With over 6 million lights, 2 original musical productions, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade and The Time Traveler at night Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas is not something you want to miss!
Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas
As a Blogging Branson Ambassador, I was invited to experience an Ozark Mountain Christmas as part of a media trip. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
I’ve always been fascinated by the 1800s. It all started with Laura Ingalls’ The Little House on the Prairie and was spurred on by growing up in Oregon near the ending point of the Oregon Trail. And I’m a Christmas fanatic. It’s not something I hide as I openly annoy my friends with Christmas countdowns throughout the year. Add both of those together and Silver Dollar City‘s An Old Time Christmas was made for ME!
1. Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular
With 1.5 million LED lights covering 70,000 square feet Christmas in Midtown is awe inspiring! There are massive light tunnels, light displays that are 9 stories tall and others that move – for those of us that adored the Osborne Family Lights, Christmas in Midtown is just as stunning, if not more so!
2. Christmas on Main Street
Starting at dusk, Silver Dollar City’s Main Streets lights up with their biggest light show ever that stars a 5-story tall Christmas tree with brilliant special effects that have the lights dancing to your favorite Christmas tunes such as Carol of the Bells and Joy to the World.
3. A Dickens’ Christmas Carol
This original adaptation features Broadway-worthy sets and visual effects and will have you laughing, crying and fill you with Christmas joy by the end! And unlike most amusement parks 15 minute condensed shows, Silver Dollar City’s A Dickens’ Christmas Carol is a full 60 minutes.
I simply L-O-V-E-D this A Dickens’ Christmas Carol! While it is a little on the long side, taking an hour out of your park time is a must to see it. I promise you it’s worth it! You’ll leave with a smile on your face and a little extra holiday kick to your step.
4. It’s a Wonderful Life
Created exclusively for Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life is a new take on Frank Capra’s 1946 classic. With 14 talented actors and singers and stunning special effects, It’s a Wonderful Life has become a holiday tradition at Silver Dollar City since it debuted in 2012.
I’m bummed we didn’t have time to see this one, but it’s definitely on my must do list for next time!
5. Tinker Junior’s Toy Shop
Kids will fall in love with the 12 foot talking Christmas Tree, Tinker Junior, during this fun interactive show. With his side-kick Raggedy Ann, Tinker Junior, known as TJ to his friends, hosts a special sing-along and story-time. There may even be some guest appearances by TJ’s special friends, like Buddy the Elf and Jack in the Box.
6. Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Light Parade
Santa came to say – Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh parade tonight?
Santa’s 9th reindeer, who just happens to also be the most famous reindeer of all, leads a parade of nine musical floats that are lite with 200,000 LED lights! Each float was designed exclusively for Silver Dollar City. There are 45 brightly costumed characters including some of Rudolph’s friends like Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, elves who are taller than you’d think, penguins and a troop of marching wooden soldiers.
A few of us got a unique take, high above everyone else, of Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Light Parade. Check it out:
There are two parades each night and I suggest catching the second showing. It was fairly packed at the first one and if it’s anything like Disney, the second run is less crowded.
7. Rudolph’s Christmas Town
Kids can play games, decorate cookies and meet Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Clarice and Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster!
I was on my way to meet Bumble, as he is my husband’s favorite Christmas character, but my friends and I got sidetracked and ran out of time. I know Rudolph’s Christmas Town will be one of our first stops next time.
8. Santa Claus Lane
An Old Time Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Jolly ole Saint Nick! Kids and adults can tell Santa what is on their wish lists while his elves snap a memorable photo.
9. Take a Holiday Carriage Ride
There isn’t anything more Christmasy than a holiday carriage ride around Main Street!
10. Frontier Fa-La-La Follies
Stop in the Silver Dollar Saloon for a jolly ole time with Bart, the girls and the Silver Dollar Band! The Frontier Fa-La-La Follies is a holiday spectacle that includes wild west hilarity, singing loud for all those to hear and a foot-stomping good time.
11. Christmas On the Bayou
Stop by the Dockside Theater to catch Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection Band as they kick it up a notch with Christmas on the Bayou. The unique sound of a Louisiana Christmas will have you clapping along as your toes do a little dancing of their own.
12. Wassail and Fresh Baked Goodies
Everyone needs a cup of hot wassail as they are strolling through Midtown and to make it even better try one of the freshly baked goodies from Eva & Delilah’s Bakery.
13. The Living Nativity
Discover the true reason for Christmas as you’re taken on a journey to Bethlehem during this musical telling of the birth of baby Jesus. The Living Nativity can be located at the Riverfront Playhouse and last about 15 minutes.
14. Hymn Sing Along
Escape to the Silver Dollar City’s Wilderness Church and sing along with traditional hymns.
15. Listen to Joyful Voices Christmas Carolers
You’ll find Joyful Voices wandering Main Street and at the first Christmas on Main Street tree lighting.
16. Santa’s Cookie Shop
Learn how to make the Silver Dollar City’s famous ginger cookies from one of the best – Master Craftsman of Culinary Arts Debbie Dance Uhrig! Santa’s Cookie Shop baking class is only available on select days, so be sure to check the calendar!
*This is an hour long class and does cost $15 + tax per person. Kids are welcome, but are subject to the class fee and must be under parental supervision.
17. Holiday Cooking Classes
Beyond Santa’s Cookie Shop class, Debbie Dance Uhrig, Master Craftsman of Culinary Arts, teaches a variety of cooking classes throughout the An Old Time Christmas season. Learn how to spice up your holiday sauces, make an incredible overnight breakfast casserole and so much more!
Check the Silver Dollar City schedule to see what classes are available during your trip.
*Each class does cost $15 + tax per person.
We didn’t get a chance to do one of the holiday cookie classes, but I did do one on my April visit and it was spectacular! Debbie Dance Uhrig is a brilliant teacher who will answer any and all of your culinary questions. Plus, you get to sample what was made during your demonstration!
18. Make Your Own S’mores
This one blew me away! As I was walking along I saw guests lined up roasting marshmallows for delicious homemade s’mores. How much fun is that?!?
19. Lunch with Santa
Looking for a little extra time with the big guy? On select dates, guests can splurge for lunch with Santa and feast on Mrs. Claus’ Christmas chicken, Santa’s Helper mittens and other fun treats. The kids will be tickled as they get to open special gifts and sing Christmas carols.
20. Master Craftsman Demonstrations
I could spend the entire day watching all the different Master Craftsman demonstrations at Silver Dollar City. Beyond the cooking classes, guests can watch as the Master Craftsman show off their incredible skills from glass blowing, wood carving, pottery and more.
21. Holiday Shopping
Looking for the perfect gift for that someone special? From one-of-a-kind jewelry to handmade glass decor and handcrafted furniture to holiday treasures – you’re sure to find it at Silver Dollar City.
22. Night-time Rides and Attractions
During An Old Time Christmas, select rides and attractions continue to run once the sun goes down giving guests a unique take on some fan favorites including The Time Traveler and Outlaw Run.
23. Marvel Cave
“In the beginning, there was Marvel Cave”
Marvel Cave has been a hot tourist destination since 1894 when William Henry and his daughters opened the cave as an Ozark attraction. In 1960, Hugo Herschend and his family opened Silver Dollar City which was created around the entrance to Marvel Cave.
Each Silver Dollar City ticket includes admission to the cave tour which takes guests on a trek nearly 500 feet below and almost 600 stairs! Luckily, in 1957 a uniquely designed cable train was installed to take guests back to the top. Saves us the 1070 foot climb back up!
Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas runs until the beginning of the New Year, so you still have plenty of time to plan your visit! Admission starts at $65 per adult and they do have special offers including a military discount. Get your tickets online at SilverDollarCity.com
Can’t make it to Branson or Silver Dollar City this year? In 2019, Silver Dollar City presents “The Year of Shows & Festivals”.
The Festival of Wonder opens the 2019 season with a blast including shows like Phoenix Fire – a laser, fire and black-light show along with a new circus-like show –
This is just a snippet of what to expect at Silver Dollar City in 2019! For more information and tickets head to SilverDollarCity.com.
And if you’re looking for a place to call your home base during your Branson holiday – Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center has everything you need!
Wow! I’ve been to Silver Dollar City before in the summer and I would love to visit at Christmas – looks amazing.
It is simply magical at Christmas!