It’s Christmas Time in the (Silver Dollar) City!
Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Silver Dollar City is my favorite place on earth at Christmas time! On Sunday, December 3rd, I visited one of Branson’s biggest attractions during perhaps the best and worst time: the day on which the record level of admissions to the park was broken thanks to beautiful weather and Christmas cheer.
Normally, when I go to Silver Dollar City (SDC), my first priority is the rides. Zooming past smiling (and screaming) faces on some of the (relatively) slow rides is incredibly fun to me. However, this day was dedicated to the magnificent performers that SDC has to offer, particularly in their various theaters.
The first performance on my list? Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, based out of the gorgeous Opera House. Remakes of Christmas Carol have a special place in my heart because of the 1962 animated classic, Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol that my family watches every year. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge who doesn’t believe in Christmas until he is visited by three strange spirits is a holiday classic. This Broadway-esque version combined hilarious parodies (“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Scrooge”) with heart wrenching performances (“Somewhere in my Memory”;”When Christmas Comes to Town”) to create a magical experience. I left the theater with tears in my eyes and a far happier heart than when I entered it.
While my parents ate at the brand-new hispanic restaurant in the city, Percy’s, I stopped by the classic Riverside BBQ for a bite to eat. Afterwards, I made my way over to the Red Gold Heritage Hall, where my next show awaited.
I barely managed to find a seat before the next show, It’s a Wonderful Life, began. The Red Gold Heritage Hall was full to its maximum capacity. This holiday staple, originally produced by Frank Capra in 1946, tells the story of a kind businessman, George Bailey, his incredibly hard life, and how his bumbling guardian angel turned his life around in musical form. In a spectacular performance that shattered any expectation I had, the cast delivered a performance that, despite the shortened run time, shined as brightly as a Broadway play.
Every single performer gave their all, and the music selection helped them update the movie to a more current era. “Georgie, the Soda Boy,” sang by George’s love interest, proved to be a hilarious parody of Kristin Chenoweth’s “Taylor, the Latte Boy.” Meanwhile, George’s guardian angel led a troupe of neon-yellow rain jacket-wearing chorus members in a sing-a-long rendition of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from Monty Python’s Life of Brian. It is an experience that is well worth the 45 minute drive to SDC from Springfield.
Stepping out of the Red Gold Heritage Hall, I was greeted by a night sky and the stunning beauty that is SDC in the wintertime at night. Christmas lights lit up the grounds everywhere, and, at the top of the giant hill, provide just enough light to create a stunning view on par with many of mankind’s beautiful creations. However, before I visited the hill myself for the tree lighting ceremony, it was time for the train ride.
Or, at least, that’s what I thought. A single line stretched out of the train station, wrapped around the corner, ran through several tunnels, and finally ended after wrapping around another building. “Make sure you put your strollers up before you get into my line!” I heard, and, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a weary and very tired park worker attempting to direct people into a neat and orderly line.
“Busy day?” I asked him, not expecting to get a response.
“That’s an understatement. They said that we broke admission records today, and the park is staying open another thirty minutes to get everyone out.”
“Wow… That’s impressive! Any idea of how long it’ll be till the line gets to the train?” I had a strong desire to watch the parade after the train, and wanted to make sure I wouldn’t miss it.
“Oh, maybe about forty minutes.” The worker directed me back into the line and began directing people again.
Forty minutes turned out to be a major overstatement. Thanks to SDC magic, I was in that line for no longer than fifteen minutes. The train ride itself was gorgeous, as lights wrapped around the entire park, creating a display of picturesque beauty for those on the train. Halfway through the ride, where we would normally be stopped by good ol’ Alfie and Ralphie the train robbers, we met Grandpa, an old man who told us the story of the birth of Jesus Christ with help from some more lights.
The story was a pleasant surprise, given how much regulation nowadays goes into religion in the public eye. It was only after the classic parade, featuring characters such as Rudolph and the Abominable Snowman, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus, that I realized why Silver Dollar City celebrated Christmas the way that they do. They celebrate the true reason for the season, and Jesus deserves all of the celebration that we can give him. Merry Christmas, Springfield Catholic, and a Happy New Year too.
