If you choose to stick to your usual diet, I suggest eating right before you arrive because the food aromas alone with be enough to trick you into that first funnel cake. Even though the temperatures are cooler, all of the rides (except water rides) are typically open throughout the Christmas season. Returning to the theme park this year, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade floats through the park twice every night during the festival. It begins on the east side of the park near the Red Gold Heritage Hall (home to the live production of It’s A Wonderful Life), passes through the Main Street square, and finishes near Powder Keg. Bring your entire family to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, and celebrate the true meaning of this magical season amid the glow of over 6.5 million dazzling lights including the awe-inspiring Christmas In Midtown® Light Spectacular, a nightly light parade featuring Rudolph™ The Red-Nosed Reindeer and so much more. If you (or your kids) are physically unable to move around that much, SDC does rent electric scooters ($38.50/day), wheelchairs ($9/day), and strollers ($13-18/day) near the front entrance or via the ticket add-on page. A trip to Branson during the holiday season isn’t complete without a visit to Silver Dollar City (SDC). Thanks everyone for information on what is going on in Branson Mo. The new breath-taking Christmas in Midtown area is covered in 1.5 million lights and features a 90-foot light pole Christmas tree, a 50-foot Santa and sleigh, a large globe perched 30-feet in the air, 30 flying angels, three light tunnels, two 40-foot moving trains, dozens of stars and snowflakes, and more. An Old Time Christmas® is a four-time winner of a USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll … But, you can still enjoy several shows on outdoor stages, including “Cool Yule” which features some of the actors from the Broadway-style shows. There are three onsite buffets as well as plenty of concessions stands and restaurants offering everything from BBQ and fried chicken to red velvet funnel cakes and fried Oreos. The Festival of Wonder features unique talents and out-of-this-world entertainment; Bluegrass & Barbeque serves up tasty food and toe-tapping bluegrass; Star-Spangled Summer highlights kid-friendly summer fun; National Crafts & Cowboy Festival celebrates crafts, cowboys, and harvest-themed events; and an Old … Part of a new “Joy on Main Street” experience, the $1.5 million custom-designed tree soars 80 feet into the night sky and features hundreds of thousands of “dancing” high-resolution lights. SDC is nestled deep within the Ozark Mountains, so be prepared to climb up and down steep hills throughout the park. This could lead to longer lines and wait times. Find more tips on finding the best SDC ticket prices here. Along with the Christmas in Midtown, An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City is filled with traditional and magical Christmas activities. You can choose to pay extra for “preferred” parking if you’d like to park closer to the entrance, but they run (free) open-air trams throughout all the parking lots to shuttle folks from waiting areas up to the front entrance and back. Read more about parade plans here.**. Whether you prefer smoked or slow cooked BBQ, you can find it in several places to eat at Silver Dollar City. The Square can get quite crowded for the parade, particularly for the 6 p.m. parade, so try viewing near the beginning or end of the route for better viewing. The parking lot was full so our men let us off at parking 2 while they found a spot in Parking 3. Culinary and Craft School; Marvel Cave; Indian Point Zipline Adventure Tours; Shepherd's Adventure Park; The Petersens; Wilderness Chapel; Capt. If you plan to visit SDC more than one time next year, you should take advantage of the option to upgrade that ticket to a season pass (for unlimited entries) for just $50 extra — that’s less than a single day ticket. © Copyright 2021. In Southwest Missouri, we can enjoy a sunny 60 degree day only to see temperatures plummet into the 30s the very next day. As much as we’d love a spiked wassail or egg nog while enjoying the sights and sounds, it’s just not going to happen. Celebrate Christmas this year at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo, with over 6.5 million twinkling lights and 30+ live holiday shows daily on outdoor stages...more than ever before! PARKING: Believe it or not, parking is FREE. In extreme cold temperatures, some rides are unable to operate. Some of the performers from these iconic shows will be part of caroling troupes who can be seen and heard around the City’s walkways.**. A two-day ticket is available for just a bit more — $92 for adults and $82 for children. Quebec City looks like it was designed to be the perfect Christmas village, so there’s no better place to celebrate the season. On Saturday and Sundays, you can dine with Santa himself for lunch in the Reunion Hall. There are a whopping 6.5 million lights, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, two live theater productions, and a five-story Christmas tree with special effects. A DICKENS’ CHRISTMAS CAROL: This is the most Christmassy of the two and an absolute must-see show. There are also lots of other non-Christmas shops throughout the park where you can purchase anything from salt water taffy to clay pots. Branson's biggest attraction for the entire family is Silver Dollar City theme park. You won’t find it at any of their other associated properties either, including Dixie Stampede. Few things compare to the sight of over 6.5 million twinkling lights covering the trees, buildings, and walkways throughout the park. After seeing these each year I now ask myself questions like “where in the world did they find people with this level of talent,” “how did they convince them to move to or stay in Branson,” and “are they really not charging extra for these?”. Cruise around the lake on Showboat Branson Belle Season pass holders also receive a 10% discount on food purchases inside the park and a $5 discount on single-day tickets for others in your party. Silver Dollar City: Rated as one of thebest things to do in Bransonwith dozens of exciting rides, more than 40 daily live shows and a historical atmosphere that resembles the Ozarks during the 19th century, it's easy to see why this theme park is one of Branson's top attractions and was named to have the 'Best Theme Park Holiday Event'. There’s so much to see, do, and (of course) eat at SDC during the Christmas season. **PLEASE NOTE: The 2020 season will be a bit different due to to COVID-19, and this guide is being updated as changes are announced. Together with other illuminated trees and structures on Town Square, over one million LEDs combine color, music, light, and animated imagery. Entertain your taste buds with hot apple dumplings and cinnamon ice cream, caramel apples, sweet potato chips with marshmallow cream drizzle, s’mores, cotton candy, and festival favorite kettle corn. SAVORY DISHES: New for 2020 is the Rivertown Smokehouse with fresh-smoked meats, classic sides, and specialty desserts. There’s less stage prop movement for this production, but the costumes are stunning, especially the “worldly” costumes. What’s different about Silver Dollar City’s 2020 Christmas festival? Love-it-or-hate-it, fruit cakes are also a holiday favorite at Eve & Delilah’s Bakery. For comparison, some of the record-breaking days of the past few Christmas seasons saw more than 28,000 guests. **2020 UPDATE: The parade WILL be held nightly during the 2020 season, and is scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. each night, but the timing could change depending on crowds. However, we still recommend arriving early, or wait until later in the evening (after 7 p.m.) to visit after the daytime crowd has thinned. You’ll then be given a wristband and will proceed to the normal park entrance and ticketing areas. There are a variety of sandwiches (burgers, pork tenderloin, chicken, sausage) available at various locations throughout the park. An unlimited Trailblazer pass is $60. And if you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, be sure to reference our Ultimate Guide to Christmas at SDC. Who doesn’t love a parade? Read more about 2020 shows here.**. There are a few lighter options, but I typically set aside my better food judgement for the day and indulge in a bit of everything instead. Wednesday-Friday, Sunday: 3:30-5:30 and 6:30-9:00 p.m. Frosty’s Mounds of Smashed Potatoes & Gravy, All other rides in the Grand Exposition: 35°, Outlaw Run: 34° (will not operate for the day unless temperature reaches 37°). BUFFETS: There are three all-you-can-eat holiday-themed buffets to choose from, all located just off Main Street Square near the five-story Christmas tree. Together with other illuminated trees and structures on Town Square, over one million LEDs combine color, music, light, and animated imagery. Hot mulled cider — also known as wassail — and rich hot chocolate. I must suggest arriving around 30 minutes before the show begins because the lines can grow quite long and you could be left without a seat. **2020 UPDATE: Unfortunately this show is not being produced this year. Silver Dollar City has revealed its event lineup for 2019 with “The Year of Shows & Festivals,” focusing on live entertainment and new original productions. Enough said. Again, don’t discount the live performances. This guide will help ensure you make the most of your time in the park so you can have the best Christmas yet at Silver Dollar City! and totally forget about the outstanding live shows the park produces. Pro Tip: Where to find the best prices on Silver Dollar City tickets, Where to feast on Thanksgiving Day 2020 in Branson, Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Silver Dollar City, Branson Christmas Attractions & Activities, Sign up now for the Branson Christmas newsletter, Ultimate 2021 Silver Dollar City Christmas Travel Guide, PHOTOS: Most Wonderful Time of Year Parade 2017. MAPS: It’s best to somewhat familiarize yourself with the layout of the City before you arrive. The area — located behind Main Street near the park’s entrance — features a 90-foot light pole Christmas tree, a 50-foot Santa and sleigh, a large globe perched 30-feet in the air, 30 flying angels, three light tunnels, two 40-foot moving trains, dozens of stars and snowflakes, and more. The staff usually tells some good stories and fun facts while you’re waiting. Fall-Off-the-Bone BBQ No trip to Silver Dollar City is complete without a sampling of incredible BBQ. My younger self focused solely on the rides and once my more-mature-self finally picked up a park schedule, I foolishly assumed the shows were amateur productions. The $35 tickets can be purchased any day, but can only be used on a Thursday when the park is open. There's a lot to see and do at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Jan 05 Park Closed - Silver Dollar City will open for the season on March 20, 2021. Just stop by the Carousel Barn to meet the characters and snap a photo or two. It’s not quite as popular at A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, but you should still plan on arriving at least 45 minutes early on busy days to get a seat. I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t discover the live shows at SDC until after several initial visits. The train ride takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey through The City all while singing along to favorite Christmas carols. Using the online or app schedule is especially important in 2020, as some times can change unannounced. If you plan to visit often, it might be worth purchasing a $11.99 souvenir mug which entitles you to $1.63 refills on most beverages. Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade runs twice nightly at 6 and 8:15 p.m. (check the mobile app to confirm exact times) and includes nine musical floats decked out in 100,000 LED lights, all led by Rudolph himself. We’re talking Broadway-quality talent, costumes, and staging — the full package. And we all know it’s a slippery slope from there. will be part of caroling troupes who can be seen and heard throughout the city. The SDC smartphone app (for iPhone/iOS and Android) contains a convenient park map that uses GPS to detect your current location and show rides and attractions near you. It’s easy to get distracted by the lights and the food and the parades and the… (see what I mean?) **2020 UPDATE: Unfortunately we don’t foresee these Culinary Classes being offered this year, but put it on your list for a future visit.**. Ask for the “loaded” hot chocolate for a delectable drink topped with marshmallows, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and a candy cane. Only outdoor shows will be held this year, and we’re next exactly sure where or when. About half way through the ride, the train stops while a grandfatherly actor tells a story about the true meaning of Christmas from his rocking chair. There’s no way you could see and do it all in just a few hours. LOCATION: Opera House on the west side of the property (near Fire in the Hole). With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming. SCHEDULES: Shows and activities vary each day so be sure to review the schedule by either picking up a copy of the “Pathfinder” newspaper when you arrive, view the online schedule on the SDC website, or download the SDC smartphone app (for iPhone/iOS and Android) to view schedules, maps, estimated ride wait times, and more. ), cookies and cream, or regular varieties are sold in multiple locations and run $5.99 to $7.99 each. While there, be sure to catch one of the live Christmas shows, see hundreds of decorated Christmas trees (including a five-story special effects Christmas tree) and watch the twice-nightly Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade. You can often watch demonstrations of the times being made. It officially opens for the 2021 Christmas season on Sat., Nov. 6 and continues through Dec. 30. CAROLING TROUPES: Performers from some of the shows previously held indoors (Dickens, It’s A Wonderful Life, etc.) Will there be shows at Silver Dollar City this 2020 Christmas season? Our Phone Number: In case you just need to talk things through or need advice- 417-334-4400 . The Silver Dollar City adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale follows Scrooge on a journey through Christmas past, present, and future to help him realize the error of his cold-hearted ways. It features a total of six different songs, with two performed during each show for a total of three different and unique shows. The parade itself lasts less than five minutes and we recommend staking a spot near the beginning (Red Gold Heritage Hall) for the most comfortable viewing environment. The parade is accompanied by 33 colorful costumed characters (including Rudolph’s friend Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster), 14-foot moose characters, 12-foot tall elves, and 10-foot candy canes, plus penguins, elves, and marching wooden soldiers. In 2007, ABC’s Good Morning America declared it one of the top five holiday events in the country and in 2019 USA Today readers chose it as the “Best Theme Park Holiday Event” for the third consecutive year. Masks are required at all times at Silver Dollar City (except when eating or drinking), and throughout all other Branson businesses. **2020 RESERVATIONS: Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, single-day ticket purchasers will need to select a specific date to visit. SEE ALSO: Branson Christmas Attractions & Activities. The custom-designed, towering tree soars 80 feet into the night sky featuring hundreds of thousands of dancing high-resolution lights with infinite ability to combine color, music, light, and animated imagery. Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade Tips: **2020 UPDATE: Unfortunately, these two shows will NOT be produced in 2020. Read more details about this incredible new addition here. See operating calendar for more information. For annual pass holders, reservations are only required to visit on Saturdays in November and December, and Nov. 26-27, Dec. 20-23, and Dec. 27. It’s a great place to explore if you’re waiting for the parade to start. The holiday season is best spent at SDC with its An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City celebration! In 2019, Silver Dollar City debuted an all-new 8-story, state-of-the-art Christmas Tree–the centerpiece to the new Joy on Town Square! Year after year, Dollywood’s Christmas event receives many awards for best in America. The festival runs Thursdays through Sundays (and some Wednesdays) from Nov. 3 until New Year’s Day. Check out more photos from the parade here. What’s different about Silver Dollar City’s 2020 Christmas festival? You can also watch the bakers in action at Eve & Delilah’s Bakery as they create GIANT cinnamon rolls, eclairs, cookies, and holiday fruit cakes. As one of the most revered spots to enjoy Christmas lights and festivities in the world, Silver Dollar City is of course packed with countless holiday activities and attractions. The Polar Express returns to Branson for 2020 season, tips on finding the best SDC ticket prices here, Branson Christmas Attractions & Activities, Sign up now for the Branson Christmas newsletter, Take a tour of Branson’s 700 Christmas trees, 10 things you must see and do during “An Old Time Christmas” at Silver Dollar City. I am thinking of Stampede, Silver Dollar City sounded good and the Shepard of the Hills drive. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for children ages 11 and under. If you prefer to skip the lines, a $10 (per show) “Show Lover’s Pass” is available which guarantees you a seat for a performance of your choice. Since SDC claims to be the “Home of American Craftsmanship,” some of the products are manufactured/created right on site. You’ll enter the park near the Main Street Square and you’ll then have to choose to go west or east from there. On the other side of the park, you’ll find another Broadway-style show, It’s a Wonderful Life. Drink hot chocolate and wassail. GETTING AROUND: Put on your best walking shoes because you’ll be doing plenty of it (and hey, it might help lessen the guilt from eating all the great foods throughout the park!). Park officials say they spent $1 million to develop the parade. The amusement park’s “Old Time Christmas” festival features over 6.5 million lights, one thousand decorated trees, two Broadway-style musical productions, thrilling amusement rides, unique shopping, and endless holiday comfort foods and treats. This could be especially helpful on busy weekend visits. Too cold and the tram rides can be purchased in advance for season! 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