Looking for a place for a ] affordable Christmas vacation that is nearby?
Branson, MO is the place.
It’s less than a 10 hour drive from this area and it is a scenic drive via several routes. Or you can fly with Southwest.
There are a large number of highly entertaining shows with the Sight & Sound Theatre being among the top attractions with the story of Jesus life. It has been so popular this year that it is being held over for next year. Past attractions at the theatre have been the stores of Noah, Joseph, Jonah among others. They do a fantastic job.
Other highly entertaining shows include the Texas Tenors, the Haygoods, and the Six, a family group that makes its own music. Many other shows feature Christmas specials, all family oriented. Top billing at all shows goes to veterans and there are a number of veteran museums and displays.
\One of my favorite show was Yakov Smirnoff. The list could go on and on. There is a great paddle boat ride with shows at Table Top Lake and boat rides along with ziplines - all kinds of entertainment.
Plus there is a lot shopping available and Christmas decorations gets you in the spirit.
There are great places to eat with Salt Grass Steak House and Paula Deen’s family restaurant and Flavortown, which is featured on TV.
Branson is really proud of some of the additions made in the last two years:
There is a wide variety of entertainment available.
The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is unlike any other you’ve visited. Guests get a thrill f r o m up-close views of amazing sea creatures ranging from colorful fish, seahorses and jellyfish to octopi, eels, and sharks. Observe more than 250 different species, an original 5D submarine adventure to the bottom of the sea, a 24-foot high Kelp Forest climbing structure for kids, a 16-foot view of a coral reef, two mirrored art installations that give the sense of infinite ocean life and more than 7,200 individual sea animals.
Dean Z, star of the hit international touring production “Elvis Lives,” brings his high-energy tribute show to the Clay Cooper Theatre. A musical journey spanning the 20-year career of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” from the 1950s to his Las Vegas performances of the 1970s, with a powerful 10-piece band and immersive video for a big concert experience.
Garry and Janine Carson are making a grand entrance into the Branson entertainment scene with their addition of Escape Reality, a world-class illusion and comedy dinner show. The couple run Carson Entertainment, a national touring company that produces awardwinning shows in Las Vegas. Branson Central Theatre provides the intimate setting for a show, making everyone part of the act.
They invite you to dig out your bell bottoms, put on your dancing shoes and come celebrate the classic #1 hits of the ’70s at the King’s Castle Theatre. This high-octane musical extravaganza is filled with singers and dancers performing off-the-hook tunes. Dancing Queen features disco classics like “Y.M.C.A.,” “Disco Inferno,” “Play That Funky Music,” “We Are Family,” and many more.
The Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai present their new show, Shanghai Circus, as they celebrate 22 years in Branson. This production promises to exercise more variety than audiences have ever seen before. Experience breathtaking acrobatics, colorful dance, comedy, mystifying magic, and numerous aerial feats of strength.
Be part of history as you experience Payne’s Valley Golf Course, Tiger Woods’ first and only public access course. Designed by Tiger Woods and his team, it pays tribute to Payne Stewart, one of the most respected golfers presently in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Complete this special experience with a unique 19th hole called “The Big Rock at Payne’s Valley.”
With state-of-the-art technology, you’ll have the true feeling of flight at FlyRide inside at Beyond the Lens. You’ll soar over mountaintops and skim over lakes in a suspended, free-floating multi-person ride that glides and tilts giving you the most inspiring ride of your life.
Fritz’s Adventure adds new components including over 300 feet of tunnels, 32 obstacles, 11 ziplines, six bridges, and two drops complementing existing facilities. Enjoy the City Wall, Sky Trail, Sky Tykes, laser maze, underground tunnels, treehouses, slides, warped walls, half pipe, a real airplane for exploring, shipping containers with paths and tunnels, water tower maze, aerial bridge, and Fritz’s Forest. Try the unique outdoor flying experience, Fritz’s Aerodium, which opens in May.
Guy Fieri, the famed chef, author, and television personality, is opening Guy Fieri’s Branson Kitchen + Bar in Branson this year. The restaurant boasts unique, bold flavors packaged inside signature sandwiches, made-fromscratch entrees, housesmoked meats, and mouthwatering desserts that can be enjoyed in a scenic atmosphere on the banks of Lake Taneycomo.