Category Archives: Featured

The Best of Branson Insider Highlights for December 2016

The Titanic Museum’s “Christmas and Winter Celebration” is just one of the many inspirational and entertaining events in Branson during December.

“From the stages of its famous live shows, to the magnificently lit Silver Dollar City, and its Adoration Parade, December in Branson is filled with the special spirit of celebrating the traditional American Christmas,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Then, during the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Branson is abuzz with fun and excitement leading up to a celebration of New Year’s Eve as only Branson can do it,” he added.

Here’s our Featured Show, Event, and Limited Engagement of the Month, along with a list of the major, special limited engagement performances and events you can enjoy in Branson during December, 2016:

Featured Show: The Grand Jubilee Christmas show has it all, including amazing vocals by Branson’s award winning quartet, New South and Female Vocalist of the Year Jackie Brown; hilarious comedy with Jamie Haage, a.k.a. “Jim Dandy,” and his sidekick Mike Patrick, who is also the show’s emcee and producer; and the “Grand Band,” one of the best bands in Branson. From the preshow to the final curtain, this awesome production will entertain and inspire you with “grand” music, comedy, and the spirit of a traditional American Christmas.

“I love the show for the fact that Christmas is built on tradition and that we sing the traditional favorite Christmas songs that people sing every year,” said Mike Patrick, the shows emcee and producer. “To me our show is like taking out your favorite Christmas ornament each year and hanging it on the tree.” When asked what his personal favorite part of the show was he said, without hesitation, “When we get to read the Christmas story from the Bible and see how it resonates with our audience.” His two favorite numbers in the show are New South’s rendition of a Gatlin Brothers’ song “Santa Are You Going To Atlanta” and Jackie Brown’s beautiful performance of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: No doubt about it, there’s not a more “Limited Engagement” than the spectacular unique ways available in Branson to ring in the New Year. How about cruising Lake Taneycomo aboard Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess, a 100 foot luxury yacht, while enjoying a live DJ, dancing, games, prizes, party favors, full-service cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, a dessert bar, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight? Cruising not your thing, how about an entertaining and exciting evening with some of Branson’s most popular shows as they welcome in 2017 with unique awesome New Year’s Eve celebrations including:

Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve (Clay Cooper and Haygoods joint celebration)
Grand Jubilee
Legends in Concert
Million Dollar Quartet
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show
Pierce Arrow

Featured Event of the Month: The Branson Titanic Museum Attraction closes out its tenth year in Branson with its beautiful Christmas and Winter Celebration as magically, inside and out, she hails the sights, sounds and joy of the season. In addition to everything else the ship offers daily, it will be aglow with glittering lights, festive decorations, and the spirit of the Holidays, including free public access to hundreds of unique Titanic Christmas gift ideas and collectibles.

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Dec. 1: The Urban Cowboy Reunion
Dec 1-3: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Dec 31: NEW YEAR’S EVE BRANSON Style

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Dec 1-30: An Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City
Dec 4: Carols on the Belle aboard the Showboat Branson Belle
Dec 4: 68th Annual Adoration Parade and Lighting Ceremony
Dec 10: Breakfast with Santa – Branson RecPlex
Dec 11: Carols on the Belle aboard the Showboat Branson Belle
Dec 11: Tanger Club Member Exclusive Event at Tanger Mall
Dec 18: Carols on the Belle aboard the Showboat Branson Belle
Dec 18: Chateau on the Lake Breakfast with Santa
Dec 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dec 25: Christmas Day Champagne Brunch at Chateau on the Lake
Dec 31: New Years Eve Celebration at Keeter Center
Dec 31: Grand Jubilee New Years Eve Show
Dec 31: Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve New Year’s Eve Show
Dec 31: Million Dollar Quartet New Year’s Eve
Dec 31: Hamners Unbelievable Variety New Years Eve Fiesta
Dec 31: Legends in Concert New Year’s Eve Show
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Cruise Aboard the Landing Princess
Dec 31-Jan 1, 2017: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

One of a kind legendary million dollar Branson New Year’s Eve celebration

Is this a New Year’s Eve celebration of legendary proportions or what?

“Things will really be jumping on New Year’s Eve in Branson,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With a wonderful variety of ways to bring in the New Year including a party aboard Main Street Marina’s 100-foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, major fireworks displays, celebrations at hotels and other venues, and of course the famed Branson Show’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations, it’s hard to imagine a better way to welcome in the New Year than by celebrating its arrival in Branson,” he added.

He points out that it’s the titles of two of those shows, Legends in Concert and the Million Dollar Quartet, that provides Branson New Year’s Eve revelers with the opportunity to participate in a “legendary million dollar New Year’s Eve Celebration.” While having to pick one of the two, because they are both presented at the same time, each is a unique, extremely entertaining, and exciting way to celebrate the end of 2016 and the ringing in of 2017.

Where else would one expect the “legendary” celebration to come from, but Legends in Concert “We are so excited about our New Year’s Eve Celebration,” said Jeannie Horton, the General Manager for Branson’s Legends in Concert. “What could be a better way of ringing out the old year and ringing in the New Year than an exciting entertaining New Year’s Eve party at the iconic Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre in Branson with the legendary ‘Frank Sinatra,’ ‘Adele,’ ‘George Strait,’ ‘The Blues Brothers, ‘Elvis Presley,’ and special guest ‘Cher,’” she added.

The festivities start as the doors to the auditorium open at 8:30 PM and revelers receive a celebration package with party favors, hats, noise makers, beads, and more, along with a deluxe box lunch consisting of a delicious croissant sandwich, potato salad, dessert and beverage. As they enter the auditorium they may pose, decked out in their full New Year’s Eve regalia, with the stars of the show. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase and may be taken into the auditorium to enjoy.

At 9:30 PM the party continues with a performance of the of the amazing Legends in Concert show including performances by Legends in Concert’s Frank Sinatra, Adele, George Strait, The Blues Brothers, Elvis Presley, special guest Cher, and the Legends in Concert Dancers and Band. As millions have discovered, the result is a one of a kind awesome musical production that is, in and of itself, a truly legendary entertainment experience!

The mid-night countdown, welcoming in the New Year is a spectacular event done as only Legends in Concert can do it. The show’s cast will come out on stage and countdown to the New Year with the audience amid an awesome celebration of streamers, confetti, celebratory noise makers, and join in the singing of the traditional “Auld Lang Syne.” Horton promises that it will be a wonderful memorable evening from beginning to end, and is absolutely a great way to start 2017.

How about celebrating New Year’s Eve with the Miilion Dollar Quartet?

Although the actual 60^th anniversary of the actual jam session that started it all will be celebrated on December 4^th, Susan Smith, the Director of Sales & Marketing for Welk Resorts, said that the Million Dollar Quartet’s New Year’s Eve Celebration will be an entertaining, exciting, and memorable end to the 60^th year of that famous jam session. She said that the evening starts off at 8:30 PM with heavy hors d’oeuvres including sliders and variety of hot dishes. Alcoholic beverages will be available for sale from the lounge and are permitted in the theatre for both the show and the midnight celebration.

At 9:45 PM the popular Million Dollar Quartet show will be presented. The show is based on the most famous impromptu jam session of all time that took place in the Memphis studios of Sun Records on December, 4, 1956. It included Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and, but for a recording that remained forgotten in the library of Sun Records for decades, would have been forgotten. The recordings were discovered by a new owner of Sun Records and released in 1981. The stage musical Million Dollar Quartet, written by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, based on that music and what transpired at the original “Million Dollar Quartet” jam session, premiered in 2007. Since then, this smash hit musical, has played in Chicago, Broadway, Las Vegas, toured extensively in the US and internationally, and has a production in Branson, Missouri, at the Welk Resort Theatre.

Smith said that after the show the audience will come out to the lobby where they will get their sparkling grape juice for the midnight toast, some neat party favors, including glow sticks, noise makers, hats, and everything else needed to celebrate the New Year. There will also be a photo station where they “can dress up and take photos.”

“Then we’ll go back in the theatre for the New Year’s countdown on our giant screen with a huge balloon drop at midnight,” she said. “But it’s not over yet; because at 12:01 AM, on January 1, 2017, the Million Dollar Quartet will come back out on stage to start the New Year off in spectacular fashion with an energetic and exciting 20 minute after party jam session,” she added.

For more information or tickets to either Legends in Concert or the Million Dollar Quartet New Year’s Eve celebration, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Five special ways for kids to visit with Santa Claus in Branson

Santa waiting to talk with children in Branson about what they want for Christmas.

When he’s not supervising his elves at the North Pole, Santa loves to spend time in Branson where he can not only rest and be entertained, prior to his long night’s journey and work on Christmas Eve, but do what he loves to do most. That’s meeting all the children who live in Branson and those visiting, during Ozark Mountain Christmas, to find out what they want him to bring them for Christmas. Here’s a list of five places and the times^* where kids can meet Santa Claus in Branson:

1. Branson Tourism Center: Give the kids a break, and help get them into the Christmas spirit, on Black Friday, November 25, 2016, with a visit to see Santa Claus at the Branson Tourism Center, one of his favorite places outside of the North Pole. After they visit with Santa, and have the chance to tell him what they would like him to bring them for Christmas, they will receive a complimentary souvenir photo of their visit. It’s all free and there are no photos to buy. It’s just the Branson Tourism Center’s way of saying, “Merry Christmas!”

2. Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas: Santa will be in his workshop on Santa Claus Lane through Dec. 23, where he’ll be waiting for children to come and tell him what they are hoping he will bring them for Christmas this year. Santa and his elves will be there from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Sunday; except for Thanksgiving Day where he will be there from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM; and Saturdays and November 25 when he will be in his shop from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

3. Branson Landing Town Square: Santa will be found in his “Christmas Tree House,” underneath the 50 foot Christmas Tree at the Town Square, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, except for Thanksgiving Day and from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, except for Nov. 23 and Dec. 24 when the hours will be 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Santa takes a break from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM each day to feed his reindeer.

4. Kringles Christmas Store: Until Dec. 23 Santa is scheduled to visit Kringles in the Grand Village Shops Wednesday through Sunday from at least 11:00 AM through 4:00 PM and later some days. Please call (417) 337-5426 if there are any questions.

5. Bass Pro Shops at Branson Landing: Santa will be at “Santa’s Wonderland,” filled with free games, crafts and activities, at Bass Pro Shops until December 24. He will be available weekdays from 5:00 PM to 8 PM through December 3 and from 10:AM to 8:00 PM December 4 through December 22. On weekends, he will be available from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM, on Saturday, and from Noon to 5:00 PM on Sundays. Thanksgiving Week he will be available from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM November 23; 10:00 AM to 5 PM Thanksgiving Day, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on November 26 and 27; and from Noon to 5:00 PM on November 27. As he prepares to return to the North Pole Santa will be available from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on December 23, and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on December 24. Each child will be given a free 4×6 studio quality portrait.

They are all free, except for Silver Dollar City where a visit with Santa is included in the price of admission as part of its “Old Time Christmas Festival.” Ho, Ho, Ho, and a Merry Christmas to all!

^*Schedules subject to change

Your ultimate year end – New Year’s Eve Branson show schedule!

Is this a New Year’s Eve celebration of legendary proportions or what?

“It seems almost impossible that we are nearing the end of our 2016 Branson show season,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although some of our most popular shows will be ending their season in the coming weeks, it is a gradual thing taking place between Nov. 26 and the end of the year” he added.

Garrison suggests that those wanting to see a particular show should make sure that the show is still performing when they are planning on being in Branson. He points out that an easy way to do that is to use Branson Tourism Center’s list of Branson shows. It’s Branson’s most current and up to date list of show schedules.

BRANSON’S MOST POPULAR NEW YEARS EVE PARTIES

Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve (Clay Cooper and Haygoods joint celebration)
Grand Jubilee
Hughes Brothers New Years Eve
Legends in Concert
Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess
Million Dollar Quartet
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show*
Pierce Arrow

LAST 2016 PERFORMANCES BETWEEN Dec. 24 – Dec.31

The Haygoods: Dec. 29^*Clay Cooper’s Country Express: Dec. 30^*Hughes Brothers Christmas Show: Dec. 30^*Acrobats of China: Dec. 31
Amazing Pets: Dec. 31
Comedy Jamboree: Dec. 31
Grand Jubilee: Dec. 31^*Legends in Concert: Dec. 31^*Million Dollar Quartet: Dec. 31^*
Moses: Dec. 31

Here’s a list of the last date in 2016 that some of Branson’s most popular shows will be performing, sorted chronologically by week(s), starting on Nov. 26 and ending on Dec. 31, and by date within the weekly period. It is followed by a special list of some of Branson’s most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations by Branson shows:

The Million Dollar Quartet, Moses, and Acrobats of China illustrate the variety of the shows that will be performing through Dec. 31.

The Million Dollar Quartet, Moses, and Acrobats of China are among the shows that will be performing performing through Dec. 31.

LAST 2016 PERFORMANCE BETWEEN Nov. 26 – Dec.10

Reza Edge of Illusion: Nov. 26
The Texas Tenors: Nov 30
New South Gospel: Dec. 8
Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza: Dec. 9
Down Home Country: Dec. 9
Shoji Tabuchi: Dec. 9
Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett: Dec. 10
The Blackwoods Morning Show: Dec. 10
The Lettermen: Dec.10

LAST 2016 PERFORMANCE BETWEEN Dec. 11 – Dec.17

Sunday Gospel Jubilee: Dec. 11
Ozark Mountain Jubilee: Dec. 11
Branson Country USA: Dec. 16
Christmas Wonderland: Dec. 17
Presleys’ Country Jubilee: Dec. 17
SIX: Dec. 17

LAST 2016 PERFORMANCE BETWEEN Dec. 18 – Dec.24

New Jersey Nights: Dec. 18
Puttin’ on the Ritz: Dec. 18
Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies : Dec. 23

^* Have New Year’s Eve celebration.

Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison points out that weather, abbreviated Christmas show schedules, and availability are excellent reasons to, not only check the schedule for the show(s) you are interested in but, make advance reservations. He suggests calling 1-800-785-1550 and talking with one of BTC’s Branson based Travel Planners where, “one call takes care of it all.”

They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson, its shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you with reservations to help ensure that you obtain the best available seating at shows and the accommodations you desire. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM. BTC may also be contacted through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

Three special things Veterans do not want to miss while in Branson

“The Wall,” Veterans Memorial Garden, and the Official Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

“Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week is America’s biggest ‘Veterans’ Day’ tribute, running form November 5 through November 11 each year,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “The seven-day event is both a tribute and a celebration, filled with a variety of activities, shows, reunions, and highlighted with the Veterans Day Parade, through historic downtown Branson starting at the 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Here’s a short list of three unique stand-alone things that we believe Veterans and their families will find inspiring and should not miss while in Branson,” she added.

The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Nestled within the beautiful and peaceful Welk Resort Branson, the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, more commonly known as “The Wall,” will be on display and open to the public for public viewing at the Welk Resort Branson from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM November 7- 13th. Although the Welk Resort had hosted the traveling replica Memorial for many years, it purchased it in 2013. “It is with a sense of gratitude and honor that the Welk Family and The Welk Resort sponsor this tribute,” said Dathan Atchison, General Manager of the Welk Resort. “We cannot ever forget the incredible sacrifice of so many to insure the liberty we enjoy in this country.”

“The Wall” is the most visited memorial in Washington, D.C. The official half-scale replica spans nearly 240 feet in length and lists more than 58,000 names of the nation’s fallen heroes who fell in the Vietnam conflict. A special locator book will be available to assist visitors in finding specific names.

The Lennon Sisters will be performing at a special Opening Ceremony for The Wall that will be held at the Welk Resort on Monday, November 7, at 10:00 AM. A POW/MIA Service of Tribute and Remembrance will be held at The Wall at 8:00 AM on November 8.

Branson’s Veterans Memorial Garden

Under the guidance of Master Gardner Ben Kinel and with the considerable effort of many volunteers and benefactors who have given money, land, materials and a lot of hard work, time and effort, the beautiful garden serves as a living tribute to the sacrifices of America’s Veterans, active duty military personnel and their families. Located in the northwest corner of the intersection of Roark Valley Road and State Highway 76 at the traffic signal, the garden is very visible to all those traveling into and out of the Branson Strip on State Highway 76.

Although thousands drive by it daily, and comparatively speaking, it’s smaller than many memorial gardens, it is well worth the effort to stop and walk through it. To get to parking, turn on to Roark Valley Road at the stop light at its intersection with Highway 76, go one block to Crosby, turn left, circle around the church. Turn left at the stop sign at Main Street and proceed to the church parking lot.

Official Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Located at the entrance to the College of the Ozarks, the Official State of Missouri Vietnam Memorial honors the 1,410 servicemen and women from Missouri who gave their lives in that war. Designed by Austin Meyer, a 2014 College of the Ozarks graduate, and dedicated on April 22, 2015, every element, from its divided wall representing a divided nation to the red roses in a “V” shaped flower bed, representing valor and the blood that was spilled by Missourians on behalf of our nation, represents and honors their sacrifice. Take first Hollister exit off Highway 65, south of Branson, and follow directions to the College of the Ozarks. The Memorial and a large flat parking lot are immediately to your left as you drive up to the entrance.

In addition, the “Lest We Forget” 9/11 Memorial, containing a remnant of one of the steel columns from the World Trade Center, is located next to the C of O Fire Department on James Forsythe Drive inside the campus. The mangled steel column in the memorial was donated by retired police officer Tommy McHale to honor the 37 fallen men and women officers from the Port Authority for New York and New Jersey who perished on 9/11.

Five reasons why Thanksgiving in Branson is so fascinating!

From the splendor or millions of Christmas Lights, to a Thanksgiving meal aboard a luxury yacht, shows from our families to yours, and world class shopping Thanksgiving in Branson is fun, unique, and inspiring.

The splendor or millions of Christmas Lights, a Thanksgiving meal aboard a luxury yacht, shows from our families to yours, world class shopping, and so much more help make Thanksgiving in Branson the unique fascinating event it is.

“From feasting, to entertaining, shopping, and so much more, Branson’s Thanksgiving cornucopia is overflowing with fun, excitement, adventure, and the spirit of Christmas,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Garrison suggests five reasons why spending Thanksgiving in Branson is a fascinating way to celebrate Thanksgiving while having fun and making special family memories that could last a lifetime:

1. Bountiful Choice of Thanksgiving Meals: From the traditional Thanksgiving fare like that served at the Welk Resort’s Stage Door Restaurant to mouthwatering Thanksgiving buffets and brunches such as those served at Grand Country, College of the Ozark’s Keeter Center, and the Chateau on the Lake, non-traditional Thanksgiving food such as the Italian cuisine at Florentina’s Italian Ristorante, and dozens more Branson diners will have a bountiful choice Thanksgiving dining options for every pallet and budget including a scrumptious traditional Thanksgiving dinner served aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Landing Princess, amid the luxury of a 100 foot yacht, while cruising on beautiful Lake Taneycomo.

2. Branson’s Great Shows: Although some of Branson’s shows will not be performing on Thanksgiving Day, many of its most popular shows will, including the Acrobats of China, Amazing Pets, Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, Grand Jubilee Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Million Dollar Quartet, New Jersey Nights, Puttin’ on the Ritz, The Haygoods, The Lettermen, Shoji Tabuchi, and many more. The full complement of Branson shows, including Billy Dean In Concert With Jarrett, Christmas Wonderland, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Moses, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, SIX, The Texas Tenors, will resume their normal performance schedules for the remainder of the season on November 25.

3. Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas: Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival is one of America’s top holiday events. Its spectacular display of five million Christmas lights throughout the park, entertainment, parade, Broadway style shows, and much more has been recognized and featured nationally by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel, Good Morning America and many others. One of the many features of this festival happens each evening at dusk, in the Square on Main Street with the lighting of the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree. As it sparkles to life with its 350,000 colorful sparkling LED lights, choreographed to Christmas music, and making over 100 light changes per second; it signals the beginning of Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade led by “the most famous reindeer of all.” Rudolph leads a spectacular parade of “nine musical, lighted floats, illuminated with 200,000 ultra-bright LED lights accompanied. “by 33 colorful costumed characters, including Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, 14-foot moose characters, 12-foot tall elves and 10-foot candy canes, plus penguins, elves and a troupe of marching wooden soldiers” that will amaze and delight all ages.

4. Fun, Attractions and Activities for Everyone: Many of Branson’s attractions will be open on Thanksgiving Day, and all over the weekend, including the extremely popular Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, as it celebrates its unique and beautiful Winter Celebration filled with beautiful decorations, unique shopping, and different special events, including, over Thanksgiving Weekend, 1500 luminaries casting a beautiful glow over its entrance. How about three spectacular drive through light displays including Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights, Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights and Village, and Branson Gift of Lights; a round of golf at one of Branson’s championship courses, or any one of dozens more exciting attractions and activities?

5. Shopping: Branson provides a world class shopping experience anytime of the year, and that is obvious over Thanksgiving, as Black Friday, and Christmas shopping takes center stage. Branson’s major shopping areas, such as Branson Landing, Tanger Outlets, The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, historic downtown Branson, Grand Village Shops, Branson Mill Craft Village and its more than 250 different boutiques, specialty shops, national chain stores, flea markets, craft malls, and famous-name outlet stores provide a wonderful opportunity to “shop till you drop” while making it easier to find that special gift for that special person. National chain stores in Branson will have the same Thanksgiving sale hours as elsewhere, and just about all Branson retailers and shops will be having Black Friday specials. Not surprisingly, the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year in Branson.

For additional information on Thanksgiving in Branson, Ozark Mountain Christmas or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website Branson Tourism Center.com.

Two of the most amazing ornaments on the Ozark Mountain Christmas tree!

A few scenes from Christmas At Dixie Stampede.*

Christmas At Dixie Stampede is truly a unique and inspiring Christmas experience.*

“It would be easy to picture all of the exciting, inspirational, and entertaining events, making up Branson’s spectacular celebration of the traditional American Christmas, Ozark Mountain Christmas, as precious ornaments on a giant Christmas tree,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From among many, two of the most amazing, unique, and spectacular ornaments on that tree would be Dixie Stampede’s Dixie Christmas and Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas,” she added.

Dixie Stampede’s Dixie Christmas (Nov. 1 – Dec. 31)

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is one of Branson’s most popular and favorite activities, and, as Dolly Parton herself says, “It’s Branson’s most fun place to eat.” With the combination of its famous four course meal, eaten without utensils, and a constant stream of colorful, entertaining, and exciting activities including 32 magnificent horses, amazing equestrian feats, a friendly interactive competition, and much more, it’s easy to see why the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest enjoy the Dixie Stampede.

During Ozark Mountain Christmas that same fun, and excitement is transformed into a festive Christmas experience that brings the spirit of Christmas to life with an experience that is as spectacular, fun and exciting as it is inspirational. John Richardson, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Dixie Stampede said, “The holidays are a season to celebrate and each year families make Christmas At Dixie Stampede part of their tradition, returning again and again, bringing more family members each time. We are delighted to welcome those families to come and make memories with us over a good meal.”

It’s transformed into “a true fantasy land complete with twinkling lights, evergreens, poinsettias, old-fashioned holiday costumes, familiar holiday music, and fun.” From the serving of Dixie’s famous four course meal to its friendly competition between the Elves from the North Pole and South Pole and everything else, the theme is Christmas.

The real reason for the season is not forgotten, but is celebrated with a magnificent and unique live nativity scene that you will never forget. “The true meaning of Christmas comes alive right before your very eyes as three kings ride atop camels on their way to Bethlehem, stunning angels” descend from above, and the traditional music of Christmas inspires audience members of all ages” with the true message of Christmas. No traditional celebration of Christmas would be complete without Santa Claus and his arrival is another highlight to a very special Christmas experience.

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas is a beautiful “centerpiece” of Ozark Mountain Christmas.**

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas (Nov. 5 – Dec. 30)

For over two decades, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival has been not only the centerpiece of Ozark Mountain Christmas, but one of America’s top holiday events. Its spectacular display of five million Christmas lights throughout the park, entertainment, parade, Broadway style shows, and much more has been recognized and featured nationally by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel, Good Morning America and many others.

Although the park is filled with rides, shows, crafts, food and other activities, something special begins to happen each evening at dusk, in the Square on Main Street with the lighting of the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree. It comes to life with its 350,000 colorful sparkling LED lights, choreographed to Christmas music, and making over 100 light changes per second and signals the beginning of Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade. It’s led by “the most famous reindeer of all” leading “nine musical, lighted floats, illuminated with 200,000 ultra-bright LED lights accompanied. “by 33 colorful costumed characters, including Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, 14-foot moose characters, 12-foot tall elves and 10-foot candy canes, plus penguins, elves and a troupe of marching wooden soldiers.”

The Festival also features two Broadway style musical productions, It’s a Wonderful Life and A Dickens’ Christmas Carol;” the tastes of the season including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites; and “new this year, Tinker Junior’s Toy Shop starring a 12-foot tall Christmas tree that talks, sings, and interacts with kids, accompanied by huge toy characters.”

All the activities involved in Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas are in addition to everything else the 1880’s international award winning theme park offers daily. This includes, weather permitting, 30 rides and attractions; the park’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen; and much more.

For more information and tickets for either Silver Dollar City or Dixie Stampede please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Photos used in composite courtesy of Dixie Stampede *
Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City **

How about some awesome Irish entertainment as part of your Branson Christmas?

The incomparable “Daniel O’Donnell” and international Irish dance spectacular “Titanic Dance” will bring a little bit of Ireland to Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas.

“It’s a Christmas gift from Ireland!” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “We’re really excited about two special limited engagement shows, Daniel O’Donnell and Titanic Dance, both from Ireland, that will add a little bit of Irish spirit, song, and dance to the broad repertoire of live entertainment that Branson visitors will enjoy during Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she added.

After taking a year off from touring, the incomparable Daniel O’Donnell will be performing a limited engagement of 2:00 PM shows, running from October 31 through November 19, in the Welk Theatre at the beautiful Welk Resort. Long a favorite of Branson area residents and visitors alike, O’Donnell presents a blend of traditional Irish ballads, country favorites, and traditional gospel with his engaging and charismatic style that invests the audience in their own entertainment experience. An already great entertainment experience is further enhanced with the guest appearance of the noted Irish folk and country singer, Mary Duff.

O’Donnell is well known in the United States for starring in several Public Broadcasting Network Specials, as well as charting 18 albums in the Top 20 of Billboard’s World Music Album Chart. He has sold millions of records and been “a household name across Ireland and Great Britain for decades” and, in 2016, became the first artist to have a new album in the UK charts, each year, for 28 consecutive years.

“Fresh from Belfast, Ireland and its recent appearance at the China International Folk Arts Festival in Qinghai last month, where it was seen by a live audience of over one billion people, Titanic Dance, the new Irish music and dance spectacular, will be performing a very limited engagement in Branson, November 9 through November 20. In the tradition of “Lord of the Dance,” a cast of 30 world class Irish dancers and musicians give a breath-taking romantic performance that is led and choreographed by principal dancer and creative director, Raymond Sweeney who performed with Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance,” for over fifteen years.

Titanic Dance is an electrifying “emotional journey of hope, aspiration, love, heartbreak and sadness set around, and aboard, the world’s most famous ship, from its beginning in the Belfast shipyard to its tragic end in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an electrifying show that has played to capacity audiences throughout Ireland and around the world and the first Irish Dance troupe to have the honor of dancing in the House of Commons in over 1,000 years.

For more information on Daniel O’Donnell, Titanic Dance and other amazing Branson shows, attractions, or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.Com, or one of its Branson based Travel Planners at 1-800-875-1550, where “one call takes care of it all.” They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson, its shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you with reservations to help ensure that you obtain the best available seating at shows and the accommodations you desire. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

The Best of Branson Insider Highlights for November 2016

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas is a spectacular “centerpiece” of Ozark Mountain Christmas.**

“November is one of Branson’s most inspirational and exciting months of the year,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Starting with the nation’s largest Veteran’s Day Celebration, to one of the biggest celebrations of the traditional American Christmas, and much more, the month of November in Branson is bursting with special events and other activities,” he added.

Featured Show: Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza continues the tradition of “Mr. Christmas” and the “Andy Williams Christmas Show” with its variety, color, and excitement and showing why It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! The vocal stars of the show, the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters, present the music of Christmas as only they can! That would be enough for most shows but, in keeping the Andy Williams tradition of variety, there’s more, a lot more! When you add the amazing magic of illusionist Rick Thomas and his lovely wife Tara, with elements of their magical “Let It Snow” act, the adagio dancing and quick change artistry of Pasha & Aliona, and other surprises, the result is like opening Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas morning. You don’t know what it is, but what a wonderful surprise it is when you get the wrapping off and open the package.”

Daniel O’Donnell, left, Osmonds and Lennon Sisters, from the Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, Titanic Dance, and the Armed Forces Flags in honor of Veterans Week

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: A favorite of Branson visitors and residents alike, the incomparable Daniel O’Donnell returns to Branson, after a year’s absence, for a very limited engagement of 2:00 PM shows, running from October 31 through November 19 in the Welk Theatre at the beautiful Branson Welk Resorts. Incorporating his charismatic and engaging style, he will present a blend of traditional Irish ballads, country favorites, and traditional gospel with an Irish twist that shows why he has sold millions of records and has been “a household name across Ireland and Great Britain for decades.”

In 2016, O’Donnell became the first artist to have a new album in the UK charts, each year, for 28 consecutive years. In the United States, O’Donnell has starred in several Public Broadcasting Network Specials as well as charting 18 albums in the Top 20 of Billboard’s World Music Album Chart.

Featured Events of the Month: Normally, for each month we have just one, but for the month of November there must be two:

Branson Veterans Homecoming Week is one of the biggest, Veterans Day tributes in America, and is celebrated from November 5 through November 11. It features dozens of events all keyed toward honoring those who have served our nation and sacrificed so much.

Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas celebrates the true meaning of this special magical season amidst the glow of over 5 million dazzling lights. Proclaimed as “The Most Illuminated Park on Earth” by the Travel Channel and “One of the most sparkly, lively holiday celebrations anywhere” by Midwest Living, “you’ll take home beautiful holiday memories destined to last a lifetime!”

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Nov. 1-19: Daniel O’Donnell
Nov. 1-17: Oak Ridge Boys
Nov. 1-29: The Urban Cowboy Reunion
Nov. 2-17: Neal McCoy
Nov. 2: Gary Lewis & the Playboys
Nov. 4: Charlie Daniels Band
Nov. 9-20: Titanic Dance
Nov. 9: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Nov. 11-12: Johnny Mathis with Gary Mule Deer
Nov. 14-15: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Nov 16: Chubby Checker
Nov.26: Kenny Rogers
Nov. 27-29: Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Nov 5-Dec 30: An Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City
Nov 6: Veterans’ Spouses Luncheon^*Nov 6: Sunday November 6-WWII Veterans Recognition^*Nov 6: Sunday November 6-Tribute to Veterans Sunday Worship Service^*Nov 7-Nov 11: Veterans Week-Branson IMAX Military Film Festival^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Opening^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Persian Gulf War Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Sandbox Party^*Nov 7: Monday November 7-Medics, Nurses, and Combat Vets Mini Reunion^*Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-POW/MIA Service of Remembrance^*Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-Women Veterans Mini Reunion^*
Nov 8: Tuesday November 8-Annual Tribute to Women Veterans & Rose Petal Ceremony^*Nov 8-Nov 13: Railway to Heaven^*Nov 9: Blue Star Mothers Afternoon Dessert^*Nov 9: Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion^*Nov. 9: P.O.W. Network 20th Annual Military Gala & Banquet^*Nov 10: Veterans Grove Tree Dedication^*Nov 10: 4th Infantry Division^*Nov 10: Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans^*Nov 10-11: 6th Annual Indoor Open Car Show
Nov 11: Morning Flag Raising/Wreath Laying Ceremony^*Nov 11: WWII Mini Reunion^*Nov 11: Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade^*Nov 14: Free Golden Corral Dinner for VeteransNov 19: Most Wonderful Time of Year Holiday Parade
Nov 21-Nov 27: Thanksgiving Week in Branson
Nov 24: Thanksgiving Day Cruise on Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess
Nov 24: Thanksgiving Day
Nov 24: Moonlight Madness & After Thanksgiving Sales at Tanger Mall Outlet
Nov 24: 5th Annual Branson 5K Turkey Trot
Nov 24: Golden Corral Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Nov 24: Osage Restaurants at Top of the Rock Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 24: Arnie’s Barn at Top of the Rock Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 24: Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks Thanksgiving Day Brunch
Nov 24: Chateau on the Lake Thanksgiving Brunch
Nov 25: Branson Landing’s Black Friday Blowout!
Nov 27: Carols on the Belle on the Showboat Branson Belle Nov. 27

* Branson Veterans Week Event
** Photo furnished courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Two Christmas shows that are a special Branson tradition

The Osmonds and Lennon Sisters opening the 2015 edition of the “Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza.”

The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza and Shoji Tabuchi’s “Wonder of Christmas” Christmas show are two of Branson’s longest running shows devoted totally to Christmas. The have become a Christmas tradition to many and the perfect illustration of why Christmas in Branson is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza

The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza continues the tradition of “Mr. Christmas” and the “Andy Williams Christmas Show” with its variety, color, and excitement. During separate interviews, Jimmy Osmond and the Lennon Sisters, both of whom worked very closely with Andy Williams during their careers, expressed what an honor it was to remember and honor him by continuing his style of Christmas show, and, if last years’ show was any indication, WOW, do they ever!

Produced by Jimmy Osmond, the Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza is a spectacular, unique, and magical Christmas production that is as beautiful and inspiring as it is entertaining, exciting, magical, and fun. From the opening to the finale it’s an amazing variety of music, dancing, color, magic, and more that entertains and inspires as it has the audience sitting on the edge of their seats anticipating what’s coming next.

The vocal stars of the show, the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters, present the music of Christmas as only they can! It is a joy to see and hear them sing individual group sets, solos, and group duets in one of the most unique vocal performances you will ever hear. An already great experience becomes even more so with the addition of dancers, a live band, colorful costuming, special effects, and more.

That would be enough for most shows but, in keeping the Andy Williams tradition of variety, there’s more, a lot more! When you add the amazing magic of illusionist Rick Thomas and his lovely wife Tara, with elements of their magical “Let It Snow” act, the adagio dancing and quick change artistry of Pasha & Aliona, and other surprises, the result is like opening Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas morning. You don’t know what it is, but what a wonderful surprise it is when you get the wrapping off and open the package.”

Shoji Tabuchi in his "Wonder of Christmas Show ."

Shoji Tabuchi in his 2015 “Wonder of Christmas Show .”

Shoji Tabuchi’s “Wonder of Christmas” Show

In a recent interview, Shoji Tabuchi said that their Christmas show, The Wonder of Christmas, playing from November 1 through December 10, differs from their regular show in that, from the opening curtain to the finale, everything is about Christmas. Christina Tabuchi said, “It’s just so exciting as we transition over from our regular show to the Christmas show. There’s a special spirit, energy, and feeling of anticipation as we put the final touches on the show and get ready for our November 1^st opening.”

The show will feature the stars of their regular show, the incredible Shoji Tabuchi; his daughter Christina who is the lead female vocalist, the shows co-producer, and co-dance captain; a live band; dancers; other vocalists; and the return of mandolinist Sharlyn Todd performing a variety of everyone’s favorite Christmas music in the type of production show for which the Tabuchi’s are famous.

That means the incredible Shoji Tabuchi playing a variety of Christmas favorites on the fiddle and violin as only he can, stirring vocals, marvelous dancing, colorful costumes and sets, and other surprises that have made this Christmas show a Branson tradition. From toy soldiers, to snowmen and the birth of the One whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas, this show is filled with the spirit, excitement, and inspiration of Christmas and has something for the whole family to enjoy.

When asked what his favorite part in the show was, Shoji said, “When the kids in the audience come up on stage with Christina as she sings to them. Just to see the expressions on their face!” In a separate interview, when asked the same question and without knowing it had been asked to her dad, Christina said, “When the kids in the audience get to come up on stage and I get to sing ‘Frosty,’ with them.”

When pressed to pick a favorite part of the show that he was involved in he said that it would have to be the Little Drummer Boy and the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers set. He sets it up playing the Little Drummer Boy on the fiddle that fades into a full cast, dressed as wooden soldiers, performing the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, live on drums, as they precision march and dance. Shoji said that he also enjoys the unique multiple style approach he uses to play Joy to the World in the show. He said that they are both audience favorites and, having seen the audience reaction to them in previous shows, I couldn’t agree more.

For more information or tickets for either Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza or Shoji Tabuchi’s Christmas show, or anything relating to Christmas in Branson, please call one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-800-875-1550. They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson, its shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you with reservations to help ensure that you obtain the best available seating at shows and the accommodations you desire. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.