In Branson, Missouri, a town filled with exciting shows, shopping and things to do, it is really a tribute when people describe something as “magical,” “spectacular,” or “awesome.” Yet those are the words that the Branson Board used when responding to the question, “What are some of the top shows/attractions at Christmas time. I am particularly interested in hearing what Silver Dollar City and Dixie Stampede are like at Christmas.”
Now the “Board” replying to the question, was not the City of Branson Board of Alderman or the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, it was the members of the “Board,” more formerly known as the Forums on www.1Branson.com. Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, points out that the Board, and the service it provides to potential Branson visitors by volunteers willing to share their knowledge of Branson, is just one indication of what a special experience a trip to Branson can be.
No exact count has been made of the how many members of the Board there are, but a large number of them have made hundreds of posts answering questions about Branson and trying to help people have a great Branson experience. It is primarily a volunteer effort and it is not unusual to get a response with minutes.
But, back to the Board’s response to the question presented by “motravelerken” (all Board members are anonymous and identified only by screen name). To keep things in context, the whole post read, “I have been to Branson in the summer but hear that Christmas in Branson is awesome. What are some of the top shows/attractions at Christmas time? I am particularly interested in hearing what Silver Dollar City [SDC] and Dixie Stampede are like at Christmas.”
As will become apparent and as wonderful and entertaining as Branson is during the rest of the year, Branson at Christmas is special. “Daytimer,” responds “You will love Branson at Christmas time. SDC is amazing, love to watch the big tree lights blinking to music and sipping on the hot chocolate with whip cream!!! Its just magical.” “Everything in Branson is just beautiful at Christmas. It is truly an old-fashioned Christmas. Just driving down the strip is spectacular,” says "Show Gal."
Show Gal also points out that “SDC is beautiful at Christmas. They have Christmas lights on everything that can possibly hold a strand of lights. My favorite time is just as it is beginning to get dark. You can still get a good view of all the buildings but the lights are bright enough to see. Dixie Stampede is decorated to the max. Shows and costumes are in the Christmas theme, along with their excellent no-hands meal.”
“PatiCake101” responds, “There really aren’t enough words to describe Silver Dollar City during the Christmas Season…it’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. There are millions of lights, and Christmas trees everywhere you look, with Christmas music galore, hot cider and wassail and smores made around a fire. The smells, the lights, the sounds, and the Christmas spirit that you feel as you enter the park..it’s simply magical. Magical!”
PatiCake101 continues, “The Dixie Stampede is also all decked out for Christmas. The meal is the same, but the atmosphere is “Christmassy” .with themed music, a live nativity and beautiful settings.” Branson Tourism Centers Paul Miller adds “Dixie Stampede will be debuting a bright new musical fantasy, for the 2009 Christmas season called “The Magic of Toys.”
In talking about their favorite Christmas shows PatiCake 101 says, “Andy Williams is one of our favorite Christmas shows, he’s kind of known as “Mr. Christmas.” The Dutton’s also have a great Christmas show, along with so many more to choose from. Miller concurs saying, “Branson has so many shows and almost every one of them will be decorated for Christmas and have Christmas as a prominent theme. He agrees wholeheartedly with PatiCake’s conclusion, “You just can’t help getting in the ‘spirit,’ I LOVE Branson at Christmas and it is my favorite time of year there.”
Miller reminds potential Branson visitors that Branson’s “Ozark Mountain Christmas” celebration, starting November 1 and running through December 31, particularly through December 15, is one of the busiest times of year the in Branson. He recommends advance reservations to insure getting the type of accommodations and show seating desired. In that regard Miller points out the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and
