Country and western-oriented Branson, Missouri, in the same major league of cities such as Rio de Janeiro and London?
Yes, when it comes to the top 10 worldwide holiday destinations rated by travel author Pauline Frommer.
The honor came because of Branson’s “dazzling holiday decorations.”
Ms Frommer’s complete list: Santa Fe, London, Las Vegas, Branson, Rio de Janeiro, New York City, Rome, Puerto Rico, New Orleans, and Sydney, Australia.
Recognized in past years by national publications and travel associations as a premier place to celebrate the Christmas holidays, Branson officials say they are currently featuring their biggest Christmas celebration ever.
This year’s Ozark Mountain Christmas festival includes the new World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction, the new Branson Landing’s “Winter WonderLanding” with dining and shopping, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, plus features the internationally-acclaimed Silver Dollar City theme park with over four-million lights throughout the pathways of the 1880s Ozark village.
The theatre-lined 76 Strip, aglow with holiday lights and colorful neon, is home to some of the most popular Christmas shows in entertainment history: Andy Williams, the Lennon Sisters, the Osmonds, the Gatlins and even the Russian comedian, Yakov Smirnoff.
“Branson has been raising the bar on Ozark Mountain Christmas every year, with more lights, more shows, distinctive shopping and more variety of entertainment,” said Ross Summers, president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
Report by David Wilkening
