Branson is filled with great hotels all claiming to be the best hotel in Branson, so how are you to choose one for your stay? The easiest way is to take the advice of the travelers who have gone before you. BransonShows.com wants to make your vacation as easy as possible so we’ve compiled a list of three of the most popular hotels along the Highway 76 Strip in Branson.

Castle Rock Resort & Indoor Waterpark – 4 Stars

In the midst of the winter months, what could be more fun than a heated indoor water park? The Castle Rock Resort offers families comfortable accommodations with the added bonus of the much-desired water park. Patrons of all ages can find something to enjoy, whether they’re floating down the lazy river or splashing in the kiddie pool. With the location just off the Highway 76 Strip, guests can enjoy the seclusion of the Ozark Mountains without missing a moment of the action.

Gazebo Inn – 3 Stars

Hands down one of Branson’s most popular hotels, the Gazebo Inn offers guests a comfortable stay and a superb location. Similar to the Victorian Palace, the Gazebo Inn surrounds guests with Victorian-style decor and architecture. This hotel offers all the amenities you would expect of a three star hotel to ensure a pleasant stay, and the perfect location ensures that you don’t miss a moment of the action while visiting Branson!

Victorian Palace – 2 Stars

The mansions of old have come to life at the Victorian Palace. Modeled after the opulent furnishings of these classic estates, the Victorian Palace provides guests with a luxurious and comfortable stay. With room types ranging from a standard room to the Honeymoon Suite, everyone is sure to find the perfect nights’ rest. While the hotel is fabulous, the highlight is the location. The Victorian Palace sits just off Highway 76, which places you just minutes from all of Branson’s best attractions!

Enjoy the perfect Branson  vacation with a room at one of these three great hotels. Whether you’re looking for the convenience or the comfort, we’ve got you covered!

Every year Branson unveils new or redesigned shows, which only adds to the excitement of the new production season. This year is no exception. While very few shows have undergone major redesigns, there is one new show coming to Branson that has the locals very excited.

Chun Yi – The Legend of Kung Fu is a show unlike any other in Branson. The story follows a young boy as he enters the life of a Buddhist monk. The audience will watch as the boy struggles to find the dedication to the quiet lifestyle. During the story, the young boy learns the skills of martial arts, is seduced by ego and illusions, leaves the pure life of the Buddhist monks behind, and eventually returns to assume the position his Master had left him. Chun Yi – The legend of Kung Fu is a powerful tale of personal growth and the realization of physical and emotional harmony.

Chun Yi – The Legend of Kung Fu is filled with fantastic acrobatic feats, displays of brilliantly choreographed martial arts, and emotion-filled dancing. Features a cast and crew of 80 talented performers, designers, and choreographers, this show is the longest running show in China and has been seen by more than two  million people. The Kung Fu practitioners have performed around the world, including a special performance during the Opening Ceremonies at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

This incredible show will be performing in the newly-acquired White House Theatre and is scheduled to open in May of 2010. If you can’t wait until May, check out the website of the show. It has video clips and photos from their show, as well as some of the songs used during the dance numbers.

Check it out at:
http://www.chunyi-kungfu.com/multimedia/

New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the coming of the new year and the passage of time. If you’re looking to celebrate that special evening with a romantic night, you may want to consider a slightly-more-than-special hotel room. There are several hotels offering jacuzzi rooms that would be perfect for a romantic New Year’s Eve getaway!

Gazebo Inn

Without question, the Gazebo Inn is the most popular hotel in Branson, and it’s easy to see why. This adorable Victorian-style hotel is brimming with comfort and charm. From the moment you step through the door, you’re treated like family. The hotel is situated close enough to the strip that it is easy to take in a show and retire to the solitude of the Gazebo Inn. For New Year’s Eve, take advantage of the jacuzzi room, or one of the several other suites, and enjoy a special evening. 

Grand Plaza Hotel

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, just outside Branson’s entertainment district, the Grand Plaza Hotel is a cozy and comfortable place to spend New Year’s Eve. With all the amenities of home, you’ll be more than comfortable during your stay in Branson. The friendly staff is more than happy to assist you in finding and getting to your shows. Take advantage of the jacuzzi suite for a special New Year’s Eve celebration.

Grand Oaks Hotel

If you’re looking for a  quiet place to spend New Year’s Eve, then the Grand Oaks Hotel is the perfect place for your stay. Located just off the 76 Strip, the Grand Oaks Hotel offers guests a quiet retreat to relax in after a busy day in Branson. This hotel is packed with amenities, so you’re sure to have a comfortable visit. Take advantage of the jacuzzi room during your stay to make for a memorable New Year’s Eve.

If these three hotels don’t suite your New Year’s Eve needs, check out the rest of the hotels in Branson. Visit our Hotels page and browse the expansive selection. You can search for a specific hotel or sort by room type or amenities. You’re sure to find the perfect fit.

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for that family member, friend, or special person in your life? We have the perfect gift option for you that does not include fighting the crowds at the local shopping mall or sitting in city traffic for hours. With a Branson gift certificate, you can give someone the opportunity to experience a fantastic Branson vacation.

Branson gift certificates are good for any show, activity, lodging, or vacation package on our site. In addition, if the gift recipient does not want to go to Branson, the gift certificate can also be used for anything else on our site in any destination.

Our gift certificates are ideal gift options because they are so easy! You can purchase the gift certificate in any denomination. For example, if you want to give a gift certificate for tickets to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, you can find the amount of the tickets and put it on a gift certificate. From giving a gift certificate for a whole vacation or just a show, you can customize the certificate to fit your budget and your gift desires.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of our gift certificates is that you can purchase them online in the comfort of your own home. We won’t judge you if you want to shop in your pajamas from bed! We offer over 100 activities in Branson, so even the pickiest person on your list will find something fun to enjoy in Branson. In addition, you will not have to worry about waiting for the certificate to be shipped to you because you can have it delivered via e-mail and be sure you have it in time for Christmas.

BransonShows.com is your online destination for all your Branson vacation needs, including gift certificates! Visit BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298 to purchase a gift certificate or plan a vacation today!

Christmas is sneaking up on us and most people are consumed by the spirit of the season. That is how it should be. However, you may want to start thinking ahead to the new year, which is quickly sneaking up on us! If January includes a visit to Branson, you may be surprised to know that most of the shows will be closed for the month of January to disassemble the fabulous Christmas sets and prepare for the 2010 season.

Just because the shows will be closed doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do in Branson. There are still a multitude of things to do that will welcome January visitors. Everything from shopping to dining to an entertaining night out will be waiting for you.

Shopping

Shopping in the month preceding Christmas can be a nightmare. The stores are jam-packed from wall to wall and everyone is trying to get their hands on the same thing. In the weeks post holiday chaos, the stores are quieter and the shopping experience is often more enjoyable.

If that is your idea of a nice weekend, Branson is the place. There are many places to shop in the Branson area, including outlet malls and boutique shops. If you’re seeking a stress-free weekend after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the Branson Landing Weekend Escape vacation package places  you in the heart of one of the best shopping districts in Branson!

Dining

Spending a quiet afternoon at home once everyone leaves can be very relaxing. Why not include a nice dinner to top off your day? There are lots of wonderful dining options in Branson that are open year-round so you don’t have to worry about them being closed. For a list of dining options all over the Branson area and restaurant information, check out the Dining & Nightlife portion of our Points of Interest Page. While you’re there you can browse plenty of other activities in Branson.

Activities

While most of the shows in Branson will be closed, there are still many attractions that will happily welcome January visitors. The museums in Branson are some of those attractions. Museums like Titanic-The Legend Continues and World’s Largest Toy Museum will be business as usual. Also, many of the tours will also be available early in the new year. Browse the activities and see what all is available for your Branson trip!

On January 16, 2010, the Titanic Museum in Branson will host the 4th annual Ice Sculpture Competition, which is free to the public. Visitors can come and watch experienced carvers create works of art from solid blocks of ice.

 In last year’s event, 18 professional and amateur carvers worked on 250 pound blocks of ice to create a beautiful piece of art. During the event, visitors can talk to the carvers and see the works in progress. In addition, the National Ice Carving Association will be on hand to judge the pieces and announce the winning sculpture later in the day. The competition runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In other Titanic news, visitors have only a limited time left to enjoy two of the special exhibits at the Titanic. December 11 and 12 are the final days to see Santa’s Reindeer at the museum in Branson. The museum has several live reindeer on hand, and guests can take pictures and pet the reindeer. The reindeer are available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

In addition, the museum’s special exhibit about the Titanic movie directed by James Cameron will leave the ship on January 1, 2010, leaving visitors only a few days left to see this rare collection. The movie memorabilia collection contains pieces and artifacts from the movie, including set pieces and authentic costumes. The highlight of the collection is the diamond and sapphire necklace that boasts over 16 carats of diamonds and a 155 carat sapphire.

To find more information about these Titanic events and exhibits, see the museum’s official web site. 

BransonShows.com offers tickets for the Titanic Museum as well as over 100 other attractions and shows in Branson, as well as lodging options. Visit BransonShows.com to plan your vacation or call 1-800-987-6298 where a friendly representative is waiting to take your call.

From high flying adventures in the Ozark Mountains to new performers at your favorite theaters, the Branson entertainment scene will be welcoming many new additions in the New Year. Branson has never had so many fantastic options!

Outdoor adventurers will welcome an exotic adventure right here in the Ozarks at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, which will begin its inaugural season in the spring. Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour is located just a few miles north of Branson off of Hwy 65. This tour includes several zip lines and walkways, and the course covers about one mile. The Branson Zipline also contains an ecological aspect, and you can enjoy learning about the topographical and geographical aspects of the Ozarks, as well as see the varied flora and fauna. Zip line tours grew to popularity in Costa Rica and other tropical climes, but you can experience the thrill of a canopy tour in Branson! 

For more information about the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, check out the official web site: www.BransonZipline.com. 

In addition to brand new offerings, Branson will also be debuting new additions at veteran attractions. Silver Dollar City has been working on a new ride, and it will debut in the spring as a part of Silver Dollar City’s 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated all year long in an on-going party. The $7 million dollar Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast will be the U.S.’s biggest water battle ride attraction. This ride features rafts equipped with water blasters that the riders can use to shoot other rafts as well as onlookers standing on the banks of the White River. This ride is designed to soak riders and is sure to be a highlight of the summer season.

To find more information on the Tom and Huck RiverBlast and Silver Dollar City’s 50th Anniversary, check out the Silver Dollar City web site. 

Two shows new in Branson in 2009 have added new features to their performances. Bill Medley and Paul Revere and the Raiders at Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre will be welcoming Bill Haley’s Original Comets for a combo show this summer, and Andy Williams will return in the fall and winter. Yakov’s Moscow Circus will be returning for another season, and this year the circus will also have a dinner and lunch show option. In addition to seeing the circus love story, visitors can dine on an authentic Russian meal.

Meanwhile, Branson visitors can also find some new events to enjoy in 2010. The annual Ozark Mountain Spring festival will host “See the World in Branson” in April and May. This special event will celebrate the many multi-cultural and international acts, performers, and restaurants fond in Branson. Later in September, the Ironman 70.3 qualifying event will take place in Branson, and athletes will be competing for a $25,000 grand prize as well as a chance to compete in the Ironman World Championship in Florida.

BransonShows.com is your online destination for all things Branson, including both new and old activities, attractions, and shows. More announcements for 2010 will be released in the upcoming months, so be sure to check back often for more news. Visit BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-9852 to begin planning your 2010 Branson vacation.

Although the lights of Branson are always bright, the holiday season is an extra-special time to experience Branson at night. With the Trail of Lights, Festival of Lights, and guided lights tours, visitors have many ways to experience the Christmas lights of Branson.

The Trail of Lights at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead is a two mile drive-thru attraction. The light displays are larger than life, and some of them are even animated! In addition, you will hear a special holiday soundtrack to accompany the displays. After you are done driving through the display trail, you can experience a bird’s eye view of Branson at night from the Inspiration Tower. If you want to add a fun dinner to the mix, enjoy a cowboy-style Christmas by adding on the Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Show. The Trail of Lights is open until January 2.

The Branson Visitors Bureau is also hosting its own Festival of Lights holiday tour. This lights display is a one mile drive-thru attraction that has more than 175 different displays. The Festival of Lights is located off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road and is open until January 2. To find more information about this attraction, visit the Branson CVB Web site.

Guided sightseeing tours are also available in Branson. The Ride the Ducks Holiday Lights tour is a fun and interactive guided tour of Branson. This tour will take you down the 76 Strip and through the Trail of Lights for a one hour lights tour of Branson. In addition, you’ll even receive a complimentary Santa hat to make sure you are in the Christmas spirit! This tour is only available til December 13, so book your tour today!

BransonShows.com is your online destination for all of your Branson vacation needs. With tickets to the Trail of Lights, Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Show, Ride the Ducks, and so much more, your ticket to a great Branson vacation is just a click away! Check out BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298 to plan your vacation today.

 Christmas is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, not your co-workers. The performers in Branson take this idea very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that many of the shows in Branson will be performing their last show of 2009 on the weekend of December 12. For those who have been waiting to see one of these wonderful shows, you’d better see it soon!

While most of the shows will end their 2009 season the second weekend  in December, there are those exceptions. A few shows, such as The Andy Williams Show, will end the first weekend in December to give the cast and crew ample time with family and friends before beginning work on the 2010 season.

There are a select few shows that will close the weekend prior to Christmas, so you’ll have a little extra time to squeeze them in before the holiday madness sets in. The Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound Theatre will close the weekend before Christmas and re-open for three days of encore performances following the holiday.

If you want to see a show closer to Christmas or right after this beloved holiday, you’re not completely doomed. There are shows that will continue with their regular schedule through the Christmas season. Shows like Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and the Acrobats of China will continue with their regular schedule, only taking Christmas Eve day and Christmas Day off.

If you’ve been waiting to see a show in Branson, time is running out! Reserve your tickets today and make a few last-minute family memories before everyone turns their attention to cookies and presents.

Recently, a BransonShows.com staffer took in the Miracle of Christmas at Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson. Following is her take on this popular Branson show.

“In only its second season of performing in Branson, the Miracle of Christmas at the Sight and Sound Theatre has become one of the most popular shows in Branson during the holiday season. After I saw the show, I experienced for myself what makes this performance so popular.

As you drive up to the Sight and Sound Theatre, the sheer size of the venue is overwhelming. The front of the theater is beautifully landscaped and, because of the holiday season, decorated in festive garlands and wreaths. Before you enter the theater, you have the opportunity to interact with one of the “shepherds” standing by with a pair of llamas.

Upon entering the Sight and Sight Theatre, you are immediately greeted by the 30 foot tall Christmas tree, which is resplendent with gold bows, angels, lights, and garlands. If you arrive with time to spare, you will have time to explore the gift shops and concession stands. We sampled some of the glazed pecans, which were delicious.

Our seats were in section 201, which is the raised section on stage right. We were seated near the center, and we had a great vantage point of the wrap-around stage. Although the show was incredible, the theater itself is certainly a highlight of the experience. The theater has three different stages, one large stage in the center and two side stages. In total, the stages cover 300 feet. In addition, the theater has a multi-media screen that covers the length of the center stage.

The show opens with a musical number featuring the betrothal of Mary and Joseph. The play then follows the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, including the angels’ messages to Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, and Mary; the conflict between Mary and Joseph following the angel’s message, and finally, the birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem manger. Each scene is accompanied by detailed sets and beautiful music. Although the play is based on the biblical story, some of the content is not found in the original story, but the theater relays this information in a disclaimer before the play begins.

Both the acting and singing in this play is exceptional. The music features original songs as well as some holiday instrumental numbers, such as Joy to the World. Each scene features an extensive set that is incredibly detailed. My personal favorite set was the scene of Nazareth, which included realistic dwellings as well as scenes of the hills surrounding the city. Perhaps one of the most magical scenes during the play was one with the angelic messengers. Three of the angels were suspended in the air by an impressive flight system, and dozens more joined them on stage for a spectacular musical number. Each of the scenes is designed to connect you to the story as well as leave you in awe.

Overall, we had an excellent experience at the Miracle of Christmas. The dynamic presentation appeals to children, young adults, and older patrons, making it an activity that every member of your family or group is likely to enjoy. Because of the biblical nature of the play, the Miracle of Christmas is a nice contrast to the many commercial Christmas productions in Branson and is definitely worth seeing.”

If you want to experience the Miracle of Christmas for yourself this season, purchase tickets here.

BransonShows.com is your destination for all of your Branson vacation needs. To order tickets and reserve lodging, check out BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298.