Checking out Branson for a Holiday Getaway

By Suzanne Corbett

Missouri’s Ozark Mountains are calling. Calling for those looking  for a holiday getaway to Branson where glittering decorations and holiday shows are designed to make the Christmas season jolly and bright.

Branson has drawn people to visit its majestic scenery and culture since 1907. That was the year Harold Bell Wright’s, Shepherd of the Hills was published, which inspired tourists to come to the Sheperd of the Hills sites and experience the Ozarks. They still do; flocking  to see was the homestead of John and Anna Ross, the real-life inspiration of the  novel’s Old Matt and Molly.

During the holidays the old homestead site is dressed for the holidays along with all the sites out buildings. And while  the Old Mill outdoor Theatre where Branson’s first theatrical production, Shepherd of the Hills is performed is closed for the season, no worries. There are plenty of shows and activities to explore at Shepard of the Hills.

The Shepherd of the Hills Christmas experience provides activity options ranging from a North Pole Adventure to an impressive drive-through Trail of Lights to romantic carriage rides.  Offered inside the Shepherd’s Playhouse Theatre  where the halls have been decked out with Christmas greenery and lights, are four different holiday shows visitors can enjoy. A can’t miss dinner show favorite is A Shepheard’s Christmas Carol Dinner.  An Ozark Christmas story featuring Shepherd of the Hills characters served up  with a down-home turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Classic Branson visits should always include to lake,  Table Rock or Lake Taneycomo.

The lakes have been Branson’s first star attraction offering some of Missouri’s best fishing and boating.   Whether you fish dockside or from a boat with or without  guide, fishing  is a year-round sport for trout, small and largemouth bass. Non- anglers can take in the natural beauty of the lake area by taking a hike. Table Rock State Park’s Lakeshore Trail is one of the best trails to explore.

While hiking is great, I prefer to stroll. Stroll and shop the promenade on Lake Taneycomo in downtown Branson.  Branson Landing is the centerpiece of the promenade that features lakefront shops, restaurants and its famous fountain show.  Branson’s famous water and fire show, which becomes Branson’s Winter Wonder-landing sparkling with decorations and entertainments. Just head lakeside and gather around Branson’s official 63-foot Christmas tree to catch the action.

Back on Table Rock Lake holiday fun if found aboard the Steamboat Branson Belle. Patterned off a Mississippi showboat the Branson Belle casts off, weather permitting, for lunch and dinner cruises.  Now through December the Branson Belle’s Christmas cruises provide lively family entertainment paired  with a meal.  Dinner/show cruises run Tuesday through Sunday with Santa’s Pancakes and PJ Cruise offered  on weekends in December. On the breakfast cruise menu  are pancakes  with all the breakfast  trimmings. Lunch and Dinner menus offer three courses of bountiful plates along with a show that’s designed to put the ho, ho, ho in Christmas.

Branson Belle is operated by Silver Dollar City and stages the area’s Old Time Christmas Festival. A festival that Silver Dollar City has defined Christmas in the Ozarks for decades. Becoming a tradition for countless visitors drawn to its renowned crafts, shopping, shows, spectacular light displays.  Of yes, don’t forget to bring your appetite.

Silver Dollar City chefs know it’s the most wonderful time of the year to satisfy your holiday cravings with their Tastes of the Season.  To sample your way around the menu, pick up the  Christmas Festival Tasting Passport (priced at $35). The passport provides five tastes from  any of Silver Dollar City eateries Old-Time Christmas menu. This season’s special tastes you don’t want to miss is the Cinnamon Sugar Churro with Peppermint Dip, the Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Ice cream and the Hot Caramel Apple Cider, found at  Oscar’s Wassail Stand.

A Branson getaway isn’t complete unless you catch one of Branson’s classic music shows. The must see show for the past 65 years has been The Baldknobbers, Branson’s first music show. Catch its vintage  or Christmas show, staged at the Hughes Brother Theatre on West 76 Country Blvd, the heart of the Branson Strip.

To plan a Branson holiday getaway, visit EploreBranson.com.  For more information on Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival visit SilverDollarCIty.com. Don’t forget, Santa claims Branson as his official Ozark home. So kept an eye out for Santa because Santa will be looking for you.

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