Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer leads the “Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade” during Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas.” (Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City)
“Absolutely! To some, planning a Christmas trip to Branson in the sweltering heat of summer might seem weird,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, to those who know how busy Branson is during its Ozark Mountain Christmas season, planning in July might just be the ‘coolest’ thing to do to ensure the ‘hottest’ deals and best availability of lodging and show seats,” he added.
Garrison points out that Ozark Mountain Christmas, runs from November 1 through December 31 each year and that it is the most colorful, exciting, inspirational, and busiest time of the year in Branson. It is a unique Christmas experience that is not available anywhere else. From the giant Adoration Scene on top of Mount Branson on the East, to Silver Dollar City and its “Old Time Christmas” to the West, Branson is aglow with Christmas lights, shows, shopping and, most important of all, the true spirit of Christmas that “resonates in the hearts of those wanting to celebrate and experience the traditional celebration of Christmas.”
Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” is perennially named one of the top Christmas destinations in America. It features 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, over 5 million sparkling Christmas lights, a 5-story Special Effects Christmas Tree in its town square, two Broadway style shows, and the “Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade featuring Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer & Friends.”
Many of Branson’s other attractions will have special Christmas themes, decorations, and exhibits. Two great examples would be the Titanic Museum Attraction, as it celebrates its beautiful “Edwardian Christmas,” and the unique White Flight exhibit at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure. Another is The Shepherd of the Hills’ Trail of Lights, a two-and-a-half-mile drive through sparkling holiday lights and displays, winding through the historic Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, that also includes a trip to the top of Inspiration Tower. It is truly a one of a kind display, featuring religious, patriotic, humorous, Victorian and other themes in a setting unlike any other lighting display anywhere.
The glow of Christmas lights doesn’t stop there, as Christmas decorations and lights adorn city utility poles, Branson Landing, the Branson Ferris Wheel, and many other Branson theatres, businesses, and attractions. A Branson tradition, since it was started in 1949, is the brightly lit giant Nativity scene on top of Mount Branson. It will be lit, and followed by the Adoration Christmas Parade, starting at 5:00 PM on December 4.
And, speaking of parades, you won’t want to miss the 4th Annual “Most Wonderful Time of Year Parade,” featuring many Branson entertainers. It’s dedicated to “Mr. Christmas,” Andy Williams, and will go down the center of the Branson Landing promenade on November 19 followed by “a dozen live performances from the main stage in front of the Branson Landing fountains and a special grand finale” not to be missed.
As would be expected, in a town famous for the variety and quality of its live shows, the vast majority of Branson’s shows share the spirit of Christmas by devoting a substantial portion of their shows to the celebration of the traditional Christmas. In addition, there are a number of shows that are only available during Ozark Mountain Christmas, that are totally Christmas including the Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, staring the Osmond Brothers and Lennon Sisters; Christmas Wonderland; the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show; and others.
“Branson’s year round world class shopping experience includes Branson Landing; a large variety of unique galleries, craft shops, boutiques, and specialty shops; as well as discount malls like the Tanger Outlets and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows,” Garrison said. “When you combine that with the fun, spirit and excitement, of Ozark Mountain Christmas, it’s easy to see why so many do their Christmas shopping in Branson,”.
He points out that during the regular season there are periods when Branson shows and lodging fill up, but that, particularly with the more popular hotels and shows, is multiplied exponentially during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Not only do the chances of non-availability increase, but the chances of getting the best prices, show seats, and choice of accommodations decrease the longer one waits to make their Ozark Mountain Christmas travel plans.
For additional information on Ozark Mountain Christmas, or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/ .