Special to GUIDON

Christmas is still more than a month away, but the holidays are already under way in Branson, Mo., at the 1880s-themed park, Silver Dollar City.

Combining the traditions families treasure at Christmastime and holiday lights, sounds and activities, Silver Dollar City is hosting its annual holiday festival, “An Old Time Christmas,” now through Dec. 30.

One of the goals of the festival is to transform the park into a holiday wonderland each evening with the Christmas on Main Street light and sound show throughout the park square, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, a Holiday Light Parade, a Broadway-style stage show, festive holiday foods and more.

A centerpiece of the festival is a five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, which comes to life each evening at dusk when the Christmas On Main Street shows begin. During the show, the lights on the massive tree move in synchronization to the beat of Christmas songs, with up to 100 light changes per second, while lights on buildings and in hanging canopies along Main Street and on Christmas trees around the square flash along with it.

Many guests make it a tradition to see “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” a Broadway-inspired musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens. The show is brought to life with elaborate sets and visual effects, flying spirits, pyrotechnic special effects and a talented cast of 14 actors, accompanied by a live band.

Over the past two decades that Silver Dollar City has hosted it, the festival has become one of the country’s most recognized events for lighting and entertainment, and has been profiled as a top holiday celebration destination in the country by USA Today, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel and “Good Morning America.”

The festival features several features designed to dazzle visitors, including the Holiday Light Parade, which includes numerous musical floats covered in lights, which wind through the streets of the park each evening accompanied by costumed characters.

Additional shows during the festival include a Living Nativity, and the interactive show, “Frosty,” which invites children to help bring the legendary snowman to life.

Fine craftsmanship is also showcased, with the park’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen creating one-of-a-kind handmade holiday items, from blown glass ornaments, angels and snowmen to hand-woven white oak baskets and pine-scented candles.

Guests can sing Christmas carols as they ride the Silver Dollar Steam Train each night. Most of the rides and the park’s five roller coasters are also open after dark with great views of the lights from above.

During the festival, the park is open Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 20, and open daily, Dec. 26-30. Hours are 1 to 9 p.m. most days.

Tickets to Silver Dollar City are $54.81 for adults, $44.06 for children and $52.66 for seniors 62 and older. Military families can get discounts by purchasing tickets through the Information, Ticketing and Registration office in Bldg. 490. For more information, call 329.8785 or go to www.mwrtickets.com.