Southwest Missouri Town Named a 'Top 10' U.S. Holiday Destination by USA Today

Southwest Missouri Town Named a 'Top 10' U.S. Holiday Destination by USA Today Branson Area Dazzles With Lights, Stars, Tradition BRANSON, Mo., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Named a "Top 10 Destination" in the nation for holiday celebrations by USA Today and A&E Network in 2003, America's live entertainment capital once again takes on a dazzling holiday persona during its Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration. Branson has come alive with production shows, world-recognized celebrity performers, 10 million holiday lights, and outdoor activities from theme parks, to shopping, to golf. Hundreds of live shows and attractions, colorfully designed with holiday themes, are offered throughout the region through December. For more information, call the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB at (800) 214-3661. See http://www.explorebranson.com/ . "Ozark Mountain Christmas, now in its 17th season, is a magical combination of family traditions, breathtaking scenery, drive-through lighting displays, dazzling performances, and a spirited Ozarks celebration of the joys of the season," according to Branson Chamber & CVB president and CEO, Ross Summers. "Branson's holiday celebration was profiled in the Wall Street Journal in 2003, and while appreciative of the accolades, our town of fewer than 7,000 residents keeps adding yet more grandeur to the season," Summers said. Holiday shows feature live entertainment by world-famous celebrities and producers. The show bill includes the always popular Andy Williams in his famous Christmas show and Tony Orlando in his original production of "Santa and Me." The newly-introduced show by Neil Goldberg, "Christmas Dreams" is a unique blend of pageantry, puppets and fantastical twists on holiday tradition. Mickey Rooney and his wife, Jan, headline at the Americana Theatre along with the Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon. Jimmy Osmond stars in the Branson Variety Theater's "Broadway Christmas Spectacular." The final season of the Lawrence Welk show reunites the Lennon Sisters and fabled Welk TV stars. Funnymen Jim Stafford, Ray Stevens and Yakov Smirnoff add Christmas cheer and humor to their already hilarious comedy, music and dance shows. Perennial Branson favorites the Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys' Jubilee, along with shows like the Lowe family, 50s At The Hop, Doug Gabriel, the Dutton family, the Hughes Brothers and more are filled with holiday spirit and Christmas fun. Neil Goldberg's fantasy-filled "Cirque" continues through Christmas at the Remington Theatre. Visitors can immerse themselves in attractions such as the holiday wonderland at Silver Dollar City. The world-renowned 1880s style theme park features a dazzling Holiday Light Parade, a dramatic five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, a popular musical production of the famous classic, A Dickens' Christmas Carol, and over four million lights. Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show features 32 horses and trick riders performing in a holiday competition, a dramatic Living Nativity with camels, and Christmas musical performances. Dozens of exuberant elves serve up a four-course feast. The Showboat Branson Belle cruises scenic Table Rock Lake during Ozark Mountain Christmas, offering guests festive holiday shows and meals. Branson Scenic Railway sets the scene for holiday romance with their candlelight meal excursions through the Ozark foothills in 1940s-era Zephyr dome cars. The Branson Area Festival of Lights (November through December) links several Southwest Missouri communities in creating a two-month lighting festival. The popular Festival of Lights Parkway, a two-mile drive-through animated display in Branson, along with the spectacular Port of Lights in Kimberling City, the Indian Point Village display near Table Rock Lake, and many others are presented for visitors to enjoy. Area businesses participate in the Festival by adorning their storefronts and grounds with holiday lights to further add to the spirit-filled atmosphere of the season. The 56th Annual Adoration Parade will be held December 5 in historic downtown Branson immediately following the lighting of the Nativity Scene on Mount Branson, which overlooks the downtown area. The Branson area is an ever-popular shopping destination with three outlet centers offering more than 200 name-brand stores. Plus the historic downtown offers the charm of a small town with dozens of shops, restaurants and live music. The Grand Village, Engler Block and Silver Dollar City contain one-of- a-kind artwork and collectibles made by local artists and craftsmen. Many shows and attractions will remain open through the end of December and offer special New Year's Eve celebrations. Bureau Source: Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors CONTACT: Jennifer McCullough, Director of Public Relations, Branson- Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, +1-417-334-4084 ext. 337, jmccullough@bransoncvb.com Web site: http://www.explorebranson.com/ http://www.bransonchamber.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Download high resolution Branson holiday photos at http://www.explorebranson.com . For interviews with Branson celebrities and Ross Summers, contact Jennifer McCullough. ------- Profile: International Entertainment