The reasons for celebrating Thanksgiving in Branson have a lot to do with the reasons why people come to Branson all year around. People come to Branson to have a great entertainment experience and fun. From Silver Dollar City to Branson Landing and everywhere in between a Thanksgiving in Branson provides opportunity after opportunity not only for fun, but to celebrate Thanksgiving in a special way.

One major event on most people’s “plate” for Thanksgiving is a special Thanksgiving meal. Paul Miller, General Manager for the Branson Tourism Center said, “From buffets, to home style cooking and fine dining, Branson will offer a variety of Thanksgiving meals for just about every budget and taste.” Miller said, “There will even be the opportunity for those who would like to combine their Thanksgiving meal with a show to do so at the ‘Circle B Supper Show,’  ‘Magnificent Variety Show’ or ‘Dixie Stampede’ which is adding an additional show on Thanksgiving Day at 11:40 a.m.” Click here for a list of some of the restaurants that will be open and their contact information.

“And speaking of shows,” Miller said, “over 60 of Branson’s shows will be open on Thanksgiving Day with shows available morning afternoon and night featuring some of Branson’s biggest stars and most popular shows.” He asked, “Where else in the country can a person go and share a Thanksgiving entertainment experience with “Shoji Tabuchi” or “Andy Williams; experience the thrills and adventure of the “Dixie Stampede” or the beauty and skill of the “Acrobats of China;” listen to the distinctive and dramatic sounds of groups as talented and diverse as “SIX,” The Twelve Irish Tenors, Pierce Arrow” or “The Magnificent Variety Show;” laugh at the comedic genius of “Jim Stafford” or “Yakov Smirnoff;” marvel at the magic and ventriloquism of “Hamner and Barber;” and see a spectacular Christmas and musical dance production like the “Spirit of Christmas?”

Shopping is never a problem in Branson and Thanksgiving Day through Thanksgiving weekend is certainly no exception. Many of Branson’s specialty shops and most of its shopping malls will be open Thanksgiving Day. One of Branson’s premier shopping destinations “Branson Landing” will be open for shopping in “select stores” from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thanksgiving day. Although Tanger Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day it will usher the way into Branson’s “Friday after Thanksgiving shopping experience” by opening at 12:00 a.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Miller points out that Branson also has wide variety of lodging choices at some of the most reasonable rates of any destination city in America. He reminds potential Branson visitors that “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” particularly over the Thanksgiving weekend, is the busiest season of the year in Branson and recommends early reservations for Branson shows and lodging. For assistance with Thanksgiving arrangements or Branson shows, attractions or lodging Miller suggests calling the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or visiting its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Great food, entertainment, shopping, reasonable lodging rates, and Ozark Mountain Christmas with its major drive through lighting displays such as “Trail of Lights” at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas are all good reasons to spend Thanksgiving in Branson. The best reason however, just might be that it is a special way to start your family’s Christmas season in a place where the majority of the people still value the true spirit and meaning of Christmas.

The German Wheel is just one of the exciting acts in "Cirque Montage."

Branson will have an exciting new addition to its show offerings in 2010. A recent press release announced “Cirque Imagination’s ‘Montage’ Show, featuring former Cirque du Soleil performers” will be at the Starlite Theatre from May 14 through September 5, and from November 2 through December 19.

“Cirque Imagination is devoted to providing our audience with unmatched entertainment” said Judy Blake, Director of Business Development at Cirque Imagination. Nate Simzek; Operations Manager for the Starlite Theatre said, “We think Montage is a great show, and an exciting new addition to Branson.”

A review of the show, entitled “Cirque Montage brings cirque excitement back to the Branson stage,” was published during its 2009 Branson test run on www.News.Branson.com. Among other things it said, “What happens when the skill, daring, strength flexibility, grace, agility and strength of former artists with “Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere, O, Sultimbanco, Alegria and Quidam” are combined into a new show that showcases each of their unique talents and skills?  ‘Cirque Montage,’ a cirque show that  engages the audience into its performance of daring, skill, flexibility and strength as it provides a wonderful magical two hour entertainment experience of action, color, excitement and anticipation unlike anything else in Branson.”

The review went on to say, “For those who have said, ‘Branson needs something new,’ Cirque Montage is a quality, exciting and action packed show that provides something different for Branson audiences. This show will absolutely hold the interest of children as well as adults.” During its 2009 test, Paul Miller, General Manager, of Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging said, “Cirque Montage represents the type of show and entertainment diversity that will enhance Branson’s entertainment reputation and give Branson visitors yet another different and exciting entertainment option for the whole family.”

In an article on the “Twelve Irish Tenors” show written earlier in the season this writer said, “Branson, Missouri the “live music show capital of the world,” has music shows of just about every type, but even in Branson, this show stands out. Although they dance a ‘jig’ or two and there is a little humor, this show is the presentation of some of the most beautiful, powerful and inspirational musical vocals one is likely to hear, not only in Branson, but anywhere.”

That does not change one iota for their Christmas show. From the first notes of the show’s opening number “Danny Boy” until its last “the sheer beauty, power and harmony of their singing entertains, inspires and amazes. Arguably, each of the twelve could be successful as a soloist in their own right, but what is inarguable is what happens when their voices are combined.”

Their Christmas show is simply the integration of Christmas numbers into three key Christmas segments, two during the first half of the show and one during the second half. This works well for this show because of the type of music they normally sing and the way they sing it. People come to this show to hear Irish songs, inspirational songs and other music, Christmas or otherwise, being sung with the power and beauty the “Twelve Irish Tenors” are known for. They will not leave disappointed.

The regular show portion covers Irish favorites such as “Danny Boy,” “Cockles and Mussels,” “Sweet Rosie O’ Grady” and some of the most inspirational songs ever written such as “You Raised Me Up,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “I Believe, ” as well as “Funiculi Funicula,” and many others. Among many highlights their powerful and beautiful performance of “You Raised Me Up” was especially memorable.

The Christmas portions covers a variety and styles of Christmas music, from the true “Spirit of Christmas” as expressed in the beautiful “Ave Maria” and “Away In A Manger” to a cute a cappella version of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Along the way the show covers a variety of other Christmas songs such as “Silent Night,” a spirited rendition of the “Little Drummer Boy” and others.

It’s actually rather neat the way the Christmas songs are woven into the overall fabric of the show. Christmas aside, the inspirational aspects of many of the numbers they routinely sing, just seems to make them fit in with the “Spirit of Christmas.”

This is an extremely talented group of singers singing great songs with beautiful harmonies, power, and range. The Christmas focus of this show results in a show of the most powerful and inspirational musical vocals one is likely to hear, not only in Branson, but anywhere, and a show that truly sings of the “Spirit of Christmas.”

For information or tickets for the “Twelve Irish Tenors,”or any other Branson show or attraction, please contact the Branson Tourism Center Branson (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The "Spirit of Christmas" is but one of Bransons many Christmas shows.

Branson Missouri, known as the “live music show capital of the world,” is in the middle of its “Ozark Mountain Christmas” celebration. A big part of the celebration is Branson’s Christmas shows.

Below, listed in alphabetical order by show name, are personal reviews of people who purport to have actually seen the show and have posted them on the Show Forum of www.1Branson.com.. They provide a a unique perspective and are presented as posted.

The link from the name of each show will provide a description of the show, pictures, schedules, and pricing and is powered by the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. The name, entry, to the left of each comment in bold is the screen name of the poster.

#1 Hits Of The 60s

kbradleyar on November 13 - I have seen the normal show many times AND the Christmas show. I LOVE the Christmas show. It is a blast, it is fun watching how they fit so many songs into the “Scrouge” theme. It will put a smile on your face…and I don’t even work for them.

Andy Williams Christmas Show

illinifan on November 10 – “We enjoyed Andy last week more than his Christmas show two years ago. He was on stage and performing through most of the show and had enough variety to keep our interest. It was by far our favorite! Don’t miss it!”

Charlie Daniels Band

Branson Friend on November 13 - Christmas in Branson will never be the same! The Charlie Daniels Band returns to Branson for the first time in over a decade with an amazing show featuring all of their biggest hits plus a few songs from their new Christmas CD.  One night only, Friday December 11, 7:30pm [Authors note: Although not a review it is included because it is a one night event and will be over before a review can be posted.]

Comedy Jamboree

oldbranhand on November 8 - “The Christmas part of the show was the first half which runs a full hour. They did two comedy routines from the regular season but that still left lots of time for Christmas. With the Jamboree Singers and Todd Bradshaw all of the music was great. Our favorites were Jackie, John, Gigi and Justin singing “Merry Christmas Darling“. We also loved Tracy Heaston’s piano number. It was great to see Gigi Hutchinson back in the show . She did a great job with “Santa Baby”. The funniest part of the show was Shannon Thomason doing a Christmas song as Elvis. On thing we really liked about this show and the Grand Jubilee was that in both they took time to include a passage from the Christmas story in the Bible.”

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express

oldbranhand on November 8 - “This year Clay Cooper did all of the Christmas in the second half of the show. In past years it has been mixed into both halves. We really enjoyed it more done all in the second half. It ran about 35 minutes but it was all Christmas music and comedy. One thing that sets this show apart is the quality of the dancing both in the regular season and the Christmas show. Highlights for us were Matt Gumm as the Grinch, Tina singing to her 11 month old son, and an outstanding instrumental medley featuring Melody Hart on the fiddle and Matt Gumm on the hammer dulcimer.”

Debbie Boone

elvisguitarman on November 14 - “I saw Debbie about 2 weeks ago on her opening show. I think she looks great and sings very well. She does talks about her family, sings some Christmas songs, some old songs by others, and then her trademark song “You Light Up My Life.”

Duttons

Theoleseagull on November 7 – “From beginning to end, it is like sitting around the Christmas Tree opening gifts. As each new act of the show unfolds and entertains there is an excitement and anticipation for what is coming next.”

Lindsey on November 7 - DD and I went tonight to see the Duttons Christmas Show - love love love it!! What a perfect family Christmas show!! I hope to take my mom and sister to see it!!

preacherman on November 8 - We got to see the Dutton’s for the first time last night. It was great! You just didn’t know what they would do next! And we were surprised to be led to our parking place by Ben. (Learned his name later) We got out of the car and he was standing there waiting to say “hi” and ask where we were from and to welcome us. What a personal touch! Really enjoyed this family!!!”

Grand Jubilee

oldbranhand on November 8 - “The Christmas show was the first half and ran almost 70 minutes. Even with two comedy routines form the regular season there was still lots of Christmas music. With this very talented cast it is hard to pick out highlights. I think my favorite part of all of the Christmas shows we have seen is when Jamie Haage steps out of his comedic role and does a beautiful, moving Christmas recitation. No matter how many times I hear it I still love it. Our favorite musical number was the entire cast doing ”O Holy Night” as the finale. I will repeat the comment about reading from the Bible because we feel that is so appropriate.”

Miracle of Christmas

K-2 on November 10 – “We saw Miracle of Christmas over the weekend. Wonderful show with lots of stage changes. The tickets are a little expensive, but for the quality of the show and theater we felt like it was worth the price. We had seen Noah and knew that we wanted to sit in the upper section. Went in the morning of the show and got great seats–just where we wanted to be.”

Crazy4Branson on November 10 – “I could have done without the dramatic depiction of “Mary” going through labor….. I know, giving birth is a “fact of life”…but, that scene could have been presented in a much more tasteful, discreet manner….I had planned to see the show again & take gr children, 10 & 12, but, will not…..Lots of angels flying around!”

K-2 on November 12 – “I felt that the “birth” scene was a little over the top also. Parents would know when this is coming up and maybe could pull out a box of candy or gum and distract the kids. It doesn’t last long. And, like others said–you see worse on TV.”

Pierce Arrow

Showgal on November  13 “Very talented singers. Kim Boyce is a beautiful singer. I love her Christian music. Dougherty is hysterical, as usual. He changes jokes around and adds to the jokes enough to keep it funny. I was with a group and we laughed so hard thought we were going to fall out of our seats. Every single one thought it was the best they had ever seen and they see him quite frequently. House was either a sell out or very close to it.”

Presleys’ Country Jubilee

moo_kitty on November 13 “I saw this show Thursday night: 1st half was highlights of the regular season 2nd half was the Christmas portion of the show. Large crowd - nearly sell out - maybe a few random seats here and there available. show was lively and well done - very enjoyable and fun.  Excellent musicianship by all. Theater was comfortable and NOT TOO COLD (yay) - I even took my sweater off which i don’t generally do inside theatres! Restrooms were clean and the lobby smells heavenly. I’m trying to think of a “negative” to try and keep the reviewed “balanced’ but cannot think of one. VERY GOOD SHOW

Show gal on November 14 Is indeed hard to find any negative words about this show. Just positive things coming from that stage. Glad you enjoyed the show. It got our holiday season off to a great start.

Spirit of Christmas

Theoleseagull on November 15 “Spirit of Christmas article just posted on www.news.branson.com entitled ‘”Spirit of Christmas’ a dazzling Branson musical entertainment experience” Excerpt:
The “Spirit of Christmas” at the Branson Variety Theatre is a spectacular Christmas production with great dancing, music and vocals and a “Zippy” little surprise. From the very first number, those familiar with the class, style and format of Branson Variety’s “Broadway, The Star Spangled Celebration” will feel a familiarity with the class and style of the show and have a sense of anticipation as to the unique and exciting entertainment experience that is coming.”

Looks like Santa has arrived in town and what an exciting and colorful arrival it was.

The “Spirit of Christmas” at the Branson Variety Theatre is a spectacular Christmas production with great dancing, music and vocals and a “Zippy” little surprise. From the very first number, those familiar with the class, style and format of Branson Variety’s “Broadway, The Star Spangled Celebration” will feel a familiarity with the class and style of the show and have a sense of anticipation as to the unique and exciting entertainment experience that is coming

Starting with the opening medley featuring, among other numbers, “Need A Little Christmas” and “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas” and ending with “White Christmas” two hours later, the “Spirit of Christmas” is one spectacular Christmas musical production. The dancing, choreography, music and costuming combined with the vocals of Sarah and Brian provide a musical Christmas present that is unique in Branson and a wonderful entertainment experience.

New this year is a nonmusical “Zippy” surprise. Can’t say what it is or it wouldn’t be a surprise, but you will be surprised.

The featured vocalists are Sarah, who was brought in specifically for the “Spirit of Christmas” and Brian, who came to the show from the “Twelve Irish Tenors.” They each demonstrate their wonderful vocal skills individually throughout the show as the featured vocalist in various numbers. Personal favorites would be “Santa Baby,” “Higher and Higher” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” featuring Sarah and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Do You Hear What I Hear” by Brian. Their duets on numbers such as “Winter Wonderland” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” are a special treat.

The exciting thing about the musical portion of the “Spirit of Christmas” is the excitement provided by the shows excellent dancers. Throughout the show they demonstrate high energy, grace, skill and versatility across a range of different dancing styles from the dazzling high stepping “Rockette” style to tap dancing and lots in between. As one watches these superb dancers perform, the word that comes to mind is “amazing.”

As good as its separate elements are, it is the combination of the vocal and dancing elements, costuming, and sets through excellent choreography and spectacular production that makes the “Spirit of Christmas” such a wonderful and unique Branson Christmas entertainment experience. The presentation of “Sleigh Ride” with its seamless transition into “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” was a personal favorite.

For additional information or tickets for the “Spirit of the Dance” please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

"The Yellow Brick Road" is just one of the shows features designed for the enjoyment of children.

The Dutton Christmas Show is an exciting colorful extravaganza of Christmas cookies, toy soldiers, the Wizard of Oz, Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, the honoring of the birth of the Christ Child and so much more. This show will absolutely delight everyone from the the age of three to 103.

From beginning to end, it is like sitting around the Christmas Tree opening gifts. As each new act of the show unfolds and entertains there is an excitement and anticipation for what is coming next.

It starts off in the typical exciting and active Dutton manner with playing, picking, fiddling, piano, singing and just having fun with a medley of favorites like “Uncle Penn,” “Jambalaya,” “Rocky Top,” “I’ve Been Everywhere,” and “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas.” From that they go immediately into their “patented” Dutton style instrumental introductions while playing “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”

The seamless way the show flows from one element to the next is remarkable. With the musical talent in this family each element is unique and special. For example, “The Orange Blossom Special” is a well known classical fiddle piece. Well that’s the way it starts out with Amy doing her usual great job, but by the time it is over Tim has joined the number with drummer Chris Libby. The result is a unique and very entertaining version of the old classic done “Dutton Style.”

The very talented Judith Dutton does a beautiful job on “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” after which the winds blow, the sets change, Tim plays and “It’s Off to See The Wizard” with some of the Dutton Grandchildren. They are led down “The Yellow Brick Road,” by “Dorothy” played by Rachel, Tin Girl played by Natalia, “Scarecrow” played by Benjamin Jr. and the “Cowardly Lion” played by Timmy” as they sing the “Yellow Brick Road” and musically introduce their characters.

The message of the true spirit of Christmas starts the Christmas portion of the show.

This is as good a point as anywhere to mention that every Branson show has content suitable for children, but, relatively speaking, very few shows make a concerted effort to have major elements in their show specifically planned to entertain children and hold their interest. This show was planned by a family for families.

Throughout the show, whether it’s the Wizard of Oz, singing, dancing, or just making cameo appearances as they do in with Dean and Sheila in the Christmas cookie scene, their participation in the show is well planned, professional, and not only enhances the total entertainment experience of the show for the audience, but gives the children in the audience something they can specifically relate to and enjoy.

At this point, about a quarter of the way through the show, Amy, easily one of the most talented violinists and fiddle players this writer has ever heard, leads in playing the classical piece “Czardus” which provides a beautiful transition into their Christmas show. The Dutton’s dramatic and beautiful rendition of “Carol of The Bells” starts a poignant, beautiful and spiritual celebration of the true meaning of Christmas. Amy’s solo of “The Gift,” Dean’s reading of the Christmas story, “Silent Night” and “Go Tell It On the Mountain” all combine into a unique Christmas blessing that ends the first half of the show.

The second half of the show gets off to a rocking start with Judith and Abby doing a cute rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock” and is nonstop Christmas fun, color, and excitement from there on out. From Dean’s musical explanation as to why he eats so many Christmas cookies to one of the most unusual Santa Claus arrivals you will ever experience the second half of this show is one entertainment Christmas present after another.

Some of the many highlights would be “Frosty the Snowman, featuring Timmy and Benj. Jr, the beautiful job young Miss Rachel did singing “Once Upon a December” and the clogging exhibition the Dutton’s put on while dancing to “Deck the Halls.” The production of “Hanakkuah’s Child” sung by Judith with violins by Amy and Abby was simply beautiful.

Even Bella Dutton’s moving and elegant tribute to Veterans has a special Christmas flavor. The background music, over which she speaks, is a harmonica version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” specifically recorded by Joshua Dutton, who is not in the show this year. They end the show in spectacular Dutton fashion and flair with one of their most requested pieces “Boil Them Cabbage Down.”

From beginning to end this show is a Christmas treasure that will at the same time knock your socks off and fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas.

For tickets or information on the “Dutton Christmas Show” or any other Branson show or attraction and lodging information or reservations please contact the  Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Part of the spectacular ending to the "Miracle of Christmas"

Only One is still alive from that first Christmas over 2000 years ago that could bear witness to that spectacular event, but there are thousands who can bear witness to the quality and spirit of its reenactment in Sight & Sound’s spectacular production, the “Miracle of Christmas.” In drama, spectacular sets, music, and dance it conveys the spirit of the greatest miracle of all, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

The “Miracle of Christmas” is more than the nativity scene in Bethlehem. It’s an entertainment experience about God’s promise to send a Savior, how He fulfills that promise through the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph and the price His Son would ultimately pay. That entertainment experience shares the human aspect of God’s plan as he uses the faithfulness of a simple couple from Nazareth to bring His Son into the world.

It should be made clear that the “Miracle of Christmas” is a fictional account of the factual events conveyed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. While consistent with the biblical account of the birth of Jesus and the events leading up to it, the productions has added characters and drama to enhance its entertainment value and explore the human side of the birth of Jesus.

That starts with a lively and spirited betrothal ceremony displaying the first of the shows spectacular sets, a large two story edifice surrounding a court yard in the center of Nazareth. It takes up the entire center of the 20,000 square foot 300 foot long wrap around stage. The talent of the cast is immediately apparent as Mary and Joseph sing of their love for each other and the cast joins together in a beautiful and lively celebratory dance.

It ends with flying angels and magnificent music, camels and wise men and shepherds at the manger honoring the Son of God after his birth. It is one of the most spectacular things most people will ever experience on a stage in terms of production, grandeur, entertainment, and sensory appeal. It is truly an amazing ending for a wonderful experience about what the celebration of Christmas really is all about.

In between, there is a musical drama about the times, what type of Savior some were expecting, the oppression of not only Roman rule, but King Herod, and the strictness of Jewish law and custom. However, it is the personal glimpse into the lives and relationships of the biblical characters associated with the birth of Jesus such as Simeon, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph which creates the drama and, even within the context of a story that everyone knows the outcome to, suspense. The personal turmoil that Mary and Joseph, their families, and community had to work through because of the miraculous pregnancy of Mary and the faith and perseverance that it took to get from the betrothal ceremony in Nazareth to the birth of Jesus in a manager in Bethlehem is in itself a miracle.

It is a modern production miracle that the cast members; animals, from camels to horses, riders and more; flying angels coming down from on high and the effort necessary to change the spectacular sets used, come together in a production that flows as smoothly and enjoyably as this show. Combine that, with the talent of the cast, both dramatically and musically, lavish costuming and the story of the greatest gift this world has ever received and the “Miracle of Christmas” is not only an exciting entertainment spectacle, but a spiritual blessing for those who know the baby Jesus as their Lord and Savior as well as those who do not.

For additional information on the “Miracle of Christmas” please call the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.