Category Archives: Featured

The fun and excitement of Ozark Mountain Christmas continues through December 31

Titanic's First Class Maid Jaynee with one of Santa's Reindeer.

“Ozark Mountain Christmas, Branson’s unique celebration of the true spirit of Christmas will run through December 31,” said Mark Bryson, the Director of Operations for the Branson on the Web, a subsidiary of the  Branson Tourism Center. “Although many of Branson’s shows will be concluding their 2010 Season within the next couple of weeks there are always live shows to see in the ‘Live Music Show Capital of the World’ and the fun and excitement that Branson is known for gives its visitors the opportunity for a special Christmas memory they will never forget,” he continued.

“From Christmas productions like Sight and Sound’s Miracle of Christmas, A Dicken’s Christmas Carol at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, and Christmas on the Trail to a variety of other Branson shows, there is a show for every taste,” said Bryson. He also points out that the search engine on Branson on the Web has a convenient sort feature that makes it extremely easy to, among other things, see what shows are available on any given day and time. Using that feature the search result shows that the following shows will be available, as scheduled, throughout the remainder of Ozark Mountain Christmas season including the week after Christmas:

Acrobats of China
Hamner Barber Variety Show
Jim Stafford
Pierce Arrow
Showboat Branson Belle
Yakov’s Moscow Circus
Amazing Pets
Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express
Comedy Jamboree
Grand Jubilee
Haygoods
Legends in Concert
Magnificent Variety
The Texas Tenors
Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience
Absolutely Patsy
Breakfast with Mark Twain
Dixie Stampede
Elvis and the Superstars
Kirby VanBurch
Legends in Concert
Ozark Murder Mysteries
Red, Hot & Blue
The Cat’s Pajamas
The Texas Tenors
Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

“Some of Branson’s major attractions are all celebrating Ozark Mountain Christmas with special activities,” Bryson said. He points out that one of the nation’s premier Christmas celebrations, An Old Time Christmas is at Silver Dollar City until December 31 and the Titanic Museum is not only decked out for Christmas, but will be featuring Santa and his live reindeer on December 10 and 11. The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure features its unique and beautiful “White Flight,” with thousands of White Butterflies fluttering like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparkling with thousands of twinkling lights to the accompaniment of fantastic holiday music through January 15, 2011. In addition, the vast majority of Branson’s other Attractions will also be open for the remainder of Ozark Mountain Christmas season including:

Adventure Ziplines of Branson
Amazing Waltzing Waters
Branson Auto Museum
Branson Landing Cruises Lake Queen
Branson Landing Cruises Lake Princess
Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
Diana The People’s Princess
Dinosaur Museum
Haunted House
Hollywood Wax Museum
Inspiration Tower
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Veterans Memorial Museum
Vigilante Zipline
World’s Largest Toy Museum

Bryson said that the two major drive through lighting displays for Ozark Mountain Christmas will also be open through December 31. The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a two and a half mile journey through millions of Christmas lights, hundreds of gorgeous displays, holiday music, and animated scenes most of which have been integrated into the natural terrain of the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. It provides one of the most unique and memorable drive-through lighting experiences most people will ever experience. In addition, it includes a “trip to Inspiration Tower where guests can ride glass elevators up 230 feet for a Santa’s eye view of the lights from above.”The Branson Area Festival of Lights” is a one mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated, and is conveniently located a few blocks off the Branson Strip.

Bryson suggests that those planning a visit to Branson take advantage of the search capability of Branson on the Web or, use the free personal concierge type service provided by one of Branson Tourism Center’s knowledgeable local Vacation Planning Specialists by contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Showboat Branson Belle launches new show and menu in 2011

Janice Martin performing the aerial fiddling segment of her act.

“When the Showboat Branson Belle launches its 2011 season it will be with a new show and a new menu,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson’s comments were based on a recent press release from Silver Dollar City announcing some of the changes that will be taking place in 2011 with their Branson attractions.

A completely new show for the 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. cruises aboard the Showboat Branson Belle will be called “ENCORE.” It  is billed as “an unforgettable musical journey” featuring two new headline acts to the Branson entertainment scene.

Janice Martin, is the only fiddling aerialist in the world. Martin, is heralded worldwide for her artistry as a world-class violinist, pianist and vocalist; has been dubbed by “The New York Times” as “A violinist with a strong personality” and “The Miami Herald” called her a “A stunning talent.” Those who attended Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest in 2010 saw her mesmerizing and exciting performance as part of the featured show, “Fiery Fiddles.”

“ENCORE!” will also feature “The Showmen, a new male vocal group. The Showmen are “a six-piece all male vocal group” who will be performing a broad variety of musical selections from the 60’s to today and electrify audiences with “a contrast of raw power and their amazing vocal range.” Comedian and magician Christopher James will be the master of ceremonies, the Showboats “signature live orchestra will provide the music and there will be exciting new “staging components” and costuming.

To complete the biggest changes the Showboat has undergone in her 15 year history, her chefs are putting the finishing touches on the new menu that will be used. “As wonderful as the entertainment experience has always been on The Showboat Branson Belle, in 2011 passengers will have a completely new experience,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson.

She also points out that the 4:00 p.m. cruises December 26 through December 30 will be the last chance to see Todd Oliver and his famous “talking dogs” or the “Showstoppers Show” aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. Starting in 2011 Oliver will be performing at the Jim Stafford Theatre. Johnson anticipates that tickets for the last performances of Oliver will be in high demand and recommends advance reservations.

For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Photo courtesy of www.janicemartin.com

Last 2010 call for some of Branson’s most popular shows

The spectacle and wonder of the Sight and Sound's "Miracle of Christmas."

“Branson’s celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas runs from November 1 through December 31,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although major elements of Ozark Mountain Christmas such as Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas; major lighting displays such as Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Festival of Lights; the majority of Branson’s attractions and its shopping will continue through December 31, many of Branson’s Christmas shows be ending during the first two weeks of December,” Johnson continued.

According to Branson.Com’s Official Show Schedule, the final 2010 performances for some of Branson’s most popular shows are shown below. The list is sorted alphabetically by the date of the last 2010 show.

December 4
George Dyer
Mel Tillis Family Christmas

December 7
Duttons

December 10
Neal McCoy
Spirit of Christmas

December 11
Andy Williams
Country Tonite
Osmonds
Rankin Brothers
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
Righteous Brother Bill Medley (One show on December 31)
Shake Rattle and Roll
SIX
Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sister Christmas Celebration
Yakov Smirnoff

December 12
Shoji Tabuchi – December 12

December 18
Baldknobbers
Hughes Brothers
Twelve Irish Tenors

December 30
Clay Cooper
Jim Stafford
Showboat Branson Belle

December 31
Acrobats of China
Amazing Pets
Comedy Jamboree
Grand Jubilee
Hamner Barber
Haygoods
Legends in Concert
Magnificent Variety
Miracle of Christmas
Pierce Arrow
The Cats Pajamas
Yakov’s Moscow Circus

Johnson points out that shows with ending dates after December 18 could be closed for periods of time between December 11 and the end of the year. For specific scheduling or information on any these or other Branson’s shows and attractions or help with lodging please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

BTC’s Cyber Monday 2-Day Sale offers fabulous deals and flexibility for Branson travel now and in 2011

“What an opportunity to save money on a Branson Trip,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “but like most opportunities there’s a narrow window.” Johnson was talking about the Cyber Monday 2 Day Sale that Branson Tourism Center (BTC) is running Monday, November 29 and Tuesday November 30 and the fabulous opportunity it offers those planning to visit Branson in 2011, or even later this year, the chance to save a flat 10 percent.

During the Cyber Monday Sale  For every $100.00 gift card purchased for 2011, get an extra $10.00 gift card FREE! “That’s a whopping ten percent savings,” said Johnson. She points out that the cards can be redeemed through Branson Tourism Center for show tickets, lodging, packages, or any other services that we offer. (excluding airline tickets, golf, and car rentals.)”

“What’s neat about the gift card is that you save the money now, but can plan your 2011 trip later to take advantage of whatever the 2011 Branson season has to offer in terms of shows, attractions, lower prices, packages and other specials,” said Johnson. “You have the full flexibility how and when to use the gift card.

Johnson also points out that the BTC Cyber Monday Sale also offers free trip cancellation insurance on tickets and lodging purchased during the sale. This insurance makes it easy to reserve early and lock in the best availability and pricing with the peace of mind that you can change or cancel anything on your itinerary up until the day you arrive with no fees for any reason, lower prices. changing your mind etc.

For those wanting to see the Andy Williams Christmas show the sale offers two to four day packages at a considerable saving over the already discounted package price. It should be noted that these packages must be used prior to December 11 because that is the last day of the Andy Williams Christmas show for 2010.

Johnson points out that Branson Tourism Center is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, has an A+ Rating from the BBB, and is well on its way to selling its three millionth Branson show and attraction ticket. For additional information on BTC’s Cyber Monday 2-Day sale or tickets for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact them at by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson on Daniel O’Donnell’s reduced 2012 touring schedule

Daniel O'Donnell cutting back on touring schedule after 2011.

“Congratulations to Daniel O’Donnell as he starts his 30th year in show business,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We are pleased to hear that even though he is cutting back on his touring schedule after 2011 that he will continue to perform in Branson,” she continued.

Johnson’s comments were in the wake of O’Donnell’s recent announcement of the celebration of his 50th birthday on December 12 and that he will be cutting back on his tour schedule at the end of 2011. The announcement, on O’Donnell’s website, said it will be “30 years this coming January since I started my career…I have now decided that at the end of 2011, I will take a break from extensive touring. This does NOT mean that I am retiring.”

O’Donnell went on to thank his fans for their support through the years and explained that his plan is to pick venues locations where he can do a block of shows together. He specifically said, “We will continue to do our block of shows in Branson Missouri.”

“O’Donnell just finished his 2010 Branson season on November 20 with a show combining Irish music,other favorites and Christmas music,”Johnson said. “Branson audiences and Daniel O’Donnell are an ideal fit. His shows are extremely popular and well received by our customers.”

She pointed out that his 2011 Branson schedule has not been announced, but as soon as it becomes available it will be posted on the Branson Tourism Center Show Schedule. Johnson recommends that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, be contacted for information or tickets for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

Branson Christmas show highlights in their own words

Jim and Ann Stafford in the Christmas scene Jim "magically" creates.

“A recent article entitled ‘Special Moments from Branson 2010 Christmas Shows,’ presents a unique view of some of Branson’s Christmas shows,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. The article reports that recently some of the performers and others involved with some of Branson’s most popular Christmas shows were asked if they would share “one of their personal favorite special moments” from their respective 2010 Christmas show.

“The result is a concise and unique view of each on each of  the Christmas shows in the article,” said Johnson. “What really makes it neat,” she continued, “Is that, in combination with each other, the total article paints a montage of the breadth of entertainment that Branson’s Christmas shows offer. Where else in America, except in Branson, Missouri, can a person see ‘Mr. Christmas,’ Andy Williams perform his Christmas Show, the spectacular “Miracle of Christmas” presented on a 300 foot surround stage, Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration and dozens of other quality Christmas shows of every type and variety?”

Johnson goes on to point out that Branson’s shows are just a part of the excitement and spirit of Christmas in Branson. Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is filled with activities and attractions for the whole family such as drive through Christmas light displays, Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City and some of the best shopping available anywhere.

Article excerpts:

Jim Stafford Show – Cindy Merry, the marketing consultant for the show, says the moment would be when the Christmas segment starts with the almost magical creation of a beautiful Christmas scene from a bare stage while Jim is singing an original song he wrote, “Oh Boy Its Christmas Time.”

Presleys’ Country Jubilee – Steve Presley said it would be the opening of the Christmas segment with the combination of the message of Christmas and the acoustical rendition of “What Child is This,” because it explains the reason for the season and sets the mood for the whole Christmas segment.

Click here for entire article.

Johnson said that the article highlights special moments from a dozen other shows and “reminds Branson visitors that Ozark Mountain Christmas is the busiest part of Branson’s season suggesting that they make advance reservations for shows and lodging.” She offers the free personal services of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and their Branson Vacation Specialists, for additional information, tickets and lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Still Waters Resort a lakefront portal of family fun to Table Rock Lake

An Aerial view of Still Waters Resort's scenic location on Table Rock Lake.

“For over 50 years, three of Branson’s major attractions have been its wonderful live shows, the magnificent Table Rock Lake and the action and constantly changing excitement of Silver Dollar City.” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The Still Waters Lakefront Resort (Still Waters), located on Indian Point, offers its guests lakefront beauty, fun and excitement on the shores of Table Rock Lake while offering the convenience of Silver Dollar City just a couple of miles away and being within minutes of all the shows, attractions, shopping and everything else Branson has to offer.”

Tammy and Greg Battaglia are Managers/Owners of Stillwaters and have been involved with the resort for over 33 years and its transition from a smaller cottage oriented resort to the full service resort it is today. Tammy said, “Our slogan says it all, ‘Still the one for family fun.’ As the resort has developed, we’ve paid a lot of attention to the details of people having fun with their family. She goes on to point out that Still Waters is ideally located right on an “elbow” of Table Rock Lake on Indian Point and is surrounded by the lake. “For those wanting a lake front experience while on their vacation,” she says, “there isn’t a better place to be.”

Interior view of deluxe two bedroom condo.

Greg said that Still Waters has one of the largest variety of lodging and room types selections of any lodging establishment in the Branson area with over 200 rooms of which 100 are 2-4 bedroom condos. From poolside to lakeside, standard motel rooms and studios to luxury condominiums with one to four bedrooms or a private lake house, the resort has affordable priced lodging to meet just about every need, budget and situation. “We get a lot of family reunions and gatherings because of the lodging choices we offer,” He continued. “We have the flexibility to meet just about any lodging need or desire,” He also pointed out that the rooms are smoke free and have a full complement of amenities including Wi-Fi and cable TV.

Tammy said that in terms of resort amenities Still Waters offers a 20 person hot tub; three swimming pools, one with a swim through water fall and another with a water slide; play grounds; basketball courts; bicycles; volley ball; paddle boats; kayak; inner tubes and just about anything else a family would need for a fun filled vacation along with five boat docks, 78 boat slips and a full service marina with boat rental. In addition, the resort has the “Bayside Market” on property with fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning, breakfast, pizza and sandwiches etc. for sale.

When asked what is the one thing you want people to know about Still Waters Tammy said, “If you want to have fun with your family in Branson the Still Waters Lakefront Resort on the shores of beautiful Table Rock Lake is the place to do it.” “But,” said Greg, “The fun doesn’t stop at the resort. It is located only two or three, virtually traffic free minutes away from Silver Dollar City and about 15 minutes from the Branson Strip and all that it has to offer.

New " Oasis " pool with swim through waterfall and 20 person hot tub.

Tammy said that it is a leisurely four or five minute drive from the resort, at the busiest time of the day, to Branson’s largest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City, the award winning 1880’s theme park, its festivals and everything else it has to offer. It is so close and convenient that guests can go to Silver Dollar City for a few hours, come back to the resort to have lunch or relax and then go back to Silver Dollar City later in the day. That is convenient at any time, but particularly for families during the colder weather and later operating hours of Silver Dollar City during its Old Time Christmas.

“In addition,” she said, “Still Waters is only 15 minutes away from the Branson Strip and all the fun and excitement it offers. Where else can you enjoy the peace, serenity and natural beauty of Table Rock Lake while enjoying the fun of a full service resort and the Ozarks, have immediate access to Silver Dollar City and be only minutes away from Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping, fun and excitement?”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “Still Waters offers a unique combination of lodging choices, fun and a lake side location that makes it an ideal resort to enjoy the best that Branson and the Ozarks has to offer, Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City and Branson’s excitement and entertainment.” For additional information on the Still Waters Lakefront Resort or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson attractions provide fun and excitement for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Branson's Titanic Museum is an exciting voyage back into history.

“The vast majority of Branson Attractions will be open not only on Thanksgiving Day, but during the Thanksgiving weekend,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Coupled with all the shows, shopping, other activities and Ozark Mountain Christmas there’s not a more exciting or wonderful place to celebrate Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season than in Branson, Missouri,” she continued.

The following list of major Branson attractions that will be open over the Thanksgiving weekend and except for those noted with an asterisk, will be open on Thanksgiving Day. It is sorted alphabetically:

*Adventure Ziplines of Branson – Your heart will leap as you zip through the air on our solid steel construction ziplines at speeds up to 50 mph. (Not open Thanksgiving Day, but is the rest of the weekend.)
Amazing Waltzing Waters – Music that is pre programmed to hundreds of fountains allow the waters to dance across the stage as the colors explode in a choreographed exciting and enjoyable event for all ages.
Branson Auto Museum – Branson’s newest attraction, the Branson Auto Museum is located on the world famous “Strip” in Branson, Missouri in the former “Engler Block” crafts mall. The Branson Auto Museum features over 100 cool cars inside and 15-20 outside.
*Branson Landing Cruises Lake Queen – The Lake Queen is a modern day replica of the grand riverboats which used to ply the White River in Branson, Missouri. (Not open Thanksgiving Day, but is the rest of the weekend.)
Branson Landing Cruises Landing Princess – Branson Landing Cruises – Welcome Aboard!!! Cruises Daily Experience Branson’s beauty and charm while cruising aboard Branson Landing’s 100′ luxury yacht.

Branson Scenic Railway traveling over Lake Taneycomo

*Branson Scenic Railway – Ride with us on a 40-mile roundtrip excursion thru Ozark foothills and tunnels. You will learn the history of the area as you cross bridges and trestles. Experience the luxury of rail travel from yesteryear. ((Not open Thanksgiving Day, but is the rest of the weekend.)
Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure – At The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure  guests can walk among over 1,000 live tropical butterflies from around the world!
Castle of Chaos – Enter the castle. Taste the chaos. Discover the fate of Carli and her crew. You will need every bit of adrenaline and stamina to join the battle against evil in the adventure of a lifetime.
Diana The People’s Princess – A fascinating, full-scale exhibition which gives an intimate glimpse at the life of Princess Diana” as told through her own personal objects and stories from every day life.
Dinosaur Museum – Come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Count the spikes on a Stegosaurus tail. Stand next to one of the most common predators, the Allosaurus.
Dogwood Canyon Park Activities – Dogwood Canyon Nature Park sprawls across the Missouri Arkansas border just south of Branson, MO. Daily activities include biking, fishing and tram tours.
Dogwood Canyon Tram Tours – The Wildlife Tour provides a comprehensive journey into this special property, taking about 2 hours. Our specially designed open-air trams allow guests to ride in comfort across our many custom bridges and low water crossings.
Hollywood Wax Museum – Branson’s finest small attraction with a tribute to Hollywood’s best,presenting a valuable, highly entertaining and memorable Hollywood celebrity encounter through a state of the art facility, with themed believable displays.
Inspiration Tower – Branson’s “landmark on the horizon” — a massive 230′ tall structure located on Inspiration Point in The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. (Is included on the Trail of Lights.)
*Mount Pleasant Winery Wine Class 101 – Our location in Branson is more than just a terrific place to enjoy great wines. It is a wine shop, art gallery and hands-on bottling experience all rolled into one. Enjoy the art of sipping several wines. (Available on Wed and Sat only.)
Ride the Ducks – Hwy 76. Experience Branson sightseeing fun from a duck’s eye view on Branson’s only duck tour. Travel on land and water in one amazing vehicle. Now Ride The Ducks has 2 fun-filled Branson Adventures.

The Veterans Memorial Museum is a powerful, emotional experience anytime, but especially at Thanksgiving.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum – You’re in control as you enjoy your self-guided tour of this truly amazing experience. Take as long as you like to view and examine some of the most odd and amazing collections ever assembled.
Silver Dollar City – One of the most popular attractions in Branson.  Travel back in time to the simplicity of 1880s America, and enjoy family shows, events, and entertainment including: Six fabulous family festivals held April-December. (Old Time Christmas opens 4 pm Thanksgiving Day.)
Titanic Museum – With it’s bow slicing through water, the Titanic soars 100 feet above Hwy 76.
Trail of Lights – The Trail also includes millions of multi-colored Christmas lights. Every building on park is completely illuminated and there are hundreds of lighted displays as well as the animated scenes. ( Includes Inspiration Tower.)
Veterans Memorial Museum – The Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri is a national tribute to the brave men and women who defended our liberties during the 20th Century.
Vigilante Zipline – An exciting new thrill ride! The ZipRider zip line cable is based on the familiar concept of the back yard zip line but then turns that fun experience into an exciting, no-worries ride.
World’s Largest Toy Museum – Remembering your childhood has never been so much fun! The World’s Largest Toy Museum (Antique Toy Museum) is like Christmas morning every day!

For further information or tickets for the attractions mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A Branson Thanksgiving Day Feast of food, shows, fun and shopping

Silver Dollar City's Light Parade winds its way toward the Town Square and its five story high Special Effects Christmas Tree.

“What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving Day and the traditional beginning of the Christmas Season than in Branson, Missouri,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Branson has it all, great food, wonderful shows, fun filled attractions great shopping and the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas.”

“What’s Thanksgiving Day without a wonderful meal,” Johnson adds. “When it comes to food Branson has something for every taste and Thanksgiving Day is no exception.” Among many, Andy Williams Moon River Grill, Buckingham’s Prime Rib & Steakhouse, Chateau on the Lake, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill, Dobyn’s Dining Room at College of the Ozarks, Fall Creek Steakhouse and the Paradise Grill & Steakhouse will be offering special Thanksgiving meals and buffets as well as the Branson Landing Cruises’ Landing Princess Yacht. (Click here for specific information and menus.) In addition, the dinner show attractions the Showboat Branson Belle and Dixie Stampede will also be serving and entertaining on Thanksgiving Day.

“And food’s not the only thing on the menu for Branson’s Thanksgiving either,” Johnson said. “From the wonders of Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas to an exciting voyage aboard the Titanic, a time of Thanksgiving and history at the Veterans Memorial Museum or a visit to one of Branson’s other attractions there is a broad choice of exciting attractions. An article appearing in the Branson Courier entitled ” Most Branson attractions will be open on Thanksgiving Day” contains a complete list of the Branson attractions that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and over the weekend along with links to other information, pictures, schedules and pricing. Johnson also points out that Branson has two major drive through Christmas Lighting displays The Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights.

“What else would one expect from the city that is called, ‘The live music show capital of the world,’ but an exciting selection of live shows? Even on Thanksgiving Day there are show choices from morning to night,” Johnson said. The following list of Branson shows open on Thanksgiving Day is sorted by time. Click here for complete information on any of the shows listed, pictures, schedules or tickets.

10:00 am

A Tribute to John Denver
Barbara Fairchild
Down Home Country
Hughes Brothers

1:00 pm

A Neil Diamond Tribute

2:00 pm

Bill Chrastil, The Many Performances of
Comedy Jamboree
Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi
The Cat’s Pajamas

3:00 pm

Acrobats of China
Legends in Concert
Shake Rattle & Roll

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle
5:00 pm
Circle B Supper Show
Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show

5:30 pm

Christmas on the Trail

7:00 pm

50’s at the Hop
Andy Williams
Motown Downtown
Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

7:30 pm

Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi Pierce Arrow
Shoji Tabuchi

8:00 pm

Clay Cooper’s Country Music ExpressDixie Stampede
Duttons
Grand Jubilee
Hamner Barber Variety Show
Haygoods
Jim Stafford
Kirby VanBurch
Legends in Concert
Magnificent Variety
Rankin Brothers
Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley
Smoke on the Mountain
Spirit of Christmas
Tony Orlando & The Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration

Branson is always a great place to shop, but during Ozark Mountain Christmas and Thanksgiving Branson’s shopping is special. From handmade gifts by the craftsmen at Silver Dollar City to the amazing assortment of unique and specialty stores in historic downtown Branson at places like Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10, Branson Bill’s Emporium, Rosa’s Lost treasure Chest, the art work of outdoor artist Tom Crain and literally hundreds of other shops and three major shopping malls, Branson provides a shopping experience that is not only fun, but will enable you to find something for everyone on your Christmas gift list.

Branson’s three major shopping malls, Factory Merchants, Tanger Outlets and Branson Landing will have special schedules for Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving. It should be noted that although Tanger Mall will be closed Thanksgiving Day it will open at Midnight, 12:00 a.m. on Friday Nov. 26. Their schedules are as follows:

Factory Merchants , 1000 Pat Nash Drive

Regular Hours , Monday-Saturday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm,
Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday: Nov 24, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday: Nov 25, Noon – 6:00 pm
After-Thanksgiving Day Sale, Friday: Nov 26, 7:00am – 10:00 pm
Saturday: Nov 27, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday: Nov 28, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Tanger Outlets, 300 Tanger Blvd.

Regular Hours, Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday: Nov 24, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday: Nov 25, Closed
Day After Thanksgiving, Friday: Nov 26, Midnight – 9:00 pm
Thanksgiving Weekend, Saturday: Nov 27, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thanksgiving Weekend, Sunday: Nov 28, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Branson Landing, 100 Branson Landing Blvd.

Regular Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday: Nov 26, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Select Stores Open
Day After Thanksgiving, Friday: Nov 27, 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson reminds those planning on staying in Branson or seeing a show on Thanksgiving or over the weekend to make advance reservations as it is one of the busiest weekends of the year in Branson. For additional information on any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A little help in planning a great Ozark Mountain Christmas experience

Silver Dollar City's “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade” winds its way toward the City Square and the five story Special Effects Christmas Tree.

“Branson’s 2010 Ozark Mountain Christmas is a wonderful thing to experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. In an article entitled “Plan for a Branson Christmas in the heat of summer,” published during the 100 degree heat of last summer, she said that it was the busiest season of the year in Branson and recommended that advanced reservations be made for lodging and shows.

She also said, “During Branson’s regular season there are periods when shows and lodging fill up. However, during Ozark Mountain Christmas, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments, that situation increases greatly.” The article points out that not only do the chances of non availability increase, but the chances of getting the best show seats, choice of accommodations and the best prices decrease the longer one waits.

Now, actually into the second week of Ozark Mountain Christmas, with some of the busiest times of the year coming up in the next few weeks, Johnson again encourages those coming to Branson for Ozark Mountain Christmas to make show and lodging reservations ahead of time to ensure availability and avoid frustration. She says that many of Branson’s more popular shows are booked for many performances and lodging is tight, but emphasizes that need not detour anyone from coming to Branson.

She points out that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and well on its way to selling its three millionth Branson show and attraction ticket. BTC enjoys an excellent reputation with Branson’s shows, attractions and lodging establishments which enables them, even at a busy time of the year like Ozark Mountain Christmas, to help their customers obtain not only the best seats and accommodations for shows, attractions and lodging but, in most cases, to save money when they are purchased together.

“There is much to consider when planning a trip to Branson and it’s not just shows and rooms,” she advises. For example, Silver Dollar City’s Ole Time Christmas is an outstanding event with so much to do, including great shows, such as “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” rides, craft demonstrations etc. that one day might not be enough time to experience all that Silver Dollar City and an Old Time Christmas have to offer. However, with a little advance planning one could purchase a two day ticket from BTC for the price of a one day ticket and have plenty of time to comfortably see and enjoy all that Old Time Christmas has to offer.

“The good news,” Johnson said, “Is that Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has a trained staff of Branson Vacation Planners who will answer any questions about Ozark Mountain Christmas or any other Branson show, attraction, or lodging. Their advice is free and there is never a service fee of any kind when purchasing tickets or lodging through the Branson Tourism Center.” BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.