Branson's Best: Ozark Mountain Christmas
Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas”
photographs courtesy of venues
Santa is relaxed, feet on his desk, gazing at a map glowing with red lights that charts his Christmas Eve course. Elves are busy in their bunkhouse in the loft of the historic old barn. The reindeer are getting ready, too, bathing in bubbles. You can see this as well as penguins, frolicking frogs and more at The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights. The trail winds through a 160-acre homestead, two and a half miles of lights, animated displays and holiday scenes with three-dimensional characters and much more with different themes.
The lighted map of the Holy Land and replica of the church where “Silent Night” was first performed (played on the guitar, because mice chewed the organ) are poignant scenes. You drive the Trail in your car, and a trip up Inspiration Tower is included at the end. Ride up glass elevators 230 feet for a 360-degree view. The Trail of Lights is open seven nights a week through Jan. 1. Don’t miss the Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show, which offers delicious food, Cowboy Christmas music and fun; runs Monday to Saturday through Dec. 31.
Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas” is a feast for the senses. The experience includes amazing lights — four million of them — as well as decorations, aromatic candles and festive foods, holiday music and shows, not to mention wonderful shopping. There are 100 demonstrating craftsmen creating one-of-a-kind treasures, and the glass shop is a favorite as the creations are beautiful.
A five-story, special-effects Christmas tree comes to life during the “Christmas on Main Street” light and sound show, featuring music and synchronized energy-saving LED lights. There are 1,000 decorated Christmas 
trees around the park, and the Holiday Light Parade is great fun with light-covered musical floats winding through the city. If it’s 42 degrees or warmer, you can enjoy the view from the rides.
“A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” at Silver Dollar City is a Broadway-style production featuring elaborate sets and visual effects, flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, a talented cast of 14 performers and a live band. Other shows include a musical presentation of the Living Nativity. Open Thursday through Sunday, closed Dec. 24 and 25, open Dec. 26 through 30.
Dixie Stampede’s Magic of Toys is a popular Christmas tradition in Branson. Open through Dec. 31, the 
show includes 32 beautiful horses and 36 cast members, who present a lively musical fantasy with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Exquisite equestrian feats, fun competition between the North and South Poles and a Live Nativity, complete with kings on camels, are all served with a delicious meal.
“A Christmas Snow” at the Starlite Theatre runs thru Dec. 30. This live version of the film is a heartwarming story starring Muse Watson (“Mike Franks” on NCIS), Catherine Mary Stewart (“Weekend at Bernie’s,” “Knight Rider”) and the talented 12-year-old Cameron ten Napel, who has already starred in six films.
Lots to do year ‘round …
Titanic Museum Attraction is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day), and it’s beautifully decorated for the holidays. The holidays are also a lovely time to visit Big Cedar Lodge and enjoy the coziness of one of the cabins or just enjoy a delicious meal at Devil’s Pool or one of their other fine restaurants.
Enjoy dinner at Chateau on the Lake, overlooking Table Rock Lake, or dine at Level 2 Steakhouse at the Hilton Branson Convention Center, and don’t forget the shopping. There are many marvelous ways to make Christmas memories in Branson.
Log onto explorebranson.com for exact times and dates of your favorite shows.
