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.

The City Square with its five story Christmas Tree and the "Holiday of Lights Parade" passing through.

“How exceptional is Silver Dollar City’s ‘An Old Time Christmas?’ In 2009 it won second place in the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards in the “Christmas Event” category, placing higher than either Disney’s ‘Magic Kingdom’ or ‘Disney World,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She points out that it has also been recognized as one of the nation’s top Christmas celebrations and is one of the major center pieces of Branson’s celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas. Running from November 6 through December 30, An Old Time Christmas will conclude Silver Dollar City’s season long celebration of its 50th anniversary in spectacular fashion sharing the spirit of the old time traditional Christmas with its guests.

“What a year!” said Peter Herschend, co-founder of Silver Dollar City. “We’ve laughed and cried and shared memories with thousands of people whose families have been coming to see us for 50 years. Now, with one last hurrah of the celebration, we present the brightest festival of all – and the one most steeped in family traditions,” Herschend continued.

Johnson says that An Old Time Christmas transforms the 1880s-style theme park into a glowing Christmas extravaganza with over four million sparkling lights throughout the park. The focal point of the celebration is in Silver Dollar City’s square, which is the setting for “Christmas on Main Street,” Silver Dollar City’s biggest light show ever!”

The park’s Christmas centerpiece, a 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree is located in the City’s Square. It comes to life each day at dusk playing Christmas music such as “Carol of the Bells, “Joy to the World,” “Suite from Polar Express” and more as its many colored Christmas lights twinkle and dance in unison with the one million plus lights of the surrounding City square area.

The “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade,” with over 100,000 lights, passes through the park twice each evening if the weather permits. Although it is a spectacular sight anywhere in the park as it passes by the Christmas Tree and its lights are combined with the lights of the tree and surrounding square it is truly a breathtaking sight.

The Christmas lights and Light Parade are just part of the joy and fun that is An Old Time Christmas. There is a variety of shows including, the Broadway style production of an original musical adaptation of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” produced by Silver Dollar City; “The Living Nativity” and” Frosty.” Weather permitting and in temperatures down to 42 degrees F there are rides where you can “soar into the night” for a unique and inspiring view of the lights far below.

In addition there’s Santa Claus at Kringles Krossing, the creation of one-of-a-kind handmade gifts showcased by Silver Dollar City‘s 100 demonstrating craftsmen, and festive holiday foods offering the tastes of the season “throughout the park, including a prime rib buffet and traditional favorites such as turkey with all the fixings.” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “Factor all that in with the award winning friendliness of Silver Dollar City’s staff and spirit of the traditional Christmas that seems to permeate throughout Silver Dollar City during the event and the result is the type of inspirational special Christmas memory that could last a lifetime.”

She points out that An Old Time Christmas runs Thursdays through Sundays through December 19, plus Wednesday, November 24 and December 22-23. It is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day and open daily December 26-30. Hours are 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. most days. For additional information or tickets for An Old time Christmas 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.