EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN
An Ozarkn Mountai
s a m t Chris BY LINDSAY CUOMO PHOTOS PROVIDED
SILVER DOLLAR CITY
As experiences rise to the top of more families’ wish lists, holiday getaways offer a fun and meaningful way to make some lasting memories together. Branson, located just five hours from the Oklahoma City metro in the Ozark Mountains, is no longer a sleepy town once known mostly for country western performers. This destination is now home to a diverse selection of familyfriendly attractions and, beginning early each November, the city amps up the excitement as a holiday hot spot where cheerful celebrations mix with old-fashioned charm. There is certainly no shortage of festive activities to enjoy in Branson at Christmastime.
Experience An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City Silver Dollar City is best known for the park’s Wild West enchantments and high-speed rides. But the park has also received accolades for its annual holiday festival. The festival was named as the best theme park holiday event by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards in 2017. Silver Dollar City received another special honor when the park was named in the top five amusement parks in America this year, also by USA Today’s 10Best. In addition to their year-round rides and attractions, Silver Dollar City has welcomed guests around the Christmas season with twinkling
44 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2018
lights, festive shops and Broadway-style shows for more than two decades. The merriment has grown over the years, and today the park is aglow with more than six million colorful lights, lining walkways and buildings and adorning more than 1,000 Christmas trees including one show-stopping, special-effect laden five-story tree. Twice each evening, families can enjoy Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade, featuring dozens of colorful costumed characters, including Rudolph as Grand Marshall. Joining in the parade is the iconic Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, towering moose and elf characters, 10-foot candy canes, penguins, marching wooden soldiers and more.
