Christian Press, Your Christian News Authority

The traditional sights and sounds of Christmas are abundant in Branson with its variety of live holiday music shows, shopping for gifts, the Festival of Lights and The Adoration Parade. Branson is a great place to visit during the holidays where the true meaning of the holiday season is highly celebrated. One of our family’s favorite holiday traditions is a trip to The Dixie Stampede. We look forward to this special time each year with our grandchildren. It is such a joy to experience the fun and excitement of the show through the eyes of the children.

Dixie Stampede is magically transformed into a holiday fantasy with twinkling lights, evergreens, poinsettias, old-fashioned holiday costumes and familiar holiday music. The holiday festivities get playful as the Elves from the North Pole and the South Pole compete in a friendly rivalry while serving up a festive four-course feast. Cheering for your favorite Elves is all part of the excitement as the audience joins in the fun.

The true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus is brought to life with the live nativity including the three kings riding atop camels on their way to Bethlehem and beautiful angels floating through the air.

Dolly Parton’s Christmas at Dixie Show will run through December 31 at the The Dixie Stampede Theater on Highway 76 in Branson.  For more information call 1 800 520-5544 or visit their website at www.dixiestampede.com.

The 61^st Adoration Parade, which has been a Branson tradition since 1948, will be on December 6.  The popular night time parade with festive floats and marching bands will begin at 5:30 PM in historic downtown Branson.

Another one of our special family traditions is a trip to The Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. The one-mile drive-through features sparkling lights and more than 175 animated displays.  The drive-through will be open through January 2 and the entrance is conveniently located just across from the Sight and Sound Theater on Expressway Lane. Contact the Branson Chamber of Commerce for more details at www.explorebranson.com.

You can also drive through The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills, The Port of Lights in Kimberling City and The Enchanted Forest at Indian Point.