Did you know this about the 2016 version of Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show?

Dave and Denise Hamner with some of their winged friends during their astonishing bird illusion.

Branson has a number of fabulous magic shows, but only one offers a variety of high quality entertainment along with world class illusions, sleight-of-hand, and a Veterans salute that is truly as monumental as it is magical, Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Dave Hamner who, along with his lovely wife Denise, not only produces the show, but stars in it, said, “The show is magically reminiscent of the format of the current NBC prime time hit show, America’s Got Talent, and also of one of the greatest variety shows to ever appear on TV, The Ed Sullivan Show. From magic to great vocals, to comedy, and more, the constantly changing mixture of different types of entertainment, color, and action provides a magical and exciting experience that will have our audience sitting on the edge of their seats anticipating what’s coming next.”

Hamner is really excited about the changes in the show this year, saying that both the award-winning vocalist, Tamera Tinoco, and impressionist Jeff Brandt, are working on some great new material for the show. “We might even see a little Journey,” he chuckled.

Everyone’s favorite, the loveable Gakita the gorilla, will be returning, as will dancers AJ Heard, Ken Brown, and Mariya Serykh. The father-daughter team of Vadim & Mariya will again amaze audiences with their strength, balancing adagio, and high-flying silk act. New this year will be the comedy of Ken Brown, featured in various ways throughout the show.

The magic and illusions of Dave and Denise Hamner will be the focal point of the show. Their signature, one-of-a-kind bird act, with flaming swords, coins, and beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos appearing and flying out over the audience; seeing the transformation of a beautiful woman into “Gakita” the gorilla, and their award-winning Veterans Finale, are just a part of the “magic” that these two masters of illusion perform throughout the show.

Although he wouldn’t reveal what it was, Hamner said that he can’t wait to perform the new comedic illusion they are preparing for this season in cooperation with Don Wayne, a brilliant designer of magic illusions, who has worked with David Copperfield. And that’s just one of the new illusions being added to the show including the resurrection of a favorite from the past, Stargate.

Hamner said that from little kids, to grandma and grandpa, this is a show that the whole family will enjoy, one where they’ll have a great time together. Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show premiers its 2016 Branson season on March 8. For more information, or tickets please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Wouldn’t your sweetheart absolutely love an awesome Valentine’s Day in Branson?

The full scale replica of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase has been the site of many romantic moments.

Thomas Hood said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine?” What better place than Branson to show that precious someone that they “Art every day my Valentine!”

With Valentine’s Day, February 14, falling on Sunday this year, it affords a special opportunity to share a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Weekend in Branson with your Valentine. Branson, with its shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping, wide choice of lodging, and other activities provides the perfect canvas upon which to create the perfect Valentine for your sweetheart.

For many, the celebration of Valentine’s Day involves a special meal. Whether it’s the romance and elegance of dinner at a table for two, overlooking Table Rock Lake in the Chateau Grille at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, an evening of fine dining and dancing with live music amid a rose petal and candlelight setting at the College of the Ozarks’ Keeter Center, the simple Ozark’s fare of McFarlain’s Family Restaurant, or any of the many other fine Branson restaurants, Branson is sure to have the perfect Valentine’s meal for you to share with your sweetheart.

Many of Branson’s Most Popular Shows will be open providing a wide variety of live entertainment to share with your special Valentine, including:

And that’s just a partial list of the shows that will be open Valentine’s Weekend. For a full list of open shows, please go to Branson Shows and select the date(s) that interest you.

Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction and the romance of Valentine’s Day are a perfect fit as the museum celebrates Sweetheart Month. The Titanic’s elegant, full-sized replica of the “Titanic’s Grand Staircase” is a unique and beautiful spot for a wedding or to renew Wedding Vows on Valentine’s Day or any other special day.

If shopping is in your Valentine’s plans, Branson is the perfect place to do it. With more than 250 different boutiques, national chain stores, flea markets, craft malls, famous-name outlet stores, and specialty shops all over Branson, the historic downtown Branson shopping district, the entertainment-style shopping at Branson Landing, and much more, Branson offers a unique world-class shopping experience for your Valentine.

“In addition to everything else Branson offers to make Valentine’s Day special, you can save money by combining your lodging, shows, and other activities together in one a package,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). She points out that for Valentine’s Weekend, BTC is offering a number of packages, such as the Titanic Valentine’s Special and Cupid’s Romantic Getaway Package, that include lodging, show tickets, and more at considerable savings over purchasing them separately.

Why not give the gift of Branson to your special Valentine? Branson Tourism Center’s Wood suggests that for additional information on Branson, or help with planning the perfect Branson Valentine for your sweetheart, please contact BTC and talk with one of their Branson-based Travel Planners who will be delighted to assist you. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Bigfoot reaches iconic heights with its gigantic 200-foot adventure attraction

Artist's conception of Bigfoot, its iconic 200 foot tower, and its rides.

Artist’s conception of Bigfoot’s 200 foot tower.

The skyline of the famed Branson Strip will soon include “Bigfoot,” featuring what’s sure to become an iconic sight…a 200-foot high tower containing three electrifying high-flying rides, as part of the new Bigfoot Attraction. The attraction, approved by the Branson Board of Alderman at its January 12 meeting, will be located about .8 miles west of the Titanic Museum Attraction on Highway 76 on the site currently occupied by the $1 Shop, and diagonally across Highway 76 from Track Family Fun Parks #5 and its exciting, three-story LumberJack high-rise go-kart track.

Bigfoot’s centerpiece will be a multi-ride adventure tower, approximately 25 feet by 25 feet and rising about 200 feet above the Branson Strip. It will have three different action rides – two thrill rides, and a more sedate scenic ride – with all three having one thing in common; riders will have an exciting experience high above the Branson Strip! They’ll see the Strip and the beauty of the surrounding Ozark Mountains from a unique and constantly changing perspective.

Bigfoot’s three rides are:

Drop Ride: Passengers are strapped into seats outside the tower and travel up its side to the top; there they’ll have a breathtaking view of the Branson Strip and the surrounding scenic wonder of the Ozarks before being released for a thrilling “free fall” back down the side of the tower.

Saddle Sling Ride: Passengers are launched from the ground into the air, accelerating upward until they reach a max vertical height of about 150 feet; where they begin an exciting descent back to earth.

Aerial View Ride: Riders are seated in an enclosed gondola that gently rotates and rises to the top of the tower. At the top, it slowly rotates giving passengers that amazing view mentioned above, one that’s both unique and constantly changing, before being slowly lowered back to its starting point.

For the first time ever, outside of certain special-permitted events, Branson is permitting the operation of food trucks as part of Bigfoot’s Food Court which will have a variety of high quality food trucks near a covered patio area with tables. Diners can sit in comfort and enjoy their food while watching the Branson Strip and people enjoying the various rides of Bigfoot.

The building housing the $1 Shop will be remodeled and contain shops, a public restroom, and other facilities. A spokesperson for the project said that they are shooting for an opening in June, but that is dependent on weather and the manufacturing of the tower and its rides.

“Bigfoot is yet another thrilling and unique adventure that Branson visitors are able to choose from and, pun intended, it certainly is taking the attractions on the Branson Strip to ‘new heights,’” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center.

A Baker’s Dozen list of the top reasons people chose Branson for their vacations

The three top reasons people gave for visiting Branson.

“Branson, Missouri, nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, has become a premier vacation destination because of its unique combination of live entertainment, attractions, pristine lakes, world class shopping, natural beauty, and other activities,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “The2014 Branson Visitor Profile, compiled by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB, based on a survey of 2014 Branson visitors, provides an interesting insight into which of those activities were the primary reasons they chose to visit Branson,” she added.

Here is a Baker’s Dozen list of the top activities sorted in the order of the highest percentages for each:

Live Shows (Branson shows) 59.70%
Silver Dollar City 20.60%
Shopping 18.00%
Excursions (Ride the Ducks, Branson Railways, Down Town Trolley, etc.)18.00%
Go to Branson Landing 13.10%
Downtown Branson/Main Street 11.90%
Unique Local Restaurants 6.60%
Museum attractions 6.50%
Rural Sightseeing 4.30%
Wine Tasting/Winery Tours 3.00%
Outdoor activities 2.60%
Fishing 2.60%
Special Events/Festivals 2.30%

Let’s explore the top three in a little more detail. With the reputation for the number, breadth, and quality of Branson’s shows, it’s no surprise that it would be Number 1 on the list. When Branson’s lineup of its resident shows, that includes a variety such as Presleys’ Country Jubilee, SIX, The Million Dollar Quartet, Grand Jubilee, Shoji Tabuchi, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, The Haygoods, Legends in Concert, Dixie Stampede, Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett, and dozens more, is combined with an outstanding lineup of national touring artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys, The Texas Tenors, The Osmond Brothers, LeAnn Rimes, Ray Stevens, Daniel O’Donnell, Jennifer Nettles, and dozens more, it’s hard to imagine a travel destination offering a more amazing array of live entertainment options.

Number 2 on the list is Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction, the international award-winning, Silver Dollar City. This 1880’s style theme park is Branson’s oldest continually operated attraction, and easily its most popular. It features dozens of rides, including the record setting wood coaster, Outlaw Run, and the Wildfire coaster; practicing craftsmen; live shows; six world-class festivals that include An Old Time Christmas; and everything else one would expect from a popular, high quality theme park. And it’s just one from a long list of exciting and fun-filled Branson attractions that includes the Titanic Museum Attraction, celebrating its tenth anniversary in Branson during 2016, and many other exciting activities like go karts, ziplines, indoor and outdoor water parks, zoos, and so much more.

Shopping was the Number 3 reason on the list of why people chose to come to Branson, and for good reason. You’ll find more than 250 different boutiques, national chain stores, flea markets, craft malls, famous-name outlet stores, and specialty shops all over Branson, making it easy to find that long sought after item, unique gift, or big bargain! Whether you stroll along the streets of historic downtown Branson, cruise along the Strip, hop around to the craft malls, or seek entertainment-style shopping at Branson Landing; Branson offers a thrilling shopping experience unrivaled by any national travel destination anywhere near its size.

That’s just the first three items on the list! There are pristine lakes, the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, and so much more that makes Branson the ideal place for a short getaway, a great family vacation, or a reunion of any kind. For additional information on all that Branson has to offer, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, and talk with one of their Branson-based Travel Planners who will be delighted to assist you. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Three fascinating ways you’ll conquer the winter blues in Branson!

Branson’s Hilton Convention Center Hotel is just one of the many ways you can pamper yourself and escape the Winter Blues in Branson.

“Call it what you will, post-Christmas blues, holiday blues, or one of the many other names for feeling melancholy this time of year, but many suffer a bout with the blues soon after the Christmas holiday season,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “An article entitled Got The Post-Holiday Blues? Here’s How To Beat ‘Em by Catherine Pearson, published in the Huffington Post on January 3, 2016, suggests that one thing people can do to help beat the blues is to ‘Get their pamper on’ by giving themselves a break,” she added. What better way to pamper yourself and take a break than an enjoyable getaway to Branson, Missouri? Let’s take a look at three ways Branson can help you relax, have fun, and ease those winter blues:

1. Relaxing Accommodations: From the quiet and soothing comfort of the Welk Resort, with its award-winning landscaped grounds, and its separate 10,000-square-foot Splash-A-Torium, to the luxury of the Branson’s Hilton Convention Center Hotel overlooking Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo, to the dozens of other hotels, motels, cabins, and condos, Branson offers a wide choice and variety of accommodations in which to relax and pamper yourself to your heart’s delight.

2.Shopping: How about easing those winter blues with a little shopping therapy? With hundreds of places to shop, Branson is a shopper’s paradise just about any time of year, but even more so during the slower-paced winter season. It’s hard to beat the reduced prices on clothing, housewares, designer shoes, gifts, luggage, and other unique merchandise at Tanger Outlets or The Shoppes at Branson Meadows. Add a unique assortment of flea markets, craft shops, boutiques, art galleries, local eateries, and other specialty shops, including the famous Dick’s 5 & 10, and Branson Landing’s department stores, galleries, and shops, along with lakefront dining establishments, and it’s hard to imagine a better shopping experience than that available in Branson!

3. Fun, Adventure, and Entertainment: Whether in the chill of winter or the heat of summer, Branson offers an unrivaled choice of activities and entertainment, like shows, attractions, museums, scenic walking trails, and so much more. An evening at Grand Jubilee, with the vocals of Jackie Brown, the harmonies of the New South Quartet, the sound of the Grand Band, and comedy courtesy of the multi-talented Jamie Haage, aka Jim Dandy, or an exciting “voyage” aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction as it celebrates its tenth year in Branson, are just a couple of the many fun, adventurous, and entertaining ways to escape the winter blues in Branson.

All it takes to plan your Branson escape is one toll-free phone call to the Branson Tourism Center, and talking with one of their Branson-based Travel Planners who will be delighted to assist you in planning the perfect Branson getaway. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

It’s an awesome amazing tourism truth, Branson is not and was not flooded!

Even with a record 73,000 plus cfs of water going through Table Rock Dam into Lake Taneycomo, there was no impact on the shopping along the Branson Landing Promenade.

Current media reports about flooding throughout Missouri and in Branson has caused some concern about traveling to Branson for fear that it might be flooded. The media did the same thing in 2008 and 2011. The simple truth is this; the Branson that millions of tourists enjoy year round was not flooded in 2008 or 2011, and is not flooded this week!

What happens is that a relatively small number of homes and businesses, located in low-lying areas along Lake Taneycomo and its tributaries, are susceptible to flooding and can become flooded following periods of high rain. This risk becomes a virtual certainty when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water through the spillways of Table Rock Dam into Lake Taneycomo as part of its White River flood control plan. As regrettable and unfortunate as the damage to those relatively few structures is, one assumes a certain amount of risk when living in the shadow of a flood control dam or near creeks and other water sources. The good news for about 99% of Branson visitors is that the high water in these areas doesn’t impact one iota on the experience they will have in Branson.

“Even during this week, where there were record releases of 72,000 plus cubic feet of water per second (cfs) through Table Rock Dam, with the exception of the White River Fish House, the Branson Landing boardwalk, and the Branson Landing Fountain, all of which are located right on the Lake Taneycomo shoreline at Branson Landing, Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping, restaurants, and other activities were not impacted at all by the water in Lake Taneycomo,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “The vast majority of Branson’s visitors continued enjoying the fun, adventure, and excitement that makes Branson such a wonderful place, not only to visit, but to live,” she added.

Some will say, “But we saw pictures and videos of Branson Landing and Branson flooding.” If you look at the pictures and videos of Branson Landing, they will invariably show the docks, boats, fountains, and low-lying parking spots, as well as the White River Fish House along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline. These images ignore the fact that there are plenty of parking spaces not covered with water, and that all the stores and restaurants along the famed Branson Landing Promenade had not been impacted at all by the high water.

As heart wrenching as it is to see the damage caused to the homes and businesses impacted by the water, they are located in areas not visited by 99% of Branson tourists when the weather is sunny, dry, and perfect. From Branson Landing to Silver Dollar City, and from Dick’s 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson, to Clay Cooper’s Country Express, The Haygoods, The Million Dollar Quartet, Grand Jubilee and the rest of Branson’s shows and attractions, the high water in Lake Taneycomo has no impact on the experience enjoyed by the typical Branson visitor!

If you have any questions about the current conditions in Branson, or questions about Branson’s incredible shows, attractions, or lodging, please don’t hesitate to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Amazing moments hidden in plain sight in Silver Dollar City’s authentic Harvey Water Clock

Silver Dollar City’s unique Harvey Water Clock

Sometimes amazing things are “hidden” in plain sight. Each day that Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s styled theme park, is open, literally thousands of people entering the park walk within 50 feet of one of its most unique items without even noticing that it’s there.

At first glance it appears to be a large water wheel, but upon closer examination it becomes apparent that it’s much more. According to the sign near the wheel, it’s a unique “Harvey Water Clock,” patented in 1798.The clock requires no winding, batteries, or solar power. It operates as water flows down a trough through its unique “Fly Ball Governor,” which controls the movement of the hands on its display as the water passes through and goes on to the water wheel.

In addition, the water clock displays the Year, Month, Day, and Hour. The picture of the clock displayed was taken at 9:53 AM on May 30, 2012. At first glance, it appears that the year is wrong because the Year is displayed as 1882, when it’s actually 2012. The clock only displays the last digit of the current year, which is the last digit of the year the hand is on; in this case the hand is on 2, the last digit in the year displayed 1882, and the current year, 2012.

The Harvey Water Clock is located in front of Guest Services, located on your right as you walk through the main entrance into the park and approach the turnstiles. Not only is it unique to see, it’s also a wonderful spot to take a one-of-a-kind photo as a remembrance of a special day at Silver Dollar City.

“It’s just one of many things to experience and share as part of a wonderful day of fun, exploration, adventure, and excitement at Silver Dollar City,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Wood reminds potential Branson visitors that, although the last day of its 2015 season is December 30, it reopens for its 2016 season on March 12.

For more information about Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions, or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550, or through its web site www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Some fascinating Branson Landing stores your kids will absolutely love

RidemakerZ is one of Branson Landing’s stores that has a special appeal to kids.

Branson Landing, anchored by Bass Pro Shops and Belk, features dozens upon dozens of local and national retailers and specialty shops; is well known as one of Branson’s most popular shopping destinations, and it’s visited by millions every year. What is not as well-known and publicized is some of the shops in Branson Landing that your kids will absolutely love.

In many cases, shops that have a specific interest to children can be used to help hold their attention and create anticipation, especially when mixed in with a shopping itinerary involving other things that may not interest them at all. Here are four Branson Landing stores that have a special appeal to most children:

RidemakerZ: Kids of all ages can create their own custom vehicle or, as RidemakerZ calls it, “Ridez,” in an atmosphere specifically designed to “provide choice, unleash creativity, foster confidence, encourage collaboration, and instill a sense of community.” Each Ridez is about 12-inches in length, roughly the size of a football, and is customized just the way its “builder” wants it to be. Although they may be purchased as a kit and assembled at home, the full RidemakerZ experience is most enjoyed when the Ridez is assembled in the store as a cooperative effort with the store’s team members.

Kilwins: Their slogan, “Sweet in every Sense since 1947,” conveys what to expect from this store, and will definitely appeal to the taste buds of most kids. From the time they enter the door, they will be surrounded by a unique sensory experience…sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste…it’s like nothing most kids have ever experienced. They’ll actually be able to see the in-store craftsmanship of Kilwins friendly staff demonstrated as they make fudge, chocolate, toffee, caramel, and other candies that they sell. Oh, and did we mention that they also have Kilwins Ice cream? Although it’s not made in the store, it is made by the Kilwins company and shipped to the store.

Build-A-Bear Workshop: It’s a great place for families with kids to spend quality time together making the perfect “bear” or one of the many other cuddly furry characters. There’s a “basic bear,” and the opportunity to make it into whatever your child is inspired to create, from a fancy teddy bear to “Star Wars” characters,” “Sponge Bob,” and many more. You will not only build-a-bear, but possibly create a keepsake and memory that will last for a lifetime.

Bass Pro Shops: Known primarily as a fishing, hunting and outdoor store, the Bass Pro Shops store in Branson Landing appeals to children because of its aquarium and the wildlife exhibits throughout the store. The 20,000-gallon aquarium, with its own waterfall, mill, and waterwheel, is stocked with fish native to the Ozarks, such as large and smallmouth bass, blue gill, crappie, and catfish, as well as rainbow and brown trout. Throughout the store, children will be excited to see museum quality wildlife exhibits like turkeys, native waterfowl, quail, and full body whitetail mounts, including a large diorama by the aquarium that features deer running down a hillside.

That’s just some of the stores available, without considering the other activities that Branson Landing has that kids, as well as everyone else, will enjoy. Imagine floating 188 feet above Branson Landing in a balloon; seeing the $7.5 million water fountain attraction, with water shooting 120-foot geysers, and fire cannons blasting fireballs into the air, a zipline ride across Lake Taneycomo, or a leisurely walk along the 1.5 mile Branson Landing Boardwalk along the Lake Taneycomo lakefront.

For more information about what Branson Landing has to offer, lodging convenient to Branson Landing, or information on other Branson shows, attractions, and lodging, please call the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, at 1-800-785-1550.

Shouldn’t your family be celebrating an absolutely wonderful New Year’s in Branson?

Just a sample of the Branson’s New Year’s fun and excitement.

“Branson is a perfect place for families to celebrate New Year’s,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center.” With all that Branson has to offer, there is a bewildering choice of entertaining and exciting ways to have fun and build memories as 2015 comes to a close, and makes way for 2016,” she added.

Branson’s New Year’s celebration, from the morning of December 31 through the weekend, is more than just a New Year’s Eve party. Oh it’s certainly a party, but it’s so much more! From zip lines, butterflies, and tigers, to museums, shopping, and an amazing choice of live shows and New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s no town anywhere near its size that offers more entertaining and fun ways to bring in the New Year than Branson.

Here’s some information about the Branson shows, attractions, and New Year’s Eve celebrations that will help you, and those you love, have a safe, fun-filled, and exciting New Year’s in Branson:

1. Branson Attractions: From golf, beautiful butterflies and exotic lions, to the excitement of riding a zip line or a go-kart, or taking a “voyage” aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction, and many more, Branson’s attractions will be open New Year’s Eve day and throughout the weekend, offering Branson visitors a full range of fun and exciting things to do. The following list, sorted alphabetically, includes some of Branson’s most popular attractions, and a link to more information on each, including pictures, videos, schedules, and pricing:

Branson Dinosaur Museum
Branson Limousine Wine and Shine Tour
Branson’s Promised Land Zoo
Branson Hills Golf Club
Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
Harold Bell Wright Museum
National Tiger Sanctuary
Shepherd Inspiration Tower
Thousand Hills Golf
Titanic Museum Attraction
The Track Family Fun Parks
Trail of Lights
Veterans Memorial Museum
Vigilante Extreme ZipRider
World’s Largest Toy Museum

2. Branson Shows: Branson’s famed live shows provide a breadth and quality of entertainment that is as surprising as it is spectacular. From a 10 AM show, like Amazing Pets, until the curtain falls on the last performance of 2015, Branson’s most popular shows offer a variety of exciting acts; it’s entertainment with something for everyone! The following is a list of shows, sorted alphabetically and by time, that will be open on December 31, with a link to more information on each, including pictures, videos, schedules, and pricing:

9:00 AM

IMAX Adventure Films

10:00 AM

Amazing Pets
The BIG Show
The Twice Adopted Gospel Show

3:00 PM

Acrobats of China
Comedy Jamboree
Dixie Stampede
Legends in Concert

4:00 PM

Showboat Branson Belle

4:15 PM

Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show

5:30 PM

Dixie Stampede

7:00 PM

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show
Motown Downtown

8:00 PM

Acrobats of China

8:30 PM

Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve
Million Dollar Quartet

9:00 PM

Doug Gabriel #1 Hits Tribute
Grand Jubilee
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety
Hughes Brothers Christmas Show
Pierce Arrow

9:30 PM

Legends in Concert

3. New Year’s Eve Celebrations: In addition to New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dancing – Keeter Center, and other area celebrations welcoming in the New Year, the following shows will have special New Year’s Eve celebrations:

Big Cedar Resort’s New Years Eve Celebrations
Chateau on the Lake New Years Eve Celebration
Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve
Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute Show
Grand Jubilee
Hughes Brothers
Legends in Concert
Million Dollar Quartet
Pierce Arrow
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety

From great shopping, golf, and fishing, to wonderful attractions, shows, and so much more, it’s hard to imagine a better place than Branson for families to celebrate New Year’s together,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Wood. She also points out that, particularly at this time of the year, schedules and activities could be impacted by weather. She offers the assistance of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service, the Branson Tourism Center in answering any questions or assisting with tickets or lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550, or through its web site www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Epic fun is never “seasonal” in Branson

The Titanic Museum Attraction boards passengers for a unique "voyage" regardless of the weather.

The Titanic Museum Attraction, celebrating its 10th season in Branson during 2016, boards passengers for a unique “voyage” regardless of the season.

The word ‘seasonal’ is commonly used as a term of limitation. Based on 29 years of living here, I would suggest that when used in connection with Branson, it might relate to locally produced fruits and vegetables, certain outdoor aquatic activities or attractions, weather, shows, or any one of a myriad of other things; but one thing that is never “seasonal” in Branson is epic fun!

Sure, by the end of Christmas Week, all of Branson’s great live shows will have held their last 2015 performance, and there will be a lull as they prepare for 2016. Most Branson visitors will not be swimming or boating on one of Branson’s pristine lakes – Table Rock, Taneycomo, or Bull Shoals – or enjoying weather-dependent attractions, such as Silver Dollar City, until they reopen in the spring. Does that mean the end of fun in Branson until the spring? Absolutely not!

The vast majority of Branson’s attractions, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, The Track Family Fun Parks, and many others, remain open for the fun, excitement, and enjoyment of Branson visitors year round. Great Branson shows like Grand Jubilee, Amazing Pets, Comedy Jamboree, and others, start their 2016 performances as early as January 1, with other shows opening gradually throughout the spring season. Branson Tourism Center maintains two of the most up-to-date lists of Branson shows and attractions available anywhere. These lists are updated on a daily basis as more information becomes available.

Love the fun and adventure of outdoor activities? Branson’s relatively mild and fluctuating winter weather permits a variety of year round outdoor activities, like golf, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and more. Weather permitting, the majority of Branson’s golf courses, such as Branson Hills, Pointe Royale, and Thousand Hills, are open year round. World-class fishing for bass and trout continues throughout the year, and hiking and biking on Branson’s trails during the late fall and winter months is less crowded, permitting more accessible views of wildlife, birds, lakes, and other things not normally visible at other times of the year.

The world-class fun and excitement of the Branson shopping experience knows no season; it never stops! Branson Landing, anchored by Bass Pro Shops and Belk, features dozens upon dozens of local and national retailers and specialty shops; its selection of fine dining, casual eateries, intimate cafes, and its lake shore setting provides an unequaled shopping experience. Its spectacular $7.5 million water fountain attraction, featuring the first-ever merging of water, fire, light, and music, depending on the daily weather conditions, operates year round. Where else, regardless of the season, can you shop, dine, and experience a free choreographed show with water shooting 120-foot geysers, and fire cannons blasting fireballs into the air? Only at Branson Landing!

And that’s just one of many shopping districts in the area. The unique shops and galleries of historic downtown Branson, including “Dick’s 5 & 10;” the dozens of specialty shops offering arts and crafts and one-of-a-kind items; and the outlet centers such as Tanger Outlets and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, which are open year round, are just a sampling of the shopping available in Branson.

Sure, it’s a different Branson during the winter months, but it’s a Branson that’s full of fun and exciting things to do, while offering it in a more relaxed atmosphere. Please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, at 1-800-785-1550, for additional information, show and attraction tickets, or for lodging arrangements.