Partygoers will have to choose whether to sail or rock in the new year on Wednesday, December 31st.

Chateau on the Lake will give partygoers a chance to welcome in the new year with a trip back in time when the resort hosts “Titanic Revisited.” For weeks, Ed Agers and his crew have been constructing a 1/15th scale replica of the Titanic inside the Chateau. The ship, at the top of its smokestack, measures 26 feet tall.

Agers said he originally designed and built the cardboard replica 10 years ago for one of Chateau’s first New Year’s celebrations. This year, Chateau decided to revisit the Titanic theme.

“You just felt like you were there,” said Agers’ wife, Darlene. “You have to see it to know it.”

She said when the Chateau hosted its first Titanic celebration, the resort attracted national attention and was featured as one of the top places to spend New Year’s by CNN.

“It was just beautiful,” Darlene Agers said.

Chateau officials hope to revive that magical feeling this week. “We’ve selected a menu that was served on the Titanic,” said Chateau General Manager and Vice President Stephen Marshall.

The grand staircase and a massive iceberg will be among other touches in store to take its guests back in time.

“It will be a nice feel,” Marshall said.

At midnight, fireworks will light up the sky, but inside, about a 1,000 balloons will drop from the ceiling. Reservations are required and festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

For those looking to literally sail into the new year, Branson Landing Cruises is offering a late-night cruise along Lake Taneycomo aboard the Landing Princess, a $2.5 million yacht. Festivities begin at 8 p.m. and include a buffet dinner, dancing, party favors and midnight champagne toast.
Tom Paden, Branson Landing Cruises director of sales, said this will be the second time for the New Year’s cruise and said he had a blast last year.

“It is so much fun,” Paden said. “There is something about being on the boat. It is not a gigantic ballroom, so people befriend each other. It is a great opportunity to make friends and have fun.”

For those who would prefer to rock in the new year, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater will be hosting Rockin’ New Year’s Eve 2009. The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley and Paul Revere and The Raiders will help welcome in 2009. The festivities include entertainment, a buffet dinner and a champagne toast.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

As 2009 draws closer, Branson's Titanic Museum Attraction is set to launch the New Year with a series of unique special attractions that creatively link
present-day events with the glories of Titanic 's past, announces John Joslyn, Titanic owner.

"Our 2009 winter/spring events promise to be the most exciting yet," notes Joslyn. "We're bringing back favorites, extending engagements and adding surprises," he says. To date, scheduled events include:

January - Titanic's 3rd Annual Ice Carving Competition

Come watch the world's most celebrated ice sculptors chisel 250-pound blocks of ice into fantastic designs. This free one-day event is held in Titanic's outdoor entertainment center (at the ship's bow) Saturday, January 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As part of the Titanic Museum Attraction's ongoing series of annual family events, last year's competition drew more than 4,500 visitors. Arrive early for the best views to all the action.

February - Sweetheart Month and Wedding Vow Renewals

Experience the power of love during "Sweetheart Month." The entire month of February is Titanic's Valentine tribute to romance and the lasting love of devoted couples everywhere.

Last year, 1,948 couples renewed their wedding vows during Sweetheart Month, and new bookings already indicate 2009 will surpass that impressive number. Held in elegant style on Titanic's Grand Staircase, every ceremony is presided over by the ship's captain.

Reservations are required. Our appointment book fills rapidly for this extremely popular event. To keep the romance alive and steer clear of icebergs, we recommend immediate reservations!

March - Titanic Irish Festival

Celebrate the Irish and their Titanic legacy throughout the month of March. 2009 marks the third year the Titanic Museum Attraction has used music and song to honor the memory of the Irish men and women who built and sailed the ship.

What began as a spirited three-day celebration in 2007 became a hugely successful two-week family affair last year and returns in 2009 to cheer visitors for an entire month!

April - Titanic Princess Tea Party

Much to the delight of mothers and daughters throughout the Midwest, the most popular and successful of all Titanic special events returns for its third year--the Titanic Princess Tea Party.

This celebration of proper etiquette, manners and style is modeled after the formal tea rituals of the Titanic era. Each young lady will receive a two-hour "crash-course" on the dos and don'ts of classic, social behavior.

Seating is limited and reservations are required.

Information courtesy of Titanic Museum Attraction

2009 marks the 8th year for the Branson Motorcycle Rally. Through those 8 years it has moved around Branson offering a wide range of entertainment and riding options for those who have attended. In 2007 it found a permanent home at Area '57, part of the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater Complex located on Highway 76 in Branson, Mo. where we plan to keep it for many years to come. The complex, with on-site hotel, theater complex, Grill, nightclub and 57 Heaven Museum, 5 acres of open flat parking, large vendor area and located one mile from US 65 Highway on Branson's Hwy 76 make it a snap to head out on rides to see the scenic Ozarks. AREA '57 is the perfect fit as host venue for the Branson Motorcycle Rally, which will be held May 14 - 17 2009.

The Branson Rally has proven year after year to be a great event to start off the riding season. You and your friends will enjoy guided rides through the sweeping curves that overlook the beautiful Ozark Mountain Range, take trails less traveled and back roads only the locals know of.....making your time in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas a trip you will never forget!

This year boasts a NEW registration fee and spectator admission is FREE and for those who pre-register for the Rally we offer special discounts on Rally t-shirts, patches and pins and hotel rooms at the Ramada Hotel - the headquarter hotel for the event, which is located on the grounds of AREA '57 - so you can park your bike on the Rally grounds and walk to your room!

The 2009 Branson Rock Ride Remember Rally offers you:
• 3 Full Days dedicated to the motorcycle enthusiast!
• Guided Rides through the Ozarks presented by ANPAC.com
• Thursday night's Opening Ceremonies feature a Drive-In Movie
• Live bands on Friday and Saturday
• Scavenger Hunts and Poker Runs presented by Five-O Motorcycle Club
• Freedom of the Road Riders Ride-In Bike Show
• Great food and cold drinks
• Freedom of the Road Riders Ride-In Bike Show
• 50/50 Raffles
• Registered attendees are entered into drawings to win prizes
• Vendors with gear for you, your bike and your lifestyle!
• Pre-registration discounts on Rally T-shirts, Patches, Pins and
hotel rooms
• Discounts on Branson show & attraction tickets

This year the price to register your bike is $5......yes you read right
$5 to register your bike! And spectator admission is FREE!

New Year's Eve Celebrations

50's At The Hop 2008 Rockin' New Year's Eve Party
Dec. 31
The Shoppes at Branson Meadows
Evening begins at 9 p.m. and includes the Fabulous 50's At The Hop Show, Heavy Hors d' oeuvres, Scrumptious Desserts, Party Favors, Noisemakers, Confetti, Balloons. At Midnight experience a 10,000 balloon drop & encore performance.

Acrobats of China celebration with the New Shanghai Circus
Dec. 31
New Shanghai Theatre
With traditional Chinese hor d’oeuvres, a sparkling non-alcoholic toast, party favors & hats, special Chinese souvenirs, a balloon drop, & more. 9 p.m.-midnight.

Ben Miller Band at Waxy O'Shea's New Year's Eve Hooley
Dec. 31
Waxy O'Shea's, Branson Landing
Beginning at 9 p.m., featuring The Ben Miller Band. www.waxyosheas.com

Branson Landing Cruises New Year's Eve Celebration
Dec. 31
Branson Landing Cruises
Evening begins at 8 p.m. on board with a half-hour of appetizers. The boat departs at 8:30 p.m. for a buffet, evening cruise dance and party DJ Sounds of Just One More Song. The New Year will be toasted in with a midnight champagne toast and party favors.

Chateau on the Lake New Year’s Eve’s gala hosted by the Titanic
Dec. 31
Chateau on the Lake
Fabulous food & the Gary Myers Band featuring Bucky & the Horn Dawgs. Begins at 7: 30 p.m. with a reception including hor d’oeuvres, dinner music & dancing. Fireworks just after midnight.

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre
Start at 7:30 p.m. in the lobby with special entertainment. Dinner & party favors included with the main show at 9:30 p.m.-midnight with Paul Revere & The Raiders & Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers.

Dixie Stampede on New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31
Dixie Stampede
With activities the whole family will enjoy, two show times 5:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. include the opening show in the Carriage Room, the main show in the arena & a four-course dinner.

Ernie Biggs New Year's Eve Dueling Piano Show
Dec. 31
Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar, Branson Landing
Beginning at 8 p.m.

New Year’s Eve at Grand Country Music Hall
Dec. 31
Grand Country Square
Special celebration 9 p.m.-midnight. The party atmosphere will include hor d‘oeuvres, favors, a balloon drop & a non-alcoholic toast.

Hughes Brothers Celebrate New Years Eve - Family Style!
Dec. 31
Hughes Brothers Theatre
Starting at 9pm to Midnight (dinner seating begins at 7pm). Games, Noisemakers, Free Snacks, Yummy Goodies & lots of laughs, plus spectacular entertainment by The Hughes Brothers.

Jim Stafford's New Year's Eve Show
Dec. 31
Jim Stafford Theater
Evening includes a fun-filled show, special entertainment, hor d’oeuvres, a sparkling non-alcoholic toast, party favors & hats, special keepsake gifts, a balloon drop, & more. The party starts at 9 p.m. & goes through midnight.

Keeter Center New Year's Eve
Dec. 31
The Keeter Center
Dinner seatings 4-8:30 p.m., Music and dancing 5-9 p.m. An evening of fine dining, music and dancing with The NYE Trio. A special menu by Chef Robert Stricklin. Call for reservations.

Kirby & Bambi VanBurch Magical New Year's Eve
Dec. 31
Kirby VanBurch Theatre
Evening includes fast-paced production, plus a box dinner, party favors & hats, a sparkling non-alcoholic toast, a balloon drop & more. 9 p.m. - midnight. www.kirbyvanburch.com

Legends In Concert Bring in the New Year
Dec. 31
Legends in Concert Family Theatre
Legends in Concert’s most fun and exciting New Year’s Eve party ever, Dec. 31, 2009! Our star studded line up for the evening includes: Alan Jackson, Tina Turner, Barry White, George Strait, The Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley. Regular seating $49.95, VIP seating $54.95. Prices include hot hors d’oeuvres, elegant desserts, seasonal beverages and party favors. Doors open at 8 pm. Show time and fun begins at 9:30.

The Magnificent Seven’s 8th Annual “New Year’s Eve Party”
Dec. 31
White House Theatre
Featuring The Magnificent New Year’s Eve Show, VIP and West Wing Buffets, spectacular 2000 Balloon Drop, Party Favors, Countdown to Midnight with our Live Band, and Midnight Toast! Dinner begins at 6:30pm, Show begins at 9pm. Tickets just $34.50 - $49.00 (depending on dinner option.) It is an evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment, and more!

Shake, Rattle & Roll in The New Year at the Owens Theater
Dec. 31
Owens Theater in historic downtown Branson
Begin at 9 p.m. with party favors, hor d’oeuvres & feature entertainment with Elvis & The Superstars.

New Year’s Eve with Pierce Arrow
Dec. 31
Pierce Arrow Theatre
9 p.m. with a mixture of fun, food & music. As the clock strikes 12, guests will bring in the New Year with party favors, games & a gourmet box lunch.

New Year’s Eve on the Showboat Branson Belle
Dec. 31
Showboat Branson Belle
Cruise starts at 8 p.m. with the regular dinner, cruise & show. Guests can slide over to the dance floor for dancing & fireworks will light up the sky, sparkling grape juice toast.

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

Now is a great time to grab a bargain, see a holiday show, stroll through dozens of attractions and experience Silver Dollar City theme park – all in the “Live Music Show Capital of the World.”

In Branson, families can find dozens of ways to relax, recharge and ring in the New Year. Many of Branson’s shows, attractions, shops, restaurants, hotels and resorts are open and hosting families from across America. From Jim Stafford to the shows at Grand Country Music Hall, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Silver Dollar City, one of America’s most acclaimed theme parks, is open through December 30, and the Showboat Branson Belle has two-hour cruises on Table Rock Lake, with elegant dining and a special show, through December 31.

Attractions like the Titanic, Veterans Memorial Museum and the Butterfly Palace offer unique experiences. Your family will enjoy The Butterfly Palace’s “White Flight” where thousands of white butterflies flutter like living snowflakes amid twinkling lights and poinsettias through January 15.

Visitors can take advantage of the after-Christmas shopping sales at Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, three factory outlet malls, souvenir and craft shops, specialty boutiques and more. Hundreds of shops offer everything from name-brand styles to the perfect discovery for bargain hunters.

The area’s lighting displays, including the drive-through displays of the Branson Area Festival of Lights, Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Enchanted Forest at Indian Point, are aglow through December 31.

“Each year, Bambi and I host a Magical New Year’s Eve show on December 31,” said Kirby VanBurch, recently named “Best Illusionist” at the 2008 World Magic Awards. “We love ringing in the New Year with our family of furry (and not so furry) friends as well as with so many kids with their parents. It’s a real family affair for all!”

For the first time ever, the Acrobats of China, featuring the New Shanghai Circus, offers a Chinese New Year’s celebration complete with Chinese hors d’oeuvres and souvenirs. Other New Year’s Eve shows include Jim Stafford Show, Legends In Concert, Pierce Arrow, and many more.

Other New Year’s Eve events include the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center’s “Titanic Revisited” New Year’s Eve Party and the Branson Landing Cruises’ Landing Princess sailing Lake Taneycomo. This exclusive four-hour cruise includes dinner, entertainment, dancing and a fantastic view of Branson Landing’s spectacular fire and water fountain show.

Many of Branson’s fine restaurants are open late for New Year’s Eve galas and are eager for you to join them on the last night of the year.

So, remember to give your family just one more gift at a great bargain – Branson after Christmas!

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

Add another accolade to the list of many for Branson.

In its second annual report, San Diego-based Eventful Inc., a leading online source for local events across the country, has recognized the “entertainment capital of the world” as a top place to visit in the United States.

Branson took second place in the music category, beating out Los Angeles and Chicago. New York was ranked No. 1.

“It is quite an honor to be recognized,” said Lynn Berry, director of public relations for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. “For us to be ranked by Eventful shows that we have put our very best effort forward to make Branson a popular destination.”

Eventful analyzes U.S. cities with populations exceeding 100,000, as well as cities with smaller populations.

Berry said travelers do a lot of research before choosing a destination and rankings available on the Internet make it easier to make decisions.

“Everyone likes to check out a top 10 list before they go to a destination. It gives them an idea of what to expect,” she said.

Branson’s No. 2 ranking by Eventful was great news for Marketing Director Dave Ledford at Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.

“Anytime Branson can be recognized, it’s great for our community,” he said. “People are always looking for a place that offers great entertainment and lodging and Branson is just the place for it.”

Hollye Gurley, general manager of the Baldknobbers Theatre, said that more than ever, Branson is making a name for itself.

“Branson does some pretty impressive events like Veterans Homecoming and Festival of Lights. With our 50th anniversary coming up, we are proud to be a part of the exciting things that go on here,” she said.

Eventful has many categories, including most eventful cities, small but eventful cities, top cities for music lovers and even top cities for pet lovers.

According to Eventful, its community of users enjoy the world’s largest selection of local events taking place in markets across the globe, from concerts and sports to singles events and political rallies.

Eventful provides multi-platform services to its users via eventful.com, e-mail programs, mobile applications and content distributed through widgets and apps.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

When Pete Herschend and his brother Jack (whose family founded Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo., in 1960) started their Old Time Christmas back in 1988, it was on a lark.

“We called it the 12 Days of Christmas, and honestly we weren’t at all sure anyone would show up,” Pete Herschend said. “But we thought it sounded good, and we knew it could be good. And lo and behold, a lot of them showed up. There are some families who started coming in 1988 and they have been back every year.”

One recent visitor was Noel Perkin, a Springfield, Mo., native who visited the park as a little girl, worked there in the ’80s, and now takes her 6-year-old son, Drew, every Christmas. “It was magical then and it’s magical now,” she said.

This year’s 20th-anniversary celebration includes more than four million lights spread across the park’s 40 acres, a handful of Christian-themed shows, a Frosty the Snowman musical, a steam train, a five-story special effects-laden Christmas tree and — when the weather holds out — a few impressive roller coasters from which one can soak in all those lights.

This season also marks the premiere of the park’s culinary school, where guests can make cookies, pies and holiday stews.

Information courtesy of New York Times

The first class hospitality promised by officials of the new Branson Airport now extends beyond the terminal. Branson Gray Line, the locally owned and operated transportation experts, will exclusively operate all taxi, shuttle, limousine, luxury coach, charter bus and ground transportation services at the new facility, set to open in May 2009. This announcement comes just one week after Branson Airport, the first privately financed and operated commercial service airport in the U.S., announced that AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of Air Tran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), will be the first national network carrier to serve the new airport when it opens next spring.
"My goal is pretty simple—to work in tandem with airport staff to provide a first-class hospitality experience like no other," Scott Thompson, president of Branson Gray Line said.

"The exceptional service you'll get from AirTran and the Branson Airport won't end when you land or leave the terminal. It's our goal to make sure that whether you're a tourist or a local, a family or an individual, here on vacation or here on business, you receive the most professional and efficient service possible, otherwise, I haven't done my job," Thompson said.

Between now and the time the airport opens, officials at Branson Gray Line will be working tirelessly to organize services between area accommodations and the Branson Airport. As the exclusive provider of shuttle services for the airport, Branson Gray Line will be responsible for maintaining hotel and resort courtesy shuttles for those properties interested in offering such a service to their guests. Branson Gray Line recently came to an agreement with the Radisson Hotel in Branson and will serve as the exclusive transportation provider to the Radisson, offering timely transportation services to both individuals and groups staying at the property.

"This is a very exciting time for us. Getting people where they need to go is our business, and we're good at it. The Branson Airport is going to bring a whole new market of travelers to the area, and we're ready to meet all their transportation needs. It's been a long time coming," Thompson said.

Information courtesy of Branson Airport

The Osmonds will return to Branson for shows in 2009 and beyond. Jay, Jimmy and funnyman Wayne will share the stage performing fabulous Osmond hits and other classic country, pop, and soft rock songs. The new show will reflect The Osmond Family tradition of world-class entertainment, spectacular productions and specialty acts from around the world.

Performances will begin in September and run through December. The Osmond Christmas Show will be performed in November & December. The Osmonds will appear at The Osmonds Theater, located at 3216 Hwy. 76. An optional lunch and dinner is available by advance reservation only.

The following is a schedule of their September & October performances. All Blue dates have performances at 8pm.

Information courtesy of The Osmonds

Next March, the Haygoods will have a new theater to call home.

The seven brothers and one sister between the ages of 15 and 31 will move to the Americana Theatre on 76 Country Boulevard following a $500,000 renovation.

“We are adding 3,800 square feet with the front of the theater enclosed with black glass,” said Timothy Haygood, the oldest brother.

Back in September, the family announced its Branson run at Music City Centre would end this year, but that has all changed.

After 10,000 performances in front of more than four million people, the family decided that Branson was the place to stay.

“We had an offer to do a television show in Los Angeles, it was going to take a big commitment from us so we decided to form our own production company and do our own show,” said Haygood.

Haygood said it will be a reality-type show, making musical dreams come true for youngsters who don’t have the means to do it.

“We’ll be filming segments of the show right there at the Americana Theatre,” Haygood said.

The CW network will air the show in the midwest.

The Haygoods won’t be the only show moving to the Americana Theatre from the Music City Centre.

“After we announced our move, Tony Roi and the Red Hot and Blue show decided to come along,” Haygood said.

Another Haygood, Timothy's wife Cassandre, will move from Silver Dollar City to the Americana Theatre with her show “Voice of an Angel” featuring a string orchestra.

The Haygoods kicked off their musical careers at Silver Dollar City 17 years ago.

“We are so proud to be investing in our community and we can’t wait for everyone to see the newly remodeled Americana Theatre. It will be a great addition to the strip,” Timothy Haygood said.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson Airport officials announced today that the United States Air Force Demonstration Squadron--better known as the “Thunderbirds”-- will be performing at the first ever Branson Air Show, May 9 & 10, 2009. The Branson Air Show will highlight the grand opening weekend of the Branson Airport, the first privately financed and operated commercial service airport in the United States.

Also appearing at the air show will be the U.S. Army Parachute Team-the “Golden Knights." “We are thrilled that two of the country’s top precision military demonstration teams will be performing at the inaugural Branson Air Show,” said Jeff Bourk, Executive Director, Branson Airport.

The Thunderbirds are the premier demonstration squadron of the most elite air and space force the world has ever known. They fly Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, a multi-role lightweight jet fighter originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. The famed Air Force precision flying team begins their 56th season in 2009.

The Army’s "Golden Knights" have been wowing audiences at air shows & competitions for 50 years. The two demonstration teams travel all over the country performing aerial demonstrations at air shows and special events, as well as competing at national and international skydiving competitions. They are the most successful U.S. Department of Defense sports team.

“To have the Thunderbirds, and the Golden Knights, along with many other internationally famous air show acts, will surely make the Branson Air Show one of the very best in the country,” said Bobbi Thompson, Event Director, Branson Air Show.

The first annual Branson Air Show will be an amazing two-day event featuring many of the top aviation performers in the nation including the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Patty Wagstaff, John Mohr, and many more. A number of static historical aviation displays will also be featured including a Sea Fury, Lockheed Constellation "Connie", B-25, P-51 Mustang, and a Medal of Honor AC-47 Gunship.

Tickets for the Branson Air Show are available on line at www.bransonairshow.com.

Daily ticket prices will be:

Adults: $16.00 in advance/$18.00 at the gate

Military: $10.00 in advance and at the gate with military ID

Children ages 6-12: $5.00 in advance/$6.00 at the gate

Children under 6 are FREE

Information courtesy of Branson Airport

Exciting Events & Entertainment are lined-up for Silver Dollar City for 2009 in Branson, Missouri.

America's Largest International Festival, World Fest, April 4 - May 3, 2009:

New Zhejiang Chinese Acrobats featuring high-flying silk aerialists and balancing monks in one spectacular show. Plus, New Dzenbii percussion musicians from Ghana, Ireland's Feet of Fire, Russia's Academic Band, the steel drums of Trinidad, a fond farewell to Australia's Wayne Horsburgh and more.

The Nation's Premier Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, May 13 - 31, 2009:

America's biggest Bluegrass musicians and up-and-comers take to the stages. See over 300 performances like Rhonda Vincent, May 20 & 21; Dailey & Vincent, May 25-28; The Grascals, May 29-31; and many more. Plus, our kitchen craftsmen are planning another BBQ blowout at The House of BBQ!

America's Largest Kids Fest, June 6 - August 9, 2009:

Get ready for our biggest Kids Fest ever starring The Magic of Peter Gossamer, master illusionist and showman; a super secret NEW show on our biggest stage, Red Gold Heritage Hall; VeggieTales presents The Invention of Silliness, Kid Concoctions and so much more.

12 Days of America's Biggest Southern Gospel Picnic, August 27 - September 7, 2009:

Silver Dollar City is proud to feature a festival that caters to an important industry niche, Southern Gospel Music fans! It highlights the top names in Southern Gospel Music, like Karen Peck & New River, Aug 27 & 28; Jeff & Sheri Easter, September 4 & 5; Gold City, September 5 & 6; The Isaacs, September 7 and more!

The National Harvest Festival hosts 2 New Special Events, September 12 - October 31, 2009:

Along with over 5000 musicians and craftsmen from across the country, the National Harvest Festival now features two NEW events in one great festival. In September, Salute The American Cowgirl and during October celebrate The Best of Missouri. Plus, our live stage production, Headin' West and more!

An Old Time Christmas, November 7 - December 27, 2009:

Hailed as a don't miss holiday attraction by Good Morning America, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and CNN.com, the festival features over 4 million lights including Christmas on Main Street ---- Our Biggest Light Show Ever! Plus, the grand production, A Dickens' Christmas Carol, and much more!

Information courtesy of Silver Dollar City

More than eight million visitors go to Branson, Missouri, every year to enjoy the city's family-friendly music and variety shows – 100 shows in 53 theaters with about 60,000 seats. That's more seats than Broadway!

Add a variety of other attractions and activities – great drama, seasonal festivals, family parks, museums and caves – and you've got yourself a safe haven for moms and dads who want to vacation where the host caters to families – and where Christ is still the centerpiece of Christmas.

But isn't Branson a small town? you say. With that many tourists, where will we stay? Well, yes, it's small, but the town is ready for guests. Branson has 200 hotels with some 19,000 guest rooms. Hotelier Chris Myer's family owns five hotels there. The Myer corporate mission statement declares, "Christian values and ethics guide all of the decisions and efforts at Myer Hotels." Myer said a part of practicing hospitality is to remember that their guests may come to the hotel looking for a relief from the cares of life at work or home.

"We try to leave the Gideon Bible out and open," Myer said. "If our guests pick up the Bible in the room and find Christ, what better thing [could happen]?"

And, by the way, don't worry about finding a restaurant, either. Branson's 268 restaurants can serve almost 39,000 guests at a time.

There's another part of Branson that is often overlooked, and that's the unique retail center east of the entertainment district. From the theaters, Highway 76 threads its way across U.S. 65 and down the hill through historic Branson's 60 retail shops. Main Street (Hwy. 76) ends at the sparkling new Branson Landing outdoor mall on Lake Taneycomo. These two components – old and new – make a dramatic and pleasant contrast, each a fitting compliment to the other.

Dick's Five & Dime, at the corner of Main and Commercial, is one of downtown's authentic pieces of Americana. The old-fashioned variety store stocks more than 50,000 items on shelves that reach to the ceiling. Its narrow aisles are lined with traditional toys, collectibles, kitchen utensils, hardware, World War II prints, novelty items and unique gifts.

"It's like Disney Land," said one repeat customer. "It would take a week to really take it all in....When something is hard to find back at home, we make a list and look for it on the next trip to the five and dime in Branson."

Other shops offer homemade fudge, Ozark mountain crafts and quilts, antiques and more. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available, and the Branson Scenic Railway offers a two-hour excursion through the scenic Ozarks, originating at downtown's 1905 depot.

The old downtown district dates back to 1888. It boasts 19 historic sites and a Branson History Museum open at no charge. You can chart your own course through the brick-paved sidewalks (my choice) or schedule a guided historic walking tour (maybe later).

I guess it should come as no surprise that Owen's Theatre, Branson's first, is downtown, built there in 1935. Its storied history includes stints as a movie house, live playhouse, church, community meeting house, honky tonk and auction house. These days it's back in the entertainment business, with actors recreating American legends in shows such as "Breakfast with Mark Twain" and "Hank and Patsy Together Again."

Oh, yeah – I almost forgot the historic district's restaurants. Clockers and The Farmhouse are two where I've found a tasty, home-cooked meal like Mom used to make. And at a good price, too.

Scarcely a block's distance from comfort food and downtown history, Branson Landing sits chic and contemporary, with its own ideas of comfort for shoppers and strollers alike. It's a spacious, outdoor, upscale mall bordered on one side by a picturesque boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo.

A Bass Pro Shop anchors the development at one end and Belk's department store at the other. In between are scores of every kind of specialty shop you can imagine, plus more than 25 restaurants and snack shops.

Two brand new Hilton hotels are there as well. I've had the good fortune to stay at both and they measure up to the high expectations we take with us when we go to a classy hotel.

I'm usually singing the praises of Branson's stellar shows so it's nice, for a change, to focus on some of the city's other features that serve guests with equally top-notch hospitality. It probably isn't too late for a little end-of-year family R&R. The welcome mat is always out in Branson.

Information courtesy of OneNewsNow

Johnny Mathis is celebrating 52 years in the music business with a leisurely run of North American dates stretching into 2009.

The legendary entertainer currently has up to four shows per month on his itinerary through January. His next gig is scheduled for July 11-12 in Pittsburgh, PA. Two-night stands are also booked in Westbury, NY; Branson, MO at the Mansion Theater; Santa Rosa, CA; Palm Desert, CA; Las Vegas; and the Canadian cities of Windsor and Rama, Ontario.

Mathis is supporting his April release, "A Night to Remember," which comprises a host of classic hits including "We're In This Love Together," "Walk On By," "Just The Two Of Us" and "The Closer I Get To You." The record features guest performances by Dave Koz, Kenny G, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams and Mone't.

The new release follows a set of 50th anniversary albums and a DVD that Mathis released in 2006.

The 72-year-old singer broke through in 1957 with his debut album, "Wonderful Wonderful," which spawned the No. 1 hit "Chances Are." A year later, he released a greatest-hits set that spent almost 10 years on the album chart and made it into the "Guinness Book of World Records," according to his bio.

Mathis has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame twice--in 1998 for "Chances Are" and in 2002 for "Misty." The Grammy organization also honored him with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2003.

Mathis will be live in Branson on October 9 & 10 at 8pm.

Information courtesy of LiveDaily

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Information courtesy of Arts & Entertainment Life Blog

An investor group planning the USA's only privately developed and operated commercial airport, in Branson, Mo., has recruited AirTran as the resort destination's first airline.
The discount carrier will operate one round-trip flight a day from its hub in Atlanta starting May 11, when the $150 million Branson Airport opens for commercial service. The fares will start at about $200 round trip, and the airline may launch other routes in Branson in the future, says AirTran spokesman Tad Hutcheson.
AirTran and Branson Airport officials made a formal announcement Thursday.

Known for its mass-market entertainment and country music shows, Branson, which has about 7,500 residents, has no commercial airport, although it hosted about 8 million visitors last year. Nearly 90% of its visitors drive or take a tour bus, says Ross Summers, CEO of Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Those who fly usually land at Springfield-Branson National Airport, which is 55 miles north of Branson, or Drake Field in Fayetteville, Ark., which is 108 miles south.

Jeff Bourk, executive director of Branson Airport, says talks are continuing with other airlines, and he hopes to line up other carriers by May.

Construction began in July 2007 after Branson Airport, the company that owns and financed the airport, obtained funding. Its sole 7,140-foot runway has been completed. Its 58,000-square-foot terminal will have four gates, enough to handle about 1 million boardings a year.
Steve Peet, CEO of Branson Airport, says he was a passive investor in past attempts to develop the airport but took an active role in 2004 to spearhead the project. He raised $35 million of equity funding and $114 million in debt financing. Peet is also an owner of McLean, Va.-based Aviation Facilities, an airport consulting company that's also the lead developer of Branson Airport.

Branson will pay the airport $8.24 for each arriving passenger, capped at $2 million a year. Also, much of the airport's land has been donated to the county, which reduces the airport's property taxes.

To attract AirTran, Branson Airport gave the airline exclusive rights to serve the airport from Atlanta and other cities for "a period of time," Bourk says. He declined to elaborate on other assistance. "We're not writing a check for $5 million or anything crazy like that. That's all I can say."

Information courtesy of USA Today

Silver Dollar City leads the Web site “America’s Best and Top Ten list” as having the best Christmas light show in America.

It is the fourth straight year that Silver Dollar City has been listed No. 1 by the Web site.

Spokeswoman Crystal Hedrick says the theme park has also been recognized by Good Morning America, CNN.com and recently by the Travel Channel.

“We’re happy to be at the top of the list again this year. It’s quite an honor,” Hedrick said.

Silver Dollar City is joined by the Oglebay Festival of lights in Wheeling, W.V., Fantasy of Lights in Pine Mountain, Ga., the Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and the Trail of Lights in Austin, Texas, rounding out the top five.

Seven other displays were given honorable mentions led by the 100 miles of Lights in Virginia Beach, Va.

During a special event at Silver Dollar City on Friday, Edward Grinnan, editor in chief of Guideposts magazine, was in awe by what he saw.

“The Christmas lights here are breathtaking. I’ve never been here before and it is amazing,” he said.

Silver Dollar City is famous for its holiday lights and five-story tall special effects Christmas tree that draws thousand of visitors every year.

“We always try to come up with something different every year,” Hedrick said. “This year we went green and used more energy efficient LED lights.”

Since 1996, America’s Best and Top Ten Web site, americasbestonline.net, has selected the best America has to offer.

The site contains the top national parks, beaches, vacation spots, hiking trails and more.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Cathy Rigby has achieved her dreams and is still soaring to new heights every day. The two-time Olympic gymnast and world championship silver medalist is now an actress and motivational speaker.

She has arrived in Branson with the Tony Award-nominated show “Peter Pan” that will open in May 2009.

Rigby and her husband, Tom McCoy, have been at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre conducting auditions for the show that has toured the country and even spent some time on Broadway.

This is Rigby’s first trip to Branson. “I’ve never been here before and I’ve always heard exciting things about it,” Rigby said. “This theater has so much to offer with special effects and sound, it’s perfect for our show.”

Following Rigby’s Olympic career, she studied theater for seven years before stepping on stage. Peter Pan has been 10 years of her life.

“I have so much fun, it’s like being a kid again,” Rigby said.

So how about flying? Rigby says it’s the easiest part of the show.

“It’s like riding a roller-coaster,” she said. “Soaring across the stage and out over the audience is a thrill.”

Rigby has been very impressed with the auditions so far.

She says there is such a great pool of talent to choose from in Branson.

“Everyone is willing to work very hard to make it the best show they can make it,” she said. “People really want to see family entertainment and I love that.”

Besides Peter Pan, Rigby and her husband also have a theater and dance academy in California that keeps them busy.

“That’s been very exciting for us. We’ve only had the studio for the past couple of years, and it’s fun to see little kids that will grow up to be great performers.”

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

It may have just wrapped up a few months ago, but the state has already announced its plans for the next Tour of Missouri. The event will kick off on September 7-13, 2009. It will be the third year for the event and it's been upgraded to the highest status from the international governing body for the sport of cycling. That puts the Tour of Missouri on par with other professional stage races across the world.

So far, the route host cities haven't been announced for next year. The 2008 event attracted an estimated 434,000 spectators and wound through the Ozarks including stages in Springfield and Branson.

Information courtesy of OzarksFirst

Santa's North Pole Workshop will have a satellite location in December at the Downtown Branson Main Street Association office, 119 W. Pacific in Branson, Missouri.

All children age 12 and under may have their picture taken with Santa and tell him their secret wishes. In the Workshop children may also decorate cookies and make an ornament to take home. Santa will visit with children while the Workshop is open on Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m . Admission is free.

The Downtown Association also decorates the "Giving Trees" in December to collect gifts for the Boys & Girls Club and residents of local nursing homes. For more information on Santa's Workshop or the Giving Trees, call 417-334-1548.

Information courtesy of Downtown Branson Main Street Association

Branson Landing was given some international attention this week.

The popular shopping center was named the winner of a design award during the International Council of Shopping Centers’ annual International Design and Development Awards competition. The award that the Landing won was for new multi-use facilities over 500,000 square feet.

“When we were awarded this project, we told the city that we wanted to design and develop a world-class project,” said Rick Huffman, CEO of HCW Development Company. “Winning this award shows that we have accomplished that goal.”

According to a press release, the ICSC has, since 1977, recognized and honored the shopping center industry’s most cutting-edge, innovative solutions and creative responses to market trends, as well as outstanding examples of design and development through its Global Awards programs.

ICSC announced the winners of its 32nd annual Design and Development Awards at a gala awards ceremony during ICSC’s CenterBuild Conference in Phoenix, Ariz.

Huffman was present to accept the award at the ceremony.

“We were very pleased to get this award,” Huffman said. “This is an award for the whole world to see. The city of Branson and Branson Landing will get a lot more exposure from this.”

This year, there were 63 entries representing 25 countries in the competition.

Branson Landing is one of seven finalists of this award, in the category of mixed-use retail projects larger than a half-million square feet.

Of the other finalists, only two are in the U.S. — Branson Landing and one in Texas. The others are in the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and Japan.

The release said the winners will automatically be eligible to win ICSC’s Global “Best-of-the-Best” Award. Huffman said the winner of this award will be chosen from the top winners in each category.

It will be presented during a ceremony at ICSC’s annual convention, set for May 17-20, 2009.

Huffman added that HCW will be able to share some of the ideas that have led to Branson Landing’s success.

“We will be on a focus board for the ICSC,” he said. “We will be able to talk to other developers and cities about what works well with Branson Landing.”

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Driving through the Branson Area Festival of Lights, one might catch themselves singing “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

Thousands of lights illuminate the way with displays of three french hens, two turtle doves and, of course, a partridge in a pear tree.

Hundreds of other displays are brightly lit on the mile-long drive.

The journey begins off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane, across from the Sight and Sound Theatre.

North Pole Productions, which works with Christmas light displays mainly in the eastern states of New York and Connecticut, has been hired by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce to set up and maintain the display during the holiday season.

It took a little bit of time to put it all together.

“It took a month to set it up and another week to make sure everything was working right,” said Carla Heinen, with North Pole Productions. “This is the second year we have been here.”

Visitors from Branson and out of state have enjoyed the Christmas lights for many years.

Ed Werth, of Indianapolis, Ind., said he and his wife look forward to seeing the lights when they visit Branson.

“We’ve seen them before,” he said. “This year, they looked great.”

It’s a job filled with joy, Heinen says.

“We’re really proud of our work,” she said. “You know people are happy when they are singing at the end.”

The Festival of Lights drive-through is open until Dec. 31.

The drive-through cost for family vehicles is $10. A family season pass is $15. Mini-coaches, church vans and limousine are $25. Full-sized motorcoaches are $50.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson, Missouri is a great place to ring in the New Year! With a flurry of Christmas activities just wrapping up around the New Year’s Eve holiday, Branson is still bustling with activity and in the holiday spirit. Therefore, there are plenty of unique ways to welcome the New Year in Branson. Here are few suggestions:

“Titanic Revisited” Party at the Chateau on the Lake Resort: The Chateau & Titanic Museum has collaborated to create a New Year’s Eve party unlike any other. The event will feature Titanic-themed décor, character actors from the museum and a three-course meal replicating the menu served in the ship's main dining room. The party will begin at 7pm. Fireworks will also be featured when it strikes midnight. For details regarding packages for this party, please contact the Chateau directly at 1-888-333-5253.

Kirby & Bambi VanBurch New Year’s Eve Spectacular: Celebrate the New Year with a Magical Show & Party with Kirby & Bambi VanBurch! Your magical evening includes a box dinner, party favors, non-alcoholic champagne, balloon drop and more! The party starts at 9:00pm.

Legends in Concert New Year’s Eve Show: Legends in Concert's Legendary NEW YEARS EVE show features crowd favorites, Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Buddy Holly, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis. New Years Eve packages include party favors, Hors D’oeuvres, seasonal beverages and a midnight celebration with the stars of Legends in Concert. The fun begins at 9:30pm.

Magnificent 7 New Year’s Eve Show: Your evening with the Magnificent 7 Show begins with a delicious meal served in both the VIP Dining Room and the West Wing Dining Room. Live music, a romantic atmosphere, and an upscale buffet make the VIP Dining Room a wonderfully intimate experience. In the West Wing Dining Room, a fun, casual atmosphere featuring live music and a large buffet is sure to please the heartiest of appetites.

After dinner, the real fun begins with a blockbuster wave of entertainment! Grab you party favors and get ready, because The Magnificent Seven Variety Show will take you through Seven Decades of Music and hit after hit of the greatest music ever recorded. Experience a fast paced, musical adventure featuring 16 multitalented entertainers and musicians, 300 costume changes, and 75 different musical productions including swing, country, Rock & Roll, 1960’s crooners, big band classics, the disco era, MTV favorites, and fabulous contemporary hits.

And there is more! Right after the show, we invite you to join us once again in the West Wing for our countdown to midnight and midnight toast, complete with live music, dancing, and a balloon drop with over 2,000 balloons. Join us! It is one New Year’s Eve party you won’t want to miss!

Pierce Arrow New Year’s Eve Party: Pierce Arrow will perform a dynamic New Year's Eve Show with extra songs and comedy! You will also receive party favors including hats, noise makers and leis! You will also snack on Hor D’oeuvres and enjoy a beverage.

The evening of entertainment features the dynamic vocal group “Pierce Arrow”, including Dan Britton, who for nearly 20 years has held the World's lowest note hit by a bass singer on earth in the Guinness Book of World Records and Branson's funniest new comedian, Jarrett Dougherty! For an extra treat, female vocalist, Kim Boyce joins Branson's Hottest Show! Kim is a former Miss Florida and runner-up for the Miss America Pageant and has held 11 #1 Contemporary Gospel Records in her career.

If you love smooth harmonies, great Country Music, rock-the-house Gospel, complimented with amazing patriotic medleys, hilarious comedy, and side-splitting humor, you'll love the Pierce Arrow New Year's Eve Show! See you New Year's Eve!

Landyn and Gavin McDonal, both of Centralia, Ill., think Branson is a very “Christmasy” place and the Travel Channel agrees.

Last week, the Travel Channel featured Branson on a show called “The Most Christmasy Places in America.”

The hour-long show asks the question, “Are you looking to jazz up the most wonderful time of the year?”

It then recommends visiting “seven American locales that take the Christmas spirit to new levels.”

“What a great honor it is to be included on this list,” said Lynn Berry, director of public relations for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. “The kind of publicity Branson will get from this is awesome.”

Berry said the show was first aired on Thanksgiving Day and is scheduled to run eight more times between Thursday and Dec. 20.

Branson is the first city featured and gets seven minutes of airtime during the show, according to Berry.

The Travel Channel’s Web site reports that it was launched in 1987 and is available to 90 million households.

“To purchase seven minutes on the Travel Channel would be something we would not be able to afford,” Berry said. “It would be even more expensive to have it run nine times.”

Chrissy McDonal, mother of Landyn, 3, and Gavin, 6, said she thinks Branson is “very Christmasy.”

“I would definitely agree that Branson is a ‘Christmasy’ place,” she said. “We have been to some shows in town and they really focused on the holidays. This whole area is also decked out in Christmas lights. Our family really likes it.”

During Branson’s seven minutes in the spotlight, the show featured Ozark Mountain Christmas, the 60th annual Adoration Parade and the millions of Christmas lights that cover the area.

The Travel Channel is the only television network devoted exclusively to travel entertainment.

Berry said having Branson featured on the Travel Channel brings an added bonus.

“This show is focused on a certain group of people,” she said. “The people who watch the Travel Channel are wanting to travel and they may decide to come to Branson for the holidays.”

Along with Branson, the show also features six other “Christmasy” places, including the National Christmas Center in Paradise, Pa.; Las Vegas; the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minn.; Leavenworth, Wash.; FAO Schwartz in New York City; and Santa Claus, Ind.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Thousands of white tropical butterflies are calling The Butterfly Palace home again for the holiday season. This year's visitors are called Paper Kites, said Sara Bolend, general manager of The Butterfly Palace.

"There are 20 species of white butterflies, the ones we have are from Malaysia, " she said.

The signature white butterflies have noteworthy company this year as they take center stage alongside a very unusual holiday exhibition called "White Flight."

Living statues adorn the walkways of the rain forest.

The art form, reminiscent of mimes, was historically practiced during medieval and Renaissance times, positioned in elaborate decoration, along procession routes visiting rulers followed as they entered ancient cities.

"We wanted to add a different element this year," Bolend said. "The statues are interactive and make for a great photo opportunity."

White Flight is exclusively available for the holidays through January 15. Visitors will enjoy the thousands of butterflies, twinkling lights and a giant poinsettia tree.

"Our intention is to ensure that our traditional 'White Flight' experience will offer something new each year, as well as bring back the popular elements that our guests love," said Diana Herschend, owner of The Butterfly Palace. "It takes a lot of talent for our artists to consistently create the question in the observers mind - is she real?"

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Grand Country Square, Branson, Mo., announced today that Grand Jubilee’s Quartet, New South, has released their first Christmas CD, “Christmas Country Style.” It is their third CD and follows the popular Country CD, “Dream On” and most recent “Heaven Bound” featuring popular Gospel songs.

Produced by Mike Patrick and Michael W. Davis, “Christmas Country Style” features ten traditional and contemporary Christmas classics sung by the Grand Jubilee quartet, New South. Tracks include “Christmas Country Style,” “Santa Are You Coming To Atlanta,” “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” “Walking In A Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (On A Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train),” “Christmas Medley: Go Tell It on The Mountain, Amen, Children Go Where I Send Thee,” “An Old Fashioned Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” and “Oh Holy Night.”

New South members include tenor, Scott Leven, bass, Mark McCauley, baritone, Jason Pritchett and lead, Trey Wilson.

New South is accompanied by Grand Country Square’s Grand Band, featuring Larry Allred on Bass Guitar, Rob Blackwood on Drums, Michael W. Davis on Piano/Keyboard, Matt Hanshaw on Lead and Acoustic Guitar, Wayne Massengale on Fiddle and Acoustic Guitar and Danny Yancey on Banjo, Steel and Acoustic Guitar. To order the new Christmas CD, please call 417-335-2484.

New South and the Grand Band perform in the Grand Jubilee show and can be seen Monday through Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Grand Country Music Hall at Grand Country Square.
Grand Country Music Hall offers three live shows daily, a late night Friday show and two shows on Sunday.

The Grand Country Square, located in the heart of Branson on the 76 Strip is the home of: Grand Country Inn, Grand Country Indoor Waterpark, Grand Country Buffet, Grand Country Music Hall, Grand Country Market, Grand Country Indoor Mini Golf, Papa Grands Pizza, Glenn’s Frozen Custard and the Worlds Largest Banjo.

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

December 2008 Calendar of Events

An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
November 1, 2008 - December 30, 2008
Times: Open Wednesdays thru Sundays.

Location: Silver Dollar City
Come home for the holidays to An Old Time Christmas! See all your family's favorites along with new surprises amidst the glow of over 4 million dazzling lights. You'll create special holiday traditions, celebrate the true meaning of this magical season and take home memories that will last a lifetime! That jolly, happy soul, Frosty The Snowman is coming to town in 2008! See him come to life in a self-titled All-NEW Show for the entire family.

Branson Area Festival of Lights
November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Phone: 417-334-4084
Join the community-wide celebration as all of Branson is aglow for the holidays. Special holiday shows, drive through light displays and spectacular shopping and dining provide all the reasons to celebrate the holidays in Branson. Contact the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Christmas at the White House
November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Location: American Presidents Museum is located in the Old Majestic Steakhouse Bldg at 2849 Gretna
The American Presidents Museum will celebrate Christmas at the White House, a museum-wide exhibit showcasing more than two dozens Christmas trees decorated to eras of history and themes of past First Ladies of the White House. Exhibit also includes White House Christmas Cards, White House Holiday Tour Books and much more. A must-see addition to everyone's holiday traditions.

Christmas on the Titanic
November 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009
Location: The World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction
Celebrate Christmas on the Titanic with Father Christmas.

Enchanted Forest Light Display
November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Location: Indian Point Village
Phone: 417-338-2772

Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
November 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Location: The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead
This 2-1/2 mile Christmas Adventure includes 3 dimensional mechanical displays with themed music and story lines. Once you drive onto the property until you leave, you will be in a wonderland that will bring back the magic of Christmas you had as a little child.

White Flight
November 1, 2008 - January 15, 2009
Location: The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
Phone: 417-332-2231
Featuring white butterflies, twinkling lights and Christmas music!

Ride The Ducks Holiday Land & Light Tours
November 3, 2008 - December 14, 2008
Times: 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Location: Hwy. 76 Location
See the lights and tour the sights on this 60 minute adventure! Fully enclosed festive ducks with holiday music and a Santa hat for you to keep! Closed on Thanksgiving and December 8.

The Eighth Annual Tour of Homes
December 5, 2008 - December 6, 2008
Times: 10:00 am- 4:00 p.m.
Location: Kimberling City Area
Phone: (417) 779-1412
Admission: $15.00 each
Sponsored by Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake, will feature five distinctive homes on Table Rock Lake, each beautifully decorated. A Hospitality Room at the Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd. will offer refreshments, lunch, a silent auction, and a holiday boutique. All proceeds from the tour, lunch, silent auction and boutique sales are donated to local charities. Tickets are available for sale at various businesses in Kimberling City and Branson West beginning in November. Tickets may also be purchased at the Hospitality Room on December 5 and December 6.

5th Annual Reeds Spring Christmas Parade
December 6, 2008
Times: 1 p.m.

Forsyth Christmas Parade
December 6, 2008
Phone: 417-546-2741

60th Annual Adoration Parade & Lighting Ceremony
December 7, 2008
Times: 5:30 p.m.
Festive night-time parade and Adoration scene lighting ceremony. For more details, call the Branson Chamber of Commerce.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
December 7, 2008
Times: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Scotty's Trout Dock and Marina, South of Bass Pro Shop and Branson Landing
A special ceremony will commemorate "The day that will live in infamy". Begins with the laying of the wreath into Lake Taneycomo. Taps will be during wreath laying.

Santa’s Workshop
December 13, 2008
Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 119 W. Pacific in Downtown Branson
Phone: 888-322-2786
Admission: FREE
Downtown Branson decorates the “Giving Trees” to collect gifts for the Boys & Girls Club and residents of local nursing homes. All children may visit with Santa in his “workshop,” decorate a cookie and make an ornament to take home.

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

The folks at Silver Dollar City (SDC), near Branson, Missouri, are dressed up, settled in, decked out, revved up and altogether ready for An Old Time Christmas 2008, the 21st SDC Christmas festival. A thousand decorated trees and more than four million lights bring the Ozark theme park to sparkling life day and night. What an invitation for families looking for a new Christmas treat.

USA Today, CNN Travel and Good Morning America have all cited SDC's Old Time Christmas as one of the nation's top holiday celebrations. Having been there for the last three Christmases, I'll have to agree with the secular media on this one!

What can you expect? Well, for starters, lots of lights. After dark a five-story Christmas tree in the square is the star of a special effects music and light show every 15 minutes. The tree's thousands of lights dance and shimmer to the beat of the music. And a Holiday Light Parade has eight lighted floats with 100,000 lights.

Also for the whole family, SDC's Dickens' Christmas Carol is a one-hour musical adaptation of the classic story presented on-stage at the Opry House. SDC players portray the Christmas ghosts, Tiny Tim and the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge with humor and emotion. National reviews have likened its quality to Broadway.

Yes, there's a lot to see, but there's also a lot to do at SDC. For the young – and the young at heart – this season sees the debut of Frosty, an interactive musical that invites kids to help bring the legendary snowman to life. And believe it or not, for night-time thriller rides, the park's roller coasters will zip you up above the lights and around the park. I have to confess, I haven't tried that yet. Maybe next Christmas.

The park's Culinary & Craft School, open for the first time this fall, offers short classes in the kitchen arts – classic Christmas cookies, holiday pies and traditional soups and stews. Of course, throughout the park, down-home food is available at every turn – a prime rib buffet, turkey and all the trimmings, apple dumplings, hot wassail and more.

This unique park began as the vision of Hugo Herschend who, with his wife and teenage sons Jack and Pete, began developing Marvel Cave into a regional tourist attraction in the early 1950s. Ten years later, they had begun to purchase, move and reassemble authentic Ozark structures at the site – homes, shops, a church – and they were hosting up to 600 adult guests a day.

Suffice it to say that Marvel Cave (still open for tours) and Silver Dollar City thrived. This Christmas season, November and December, they'll host 350,000 guests or more.

"When we started the Christmas festival in 1988, we weren't sure if it would even work during a time that was traditionally the off-season," says Brad Schroeder, SDC entertainment director. Now, SDC offers a fun, friendly, safe environment where families can immerse themselves in the spirit of Christmas. A large nativity scene in one locale and a living nativity in another will help your family remember the reason we celebrate.

Jack and Pete Herschend still head Herschend Family Entertainment, with some 20 properties in nine states. Many call it a "Christian company," and, indeed its main players take their faith seriously both in and out of the office. The Herschends attribute their business success to principles they learned from their father, who passed away of a heart attack while the park was still in its infancy.

What principles did they learn from their dad? Integrity. Hard work. The ability to dream big. Honesty. Respect for others. Faith. The SDC corporate mission statement talks of respecting guests and employees, and creating great family memories. And it ends by saying they will accomplish this "all in a manner consistent with Christian values and ethics."

"We are in the entertainment business and we work very, very hard to provide worthwhile entertainment," says Pete Herschend. In other words, he doesn't see SDC as an evangelistic ministry. Yet the Christian faith is welcome there.

"We love this place," says Danny Eakin, "because we can witness for the Lord." Eakin is a long-time performer with the Homestead Pickers at McHaffie's Homestead, one of the Ozark cabins at the park.

"In Las Vegas, they use the theme 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,'" says Pete. "We hope what happens here goes everywhere."

Four million lights, one thousand Christmas trees, music, food, drama and roller coasters – all in a Christian environment. No wonder SDC is earning a reputation as the nation's best spot for a family Old Time Christmas.

Information courtesy of OneNewsNow

The Branson Adoration Christmas Parade has been delighting residents and visitors with the holiday Christmas parade and ceremonies held in Historic Downtown Branson for 60 years. One of the largest and most popular Christmas holiday events in the Ozarks, this spectacular event begins at 4:00 p.m. with pre-parade activities and entertainment. The nativity scene, with figures to 40 feet tall on top of Mount Branson has been a Branson tradition since 1948.

The Branson Adoration lighting ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m.The 60th Annual Branson Adoration Parade begins at 5:30 p.m., December 7 and will travel along a all new 2 mile parade route that begins in the heart of downtown Branson. The parade will begin near Business 65 Bridge and the south entrance of Branson Landing, proceeding north on Branson Landing Boulevard and turning west on Long Street. The parade will then turn north on Business 65 and divert onto Commercial Street at the Post Office. The parade will then proceed to the railroad track crossing near BELK, where it will turn left onto Branson Landing Boulevard and make an immediate right turn to the east into the entrance to the BELK parking lot. The parade will then enter the Service Road and proceed south along the lakefront behind the Branson Landing, ending in the south end of the Bass Pro parking lot.

Be sure to bring the whole family to the Branson Adoration Parade!

Information courtesy of Branson Connection