Branson’s Silver Dollar City Presents “An Old Time Christmas” Nov.5-Dec.30

One of the nation’s most highly acclaimed festivals presents the world’s most famous choir when Branson’s Silver Dollar City showcases the Vienna Boys Choir* in special performances during An Old Time Christmas, which runs November 5 – December 30 at the theme park in Branson, Mo.

Established in 1498 in Austria, the Vienna Boys Choir brings one of the world’s oldest choral legacies to their vocal performances November 18-19 at the theme park, which has been named one of the top 10 places in the country to have a bright Christmas by USA Today and the A&E Network, and named the “USA’s Best Holiday Light Show” by America’s Best Online.

An Old Time Christmas also features one of the park’s biggest and most popular productions ever, A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, an original, musical adaptation of the famous classic. Show elements include vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery, pyrotechnic special effects, scenic projections, flying spirits and a talented cast of 14 actors, accompanied by a live band.

Renowned for its spectacular Christmas lights, Silver Dollar City is transformed into an evening wonderland, with over four million lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. The dazzling Holiday Light Parade glides through the streets of the City each evening, with colorful, musical floats representing the Gifts of Christmas.

Each evening at 5:30 p.m., guests join together on the Square for the lighting of the five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, adorned with over 250,000 lights that blaze in a musical show coordinated to the movements of Christmas songs. Silver Dollar City’s unique creation, the Special Effects Christmas Tree presents classics such as “Carol of the Bells” and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” in a spectacular light and sound show. The performances begin with the tree-lighting ceremony and continue every 15 minutes until park closing.

A returning favorite feature of the festival is the re-creation of the ancient town of Bethlehem, which fills the Red Gold Heritage Hall and provides a backdrop for the Living Nativity. The dramatic presentation is staged upon a two-story themed set, presenting an inspiring look at the story of the birth of Christ.

Tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the park, from a Prime Rib Buffet at the Mill Restaurant to traditional favorites such as Turkey and Gravy with Cran-Apple Raisin Dressing. Festive holiday treats include old-fashioned Chocolate and Marshmallow S’Mores cooked over open an open grill, warm Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Ice Cream, Gingerbread Cookies, Hot Wassail, Cappucino and creamy Hot Chocolate.

Holiday shows include Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection performing in a Cajun-style holiday show, and the rollicking Christmas comedy “Frontier Fa-la-la-la Follies” in the Silver Dollar Saloon. The Cumberland Quartet and Tracy Heaston perform holiday favorites in “A Christmas Homecoming.” Guests are invited to join in the singing of Christmas carols at the historic Wilderness Church and ride the Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train.

New this year is Lunch with Santa, available on select Saturdays, where kids can dine with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s friends (reservations required, 800-831-4FUN). Santa is also available to hear requests daily, and kids can make ornaments, create Christmas cards and decorate Christmas cookies. Especially for kids, Tinker, the 17-foot Talking Christmas Tree talks, sings and interacts with kids.

Meet Emanuele Fontanini, the fourth generation of the famous Fontanini Nativity crafters from Italy, Thanksgiving weekend. Fontanini will sign purchases of his work at Silver Dollar City 4-8:00 p.m., November 25-26. Additional visiting artists signing their work at select times during the festival include Peter Buchanan of Possible Dreams with Clothtique Santas, and Ibrahim Giacaman with his Wilderness Woods Nativities from Jerusalem.

During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Wednesdays through Sundays November 5 – December 4, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 10:00 p.m. The park is also open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on November 25, noon to 10:00 p.m. The park is open Thursdays through Sundays December 8 – 23, closed December 24-25, and open December 26-30, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 10:00 p.m. For ticket information and schedules, call 1-800-831-4FUN. Information and tickets are also available through the web site at www.silverdollarcity.com.

*The formal name of the group popularly known as the Vienna Boys Choir is the “Vienna Choir Boys.”