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 Branson Landing or just enjoying the sights, at some point you’re going to get hungry. In this case, you’re lucky you got hungry at Branson Landing! There are so many wonderful places to eat that choosing a restaurant may be your toughest decision all day.

Cantina Laredo

The Cantina Laredo serves up all kinds of traditional Mexican grub in suite 1001. You will be able to enjoy everything from grilled chicken to steaks to daily fish specials. The incredible sauces, such as chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms, compliment the dishes splendidly. The amazing food is served up in a sophisticated atmosphere to create a place that can only be found at Branson Landing.

Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar and Grille

If you happen to be near suite 505 any night of the week,  you’re likely to hear some great piano and some off-key singing. Don’t worry, it’s only Ernie Biggs. At this unique restaurant you’ll find dueling pianos, audience-sung favorites, and a full menu of awesome food. The pianists manning the stage claim to be able to play everything from classic oldies to today’s number one hits. If you happen to be in the area you may want to stop by and test their skills!

Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub

If you’re seeking a decidedly unique dining option while visiting Branson Landing, you should definitely hit suite 235, home of Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub. A stop at Waxy O’Shea’s guarantees to be a memorable experience as you are greeted at the door with everything Irish. You’ll enjoy Irish music, Irish décor, and true Irish pub food. “May you come back more than you leave and may the luck of the Irish be with you!”

These three restaurants are just a taste of the many options located in the Branson Landing. You can find a listing at any of the guide-signs posted around the Landing. Be sure to leave time and room for dinner when you visit the Branson Landing!

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.

Feel free to look at the entire House of BBQ menu.

If you are looking to spend a bit more time at Silver Dollar City, you will easily find something to keep you busy.  Silver Dollar City offers over 30 rides and attractions for children of all ages!  Experience jaw-dropping thrills like The Giant Swing. Hold on tight as you fly through the air at 45 miles per hour, soaring over seven stories in the air! You can also have loads of fun as you make your way through Grandfather’s Mansion. You will laugh yourself silly as you traverse through room after room of slanting floors and mirrored walls that will be sure to leave your head spinning. From the giant Wildfire rollercoaster to the dazzling Marvel Cave, Silver Dollar City will happily provide you and your family with hours of non-stop fun. Don’t forget to check out all of Silver Dollar City’s attractions. 

If you think the Bluegrass and BBQ festival and Silver Dollar City would make a great weekend, there are several great hotels at your disposal. One such place is the Best Western Inn and Conference Center at Silver Dollar City. Nestled comfortably against the woods of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, the Best Western Inn offers a comfortable stay at affordable prices. Located on the quiet side of Branson, this hotel offers two heated indoor pools, a game room, and even offers shuttle service to Silver Dollar City.

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!

Magnificent Variety Show

Sit back and relax with your entire family and prepare for a performance of amazing proportions! With more than 300 costume changes and 50 musical numbers throughout the 2 hour run-time of the show, this production will awe you with unique takes on classic Broadway acts as well as dancing and singing that span a genres such as swing and jazz. Nothing short of magnificent, this is a brilliant display you won’t soon forget.

Bart Rocket & Taylor Reed Show

Allow yourself to be captivated by master illusionist Bart Rocket at the 50’s at the Hop Theatre. Filled with dozens of great acts including comedy, music, ventriloquism and card tricks, he’s sure to quickly become a family favorite with his special brand of up-close magic and flare for humor! Brett Rocket has been featured on television is shows and TV commercials, but live is how he performs best. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the laughs and amazing tricks this show will bring!

Bob Nelson Show

Enjoy the wholesome and plentiful humor featured in the Bob Nelson Comedy Show! Award-winning comedian Bob Nelson is sure to keep audience laughing from beginning to end. A 30-year veteran of comedy, he definitely knows what works and audiences agree! Taking the stage at the Clay Cooper Theatre, watch as Bob entertains you with his special blend of impersonations, skits, and more! For tons of family-friendly laughs, this is definitely the show to attend!

Check out other variety shows and performances available in Branson by visiting www.BransonShows.com or by calling 1-800-987-6298.

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.

Now the ever-popular family is returning to Branson to take the stage at the Circle B Theatre! It’s an exciting time in the lives of these performers and those close to them as they prepare for their second season in Branson (the first at Circle B) after a successful winter tour, producing a new CD, and re-evaluating their style. But faithful fans have nothing to fear as far as that goes. Their traditional bluegrass sound and delivery of gospel classics, comedy, and original songs still remains. Redhead Express is sure to amaze you with their talent and skill as performers during each show. What will be most evident is that they love what they do.

The Redhead Express follows the Horn family’s Circle B Chuckwagon Dinner and Show with the purchase of a combo ticket. For more information, click the links below.

The Redhead Express

Circle B Theatre

Following a long day of shopping, attractions, and shows, there’s only one thing on the minds of the average visitor to Branson, Missouri: food. Sure, you can swing by any old fast-food joint and satisfy your need for nourishment, but why not top off your memorable visit to Branson by stopping at a restaurant that boasts fine dining at affordable prices? Branson offers a wide variety of dining facilities serving everything from classic comfort foods such as meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy to gourmet delicacies such as trout amandine with a healthy helping of expertly sauteed vegetables. For a fantastic dinner (or lunch!) experience, try these restaurants the next time you’re in town.

Andy Williams Moon River Grill

Located near the famed Moon River Theatre, Andy Williams Moon River Grill is a favorite of the legendary performer himself. It is said that he dines here nightly! Even if you don’t get a chance to see the singer at his most casual, you can enjoy all of his favorite homemade- inspired dishes offered on the menu. Savor a meal that will fill you up and leave your wallet feeling the same!

Candlestick Inn Restaurant & Lounge

This lounge offers a classy though laid-back dining experience with live music and delicious entrées  that will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy the option of being able to dine on everything from classic club sandwiches to gourmet fillets of lobster and tilapia. A diverse selection of wines are also available for enjoyment with your meal.

Rocky’s Italian Restaurant

Delight in great food and great service at a great price when you dine here! The Italian dishes served here range from simple favorites such as spaghetti and meatballs to gourmet masterpieces such as veal scaloppini. A downtown favorite for more than 20 years, you’ll be glad you chose this restaurant as your last stop for the day as the food offered will tantalize your palette and satisfy even the most discriminatory of tastes.

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!

Other Dining Events/Dinner Shows in Branson

 Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

• One of the most popular shows in Branson, this dinner event is fun for the whole family. Featuring amazing special effects, singing, dancing, and 32 very talented horses, you’re sure to be delighted while you enjoy your 4-course meal.

Showboat Branson Belle

• This award winning dinner cruise is perfect for romantic getaways or just an afternoon spent with family and friends. Comedians and acrobats amongst other performers are your entertainment along with a gourmet meal on this 3-hour cruise around Table Rock Lake.

Tall Timber Lumberjack Show

• Mixing comedy with extreme competition, this show is a crowd pleaser! Take your choice of a chicken or steak entrée with assorted sides and drinks and dine while viewing this unique entertainment experience.

For more information about Wedding Italiano or to place reservations, visit www.bransonweddingitaliano.com or call 417-243-1500.

For more information and to place reservations to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, Showboat Grandeur Belle, or Tall Timber Lumberjack Show visit www.bransonshows.com, www.vacationsmadeeasy.com, or call 417-823-0981

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