Silver Dollar City Christmas

The Ozark Mountains are beautiful any time of year, but especially in the fall. Brightly colored leaves paint a techno-color portrait across the hills. The air is nippy and there’s a sense of holiday excitement. It’s the perfect time to visit Silver Dollar City for an “Old Time Christmas.” Designated by the Travel Channel as the “most illuminated park on earth, ” with over 6.5 million lights, it’s a true family celebration. With world-class shows, unique shopping experiences, and delicious food, you’ll soon see why it’s been called “America’s Best Theme Park Holiday Event” by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice. Use this Silver Dollar City Christmas Guide to help plan your visit.

We attended a Silver Dollar City Christmas Media Event. All opinions are our own.

A Silver Dollar City Christmas

Besides the traditional attractions and rides, the Silver Dollar City Christmas celebration abounds with special activities. Here are some of the treats you’ll find in store for you.

Christmas Shows

You’ll find a variety of special shows ranging from lighthearted musicals to classic Christmas favorites. If you enjoy music, you’ll want to stop by the Silver Dollar Saloon for the Fa-La-La-Follies or at the Dockside Theater to experience Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection Band. Kids will enjoy Tinker Junior’s Toy Shop, the adventures of a 12 foot tall singing Christmas tree, performed in the Boatworks theater. For those who enjoy the theater, the special adaption of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol is a must see. It’s the classic tale told with a few new twists. The ghost of Christmas present turns out to be a ditzy fairy character who loves to hit people with her wand and the play includes several musical numbers. It’s a touching rendition, produced in a Broadway-style, that’s been delighting visitors for 16 years. Another charming Christmas story, It’s a Wonderful Life, is also performed in the Broadway style. Both A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life are 60-minute productions. Daily times vary so check the schedule to be sure to catch the show.

A scene from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

The Christmas Sing-A-Long Train

The train is a family favorite all year, but especially at Christmas when the train is bedecked with lights and a wreath. Along the way, kids of all ages can sing along to family favorite Christmas songs. Along the way, the train makes a special stop to listen as Grandpa tells the story of the birth of the Christ child. The train begins its first departure at 4:00 pm each day and the ride lasts 20 minutes. On Saturdays, the train begins operation at 2:00 PM.

Carriage Rides

-Step back in a slower paced time with a short carriage drive around the square. The driver is dressed in traditional Victorian garb and a costumed bell ringer walks in front of the carriage. Rides are included in the ticket price and can take 2 adult or non-lap passengers at a time. The carriage rides are on a first-come, first served basis, so you might have to wait in a short line.

Midtown Christmas Lights

New this year is the Midtown Christmas Lights, an expansion of 1.5 million lights, scattered throughout the area. Begin your stroll through this wonderland by walking through a tunnel of lights. You’ll see animations and creations that extend to five stories high. It’s lovely to walk through anytime of day, but especially after dark when the lights shine in the darkness.

Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade

Who doesn’t love a parade? Each evening, at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Rudolph leads the way through the square, followed by a contingent of other Christmas characters including Bumble and Clarice. There’s special Christmas floats and even a visit from Santa himself.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Each evening in the town square the five-story Christmas tree comes to life. The tree and surrounding shops light up and twinkle in unison to a selection of Christmas carols. This spectacular light show features different colored lights, twinkling lights, and light patterns. My favorite was the light ceremony which accompanied Carol of the Bells. The first show begins at 5:20 and will be repeated throughout the evening. Daily times vary.

Live Nativity Scene-

This short 15-minute production, held at the RiverCity Playhouse, tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in song. It’s a wonderful retelling of the first Christmas so many years ago. Times vary so be sure to check the daily schedule.

This isn’t the live Nativity, but it’s still a beautiful display.

Special Music

Along with carolers who stroll through Main Street, there’s Holiday Hearthside Harmonies held at McHaffie’s Homestead, special Christmas carols in the Silver Dollar City Church, and carols by Tracy Heaston performed in the gazebo.

Take a minute to enjoy the carolers dressed in traditional Victorian clothing.

Special Christmas Food

Although the food at Silver Dollar City is delicious any time of year, the special Christmas treats are mouthwatering. You’ll find a non-alcoholic version of Wassail, a hot mulled cider, at one of the stands near the square. There’s a S’mores roasting pit where you can toast your own marshmallows before making them into a melty, chocolately concoction. Other fall favorites include caramel apples and hot chocolate that’s a perfect accompaniment for the carriage ride. Finally, don’t leave without a stop by Eve and Delilah’s for any of their baked goods, including cinnamon rolls that are as big as pancakes.

Be sure to try a sample of the holiday fruitcakes at Eve and Delilah’s.

Tips To Plan Your Visit

*An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City runs from November 3rd through December 30th.
*The air blowing down from the mountains is chilly. Be sure to dress in layers and don’t forget a hat, scarf, and mittens.
*Plan to arrive early at least 15 minutes early for the shows and for Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade to get better views.

The entire park is decked out for Christmas.

*Want to be sure your child doesn’t get lost? Take advantage of the Silver Dollar City wristband program. Since some rides have a height restriction you can have your child measured once. He’ll be issued a wristband that shows which rides he can ride without having to be measured each time. A Silver Dollar City employee will also write your cell phone number inside the wristband. If you become separated from your child, the child can go to a Silver Dollar City employee. They’ll call you with the location of your child.