The most wonderful time of the year is in full swing here in Missouri, fit with sparkling lights, sweet treats, festive parties, and an abundance of good cheer. Families are flocking to our fair city to enjoy an incredible Christmas in Branson 2016. With the magic of the holidays on display everywhere you look, you couldn’t pick a better spot to experience some quality bonding time with your family or friends.
Celebrating Christmas in Branson 2016
Branson draws in over seven million visitors from all around the world every year, because it offers a wide variety of family activities, events, and attractions year-round. However, Branson definitely goes the extra mile when it comes to the Christmas season. The following are just some of the amazing seasonal activities you and your family can enjoy this holiday season:
1. An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
This spectacular festival is held each year at Branson’s iconic theme park, Silver Dollar City, and you can still experience it through Friday, December 30th. Come get lost in the holiday magic generated by more than 5 million sparkling lights, a thousand brilliantly decorated Christmas trees, and an amazing parade. Delight in the five-story Christmas tree, the two Broadway-style productions, the thrilling roller coaster rides, the delicious dining, and some amazing shopping opportunities.
2. The Dixie Stampede Christmas Show
The Dixie Stampede arena presents a fabulous show throughout the year, but it turns into a majestic winter wonderland for the Christmas show, which runs through Saturday, December 31st. In addition to the 32 magnificent horses that perform at every show, visitors can expect to see snow falling gently over the arena, glittering lights, and holiday decorations. Santa’s elves will entertain your family with a friendly rivalry while you enjoy your four-course Christmas dinner. At the end of the show, Santa will arrive in his sleigh with goodies for all of the good boys and girls.
Although we’ve highlighted Dixie Stampede, there are many other live shows you can enjoy during the holiday season. For example, you could also go see the Acrobats of China, Christmas on the Trail (a dinner show), Hamners’ Wings of Christmas, Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, Pierce Arrow, Neil Diamond, Legends in Concert, or Jim Stafford, amongst others. All of these shows present holiday-themed performances for Christmas in Branson 2016.
3. Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights and Village
This popular event, which remains open through Saturday, December 31st, begins with a horse-drawn carriage tour through the amazing mile of Christmas lights. Your youngest family members can visit with Santa Claus, take a trip on the North Pole train, and enjoy a fun pony ride. Visitors of all ages can shop for unique Christmas gifts, roast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate by the fire, have their faces painted, see the life-size Nativity scene, and take fun family photos at the vintage photo booth.
4. Branson Landing’s Winter Wonderlanding
Beautifully nestled along Lake Taneycomo near historic downtown Branson, this area of the city embraces the festivity of the Christmas season. It is dramatically decorated with holiday lights and decor, including some stunning silver reindeer sculptures and an incredible 50-foot Christmas tree. Santa resides in a cozy house beneath the tree, welcoming and greeting visitors through Saturday, December 24th. Plus, the fabulous fountain at Branson Landing combines water, light, music, and fire for a unique holiday performance.
5. The Trail of Lights and Gift of Lights
Through Saturday, December 31st, you can enjoy the Trail of Lights, a delightful light display that spreads out across some 160 acres. Holiday music is synced up with each of the hundreds of lighted displays, and you will see an assortment of fantasy, religious, and patriotic themes. The displays also include three-dimensional characters, a Victorian Christmas scene, and several animated spectacles.
You could also drive through the Gift of Lights, which runs nightly through January 1st. With 25% more displays than last year and several custom-made new scenes, the show promises to be “bigger, better, and brighter” than ever before. You can synch your radio to the light show and take a photo with Santa! Finally, while you’re here, consider donating non-perishable food and/or personal items (like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant). The Gift of Lights is collecting these items to benefit Christian Action Ministries (CAM), which aids people in poverty in Taney County.
_____
December 25th is right around the corner, but you still have time to treat your family to a joyous Christmas in Branson 2016. However, we must warn you: once you visit Branson during the holiday season, you will undoubtedly want to turn the trip into a yearly tradition. Whenever you decide to visit next, whether during the holiday season or at the height of summer, be sure to check out Branson Vacation Rentals. Our cabins and cottages are perfect for a fun family trip, a romantic getaway, or a relaxing weekend with friends. Browse our cabins, condos, villas, and cottages, or give us a call at 417-832-9991 to learn more.