"Hope & Hospitality" Lighting Event

The 5th Annual Branson/Lakes Area Community Christmas Tree was lit during at event at the Branson Ferris Wheel marking the official start to the 2024 Ozark Mountain Christmas season. Community members, entertainers, Santa and Mrs. Claus gathered to mark the occasion with music and merriment on November 1st at 6:30 PM.

The Branson Christmas Coalition is grateful to Ozark Mountain Legacy for their collaboration on this tree in tribute to their vision of Ozark Mountain Country as a place of "Hope and Hospitality" as well as their volunteer help with more than 300 feet of faux cranberry and popcorn garlands custom-crafted for this year's tree. To learn more about their work in our region go to www.OzarkMountainLegacy.org

Special thanks to this year's event emcee Mike Pitman, a community leader active in the Branson Christmas Coalition and Ozark Mountain Legacy, as well as a member of the dynamic team of professionals at Sight and Sound Theatres.

Due to popular demand and his love of Christmas in Branson, legendary entertainer Rick McEwen returned again this year to provide festive fun and music for this year's lighting event. New for the lighting this year was Kindhearted Santa and Mrs. Lizzie Claus who thrilled children of all ages and led the countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree right on queue!

We appreciate everyone who helped with the tree and the lighting ceremony this year. It could not happen without the many skills and amazing generosity of our friends at the Track Family Fun Parks and Branson Ferris Wheel as well as EVERY MEMBER/DONOR of the Branson Christmas Coalition.