Branson unveils biggest-ever Christmas celebration

Branson, Missouri just keeps growing. Already recognized by national publications and travel associations as a premier place to celebrate the Christmas holidays, America’s hometown entertainment capital is aglow with the spirit of the season, unveiling its biggest Christmas ever. The world’s largest Titanic Museum attraction, the trendy Branson Landing shopping-and-dining waterfront destination, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre, the Music of Mannheim Steamroller and more will celebrate their first Christmas in Branson.

From the star-filled Christmas shows on the famous Branson Strip and surrounding area to a glittering array of dramatic, animated lighting displays such as the luminous 2-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through, Ozark Mountain Christmas transforms America’s live entertainment capital into a holiday oasis, November 1 through December 31.

Star performers, special effects and elaborate holiday production numbers are set to dazzle visitors and their families over this two-month period. From the famed “Mr. Christmas” Andy Williams to the debut of the multimedia extravaganza of The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller at The Grand Palace, a multitude of shows haul out the holly with the holiday’s finest talent. Music fills the air with Branson family shows from the Presleys to the Hughes Brothers and the sounds of laughter roll through the aisles from Jim Stafford’s show to Yakov’s. From the Lennon Sisters with the Gatlin Brothers to Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley with Paul Revere & the Raiders, Branson creates musical presents and one-of-a-kind holiday fun!

Silver Dollar City, an internationally-awarded theme park, decks its streets with millions of lights and a holiday light parade of wondrous floats and animated characters. This year, the acclaimed Dickens’ Christmas Carol presents an all-new scene in the special effects show said to be one of the best productions ever in the history of the park. Plus holiday food, music and rides, including roller coasters, are open after dark for the thrill of the lights from above.

Also, for the first time, the much-celebrated Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with hundreds of merry lights and holiday trim that recall Christmases past. Traditional bows of holly and mistletoe will line the elegant Grand Staircase and passageways and music of the season will fill the air.

Visitors can discover Branson’s “Winter Wonder Landing” at the new Branson Landing waterfront featuring a promenade of new-to-Branson specialty shopping and dining, a dazzling Town Square water and fire spectacular that dances to the sound of the season and Santa Claus nestled in a special Christmas tree house in the South Pole.

Throughout Branson, name-brand outlet, boutique and Ozarks crafts shopping, outdoor events and attractions – decked out in Christmas lights and elaborate holiday decorations – beckon to Yuletide visitors.

The cool, crisp weather in late autumn and early winter is also an appealing time for outdoor activities in the Ozarks – fishing, hiking, camping and other pursuits are year-round opportunities for sporting enthusiasts. Situated between three pristine lakes, many of Branson’s water activities are available even during Ozark Mountain Christmas. The lakes never freeze, so they are ideal for fishing for bass, trout, crappie and other species, boating and many other types of water activities even in mid-winter. And the mild early winters allow visitors to enjoy the area’s ten championship golf courses!

For a complete list of shows, attractions and information, visit www.ExploreBranson.com or call the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 214-3661.