Branson holiday event makes Top 100 list

American Bus Association named the event to its Top 100 Events for 2005.

The event, which runs Nov. 1–Jan. 1, is in its 18th season, but Jennifer McCullough, director of public relations for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, said the city wasn’t always so recognized for its holiday spirit.

“Branson used to be basically a six-month destination – our season didn’t extend past October,” she said. “People never thought of Branson and Christmas, but through marketing efforts and the efforts of Branson businesses, it has grown into what it is today.”

The three-month celebration includes live holiday entertainment from Andy Williams, Mickey Gilley with comedian Joey Riley, Bobby Vinton and Jimmy Osmond, Jim Stafford, Ray Stevens, Jim Owen and Yakov Smirnoff.

The Branson Area Festival of Lights also will be held, though not in its traditional form. Retail development on the north side of town prompted the city to move the tour from its original site.

“We took all those lights from the parkway, made them available to our chamber members to put at their own properties and made a driving tour map of those properties,” McCullough said. “Visitors can go on their own free tour of the area and see those same lighting displays.”

The display also includes a treasure hunt vacation giveaway contest.

Other drive-through light displays included in the event are at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead’s 160-acre Trail of Lights, the Port of Lights in Kimberling City and the Enchanted Forest at Indian Point Village.