What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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LYNN BENNETT BERRY Special to What's Up! B ranson takes its reputation as one of America's most Christmasy towns seriously. This Ozark Mountain retreat has made its Christmas lineup of events a treasured tradition for more than a quarter century, with celebrations running from the first day of November through New Year's Day. The town's Christmas offerings are plentiful, so we've made a list (and checked it twice) to highlight 10 of the "can't miss" sights and sounds of the season. 1. Silver Dollar City — The award- winning theme park in Branson transforms into a Christmas wonderland through Dec. 30. From strolling among 6.5 million lights (the equivalent of 680 miles) and trying out some of the park's rides to seasonal shows and shopping at the Home of American Craftsmanship, a day at the park is a magical way to enjoy the Christmas season. Highlights of the park's "Old Time Christmas" celebration are a five- story Special Effects Christmas Tree and a nightly light parade featuring Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, lighted floats and nearly 50 costumed characters through the streets of Silver Dollar City. The park's special seasonal menu has everything from festive walk- away treats to harvest buffets and just about everything you can imagine in between. INFO — silverdollarcity.com. 2. Live Shows — Branson is famous for them, and the Christmas lineup doesn't disappoint. From a Cirque Christmas show with the world's only aerial acrobatic violinist to a quartet harmony, the Christmas performances in Branson are as dynamic as they are spectacular. The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, at the theater that honors a man synonymous with television Christmas specials of yesteryear, is back for its 26th season. The late Andy Williams is the crooner who reminded us that Christmas is "the most wonderful time of the year," and they really pull out all the stops at his theater, which is now owned by Jimmy Osmond. With singing, dancing, prancing reindeer and more, this show features the Moon River Orchestra performing everyone's favorite Christmas songs. INFO — andywilliamspac.com. 3. Branson Scenic Railway — Visitors can enjoy the opportunity to step inside a classic Christmas tale aboard the renowned "Polar Express." After boarding an authentic locomotive at the 1906 Branson depot, visitors to The Polar Express will experience a journey with character reenactments, a reading of the classic book, a visit with Santa, and plenty of hot chocolate and cookies. Families are even encouraged to come dressed in their pajamas, just as the children did in the original story. INFO — bransontrain.com. 4. Let There Be Light! — Christmas displays can be found shining brightly throughout this Ozark Mountain town. The Branson Ferris Wheel not only provides a bird's-eye view of the town's holiday lights, but a ride also comes complete with its own Christmas- centric soundtrack and 144,000 LED lights. Driving tours include "Let There Be Light!," which features a two-mile LED display, Santa and live reindeer available for photos, a Christmas Village with a nativity petting zoo and Christmas movies; "Branson's Gift of 38 WHAT'S UP! NOVEMBER 11-17, 2018 Have A Holly, Jolly Christmas Branson decks the halls with lights, toys and fruitcakes BRANSON See Christmas Page 40 After boarding an authentic locomotive at the 1906 Branson depot, visitors to The Polar Express will experience a journey with character reenactments, a reading of the classic book, a visit with Santa, and plenty of hot chocolate and cookies. Courtesy Photo