the shows, Silver Dollar City and all the other attractions. The atmosphere in Branson around Christmas always seems that much more welcoming and warm,” said Andy Williams.

Familiar carols fill the air at family shows like the Presleys, The Baldknobbers, and the Hughes Brothers and peals of laughter roll through the aisles at Jim Stafford, Hamner-Barber and Yakov Smirnoff’s shows.  From the Oak Ridge Boys’ “Christmas Cookies” show, to Broadway’s Spirit of Christmas with The Osmonds, Branson wraps up its musical packages with one-of-a-kind holiday family fun. And, for the kid in all of us, there’s a “magical” Christmas show as well, world-famous Kirby VanBurch’s Christmas Spectacular.

Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas (November 1 – December 30), one of America’s most acclaimed Christmas celebrations, is kicking off its brightest season to date with new shows and activities, plus more lights than ever presented throughout the streets of the 1880s-style theme park. Newly enhanced lighting, through the addition of thousands of energy saving lights and all-new wrapping of 40-foot-tall trees, makes all the brighter the spectacular Christmas on Main Street, with its showcase five-story special effects Christmas tree and all-immersive light and sound show. Also new this year, the park presents Frosty, an interactive musical and the premier holiday season of the Culinary & Craft School. Returning favorites include the Holiday Light Parade with colorful, musical floats, and the acclaimed production “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol.” And for nighttime thrills, the roller coasters are open after dark with great views of the park’s four million lights from above.

On the first Sunday in December, thousands of people gather in downtown Branson to watch a Christmas parade dedicated to “the true meaning of the season.”  This year marks the 60th Adoration Parade, an evening event with dozens of high school bands and lighted floats. The theme has always been “Keeping Christ in Christmas.”

The Showboat Branson Belle is bedecked in all its Christmas finery and charts a course for holiday food and fun on Table Rock Lake though December. Also, the World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with thousands of merry lights and holiday trim that recall those elegant Christmases past.
You can discover Branson’s newest “Winter Wonder Landing” at the Branson Landing waterfront, 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 Santa Claus, who has even been known to vacation in Branson himself.

For all of your Christmas shopping, there are three name-brand outlet malls, boutique shops at the Grand Village and Ozarks craftsmen at Branson Mills and Engler Block with their stores all decked out in lights with holiday decorations that beckon Yuletide visitors.

A host of lodging options and special offers are available from a cozy cabin at one of the lakeside resorts to luxurious hotel rooms and condos throughout the area.

While in the Branson/Lakes Area you can also enjoy a Christmas light display at the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd. and the “Christmas on the Trail” show and Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead.

 

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau announces the schedule for the 2008 Branson Area Festival of Lights. Beginning on November 1 and all aglow through December 31, this year's drive-through will again be located at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane, across from the new Sight & Sound Theatre.

Experience the joy of an Ozark Mountain Christmas with the Branson Area Festival of Lights 2008 as all of Branson sparkles for the holidays. From fabulous shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenic beauty, Branson is a special gift for everyone in your family at this festive time of year.
The Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through will delight children of all ages. Your journey begins with a magical 1-mile drive along a path dazzling with over 230 colorful new holiday displays with close to one million twinkling lights.  Conveniently located off of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway at Expressway Lane, this one-of-a-kind family experience promises to be memorable.  

Also in the Branson/Lakes Area you can enjoy extraordinary Christmas lighting displays at Silver Dollar City's Old Time Christmas celebration, the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd. and the Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills.

Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through is open daily November 1 through December 31, from dusk until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from dusk until 12:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Admission fees are $50 for full-size motor coaches, $25 for mini-coaches (12-28 seats), church vans and limos while family vehicles are $10. Season passes for family vehicles may be purchased for $15.  Prepaid vouchers for motor coaches are available by contacting Lenni Niemeyer at 417-334-4084, ext. 305. For a complete list of shows, attractions and events in Branson at this most wonderful time of the year, visit the website at www.explorebranson.com or call 1-800-BRANSON.



 

For the twelfth year the Welk Resort Branson will host the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as "The Wall,” during the 2008 Veterans Homecoming celebration This moving tribute to our fallen and missing Vietnam Veterans will be open to the public for viewing at the Welk Resort Branson, November 5 through November 11, 2008. A special locator book will be available to assist visitors in finding specific names.

This official half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most visited memorial in Washington, D.C., spans nearly 240 feet in length and lists the more than 58,000 names of the nation's fallen heroes in the Vietnam conflict.
in honor of our Veterans during our Veterans Homecoming Week Celebration.

A special opening ceremony for “The Wall”, will be held at the Welk Resort on Tuesday, November 5, at 10:00 AM.

As is customary, the names inscribed on the wall will be read aloud throughout the seven-day period. The Welk Resort welcomes any volunteers wishing to read, the names and hometowns of the more than fifty-eight thousand Americans whose names are inscribed on “The Wall”. Normally readers are asked to read for at least 30 minutes. Please call the Welk Resort at 417-336-3575 ext. 118 or call 800-505-9355. There will also be a POW/MIA Service of Tribute and Remembrance held at The Wall at 8:00 AM on Friday, November. 7.

“It is with a sense of gratitude and honor that the Welk Family and The Welk Resort sponsor this tribute,” Dathan Atchison, General Manager of the Welk Resort. “We invite our visitors and our neighbors to come experience this moving memorial.”

 

Kirby & Bambi VanBurch, internationally renowned entertainers and illusionists, were honored with another special award, "Best Illusionist”, at the World Magic Awards 2008 in Santa Monica, California.  The annual event was held on October 11 and was filmed for an upcoming TV special on MyNetworkTV.

Awards are something the VanBurch duo knows a lot about.  In 2008 Bambi received the Female International Magician of the Year award for the 2nd consecutive year. "That's never been done by any other female magician,” says Kirby. “And then she was voted one of the top 10 most beautiful women in 417 Land. And now we've been honored by the World Magic Awards Show.  Hey…the family that wins awards together stays together!”  Bambi adds that “the World Magic Awards show was a lot of fun and since it was a benefit for Feed The Children, that made it extra special for Kirby and me.”

The World Magic Awards 2008 will air on Wednesday, November 26 from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Check www.WorldMagicAwards.com for stations airing it in your viewing area. In the Branson Missouri area, viewers will be able to watch the show on My31 (KWMB 31). The World Magic Awards 2008, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, has a variety of guests and performers including Lance Burton, Dan Sperry, The Amazing Johnathan, Ed Alonzo, Kyle Eschen, Greg Gleason, Franz Harary, Hans Klok, Mark Kalin & Jinger, Topas, Sos & Victoria, Jeff McBride, Roxanne, and Florian Zimmer.  

Kirby VanBurch is known as the Prince of Magic and has received many awards including Entertainer of the Year from the International Magicians Society as well as Magician of the Year.  Kirby & Bambi VanBurch perform live at their theater in Branson, Missouri.  The show has been voted Best Branson Show, Best Magic Show, and received numerous other awards and accolades from fans and critics alike. Their show features exotic animals including white tigers, amazing disappearing acts, a helicopter appearing in 3 seconds flat, mind-reading, assistants cut in half, up close and personal illusions, and much more.  For their Branson theater show schedule visit www.KirbyVanBurch.com.

 

Branson's most dynamic musical family, The Haygoods, are excited to announce that they are raising the bar with their ground-breaking 2009 season. These top-notch entertainers are proud to unveil two new projects—the purchase of their own state-of-the-art Branson theatre and the creation of their very own TV show—that are sure to delight audiences in Branson, as well as fans all over the world.

The Americana Theatre (across from the Presley’s Jubilee at 2905 West Highway 76), will undergo a million-dollar renovation, emerging for its Grand Opening on March 7, 2009 with a new look, new features, and new name worthy to house the all-new interactive Haygood experience. Audiences will be wowed by this indescribable entertainment adventure, which combines the Haygoods’ own brand of musical magic with state-of-the-art effects, heart-pumping sound, and effervescent energy that cannot be contained. When pure musical talent meets cutting-edge performance, the result is sure to be an electrifying ride of song, rhythm, and sound that the Haygoods’ audiences won’t soon forget.

This award-winning, family musical entertainment group, consisting of seven spirited brothers and one vivacious sister, has performed over 10,000 shows for more than 4,000,000 people during their momentous Branson career. The Haygoods, whose powerhouse performances can be seen throughout 2008 at the Music City Centre, are poised to make the jump from Branson’s best kept secret to breakout stars with the debut of their much-awaited TV show in 2009.

Vibrant and innovative, The Haygoods unbelievable harmonic feats and captivating on-stage antics have delighted Branson audiences for 18 years and will next wow viewers of the CW network with The Haygood family show! The weekly show will be broadcast across the Midwest and will include a mixture of exuberant Haygood antics and the group’s stunning live performances. Branson guests will not only be treated to the Haygoods' high-octane stage performances but also be a part of the filming of their live television show as well!! Happy to include audiences who have given the group so much in their new show, Haygoods member Dominic Haygood credits the support of the group’s fans and the Branson community for making the group’s newest endeavors possible.

The Haygoods are excited to put Branson on the map for a whole new audience with their all-new 2009 television show, bringing a new demographic to the town that is sure to benefit the Branson community. As Timothy Haygood explains, the group is excited to give back to Branson: "We are so proud to be investing in our community. We love Branson and can't wait for everyone to see the newly remodeled Americana theatre. It will be a great addition to the Branson strip!”


 

November 1, 2008

Times: 10:00 a.m.

Location:  North end of Branson Landing by BELK Department Store

Grand Marshall again this year is Mr. Christmas,  Andy Williams. Local radio personalities, Steve and Janet, from Branson's Hometown Radio KRZK 106.3, will host LIVE performances by Andy Williams, The Lennon Sisters, Bob Anderson, SIX, Jake Simpson, Jason Yeager, the cast of Country Tonite, and many other stars of music shows in Branson. As the promenade continues to move toward Bass Pro Shops, a second performance area will be hosted by Bob Nichols, host and comedian with Country Tonite, and Gene Bicknell, owner of The Mansion and the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre. Don't miss all the performances and appearances by Moe Bandy, Silver Dollar City, The Mansion and many more.

November 1, 2008   

Times: Silent auction begins at 6:30 pm; Live auction begins at 8:30pm.

http://discoverycenter.org

Location:  Discovery Center of Springfield

Phone:  417-862-9910 Ext. 713

Admission:  $75.00 per ticket includes food and one drink ticket.

On-line bidding has started now at www.discoverycenter.org.  For more information call Charlotte.

November 1, 2008 - December 30, 2008    

Times: Open Wednesdays thru Sundays. For more specific times refer to the website.

http://www.silverdollarcity.com

Location:  Silver Dollar City

Phone:  1-800-831-4FUN

Admission:  Call for more information

Come home for the holidays to An Old Time Christmas! See all your family's favorites along with new surprises amidst the glow of over 4 million dazzling lights. You'll create special holiday traditions, celebrate the true meaning of this magical season and take home memories that will last a lifetime!

That jolly, happy soul, Frosty The Snowman is coming to town in 2008! See him come to life in a self-titled All-NEW Show for the entire family.

November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008    

http://www.explorebranson.com/festival_of_lights

Phone:  417-334-4084

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. Contact the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.

November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008    

http://www.americanpresidentialmuseum.com

Location:  American Presidents Museum is located in the Old Majestic Steakhouse Bldg at 2849 Gretna

The American Presidents  Museum will celebrate Christmas at the White House, a museum wide exhibit showcasing more than two dozens Christmas trees decorated to eras of history and themes of past First Ladies of the White House.  Exhibit also includes White House Christmas Cards, White House Holiday Tour Books and much more.  A must see addition to everyone's holiday traditions.

November 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009    

http://www.titanicbranson.com/

Location:  The World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction

Phone:  417-334-9500

Celebrate Christmas on the Titanic with Father Christmas. Very special days on the Titanic throughout the season.

November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008  

Location:  Indian Point Village

Phone:  417-338-2772

November 1, 2008    

Times: 10:00 am

http://bigbrobranson.org

Location:  Cooper Creek (Lilleys' Landing)

Phone:  417-337-7531

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is excited to announce the first ever Landing to Landing Kayak Race & Fun Paddle. All event proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stone & Taney County. Participants can choose between the Fun Paddle (open to kayaks & canoes of one or two people) or the Competitive Race. Boats will glide along Lake Taneycomo, under Highway 65 and Business Hwy 76, to the finish line at North Beach Park (north side of Branson Landing by Belk Parking Lot). Racers of all skill levels are welcome. Many of the matches of Big Brothers Big Sisters will be participating as well.

November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008   

http://www.explorebranson.com/christmas

Phone:  417-334-4084

Call the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for information.

November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008   

http://theshepherdofthehills.com

Location:  The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead

Phone:  417-334-4191

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

November 1, 2008 - January 15, 2009   

http://www.thebutterflypalace.com

Location:  The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

Phone:  417-332-2231

Featuring white butterflies, twinkling lights and Christmas music!

November 3, 2008 - December 14, 2008   

Times: 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.

http://www.bransonducks.com

Location:  Hwy. 76 Location

Phone:  877-887-8225

Admission:  Adults $16; children $10 (tax is additional)

See the lights and tour the sights on this 60 minute adventure! Fully enclosed festive ducks with holiday music and a Santa hat for you to keep! Closed on Thanksgiving and December 8.

November 5, 2008 - November 11, 2008 

http://www.BransonOutlets.com

Location:  Factory Merchants Branson

Phone:  417-335-6686

Show your military ID or veteran’s card in the Center Management Office (bldg 10) and receive special savings during the Veterans Homecoming Week.  "FREE" Day Room at Factory Merchants Branson open 9:00 a.m. (0900 hrs.) to 6:00 p.m. (1800 hrs.), located next to Auntie Ann's Pretzels lower level. Refreshments and snacks available. A place to relax, visit, share your story with your buddies or bring your acoustic instruments and jam with other veterans. You never know who or what entertainers might show up to play, jam or just to visit!

November 5, 2008 - November 11, 2008   

http://bransonveterans.com/veterans-homecoming.htm

Phone:  417-337-8387

America's Largest Veterans Day Celebration, this seven-day tribute honors the veterans who have served as the stewards of freedom.

November 8, 2008    

http://www.BransonOutlets.com

Location:  Factory Merchants Branson

Phone:  417-335-6686

All AAA and CAA members are invited to the Center Management Office at Factory Merchants Branson for refreshments and special savings on November 8, 9am-5pm.  The first 25 AAA or CAA members to show their membership card will receive a free gift bag!

November 10, 2008  

Times: 5:30 pm

http://www.branson.com

Location:  Chateau on the Lake, Branson, MO

Phone:  800-619-5708

Admission:  $45.00 per person

Ceremonial Birthday Celebration, Dinner, Dance. Keynote Speaker -  Lt. Col. Oliver North.  Attire - Semi Formal. Hotel Reservations if needed 800-268-4014 ask for Russ. Tickets must be picked up no later than Sunday November 9, 2008. OPEN TO ALL MARINES, VETERANS & GENERAL PUBLIC.

November 11, 2008    

Times: 11 a.m.

http://bransonveterans.com

Location:  Historic downtown Branson

Phone:  417-337-8387 , 417-334-2296

Sponsored by American Legion Post 220.

November 11, 2008  

Times: 11 a.m.

http://bransonveterans.org

Location:  Historic Downtown Branson

Phone:  417-337-8387

Branson American Legion Post 417-334-2296

November 13, 2008    

Times: 6 p.m.

mailto://info@downtownbranson.org

Location:  Branson Hilton Convention Center

Phone:  417-334-1548

Admission:  Tables for 10 people are available for $500. Individual tickets are $50 per person.

Live jazz music is planned and a special menu has been selected for the event. Activities will begin at 6 p.m. A fund-raising event for DBMA, proceeds will benefit the historic downtown district. Tickets will be available beginning Oct. 15 at the DBMA office, 119 W. Pacific, Branson.

November 27, 2008   

Times: noon

mailto:fun4uabc@aol.com

Location:  America's Best Campground

Phone:  800-671-4399

Turkey, dressing, potatoes & gravy, drinks and table service will be provided.  LOTS of Show tickets will be given away during the dinner.

November 27, 2008   

Times: 12-6 p.m.

http://www.BransonOutlets.com

Location:  Factory Merchants Branson

Phone:  417-335-6686

Factory Merchants Branson is proud to announce it will be open for Thanksgiving Day shopping from noon to 6:00pm.  Join us for special savings.  Just look for the red roofs!

November 28, 2008 - November 30, 2008    

Times: Extended Hours for Friday, Nov 28: 7am-10pm; Extended Hours for Sat, Nov 29: 8am-10pm; Regular Hours for Sun, Nov 30: 9am-7pm

www.BransonOutlets.com

Location:  Factory Merchants Branson

Phone:  417-335-6686

Join us for Early Bird shopping on Friday, Nov 28, beginning at 7am for extra special savings.

December 5, 2008 - December 6, 2008  

Times: 10:00 am- 4:00 p.m.

mailto://john414@centurytel.net

Location:  Kimberling City Area

Phone:  (417) 779-1412

Admission:  $15.00 each

Sponsored by Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake, will feature five distinctive homes on Table Rock Lake, each beautifully decorated.  A Hospitality Room at the Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd. will offer refreshments, lunch, a silent auction, and a holiday boutique.  All proceeds from the tour,lunch,silent auction and boutique sales are donated to local charities.  Tickets are available for sale at various businesses in Kimberling City and Branson West beginning in November.  Tickets may also be purchased at the Hospitality Room on December 5 and December 6.   

December 6, 2008    

http://rockawaybeachchamber.com

Location:  Rockaway Beach

Phone:  800-798-0178

December 6, 2008    

Times: 1 p.m.

Forsyth Christmas Parade

December 6, 2008     Add to Itinerary

Phone:  417-546-2741

December 7, 2008    

Times: 5:30 p.m.

http://www.explorebranson.com/christmas

Phone:  800-214-3661

Festive night-time parade and Adoration scene lighting ceremony. For more details, call the Branson Chamber of Commerce.

December 7, 2008    

Times: 10:30 a.m.

http://bransonveterans.com

Location:  Scotty's Trout Dock and Marina, South of Bass Pro Shop and Branson Landing

Phone:  417-337-8387

A special ceremony will commemorate "The day that will live in infamy". Begins with the laying of the wreath into Lake Taneycomo. Taps will be during wreath laying.

December 13, 2008   

Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

http://www.downtownbranson.org/

Location:  119 W. Pacific in Downtown Branson

Phone:  888-322-2786

Admission:  FREE

Downtown Branson decorates the “Giving Trees” to collect gifts for the Boys & Girls Club and residents of local nursing homes. All children may visit with Santa in his “workshop,” decorate a cookie and make an ornament to take home.