Branson for the holidays

By Todd Moning
FMCA.com editor

If Branson, Mo., were a music box, it would be perpetually wound.

Music emanates from this entertainment town nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in southwest Missouri. More than 90 different shows take place at 46 venues, showcasing dance, comedy and nearly every style of music.

"People come to Branson because of its non-stop entertainment and beautiful Midwestern environment," said Dawn Erickson of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. "We have lakes and outdoor activities and many different attractions — theme parks, family amusements, great shopping, great golf. And, Branson is an interesting cultural and historic area."

That's entertainment
The Ozark Mountain Christmas season, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, has become one of the most popular times to visit the Branson/Lakes Area. Many of Branson's favorite entertainers offer seasonal shows and expanded schedules at their theaters. Visitors also can enjoy the holiday lights illuminating the town.

Here is a sampling of the holiday shows scheduled in 2003. Erickson recommends ordering tickets in advance, as some shows can sell out. "But, usually you can walk up to a theater and tickets will be available."

Jim Stafford Christmas Show (Nov. 3-Dec. 17, Jim Stafford Theatre)
Are the kids or grandkids with you? This is a musical variety show for kids of all ages, featuring toys, balloons, stupid pet tricks and Stafford songs "Spiders and Snakes" and "Cow Patty."

Lawrence Welk Christmas Show (Nov. 1-Dec. 11, Welk Champagne Theatre)
A musical variety show with the Welk Musical Family and 20-piece Lawrence Welk Orchestra playing waltzes, polkas, Big Band music, Broadway songs and Christmas tunes.

Legends in Concert — Christmas Show (Nov. 1-Dec. 31, Legends in Concert Theatre)
An energetic production featuring entertainers who look and sound like famous stars. Hear "Garth Brooks," "Judy Garland," "Tony Bennett," "Dolly Parton," "Elvis Presley" and more.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular — Rockettes (Oct. 31-Dec. 7), The Grand Palace
Dancers, singers, colorful costumes and fancy sets delight audiences in this holiday show. Ice-skating snowmen, a New York skyline and a festive city street create a holiday ambience. Production numbers by the Rockettes include "Carol of the Bells" and "Parade of Wooden Soldiers." The Radio City Christmas Spectacular premiered in Branson in 1994, and 2003 will be its final season.

Lennon Brothers Christmas Show (Nov. 12-Dec. 13, Jim Stafford Theatre)
The brothers of the Lennon Sisters — Dan, Joe, Bill, and Bill's wife, Gail — and the Lennon Brothers swing band perform favorite Christmas tunes and swing music of the '40s and '50s.

Lights festival
The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a two-month annual festival of creative lighting on rooftops, steeples, bridges, and buildings in Branson and nearby communities.

The anchor display for the festival is the Branson Area Festival of Lights Parkway, located just off State Route 65 and Bee Creek in the Branson Hills area. It's a two-mile drive through thousands of lights and animated displays. In 2003, the Twelve Days of Christmas returns to the display.

More info
Most parking lots in Branson, except in the downtown district, offer free, ample motorhome parking. The Branson area also includes approximately 20 campgrounds. "Most of the RV parks are open year-round," Erickson said. "Winters here are rarely harsh."

Branson is on State Route 76, 11 miles north of the Arkansas state line. The local chamber of commerce can provide an area map showing secondary roads that bypass the congestion of State Route 76, Branson's main road.

The shows, lights and stores — Branson offers four store outlet centers and a variety of specialty shops — make this town an appealing destination during the holidays or anytime.

For more information about Branson, including attractions, campgrounds, show tickets, and event schedule, contact the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 214-3661, or visit the site below.

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.explorebranson.com