With Thanksgiving and Black Friday taking place last week, people everywhere are jumping right into their Christmas celebrations. One celebration that everyone will want to make a part of their holiday festivities is Christmas on the Lake with the Ozark Rivers Heritage Foundation at the Dewey Short Visitors Center. This event is the first annual Christmas on the Lake. The celebration has already begun and will continue through December 11th, so guests will have two more weeks that they can be a part of the special event.

Christmas on the Lake features many special activities that are great for the whole family or friends who want to celebrate the season in a special way together. S’mores and traditional storytelling around a welcome campfire start out the night, and the fun continues with Christmas caroling, Christmas crafts, and the chance to choose some fun gifts from the Discovery Shop at the center. It’s a heartwarming way to make your holiday celebrations unique and entertaining.

If you plan to be at this evening event, you will want to find a hotel to stay in overnight instead of driving back home. You will also want to check out some of the other fun activities and attractions waiting for visitors in the area. BransonShows.com gives you a variety of hotels and activities to look through to help make your decision easy!

The Forrest L. Wood Outdoors Fishing Competition, also known as the FLW Outdoors Fishing Competition, is coming to Branson, Missouri. The tournament will take place March 3rd through the 6th at the majestic Table Rock Lake. The natural beauty of the lake as well as the great fishing the lake has to offer is sure to make the competition enjoyable for those who enter it.

The competition will be for professional fishers as well as co-anglers. There is a $4,000 entry fee, which must be paid before being eligble to start fishing. Though the entry fee may seem expensive, the prizes to be won are great. The money prize for the first place winner on the professional level is $100,000. The prize money is projected on the assumption at least 150 boats will be in the competition. No more than 160 boats will be allowed to enter.

For everyone not participating in the fishing event, the entire Table Rock State Park Marina is closed. No one will be allowed to fish within 50 feet of any Commercial Marinas. For those entered or entering the fishing competition, good luck and happy fishing!

As the snow melts and warmer weather approaches, it’s only natural to want to be outside more often to explore nature and it’s amazing features. With a wide array of outdoor recreation destinations available in the Branson, Missouri area, you’ll find yourself taking day trips to to do just that! Enjoy bike rides, leisurely swims, and family picnics at some of these outdoor locations that draw hundreds of nature enthusiasts from Spring to Fall.

Dogwood Canyon

• Visit this 10,000 acre  park to enjoy a variety of recreational sports including hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Dogwood Canyon also offers fascinating guided tours by tram or jeep that can provide up-close views of wildlife in their natural habitat. Come celebrate annual events like Christmas in the Canyon and try a stay in one of the many rustic log cabins, perfect for  giving you a way to  escape the hustle and bustle of the world without sacrificing all the comforts of home.

Moonshine Beach

• Enjoy this recreational site after a long day of shows or shopping Branson or make it your sole destination for a day of fun! This sandy beach is great for swimming, boating, and picnics. Enjoy the courtesy dock, restrooms, and showers for your convenience as well as an on-site playground. This is sure to be a place that warrants repeat visits!

Table Rock Lake State Park

• Come to this 350 acre area on the north side of Table Rock Lake, Table Rock Lake State Park for an afternoon of canoing, para-sailing, and water-skiing courtesy of the full-service marina. Of course you can also enjoy camping, picnics, volleyball, bicycling, and hiking! Although there is no designated beach area,  you can still enjoy swimming in the lake.