Port of Lights has 80% increase in reservations

The 15th season of the display is open 5:30–11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 p.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday through Dec. 31.

A stronger emphasis on marketing and the cancellation of Branson’s Festival of Lights because of the expansion of Branson Hill Plaza have led to an 80 percent increase in bus tour reservations for the Port of Lights, said Cindy Morris, president of Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, in a news release.

The chamber this year increased its marketing of the display to more than 1,000 bus tour companies and has made personal visits to lodging facilities and high-traffic businesses to increase awareness.

New this year is “Cookies with Santa,” sponsored by Wal-Mart and Outdoor Rooms, on Nov. 14, Dec. 5 and Dec. 16. Children can have their pictures taken with Santa Claus and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.

Admission for the three-mile tour, located at the port of Kimberling Park, is $7 per family vehicle, and tour buses are charged $1 per person. Taney and Stone County residents are admitted for $4 per family vehicle on Mondays.

The cost each year to host the display is $115,000 and is funded by admission, sponsorships and donations.