Christmas in the Ozarks is a magical combination of homespun traditions, breathtaking scenery and dazzling shows. With holiday lights illuminating the town and great stars electrifying the stages, Branson is a gift for visitors of all ages.

Nowhere else in the nation can families experience such a festive atmosphere with so many activities to enjoy. Ozark Mountain Christmas, now in its 12th year of celebration, has become one of the most popular times to visit the Branson/Lakes area.

The reasons for visiting Branson for the holiday season are as numerous as the stars along Highway 76. Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of the Hills celebrate the holidays with spectacular lighting displays, memorable musical tributes and a heartwarming atmosphere depicting the Ozarks in Christmases past. The air is effervescent with scents of cinnamon, apples, evergreen and sugar as delectable foods conjure up sweet, childhood, holiday memories. Craftsmen lovingly labor over wood, copper, clay and glass items perfect for gift-giving or keeping as a personal treasure.

More than 15 miles and millions of lights will sparkle as Branson is illuminated from end to end during the Branson Area Festival of Lights, Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a community-wide celebration gilding the entire area in dazzling holiday finery.

The Festival of Lights Parkway, hidden in the Branson Hills area adjacent to Hwy. 65, is a two-mile drive featuring more than 75,000 lights and thousands of displays. The entire family will enjoy going through the tunnels of lights and watching animated displays.

New for 2000, the Festival of Lights displays along the Festival of Lights Parkway will be under the direction of Universal Concepts. Universal Concepts custom-builds nationally known lighting displays for several other well-known destinations and attractions, including Walt Disney World, the Centennial Olympic Park, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, Dollywood, Anheuser Busch and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Holiday lights and impact displays are also found on the Taneycomo lakefront opposite the downtown area, at Thousand Hills on Green Mountain Drive and on Indian Point Road.

Branson's signature lighting display of musical instruments can be found on the bluff of U.S. 65 and Hwy. 76. Highway 76 also will be lighted with more than 300 large stars. Other lighting locations include the Polyhedron Music Star located atop Mount Branson near the Adoration Scene overlooking downtown Branson.

Ozark Mountain Christmas and the Branson Area Festival of Lights draw more than 1.5 million people to the Branson/Lakes Area during two short months. Area properties, joining in the spirit of the holiday season, also adorn their structures in lights and decorations, making the entire area a Christmas card to visitors and residents alike.