Branson, Missouri was recognized several times this year by Amusement Today.  The publication awards prestigious 2011 Golden Ticket Awards, which are presented to the "Best of the Best" in the amusement industry.

Calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today, the Golden Ticket Awards are the results of a detailed survey that is sent to a database of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans around the world asking them to rate the "bests" in 25 categories such as "amusement parks," "roller coasters," "food," "Halloween and Christmas events" and "water rides."

Branson attractions did not take home any awards this year, but were nominated in several categories.  As they say, it is an honor just to be nominated.

Silver Dollar City was recognized in the Best Shows, Friendliest Park, Best Food and Best Christmas Event categories. 

Silver Dollar City, the Ozark’s premiere theme park, is an1880s-style theme park treats guests to an experience unlike any other. Nestled amidst the naturally beautiful Ozark Mountains, Silver Dollar City features six world-class festivals, a dozen delightful restaurants, 40 live shows daily and 60 unique shops.

Many vacationers choose to travel with their pets.  Luckily, when visitors travel to Branson, Missouri they have plenty of pet friendly Branson hotels to choose from.

The Top 5 Pet Friendly Hotels in Branson:

1)     The Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Missouri is a beautiful property situated on an Ozark Mountain, overlooking scenic Table Rock Lake. The property is lavish in regards to both its size and amenities offered, creating an atmosphere Branson guests can truly enjoy.  Pet Policy: Pets are allowed on the 3rd floor. Pets are limited to 25 pounds or less and guests are charged a $25 fee per stay. If a guest is bringing a pet it must be noted at the time of reservation. All pet fees will be accessed to the guest directly.

2)     Stone Castle Hotel is located in the heart of Branson with easy access to all Branson attractions, making this hotel a prime choice. With elevators and interior corridors, guests feel safe and secure. The hotel also offers a deluxe hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, two indoor pools & hot tubs.  Pet Policy: Pets are welcome. The pet fee is $12.00 per night, due at check-in.

3)     Radisson Hotel Branson is top-notch high rise property located in Branson’s theater district.  First class accommodations, fine cuisine, and helpful, warm personal service are everyday amenities at the Radisson Hotel Branson.  Pet Policy: Pets 50 pounds and under are welcome at the Radisson Branson.  There is a one-time, non-refundable fee of $30 charged upon check-in.  The property asks guests to leave animals in pet carrier if left in hotel room.

4)     Baymont Inn & Suites is a completely remodeled facility featuring a business center, fitness center, large atrium-style indoor pool and hot tub, guest laundry, free Wi-Fi and extended continental breakfast.  Plus, rooms at the Baymont Inn Branson include a 32” flat screen TV, microwave, mini-fridge, exceptional case goods and upgraded vanities.  Pet Policy: Baymont Inn & Suites is a pet-friendly hotel. There is a $25 fee per pet. Pets must weigh 30 pounds or less.

5)     Fall Creek Inn provides a quaint location for Branson visitors without being too far from Branson shows and attractions.  The hotel has Fall Creek running right beside it and features affordable yet comfortable rooms for guests.  Pet policy: Fall Creek in is pet friendly in certain rooms and has a nice area to exercise your pets. There is a fee of $10 per night, per pet and a $50 refundable deposit due at check-in.

The Titanic Attraction will begin 2012 with the National Ice Carving Competition on February 4 and 5. The event is sanctioned as a National Ice Carving Association U.S. Nationals competition, an is a preliminary for competitors to vie for a place at Sochi, Russia, the host city for the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014. This event is completely FREE to the public. Guests are invited to attend the event to view sculptures in progress, talk to the ice artists and learn the secrets of what it takes to be a great ice sculpturist.

The Titanic Branson MO is opening a new exhibit in 2012, dedicated to “The Unsinkable” Molly Brown. The gallery will feature personal possessions, rare never-before-seen Molly Brown photographs, and priceless costumes Debbie Reynolds wore in the 1964 MGM hit movie musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

The Margaret Brown Collection is made possible through an exclusive arrangement with the Titanic legend's great granddaughter, Helen Benziger.

Purchase Titanic Museum tickets to explore all that is available at this interesting attraction.

The Branson show season may be winding down for a short intermission, but many shows are already selling Branson show tickets for 2012. Purchasing tickets early ensures you’ll get great seats and you’ll be able to save money when you make reservations before your vacation.

The Baldknobbers will be back in Branson starting February 17. The Acrobats of China amazes audiences once again starting March 3, while Jim Stafford gets guests laughing beginning March 24. Shoji Tabuchi, Branson’s talented showman and master of the fiddle, reopens his show on April 13. The Branson Variety Theater, home to several great Branson Shows, reopens with The Twelve Irish Tenors February 23, Hooray for Hollywood March 1 and Shake, Rattle & Roll on March 4. Many other Branson MO shows will be open soon as well.

Of course, planning a Branson vacation includes choosing a place to stay in Branson. The Branson Grand Plaza, Hotel Grand Victorian, Radisson Hotel Branson, Branson Towers, Angel Inn and Quality Inn on the Strip are all recommended. If you’re looking for a Branson Condo, Thousand Hills Golf Resort, Pointe Royale Condos and StoneBridge Resort are good options.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Branson, Missouri at the Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve Fiesta! 

At 9:00pm the curtain opens on an expanded version of the Hamner Barber Variety Show starring illusionists The Hamners and Co-Star ventriloquist Jim Barber and his wacky cast of characters.  There are also lots of surprises during the Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve Fiesta that you won’t see during the regular season show. Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve tickets also included fun contests with prizes, festive party favors, and a delicious Qdoba Mexican dinner.

All of the fun leads up to a spectacular laser light show and multimedia countdown to 2012. 

Be sure to purchase your Hamner Barber tickets early so you can ring in the New Year – Fiesta Style!

Many of the Branson shows close for a couple of months after Christmas, but the shows at the Grand Country Music Hall remain open year round.  The only time the theater closes is the first week of January, where they spend time on maintenance and other upkeep.

Grand Country is home to a variety of shows, including its signature production – The Grand Jubilee.  The show features Branson-based quartet New South, comprised of Jason, Robinson, Trey Wilson, Jason Pritchett and Mark McCauley.  They sing today’s country hits as well as quartet classics from the Oak Ridge

Boys to the Eagles. From Country and hand-clapping Gospel, to decades of Rock & Roll favorites, this show appeals to audience members of all ages.  House comedian Jim Dandy adds humor to the Grand Jubilee, and keeps everyone laughing through the two hour production.

The Grand Country Music Hall is also home to Branson Country USA, Comedy Jamboree, Down Home Country Show, Grand Country’s Amazing Pets, New South Gospel, Ozark Mountain Jubilee and Sunday Gospel Jubilee.

The Grand Country Square is a full entertainment complex, complete with a hotel equipped with an indoor & outdoor waterpark – The Grand Country Inn – as well as a Papa Grand’s Pizza, the Grand Country Buffet, indoor mini-golf, and family fun zone featuring interactive games and arcade fun.

Visitors to Branson, Missouri have until December 30, 2011 to attend Silver Dollar City’s Old Fashioned Christmas.  The event is rated one of the top five holiday events in the country by Good Morning America. Visit Silver Dollar City and see why the magic of the holidays starts in the Ozarks.

With the purchase of discount Silver Dollar City tickets, you'll see the dazzling twinkle of over 4 million lights sets the park aglow, and the festive decorations that bring the true meaning of the season home. The celebration begins at Silver Dollar City’s Square, which is the setting for Christmas on Main Street, SDC’s biggest light show ever. Their beautiful 5-story special effects Christmas tree sparkles and dances in unison with over one million lights adorning the City’s square and is a breathtaking sight to see. Some of the music featured includes “Carol of the Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and “Sleigh Ride.”

The Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade is presented twice each evening, and features an array of characters emblazoned in over 100,000 lights. Shows like The Living Nativity and Frosty! are planned, and Santa himself will be available at Kringles Krossing.

Silver Dollar City’s top holiday show, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, is an original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens. It features a live band, astounding special effects, beautiful Victorian scenery and period costuming, and the inspiring story of redemption and hope.

Silver Dollar City tickets and Silver Dollar City packages are on sale now.

Interior of the Tri-Lakes Center

The Tri-Lakes Center in Branson, Missouri is bringing several big stars to the stage in 2012.

Branson shows always provide a great mix of entertainment to choose from, and that line-up is even better next season.

Country music group Lonestar is reuniting for a 2012 tour, which will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the band. Lonestar is set to perform on October 19 at the Tri-Lakes Center.

The Teen Idols Tour comes to the Tri-Lakes Center on November 29, 2012. The show will featured The Monkees lead singer Mickey Dolenz and Herman’s Hermits lead singer Peter Noone. Both bands were extremely popular in the 1960s and the show is sure to be a hit in Branson.

Don Williams returns to the Tri-Lakes Center on October 6.

The Tri-Lakes Center is teaming up with God & Country Theater next year to add even more special shows to its entertainment line-up.

Country band Restless Heart will perform at 3pm and 8pm on September 22 and Crystal Gayle is set to perform at God & Country Theatre on November 10. The theatre will also host John Conlee with Bobby Bare on May 12; Ronnie Milsap on June 12; David Frizzell with Shelly West on October 13; Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius on October 20; and Janie Fricke on October 27.

The Branson shows scene is shaking things up for 2012.

Here is a quick rundown of the changes coming to shows in Branson next season:

• SIX is moving to the Mickey Gilley Theater
• Liverpool Legends is moving their show to the Icon Theater
• The Baldknobbers have added a matinee show to their schedule
• Branson Variety Theater is introducing a new show – A Tribute to the Four Seasons & The Beach  Boys
• Sight and Sound Theater is presenting an all-new show – Joseph
• The Haygoods and Buck Trent are moving their shows to the RFD-TV Theater
• 3 Redneck Tenors and Todd Oliver are moving to the Americana Theater
• Red, Hot & Blue will be featured at the Clay Cooper Theater
• Music City Centre will now be home to Joey Riley, Taylor Reed and Doug Gabriel
• Tony Roi, best known for his “Elvis Experience” show, will headline the Caravelle Theater
• Hughes Brothers introduce a new show named “It”

Look for more information on shows in Branson in the New Year!

The Liverpool Legends are moving to the Icon Theater for the 2012 Branson Show Season.

Liverpool Legends consists of four talented musicians and actors who were hand-picked by Louise Harrison – sister of the late George Harrison of The Beatles – to recreate the band that changed the face of music forever. 

The band will perform at 8pm, Tuesday through Saturday, starting May 25, 2012.  Their schedule of performances will end on August 28, 2012.

Liverpool Legends show spans the entire career of the Beatles from the Ed Sullivan years to Sgt. Pepper and on through Abbey Road. With precise attention to every musical detail along with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects, Liverpool Legends will make you believe you are seeing and hearing the real thing!

Everything is performed completely live. All ages love this show! The Beatles message of PEACE and LOVE transcends every generation. Hear your favorite Beatles Classics such as “Hey Jude,”  “Twist and Shout,” “Yesterday,” “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You” and many more. Relive the exciting days of Beatlemania with Liverpool Legends, the Ultimate Beatles Tribute!

Looking for a unique way to enjoy the holidays in Branson, Missouri?  Then purchase affordable tickets to the Butterfly Palace, currently presenting White Flight, a one-of-a-kind Christmas exhibit made up of thousands of white butterflies flying and flitting in a rain forest atmosphere, complete with thousands of twinkling lights, living angel statues and holiday music.

This is the 5^th season the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure has presented this event.  White Flight, available through January 15, 2012, is comprised of 20 or so species of white butterflies.

White Flight lets adults and children interact with the thousands of butterflies, including the “living statues” of White Angels throughout the palace. 

Throughout the year, the Butterfly Palace is home to around 60 species of brightly colored butterflies creating a stunning, year-round experience for Branson visitors.

SIX, one of the most popular shows in Branson, is moving to a new theater in 2012.  Their new home will be the Mickey Gilley Theater. Currently, they perform at the HughesBrothers Theater, where they will perform for the last time on December 17, 2011.

SIX is a spectacular show filled with powerhouse vocals and high-octane energy of Six multi-talented brothers who take musical entertainment to a whole new level. The Knudsen Brothers are the stars of the show and Barry, Kevin, Lynn, Jak, Owen and Curtis captivate audiences with pure harmonies, astonishing vocal feats, and singing so robust you'll swear you're hearing a full band. Dubbed an "orchestra of human voices", SIX's rhythmic percussion, toe tapping bass, and melodic vocals intertwine seamlessly, all produced live with the power of just Six incredible voices. From gospel to patriotic to contemporary to doo-wop to classics, SIX's versatility is mind boggling! Once you experience it you will understand the power of SIX.

SIX is planning to do six shows a week, with four evenings and two matinees. Mickey Gilley will perform four shows per week, splitting nights and matinees.

The Legend of Kung Fu has been named the Best Production in Branson, according to Branson Critic.  The award honors the show, which is known for its elaborate set designs, costumes, production value and storytelling.

The Legend of Kung Fu follows the story of a  young boy, Chun Yi, in a magical tale told by an ancient Kung Fu Master. Designated as the main show of the Beijing Olympics and having been performed more than 3000 times world-wide, Chun Yi - The Legend of Kung Fu, has wowed and amazed audiences with its unique combination of the art of Kung Fu, aerial ballet, dance and music.

The Branson show also includes a dinner option, featuring a 3-course Chinese meal.  Plus, the ticket for the dinner and show is less than $40.  That’s a great value, especially for a show of this caliber. 

Regular Legend of Kung Fu tickets are also on sale.  For less than $28 a ticket, adults can treat themselves to the Best Production in Branson. 

The Baldknobbers Jamboree is a Branson tradition.  They got their start on the Branson lakefront, when four Mabe brothers began entertaining visitors to the area.  Now, fifty years later, they are still entertaining audiences in the Ozarks at their theater on the famous Hwy. 76 Strip.

Their show is one visitors flock to again and again.  The show has always been an evening show, with performances held Monday-Saturday at 8pm.  In 2012, however, they will start a new tradition and begin presenting matinee performances at 2pm.

The new Branson Baldknobbers show schedule will make it easier for Branson MO visitors to see the show while enjoying all of Branson’s attractions and entertainment.  The price for the matinee is affordable as well, with Baldknobbers tickets starting at under $30.

The Baldknobbers Show features popular country classics, hot-new country hits and hilarious comedy.  The show is a family affair too, as the 2nd & 3rd generations of the Mabe family carry on the family tradition of performing an all new show each year.

The Titanic Museum Branson is currently hosting Christmas at the Titanic, a celebration featuring winter wonderland decorations and real, live reindeer visitors can take photos with and even pet.  The Titanic Branson is known for hosting entertaining events throughout the year, and 2012 will be no different.

The Titanic Attraction will begin 2012 with the National Ice Carving Competition on February 4 and 5.  The event is sanctioned as a National Ice Carving Association U.S. Nationals competition, an is a preliminary for competitors to vie for a place at Sochi, Russia, the host city for the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014.  This event is completely FREE to the public. Guests are invited to attend the event to view sculptures in progress, talk to the ice artists and learn the secrets of what it takes to be a great ice sculpturist.

The Titanic will also host their own Ice Carving Competition on January, 14, 2012.

The Titanic Branson MO is opening a new exhibit in 2012, dedicated to “The Unsinkable” Molly Brown.  The gallery will feature personal possessions, rare never-before-seen Molly Brown photographs, and priceless costumes Debbie Reynolds wore in the 1964 MGM hit movie musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

The Margaret Brown Collection is made possible through an exclusive arrangement with the Titanic legend's great granddaughter, Helen Benziger.

Purchase Titanic Museum tickets to explore all that is available at this interesting attraction.

The Baldknobbers are a Branson tradition.  In fact, they’re the show that started it all in Branson, as they’ve been performing in the area since 1959.  The phenomenon began when four Mabe brothers, known as the Baldknobbers, began entertaining visitors on the Branson lakefront.  Now, 50 years later, the Branson show is still one of the most popular in town.

During the holiday season, the Branson Baldknobbers perform a special Christmas show.  The first half of the Baldknobbers Christmas Jamboree showcases the best of this year’s country show, then after intermission the curtain goes up on Baldknobbers’ Family Christmas Show.  Both shows are entirely new every year, so there is always something for Branson vacationers to enjoy.

The Baldknobbers Christmas Show includes a medley of western music, comedians, a fantastic opening Christmas segment, the Baldknobbers Band and holiday classics such as “Little Drummer Boy” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” as well as the Baldknobbers original “Oh, How Bright.”

Purchase Baldknobbers tickets today to see the show that started it all!

Legends in Concert in Branson, Missouri has announced their 2012 line-up of tribute artists.  The show, which will perform until December 31, 2011, also produces a special Legends in Concert New Year’s Eve Show featuring crowd favorites Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis. New Year’s Eve show ticket includes party favors, hors d'oeuvres, seasonal beverages and a midnight celebration with the stars of Legends in Concert Branson.

Legends in Concert 2012 Line-up of Stars:

Spring (Feb. 9 – May 22)
Shania Twain
Marilyn Monroe
Barry White
The Blues Brothers
Elvis

Summer (May 24 - Sept. 4) Michael Jackson
Faith Hill
Tim McGraw
The Blues Brothers
Elvis

Fall (Sept. 6 – Oct. 30) Liberace
Aretha Franklin
George Strait
The Blues Brothers
Elvis

Winter (Nov. 1 – Dec. 31) Liberace
Whitney Houston
George Strait
The Blues Brothers
Elvis

Purchase your Legends in Concert tickets today and save $3.50 per ticket!

Yakov Smirnoff has just announced the 2012 season will be his last in Branson, Missouri.  Yakov Smirnoff, who performs in Yakov Live and produces Yakov’s Dinner Adventure, will continue to live in Branson and be active in the community and at his theater.

The 2012 season will be Yakov’s 20th year performing in Branson.

Currently, Yakov is starring in Yakov Live, where the famous Russian Comedian delivers explosive laughter in a show filled with brilliant special effects, dazzling dancing, heartfelt moments, and just plain fun.

Yakov takes guests on a comedic journey and brings unique insights into life, family, and these United States.

The Yakov-produced Yakov’s Dinner Adventure takes guests on a two-hour, fun-filled adventure featuring Andre the Clown and International Flying Adagio Star Marina along with a revolving line up of exciting and unique acts including an award-winning canine troupe with their feline friends, the Human Slinky, National Unicycling Champion Anthony Soumiatin, Russian Dancers, Alena Oulianova the Fire Eating Lady and Boris the Wonder Dog.  The show also includes a mouth-watering meal.

Purchase Yakov Smirnoff tickets today and look for his 2012 Branson show schedule soon.  Branson visitors won’t want to miss his last season in Branson, MO!

The Branson Christmas Shows season will be over before you know it.  Some of the Branson shows perform through December 31st, but many shows end their season in Branson around December 10th. 

The following list might be helpful when planning your Branson vacation.  It lists the final date of 2011 performances for shows in Branson:

December 6
Duttons
The World Famous Platters

December 7
Gatlin Brothers and Debby Boone Together
Neal McCoy

December 8
Joey Riley Comedy & Music Review
Roy Rogers Jr. Show

December 9
Andy Williams Christmas Show
Down Home Country
Tony Orlando Christmas

December 10

#1 Hit of the 60′s
3 Red Neck Tenors
Brady Brunch Morning Show
Brett Family
Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band
Christmas with the Lennon Sisters
Chubby Checker
Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular
Legend of Kung Fu
Oh What a Night!
Shake Rattle & Roll
Tom Mullica's Red Skelton Tribute

December 11
Ozark Mountain Jubilee
Paul Harris
Shoji Tabuchi
Sunday Gospel Jubilee
Yakov
Yakov's Dinner Adventure

December 13
Mickey Gilley

December 16
Cassandre’ The Voice of an Angel

December 17
Hughes Brothers
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
SIX
Twelve Irish Tenors

Be sure to reserve Branson show tickets now before it’s too late to see some of the best Christmas shows in Branson!

If you’re in the mood for a country-style Christmas then head to the Pierce Arrow Theater, home to the Pierce Arrow Show.

The vocal group has been in Branson, Missouri for 12 years and their owner/producer Dan Britton said this year’s show is the best on yet.  The show features new costumes, music and comedy segment, and every show is a little bit different.  Pierce Arrow includes Scott Fraker, Luke Menard, Gary Koreiba and Tim Storms.

Comedian Jarrett Dougherty is a fan-favorite of the show.  His comedy is some of the best in Branson and has audience members in fits of laughter during his routines.  Female vocalists Kim Boyce and Desta Pritchett round out the cast of the show.

Pierce Arrow mixes its show with some regular season highlights and Christmas traditions.  The theater has some of the best special effects in town, too, creating a great production that is entertaining for those of all ages. 

Pierce Arrow tickets are on sale now!

If you like laughter to be included with your holidays then be sure to get tickets to the Jim Stafford Show in Branson, Missouri for a hilarious holiday treat.

The Jim Stafford Christmas Show is a family affair, as his wife, son and daughter join Stafford on stage.  During the show, both children – Shea, 19, and G.G., 14 – play piano and sing, while Shea also plays fiddle and G.G. wows on the harp.  Jim Stafford’s wife, Ann, reminds audience members of the reason for the season with her reading of “One Solitary Life,” an essay about the impact of Jesus Christ.  Hilarity ensues when the entire family participates in skit involving what Jim Stafford wants for Christmas. 

The Stafford’s are joined by special guest Kristin Meadows to perform some favorite holiday tines, including “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen,” “Silent Night,” and the Jim Stafford original “A Guitar for Christmas.”

The Jim Stafford Show also includes segments from his regular season show, including some of Jim Stafford’s trademark songs.

Purchase discount Jim Stafford tickets today to put a little bit of laughter in your holidays.