The Branson Area Festival of Lights brightens the hills and valleys of the Ozarks from Lake Taneycomo in Branson west to the shores of Table Rock Lake in Kimberly City. Christmas lighting displays containing millions of lights present a magnificent Christmas spectacle. Most major Branson Lighting displays have added new displays and thousands of new lights for 2002. When coupled with the CHRISTmas shows, Branson’s famed shopping, and Ozarks hospitality, the 2002 CHRISTmas Celebration in the Ozarks is an experience not to be missed.
The following schedule is intended as a guide only and is subject to change so please take advantage of the contact information provided if additional information is needed:
BRANSON AREA CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DISPLAY GUIDE
Branson Area Festival of Lights Parkway – The areas premier lighting display features a 2-mile long drive-through the largest animated display in the area, featuring over 1000 colorful animated displays: 800-214-3661
SCHEDULE: November 1, 2002- December 31, 2002, Sun-Thurs 5:00 pm to Midnight and Fri & Sat 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
CONTACT Branson Lakes Area chamber of Commerce – 1.800.214.3661
ADMISSION CHARGE: No fixed charge just what you care to donate.
LOCATION: Branson Hills Parkway about ¼ mile west on Bee Creek Road after exiting Hwy 65 at Bee Creek Road just north of Hwy 248. Can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with Historic Downtown Branson and Animated Lake Taneycomo Displays, Adoration Scene, and the Branson Music Display.
Kimberling City Port of Lights – This seasonal animated wonderland of lights for all ages is a 3 mile lighted loop of fantasy on land and on water. See reindeer pulling Santa on skis, a massive American flag, candy cane forest, Cinderella’s coach, the popular 120-foot snowflake tunnel, golfers, trains and much, much more. A stunning holly wreath tunnel alone contains over 15,000 sparkling lights! Port of Lights is artistically arranged on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. It is a beautiful drive-through experience with animation at every glance and a surprise at every turn.
SCHEDULE: November 1, 2002 – December 31, 2002, seven days a week 5:30 pm to Midnight.
CONTACT: Table Rock Lake/Kimberling City Area Chamber of Commerce – 1-800-595-0393
ADMISSION CHARGE: $5.00 per family vehicle. Group Tours are $1.00 per passenger; advance tour group reservations can be made
LOCATION: US Corps of Engineers Highway 13 Park in Kimberling City. From Branson go West on Highway 76 to intersection with Highway 13. Go South on 13.
Shepherd of the Hills, “Trail of Lights” – Anything that doesn’t run fast enough is completely covered in Christmas lights, including the 230’ tall Inspiration Tower – making it easily the tallest Christmas tree in the Ozarks! Every building, wagon, and fence line are covered in multi-colored lights – well over a million lights are used in all. The uniqueness of the Trail of Lights is evident in the carefully thought out and arranged displays that each tell a story. Life-size animated creatures are set to music and are meticulously groomed in their own setting. Displays include Santa’s Workshop, The Elves Bunkhouse, Reindeer Rest Area, Victorian Christmas, Currier and Ives, The Beaver Log Camp, The Peppermint Factory, and Penguins on Parade just to name a few.
SCHEDULE: November 6, 2002 – January 5, 2002, seven days a week 6:00 pm to Midnight.
CONTACT: Shepherd of the Hills – 417 334-4191 or 1-800-653-6288
ADMISSION CHARGE: $7.00 per adult and $3.00 per child, ages 4-16, not to exceed $25.00 per car.
LOCATION: On West Highway 76 east of its Junction with Highway 265 and west of its junction with Highway 376.
Silver Dollar City’s “AN OLD TIME CHRISTMAS” – Over 3 million lights and thousands of Christmas decorations will sparkle and glow as the entire turn-of-the-century Ozarks village becomes a holiday fantasy land for “AN OLD TIME CHRISTMAS.” In addition to the lighting display this celebration of Christmas will have everything from Santa Claus to a dazzling five story “Special Effects Christmas Tree“ adorned with over 200,000 lights, to “Tinker” the 17-foot Talking Christmas Tree that talks, sings and interacts with kids, Hot Wassail and, weather permitting, some of Silver Dollar City’s rides. NEW this year is “The CHRISTmas Light Parade,” a dazzling display of floats and live characters that winds their way through the streets of Silver Dollar City daily at 7:00 & 9:00 PM.
SCHEDULE: From November 2, 2002 – December 22, 2002, the park is open Wednesdays through Friday and Sundays, 1:00 PM. to 10:00 PM., on Saturdays, and Friday, November 29, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and on Thanksgiving Day from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 PM.
CONTACT: Silver Dollar City 1-800-952-6626
ADMISSION CHARGE: Adults $31.80, Children 4-11, $20.15, Seniors $29.65 >=62. Children 3 and under Free.
LOCATION: On Indian Point Road off of W. Highway 76 just west of its junction with Highway 265. It is just north of Indian Points “Enchanted Forest” which can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with a visit to Silver Dollar City’s “AN OLD TIME CHRISTMAS.”
Indian Point’s “Enchanted Forest” – Indian Point’s “Enchanted Forest” is a half mile of thousands of lights, animated lighting displays, such as a bear climbing a tree, and elaborate static lighting displays. Visitors to the “Enchanted Forest may either drive through in their cars or park and walk through.
SCHEDULE: – November 9, 2002 – – December 31, 2002, 6:00 PM till Mid Night..
CONTACT: Indian Point Chamber of Commerce – 1.800 888.3313
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: – On Indian Point off of W. Highway 76 just west of its junction with Highway 265. It is just south of Silver Dollar City and can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with Silver Dollar City’s “AN OLD TIME CHRISTMAS.”
Historic Downtown Branson and Animated Lake Taneycomo Displays – Celebrates Christmas with thousands of lights, Giant Stars and Christmas greenery intertwined on their unique light poles, and Christmas displays in their unique one of a kind shopping district. When combined with the animated lighting displays on the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront, the Reflective Stars on the Business 65 Bridge reflecting off the surface of Lake Taneycomo, and the excellent view of the Adoration Scene atop of Mount Branson, it is a Christmas experience to remember.
SCHEDULE: November 1, 2002 – December 31, 2002. Lighting in Historic Downtown Branson, 24 hours a day. Animated Lake Taneycomo Displays and Reflective Stars 5:30 pm to Midnight.
CONTACT: Downtown Branson Betterment Association, 417.334.1548
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: Historic Downtown Branson is located at the junction of Business 65 (Veterans Blvd.) and Hwy 76. The animated displays on the Lake Taneycomo lakefront are best viewed from two different locations, the foot of Main St. at the Lake Taneycomo lakefront and from the City Campground on the south end of Box Car Willie Drive. Can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with the Adoration Scene, Branson Music Display, and the Branson Area Festival of Lights Parkway.
Branson Music Display – A single display lined with 300 large stars.
SCHEDULE: – November 1, 2002 – December 31, 2002, seven days a week 5:30 pm to Midnight.
CONTACT Branson Lakes Area chamber of Commerce – 1.800.214.3661
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: . It is located on the bluff above the south eastern corner of the junction of highway 65 and Highway 76. Best viewed driving east on Highway 76 as you cross over Highway 65. Look to the right. Can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with Historic Downtown Branson and Animated Lake Taneycomo Displays, Adoration Scene, and the Branson Area Festival of Lights Parkway.
Adoration Scene – This giant Nativity Scene, located atop of Mount Branson, above Lake Taneycomo, serves to proclaim the true reason there is a Christmas. A giant polyhedron star seemingly casts is warm glow over Lake Taneycomo and, reminiscent of what a star did over 2000 years ago, directs us to the true meaning of Christmas, the Christ child’s birth.
SCHEDULE: – November 1, 2002 – December 31, 2002
CONTACT: Branson Lakes Area chamber of Commerce – 1.800.214.3661
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: As one drives east on 76 and comes down the hill into Historic Downtown Branson, the Adoration Scene, and its Star, will be viewable on the bluffs overlooking the Downtown. It is best viewed from two different locations, the foot of Main St. at the Lake Taneycomo lakefront and from the City Campground on the south end of Box Car Willie Drive. Can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with Historic Downtown Branson and Animated Lake Taneycomo Displays, Branson Music Display, and the Branson Area Festival of Lights Parkway.
Chateau on the Lake Resort and Convention Center – More than 200,000 lights, miles of garland, 14 Christmas Trees, 1,000 poinsettias, a $75,000 nativity scene, and an entrance way guarded by two 8 ½ foot tall “toy soldiers” will highlight the Chateau’s elaborate Christmas display. The thousands of lights lighting the 250 trees lining the Chateau’s driveway and its rooftop will be visible from miles away.
SCHEDULE: November 1, 2002 – December 31, 2002. The Resort is open 24 hours a day but the outside lighting displays are best viewed during the hours of darkness.
CONTACT: Chateau on the Lake Resort and Convention Center – 1.888.333.5253
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: On Highway 165 just south of its junction with Highway 265. It location makes this an ideal display to view in conjunction with any of the Branson Lighting Displays.
