“New Year’s Eve!” Just the mention of this eclectic holiday evokes a myriad of memories and images. Staying home with grandma watching the Times Square festivities on TV, while your parents went to a party. The first time you stayed up until midnight. Dancing the night away and your first champagne toast. Eating particular foods to ensure a happy and prosperous New Year. Watching the hands of the clock usher us into the 21st Century.
New Year’s Eve in Branson offers an entertaining variety of things to do to make the evening special. Chateau on the Lake Resort Hotel & Spa, perched high above Table Rock Lake, offers an event that features an opening reception with hors d’oeuvres; a three-course meal; music and dancing; champagne toasts, balloon drops, and gorgeous fireworks at midnight. (And a late checkout time New Year’s Day!) The Library Lounge at Chateau has a huge fireplace and cozy seating areas. Step out onto the balcony for a spectacular view of the lake.
The Million Dollar Quartet at The Welk Resort Theatre has a special evening planned. Doors open at 8:30, and your ticket price includes food, beverage, and party favors. (Cash bar available.) The show starts at 9:45. Million Dollar Quartet is the remarkable recreation of an impromptu jam session at Sun Records in Memphis on December 4, 1956. It was the one and only time that Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis all played together.
Meanwhile, down near Branson Landing, the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel has delicious ways to celebrate. Their Level 2 restaurant presents a “fresh catch special,” along with their always-outstanding regular menu. Admission to Clear lounge downstairs includes party favors, a champagne toast and midnight buffet. A room package includes breakfast in Level 2 on New Year’s Day.
On Branson’s Lake Taneycomo, the Landing Princess has a New Year’s Eve cruise 9 pm-12:30 am. There will be a live band, dancing, party favors, games and prizes. Cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, dessert bar, and complimentary champagne toast at midnight!
Back out on Table Rock, Big Cedar Lodge has three venues for ringing in 2017. The beautiful Worman House presents a six-course meal and dancing to a full band. At midnight there will be a champagne toast while you enjoy the best view of their incredible fireworks! Dinner is available at Devil’s Pool Restaurant until 9:30, with specialties like Rockbridge Rainbow Trout and Hickory Smoked Prime Rib. Downstairs at Buzzard Bar enjoy live entertainment as you welcome the New Year.
If you are looking for a fun family night that ends earlier, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede has a 5:30pm dinner show. Fabulous food, magnificent horses, and a beautiful show combine to give you an extraordinary family experience. During the holidays Dixie’s theme changes to North Pole v. South Pole! And everyone enjoys “Magic of Toys” and the living Nativity.
Showboat Branson Belle’s New Year’s Eve Cruise sets sail at 8 pm and includes a three-course dinner and the Celebrate! Christmas show. After dinner and the show, clear the decks! Well, tables will be moved aside for a dance party with the Celebrate! band, The Rockin’ Dockers. At midnight on the lake — party favors and toasting with sparkling grape juice
“Cher” is a special guest in the Legends in Concert lineup at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater New Year’s Eve. There are three dinner/show options for enjoying the live band, singers and dancers, and legends Frank Sinatra, Adele, George Strait, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis!
Have a favorite Branson show or restaurant? Check their celebrations … and it’s always a good idea to make New Year’s Eve reservations early. Lots of ideas and options! Whether it’s dancing and champagne corks popping, or an early dinner and show and going back to the hotel to relax, enjoy New Year’s Eve in Branson. Happy New Year, and we’ll see you in 2017!
