Christmas in Branson

 

Branson, Missouri, is well-known as an amazing destination for summer vacations. Tucked into the rolling Ozarks, and with three lakes in the area, the opportunities for outdoor recreation in Branson is almost off the chart.

branson missouri

Hiking and biking and horse-back riding through the fragrant woods, or waterskiing and wakeboarding on the lakes, or fly-fishing on the near-by streams – there’s definitely something for every taste and ability.

But what about winter? Well, that’s when Branson really shines – to say the least.  Christmas in Branson is over the top, too, and is especially magical for all the kids in the family.

dinner theater

Dinner Show on the Showboat Branson Belle

Many of the live shows in Branson’s 50-theater strip go on hiatus during the “off season” of January and February, but most of the theaters are ablaze with Christmas cheer from the weekend following Thanksgiving to the end of December. Christmas songs, Christmas carols, Christmas plays and Christmas romps bring the joy of this cheerful season to all children be they tykes or teens.

Almost all of these shows are “family-rated,” so taking the kids out for a live theater or concert experience is easy. Especially popular shows for kids includes Kirby VanBurch’s Christmas Spectacular, a magic show with surprise assistants – full-grown tigers! And the kids are sure to enjoy Christmas sing-alongs and caroling with family-oriented performers such as the Baldknobbers and the Presley Family.

pic9

Silver Dollar City is another Branson attraction that closes during the months of January and February, so the Christmas season is a great time to get your last licks in. Branson’s Silver Dollar City theme park is bedecked with the old-fashioned Christmas fun of the 1800s. Festive drapes of pine bows, red ribbons and strings of popcorn and candies decorate the western town.
[Read more…]

Fun Tours in Branson, MO

 

My son had a fantastic time in Branson.  There was a lot to see and do, and much to engage him while we were there.  Two of his favorite activities were the “Ride the Ducks” tour and the “Titanic Museum”.  He actually wanted to go back to the museum every day we were there- so that should really tell you something.

branson missouri

The Ride the Ducks duck tours are great family fun, with adults having a great time as well.  As you ride the amphibious  land and water Duck Boat through the Ozarks, to the top of a mountain, and into the beautiful Table Rock Lake (quacking all the while with your “Wacky Quackers”) your tour guide gives you fun facts about the area and you get a great view of Branson.  Once your duck gets on the lake, the children will all get the opportunity to drive the duck, and get a certificate when they get back to the station as well.

8 29 13 Chicago and Branson 433

These “ducks are built just for for Ride The Ducks and our partners to look like WWII DUKW vehicles. On the top of the mountains, you can see many retired (and unarmed) vehicles from the armed forces, which the kids loved and was quite interesting.   The ducks are safe, of course- according to the website, “The Ride The Ducks Duck uses the latest in marine design and safety.  They are regularly inspected, tested & certified by the United States Coast Guard to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for our guests.”  Can’t beat that!  There is also a museum of armed forces inside the tour center.

8 29 13 Chicago and Branson 452

Visit http://branson.ridetheducks.com for your tickets Memorial Day through Labor Day, or November 1 through Dec 8 for the Holiday Lights tours.

The Titanic Museum was awesome, my son’s favorite thing to do in Branson, and one of his favorite things he has done at all this year.  He talks about it all the time.  They have a special children’s exhibit and guided tour that is created just for a younger age group with aspects that will engage and entertain them, as well as keep them interested.  And it’s on their eye level, which is really helpful.
[Read more…]