Missouri’s Winter Wonderland
A trip to Silver Dollar City makes for a magical holiday
If you’re looking to take a vacation this season but stay fairly close to home, check out Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. Its Old Time Christmas festival, acclaimed by USA Today, CNN Travel and The Travel Channel, runs now through Dec. 30 and will dazzle with more than 4 million lights.
Old Time Christmas transforms the 1880s-style park into a glittering winter wonderland that will even make a believer out of Ebenezer Scrooge himself.
At dusk, the Christmas on Main Street show begins, featuring a five-story Christmas tree whose 350,000 lights flash in sync with Christmas songs. The synchronization is exact –– down to one-hundredth of a second. Lights on nearby buildings, Christmas trees and hanging in canopies also will flash to the music.
Other attractions include:
> A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, that includes elaborate sets and visual effects, flying spirits, special effects and live music.
> Local artisans demonstrating their crafts, from blown-glass ornaments to pine-scented candles.
> A nightly Holiday Light Parade, featuring 8 floats covered in lights and 18 costumed characters.
> A musical presentation of the Living Nativity.
> Frosty, an interactive show that encourages kids to help bring the famous snowman to life.
> Frontier Fa-la-la Follies, a comedy hosted at the Silver Dollar Saloon.
> The Silver Dollar Steam Train and nighttime rides, including five roller coasters.
For more information, call (800) 831-4FUN or log on silverdollarcity.com.
