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!

Whether it’s last minute Christmas shopping or just a fun day out, Branson has so many places to go shopping that you will always find what you’re looking for. The many shops spread over the Branson area range from hand-made stained glass to your favorite retail chains. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Branson. Check out a few of these awesome shopping centers!

The Grand Village Shops

The Grand Villages Shops is home to everything from books to apparel to restaurants. If you ladies are looking for the perfect outfit, The Grand Village has ladies’ apparel shops with everything from western wear to glitz. You’ll also find shops like Alice in Toyland, Lori’s Soap Market, Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Gallery, Tatman’s Fine Jewelry, and Mulberry Mill. If all that shopping makes you hungry, check out Mel’s Hard Luck Diner or Sugar Leaf Treats. The Grand Village Shops is conveniently located on west Highway 76.

Engler Block

This unique shopping center is also located on west Highway 76, but it is worlds away from The Grand Village Shops. At Engler Block you will experience everything from dining to demonstrations. There is so much to keep the family busy you could make a weekend of Engler Block! You can enjoy tutorials to learn the dulcimer at Art Folk Music, have old-time photos taken at Ol Time Photos, watch glass blowing and sculpting at Helwig Art Glass, or watch craftsman design and make the precious blankets at Ozark Quilts. That is only a sampling of what you can expect at Engler Block!

Tanger Outlets

Like many outlet centers, Tanger Outlets is home to incredible discount shopping. Unlike the other shopping centers in Branson, Tanger is home to everything from American Eagle Outfitters to Zales. If you spend the day at Tanger Outlets, you could go home with apparel, footwear, accessories, housewares, or any number of specialty items. When you need to replenish your strength for a second wind, there are also many places to eat at Tanger Outlets.

Branson Landing

The newest addition to Branson’s shopping destinations, Branson Landing has many of the shops that Tanger Outlets has. However, at the Landing you’re going to find many more specialty shops than anywhere else in Branson. If you’re looking for that special one-of-a-kind gift, this is the place you need to look. Aside from all of the shops, there are also several restaurants and a few choices for entertainment. Branson Landing is a great place for shopping, but it also makes for a nice walk outside.

Lodging In Branson

If you’re looking to stay in Branson and turn your one-day shopping trip into a weekend excursion, there are a few great places to stay. The Gazebo Inn is one of the more popular hotels in Branson and it’s conveniently located right on the 76 strip. If the family is tagging along, you may want to consider the Castle Rock Resort and Indoor Water Park. You could leave the family at the pool slide and head off to shop without any distractions. These are just two examples of the many options available!

Branson is full of ways to get in the holiday spirit. However, if you still need a little nudge there are ways. One helpful idea is to take a short vacation to Branson. Whether it’s Christmas shows or a little last minute shopping, Branson has just the thing to fill you with holiday cheer.

The most obvious choice for a vacation package is the Branson Christmas Celebration and it has just what you need for a dose of holiday cheer. This package is only available during the holiday season and features admission to attractions such as the famous Trail of Lights. It also includes tickets to The Miracle of Christmas at Branson’s Sight & Sound Theatre. The lodging options are endless and you’re sure to find a hotel to suite your needs.

Another helpful option is the Branson Shows Vacation Package. While the admission to Dixie Stampede, Shoji Tabuchi and Sight & Sound Theatre may not seem like holiday fanfare, all three of these shows are quickly unveiling their Christmas productions. Your stay will be filled with Christmas carols and loads of decorations. This package also buys you three nights lodging in Branson, so you get to see a show each night!

If you’re one of those last minute shoppers then the Branson Landing Weekend Escape is your Christmas miracle. You can shop ’till you drop at Branson landing and when you need a rest you’ll have tickets for a Lake Queen Sightseeing Cruise. If you have to shop for Christmas, why not surround yourself with it? The Landing will be decorated in true Ozark Mountain Christmas fashion, which would have even Scrooge smiling before too long.

All in all, if you need a get-away without getting away from the holiday spirit that seems to be as contagious as the flu, you may want to check out Branson. You’re sure to find what you need in Branson.

Branson Landing is a great venue to catch live performances in Branson throughout the year, and on this upcoming Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5 through 6), visitors can catch these concerts held to benefit the local MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) chapter and Jerry’s Kids.

Concerts take place on Sept. 5 and 6. Performers include Underground Blues Division, the Nace Brothers, and Chain Reaction.

Underground Blues Division will perform two concerts on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 12:30 and 4 p.m. The Nace Brothers will take the stage at 8 p.m. that night. Sunday night features the highlight of the concert series with a performance by Chain Reaction, a Journey tribute band. Chain Reaction’s concert begins at 8 p.m.

The weekend has more than concerts, however. Monkey Moe’s will be on site with inflatable obstacle courses, slides, and more. In addition, Monkey Moe’s will be donating half of the proceeds from the weekend to the local MDA chapter. Other businesses donating a portion of proceeds from the weekend to Jerry’s Kids and the MDA chapter include Ride the Ducks, Branson Landing Cruises, Shorty Smalls Restaurant, Branson Landing Funnel Cakes, Ben & Jerry’s, Jammin’ Java, the Cotton Candy Kids, and the Branson Ridge Winery and Marketplace.

Tickets for seats at the concert performances range from $5 to $10, with all proceeds going to the local MDA chapter and Jerry’s Kids.

Find more information about this event at Branson Landing’s Web site.

Branson Landing is one of Branson’s newest and most popular entertainment, shopping, and dining attractions. For lodging on or near Branson Landing, make online reservations at BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298.

For the upcoming weekend of August 7 to 9, visitors to Branson as well as residents can enjoy a break from sales tax on clothing, shoes, and more. The annual tax holiday is directed towards helping people prepare for going back to school.

Tax-exempt items include clothing, school supplies, computer software, personal computers, and computer accessories. However, there are various stipulations existing in each category.

Clothing items must be $100 or less each. Footwear is tax-exempt, but jewelry and accessories are not. School supplies must be $50 or under per purchase. For computers, laptops, desktops, software, and accessories like keyboards, mouses, monitors, disk drives, printers, and scanners all may be bought tax free.

The complete list of exemptions and rules may be found at the Missouri Department of Revenue Web site.

Branson and the surrounding area have many shopping options participating in the tax-free weekend. The Branson Landing shopping center has a variety of clothing stores, including Justice—Just for Girls, Aeropostale, Charlotte Russe, Hollister, the Children’s Place, and Belz Department Store.

For great deals on top of the tax-free weekend, Branson also has many outlet centers. Tanger Outlet Center, conveniently located on the 76 strip, will be featuring a Back-to-School Sidewalk Sale in combination with the tax holiday. Stores in the outlet center include Banana Republic Factory Store, Levi’s Outlet, PacSun, Gap Outlet, American Eagle Outfitters, Nike Factory Store, The Children’s Place, Gymboree Outlet, and Old Navy. Shoe stores include Nike Factory Store, Reebok, Sketchers, and Stride Rite.

BransonShows.com is your online destination for all of your Branson needs. From lodging on the 76 strip to tickets to the best shows in the city, you can find everything you need for a great time in Branson at BransonShows.com or by calling 1-800-987-6298.

As a city brimming with live performances and world-famous entertainment, Branson’s guests rarely visit the city solely for its shopping options. But Branson does offer unique shopping locations to help top off your unforgettable trip to the area. Whether you’re looking for the perfect clothing to match the season or souvenirs to help you remember your stay, try out these different shops the next time you’re in Branson.

Victorian Village

With 14 shops featuring a wide range of items, Victorian Village offers the kind of shopping that is difficult to find almost anywhere else. You will easily lose yourself among the different small treasures and keepsakes of this site. Perfect for souvenirs and gift ideas, the village offers decorative items, jewelry, paintings, and rare antiques within any one of the vastly different stores. You will also find different gourmet foods and furniture within this delightful shop. Victorian Village offers the variety you’re looking for in a shopping center.

Tanger Outlet Mall

Boasting a rare combination of quality and quantity, Tanger Outlet Mall offers dozens of different venues to satisfy any shopper. Clothing, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry, housewares, and more are all available. Brand name stores – such as Levi’s, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, and Disney – ensure that you could spend the entire afternoon walking through the outlets and never visit the same place twice. Work up an appetite before sitting down and enjoying a lunch or dinner in the food court, where you will find a deli to go along with smaller, alluring eateries.

Alaska Down South

For true, one-of-a-kind collectibles from all over the world, Alaska Down South is a safe bet. Located right on the 76 strip, the shop features a wide selection of hand-crafted items from such parts of the world as Northern USA, Canada, and even Africa. Among these items are pieces of furniture, chandeliers, bathroom accessories, and various sculptures. There is even a section of wildlife artwork to help add character to your home. Whether you’re intending to buy or you’re just looking for a fun afternoon of browsing, you will find much to enjoy at Alaska Down South.

Since 1977, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc (ICSC) has given the International Design & Development Award to many developers for their creative new designs in retail projects such as the Capitol Shopping Center in Istanbul, Turkey; the Galleria in Fort Lauderdale, Flordia, USA; and the Multiplaza Pacific in Panama City, Panama. This year the ICSC announced the winner of its 32nd annual Design and Development Award is the Branson Landing in Branson, Missouri, USA.

This compeititon has two general categories of which contestants can enter, the first category being Innovative Design and Construction of a New Project, the second being renovation or Expansion of an Existing Project. The Branson Landing was one of the 7 finalists which include the City Center Almere in Almere, Netherlands; the Domain in Austin, Texas, USA; the Manufaktura in Lodz, Poland; La Centrra at Cinco Ranc in Katy, Texas, USA; the Sihlcity in Zurich, Switzerland; and Tokyo Midtown in Tokyo, Japan. These finalists were selected out of 63 entries for this award which represented 25 different countries all around the world.

The winner was announced in an awards ceremony during the ICSC Center Build Conference in Phoenix, Arizona where Rick Huffman, CEO of HCW Development Company, accepted the award in the Innovative Design and Construcion of a New Project. This award was said to be for the shops that were opened within the time period of July 1,2005 and June 30, 2007. Winners of each category are eligible for the “Best-of-the-Best” award which will be presented at the International Council of Shopping Centers annual convention being held May 17-20, 2009.

About the Branson Landing: With over 500,000 sq. ft. of land, the Branson Landing offers many products from anchor and apparel to specialty foods and dining restaurants. It also offers entertainment with the many street performers and the amazing $7.5 million night-time water spectacular. This attraction features the first-ever incorporation of water, fire, music, and light with its 120 ft. geysers and fire cannons erupting in sync with music. Along with the shopping, entertainment, and dining amenities you can also stay at the Branson Landing either while on vacation at the Hilton Promenade or the Hilton Branson Convention Center or as a home at the Branson Landing Luxury Condominiums.

For more information visit www.Bransonlanding.com