I was invited by Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center as part of a media FAM to explore Branson, Missouri. All opinions are 100% my own.
As my adventure in Branson, MO continued for an Ozark Mountain Christmas during the first weekend in November, I had the pleasure of exploring two great locations for a wonderful time of exploring, sight-seeing and watching amazing performances in BOTH locations! We went to Silver Dollar City and The Southern Branson Belle.
Silver Dollar City
Our first stop on the agenda for the #BloggingBranson trip was at Silver Dollar City on Sunday. I couldn’t wait to go there because I love theme parks, especially the smaller, more intimate ones. This year Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas is bigger and brighter than ever this year, presenting the NEW Christmas In Midtown Light Spectacular.
Christmas in Midtown
What is Christmas In Midtown? I took a tour through Christmas in Midtown and loved the light displays that soared up to 9 stories high. The park’s total number of Christmas lights to 6.5 million lights. The festival also features an evening light parade, two Broadway-style original musical productions, a 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree with a sound and light show and holiday dining.
Christmas In Midtown is a fun walk through brightly lit wreaths into tunnels that lead to an area of flying angels, running reindeer, moving trains, a tree 90 feet high, musical trees with moving lights, dozens of stars and snowflakes, and a giant turning globe, all created at Silver Dollar City.
As the sun sets the Christmas tree in the town square comes to life with lights that move to the Christmas songs. All the lights around the square also flash along. The parade of lights, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade, winds through the streets of the City twice each evening. The Grand Marshal, Rudolph leads the evening parade of nine musical, lighted floats, illuminated with 200,000 LED lights.
Shows and Entertainment at Silver Dollar City
I didn’t know that within Silver Dollar City there are musical productions. We saw A Dickens’ Christmas Carol and I loved it! You can also see It’s a Wonderful Life. The Dickens’ Christmas Carol was such an enjoyable show! They had revolving sets, flying spirits, special effects, amazing singers, and a live band to accompany the show! I know that my kids would have really enjoyed the show!
While we had time to stroll around the park we saw strolling carolers, horse and carriage rides, craftsmen creating hand-made holiday items, glass blowing artisans making one-of-a kind pieces ranging from jars, to holiday ornaments.
Things to Know Before You Visit Silver Dollar City
- During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Thursdays – Sundays November 4 – December 23, and Wednesday, December 20.
- They are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- They are open daily December 26-30. Hours are 1 to 9 p.m. most days, with extended hours on Saturdays and Thanksgiving weekend.
- Silver Dollar City is also open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day this year, for a new event, a “New Year’s Celebration.” The 6.5 million holiday lights are still on and special entertainment includes
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- A dance party with Members Only, a tribute band performing the hits of the ‘80s
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- Christian Rock with the Dove Award-winning band Disciple
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- The group AYO, seen on America’s Got Talent
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- World-renowned juggler, artist and comedian Albert Lucas
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- Hours are 11 am to 7 pm December 31, and noon to 8 pm on Jan. 1, 2018.
Showboat Branson Belle
After a day of clouds and drizzle, the sun broke through the clouds and blessed us with a beautiful sunset cruise on Table Rock Lake. We had a delicious three-course meal prepared right on the ship; and enjoyed entertainment from the show’s master of ceremonies, Mike Bliss. My family watched him on America’s Got Talent one season and loved his acts. He would choose guests from the audience and had us rolling on the floor laughing!
Then the main act performed popular songs from the 1960s to today. There was tap dancing, swing dancing, and singing, accompanied by a four-piece band. I loved it! They also added Christmas songs into the line up too!
I loved having time to also explore the paddle boat and enjoy the views along Table Rock Lake. We had the perfect evening with the beautiful views. We even spotted an eagle in a tree on an island.
The Showboat Branson Belle is a true sternwheeler. This means that it is propelled through the water by two huge rear paddlewheels. The paddlewheels are 24 feet in diameter and 16 feet wide. It’s a beautiful boat!
Things to Know Before You Visit Southern Branson Belle
- The Showboat Branson Belle takes guests on a two-hour cruise across the waters of Table Rock Lake.
- As you stroll the ship’s four decks, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the lush Ozark Mountains — beautiful at any time of the year.
- The Southern Branson Belle offers a Santa’s Pancakes & PJs Cruises
- Shows are typically run on 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Refer to their schedule online for details and times.