Branson Festival of Lights display Holiday Cheer

The Shine of Christmas lights will be coming from a different part of Branson this holiday season. Beginning on November 1 and all aglow through December 31, this year’s drive-through will be located at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane, close to the new Sight & Sound Theatre.

Experience the magic of an Ozark Mountain Christmas with the Branson Area Festival of Lights 2007 as all of Branson sparkles for the holidays. From fabulous Christmas shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenic beauty, Branson is a special gift for everyone in your family at this festive time of year.

The centerpiece, Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through, will delight children of all ages. Your journey begins with a magical 1-mile drive along a path aglow with over 120 displays. Conveniently located off of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway at Expressway Lane, this one-of-a-kind family experience promises to be memorable.

Also in the Branson/Lakes Area you can enjoy extraordinary Christmas lighting displays at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas celebration, the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd. and the Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills.

“It’s the perfect facility for the festival to grow, so we can add some new elements over the next couple years,” said Chamber Director of Tourism Development Krystal Simon.

2007 will mark BAFOL’s second year back in Branson after a one-year hiatus in 2005 due to the construction of Target, Home Depot and TJ Maxx in the Branson Hills area. Last year, the festival returned to Branson Hills Parkway but added traffic and the current Wal-Mart Supercenter construction project forced the chamber to look for a new venue for the holiday tradition.

“Expressway Lane has all the criteria that we need,” Simon said. “The drive-through was 1.25 miles long last year, so we’ll have plenty of room to make it about that length again. There is plenty of access to electricity, and there will be minimal interference with residential traffic.” Simon all stated that all of the 120 light displays used last year will again be utilized this season. “We’re going to be working with an individual to come up with a new design and configuration for the displays.”

The BAFOL Drive-Through will be open daily November 1st through December 31st from 5-11p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5p.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Admission fees for 2007 will be $50 for full-sized motorcoaches, $25 for mini-coaches, church vans and limos, and family vehicles will be $10.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News and Branson Chamber of Commerce

Summer Sizzles in Branson!

Branson, Missouri is the perfect place to escape to for summer fun. This live entertainment capital is known for its great shows, but there are plenty of things to do in Branson, Missouri! The summer only adds to these great opportunities, because visitors can take advantage of the wonderful outdoor recreation found in the beautiful Ozarks.

Many families, couples and retirees travel to Branson each summer for a vacation that includes a little bit of everything. Branson’s history of fantastic shows began with the Baldknobbers, with the Presley’s following shortly after, and continues today with shows like Pierce Arrow, The Duttons, Grand Jubilee and the Branson Brothers. These fantastic country music shows highlight the best of yesterday and today, providing entertainment for those of all ages. Branson is more than just country music, though, and shows like Acrobats of China, Broadway!, Magnificent 7, Shoji Tabuchi and Kirby VanBurch prove it! There’s a great variety of shows in Branson, where everything from magic to comedy to Broadway is performed.

After visitors see a show, they love taking in the sights, either by walking, boating or even a duck! That’s right! At Ride the Ducks, visitors can take advantage of a WWII style amphibious vehicle that drives on both land and water. Riders can choose from the Branson entertainment district route, where you’ll cruise on Table Rock Lake, or from the Branson Landing District, where the Ducks will cruise on Lake Taneycomo. Either choice is a wonderful way to view Branson’s beauty and learn a few things about this wonderful vacation destination.

Other great ways to see the beauty of the Ozarks in Branson is by hiking or going to the lake for boating and swimming fun. Outdoor recreation in Branson includes water sports on gorgeous Table Rock Lake, including a swimming beach named Moonshine Beach, as well as scenic hikes through beautiful forest and lakeside areas. Two of the best areas for hiking opportunities include Henning State Forest and Lakeside Wilderness Area. Another great way to see the rolling hills of Branson is a trip to the top of Inspiration Tower. This scenic wonder is found on the Shepherd of the Hills grounds and on clear days, you can see for 90 miles. It truly is a breathtaking experience.

Of course, Branson attractions include several ways for guests to have fun in the sun. With three theme parks in Branson, there’s a park for every time of the day! Silver Dollar City celebrates the kid in all of us, with their National Kids Fest, and continues their tradition of thrilling coasters and water ride fun, with a dash of pioneering spirit mixed in for a unique experience. Celebration City is a night time park, complete with a carnival-like atmosphere and laser light show. Branson’s beach within reach, White Water, provides exciting rides like Kalani Towers, Lazy River and Caribbean Plunge. It’s a great place for families to enjoy summer fun in Branson!

The list of things to do in Branson is endless. Between great Branson shows, exciting Branson attractions and beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities, Branson truly is the place where you can do it all…one trip at a time!