An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri

Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way in the Ozark Mountains at theme park Silver Dollar City near Branson, Missouri. Each year, the park turns to a holiday mode in early November for An Old Time Christmas. This celebration draws folks from around the country and even a few from out in the wide world. It has become a tradition for many families as part of their holiday season and it's an experience that no one, young or old, can ever forget. An Old Time Christmas is the next best thing to a visit to the North Pole and Santa's workshop. The celebration combines the best of a secular holiday celebration with the real meaning of Christmas in an old fashioned blitz of fun and delight.

Unlike many retail businesses, there's no rule against saying "Merry Christmas" at Silver Dollar City and visitors will hear the phrase ringing from the lips of every employee they meet! The 1880's style village is transformed into a winter wonderland with more four million lights and decorations over almost every foot of the park. The centerpiece of the whole celebration is the five story tall Special Effects Christmas Tree. Every shop is festooned with delightful holiday décor and it's easy to shop for special Christmas gifts with a wide selection of both handmade and traditional items. Over fifty shops are part of Silver Dollar City - everything from handmade quilts to lye soap and wood crafts can be found. There's a special gift for every member of the family including the pets somewhere at Silver Dollar City.

Most of the rides - including those in the all new Grand Exposition area of the park - are open for business as usual so the kids and young at heart can have fun while enjoying the best of the Christmas season. The Frisco Silver Dollar Line has the Christmas spirit as it becomes the Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train for a train ride through the winter Ozark woodlands with all the passengers joining in a merry round of Christmas carols.

Visit Santa in his home away from home at Kringle's Krossing in the Carosel Barn at the park. Chat with the old elf, enjoy Christmas cookies, write a letter to Santa or study Santa's special weather tracking system. Get an insider look at how the Claus family lives when they're at home, at Silver Dollar City!!

Silver Dollar City is well known for the many live shows that are performed daily in every season of the year and Christmas is no exception. Scrooge lives again in a live production of the Dickens class, "A Christmas Carol" at Silver Dollar City. A special new scene has been added to the annual production this year! A live nativity scene is a tradition that brings to life the true meaning of this very special holiday. Other holiday shows include the Frontier Fa-La-La Follies in the popular Silver Dollar Saloon and Christmas In The Bayou as performed by the Cajun Connection.

New this year is the musical retelling of The Christ Child's Birth in the Red And Gold Heritage Hall - something that puts Christ back into the Christmas season.

Sweet treats are a big part of the holiday tradition and visitors can indulge to their heart's content at Silver Dollar City. Christmas candy is a tradition in the park and old-time favorites are found almost everywhere. Look for fudge, divinity, peanut brittle, white chocolate pretzels, peanut clusters, peppermint sticks, and much more. Don't miss trying the apple dumplings, an old fashioned favorite hard to find in the 21st century.

Christmas cookies that melt in any mouth are available along with flavored Hot Chocolate, cappuccino, S'mores, and even Hot Wassail! Guests may feel like they're strolling through a Christmas carol come to life as they sip hot wassail, munch on a gingerbread cookie and listen to strolling carolers through the holiday decorated streets of the City!

When dinner time comes around, indulge in old-fashioned favorites like grandmother used to cook. Roast turkey and dressing, fried chicken, honey glazed hams and all the trimmings are available in a delicious buffet that will fill any belly. Another prime rib buffet offers another option for hungry diners. And, if an old fashioned holiday meal isn't enough - enjoy a lunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A special lunch is served daily in the Reunion Hall that features Mrs. Claus' famous fried chicken, Santa's 'Pasghetti, Tinker's Smashed Potatoes, Rudolph's dirt and worms and much more. Enjoy sing-along songs with Santa and his friends, special gifts, and a picture with old St. Nick as part of the package. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-831-4FUN. The cost is just $18.99 for adults and $14.99 for children age eleven and under.

Be sure to stay until dark to see the park at its' holiday best with those millions of lights illuminating the night. The Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade happens twice each evening and the parade winds through the city streets with light and sound that will delight everyone. It's worth a trip to Silver Dollar City during the holiday season just to see this parade, a holiday treat that will be remembered for years to come.
Visit the Wilderness Church to join in singing holiday carols too. Be sure to bundle up - it can be cold in the Ozark Mountains during the holiday season but no matter how cold it may be outside, hearts are warmed by the Old Time Christmas celebration each year at Silver Dollar City.

Silver Dollar City is located just outside the small city of Branson, Missouri on Indian Point. It's a short drive from Springfield, Missouri or anywhere in the Ozarks.

Other holiday highlights are featured each year in the Branson area so plan to stay awhile. Most attractions, lodgings, and restaurants will be open through the holiday season so don't miss An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City.
The park is open from Wednesday through Sunday from November 4th to December 3rd, and Thursday through Sunday from December 7th through 17th and on December 21-23 and December 26 through 30. Park hours during the holiday season are from 1-9pm on Saturdays, from noon until 10pm on November 24th (the day after Thanksgiving) and on Thanksgiving Day from 4 until 10pm.