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 you’re shopping at
For those who love good food and good fun, be sure to check out Bluegrass & BBQ at Silver Dollar City from May 13 through May 31. Festival goers will be treated to live performances from some of bluegrass’s top stars, as well as up and coming acts. Scheduled acts include Rhonda Vincent, nine-time IBMA Vocalist of the Year and 2009 SPBGMA Entertainer of the Year. Fans will also see two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals. But this festival offers much more than great music! After you’ve had your fill of bluegrass, don’t forget to get your fill of barbecue. Be there as the Red Gold Heritage Hall is transformed into the House of BBQ! Let the succulent aromas of perfectly cooked, slow roasted barbecue tempt you inside to enjoy the most popular flavors from around the nation.
Variety shows take the best of different types of performances (such as Broadway musicals and stand-up comedy acts) and combine them into entertaining powerhouse events. Of course, “The Live Entertainment Capital of the World”, Branson, Missouri offers plenty of options perfect for a hilariously entertaining evening. For those looking for a bit of everything during their visit to see a Branson show then these select shows are sure to meet your expectations!
The family behind the Redhead Express Bluegrass & Comedy Show, the Walkers, consists of Brett and Apryll Walker and their seven children: Kendra, LaRaei, Alisa, Sean, Joseph, and Ammon. Originally from Alaska, this talented troupe trained under Jason Norris of the Bearfoot Band and has spent time traveling the US, sharing their unique Bluegrass sound with hundreds of crowds.
Branson, Missouri’s growth as a tourism destination has grown exponentially in the last decade. As a result, more than 52 live performance theaters and 444 restaurants are now available to choose from for residents and tourists alike. Adding itself to these extensive (and still growing) lists is Wedding Italiano. Located in Branson’s premier shopping area, Branson Landing, the much anticipated eatery opens February 12, 2009. Part dinner theater, part interactive experience, Wedding Italiano opens with the audience posing as invited guests for a wedding. They’ll witness the ceremony and then engage with the actors at the staged reception. The performance offers a full pasta dinner, dancing, wedding cake, and plenty of laughs!
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.
