by Arline Chandler

The story of Christmas fills the Ozark hills near Branson, Missouri.

The story is ancient. But in the Ozark hills near Branson, Missouri, at Silver Dollar City's Christmas celebration, the message of Jesus Christ, born as the hope of the world, is as relevant as today's sunrise. The park's overall Christmas theme, Gifts of Christmas, parallels the new Holiday Light Parade with decorations of bows, packages, and stockings. Gaily wrapped, over-sized packages stand in stacks at the entrance. Hundreds of stockings grace green garlands throughout the Ozark village.

Centering the Village Square, the five-story tree, decked with bows and stockings, blazes with over 250,000 lights synchronized to musical movements of Christmas classics such as "Carol of the Bells" and Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." The spectacular sound and light show brings the tree to life in a traditional lighting ceremony at 5:30 each evening. Performances continue every 15 minutes until the park's closing at 10:00 p.m.

In the Red Gold Heritage Hall, the replica of Bethlehem's bustling marketplace fills every corner as a backdrop for City's centerpiece, the Living Nativity. Throughout the park's operating hours, guests mingle with shopkeepers demonstrating musical instruments, foods, and the crafts of Israel. At scheduled intervals during the day and evening, the lighting changes. Music begins. The crowds anticipate something special.

Mary and Joseph make their way through the streets to inquire about lodging at the inn. They are turned away. Joseph guides a wearied Mary past the crude stone buildings lining the inside perimeter of the building. At the stable, strategically centered in the village, the Living Nativity plays out the story of Christ's birth. In a 360-degree theater-in-the-round, the beloved Christmas story encircles actors and live animals.

Other shows and entertainment events in the park major on merriment, mystery, and the magic of the season. But none leaves the stage without proclaiming that the birth of Jesus Christ is the true focus of Christmas.

In the Opera House, the full-fledged production, Christmas in the Ozarks, features a cast of singers and dancers backed by a live orchestra. In a fast-paced medley of songs, dances, and musical expressions on all instruments, A Haygood Family Christmas showcases the talents of seven Haygood boys and their only sister.

Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection stir up a taste of a Louisiana holiday with their Christmas on the Bayou show. A rollicking Christmas comedy rocks the Silver Dollar Saloon, and Keith Allen, appearing as "Redkneckers," teams up with pianist Tracy Heaston for Christmas Memories. While Heaston's fingers fly over the ivories faster than Santa's reindeer, Redkneckers takes his audience back to a nostalgic Christmas in his grandmother's parlor.

For kids of all ages, Tinker, the 17-foot Talking Christmas Tree sings and converses with his guests at the Boatworks Theater. In Wonderland Village, the jolly old elf in a red suit listens to children's requests. Those, who wait their turn on Santa's knee, can make ornaments, design Christmas cards, and decorate holiday cookies.

Guests gather at the historic Wilderness Church for an old-fashioned Christmas carol singing. The Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train tours the Ozark woods, brightened for the holidays with large, lighted scenes. Under the stars at the old cabin, "Grandpa" tells the story of the Holy Child's birth long ago in Bethlehem.

Other attractions open during An Old Time Christmas include Marvel Cave, Fire in the Hole, The World's Largest Treehouse at Geyser Gulch, and (weather permitting) roller coasters WildFire and Thunderation.

If all the merriment stokes an appetite for Christmas goodies, Chef Moose Zader cooks up holiday favorites such as Turkey and Gravy with Cran-Apple Raisin Dressing and Pit-style Ham with Black Cherry Sauce. Sweet treats include old-fashioned Chocolate and Marshmallow S'Mores, Pumpkin Streusel Pie, Gingerbread, Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Ice Cream, Hot Wassail, and steamy hot chocolate.

During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 10: p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 10:00 p.m. (closed December 24-25.) After Christmas, the park is open December 26-30. Santa is no longer in residence, but all other Christmas events and entertainment venues are open to continue the celebration of the season.

For ticket information, call 1-800-952-6626. Information and tickets are also available at www.silverdollarcity.com.

Copyright Arline Chandler

Arline Chandler left a teaching career to launch full-time into writing, discovering people and places for articles in Workamper News, Vocational Biographies, Highways to Adventure, and other entertainment, travel, and senior adult publications. In addition to numerous awards, the Ozarks Writers League presented Chandler with the 1995 Dan Saults Award.