It’s (almost) always a First-Sunday-in-December Branson Tradition… the Adoration Parade. Because Thanksgiving weekend spills over into December this year, the parade has been moved to Sunday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m.
The 71st annual, noncommercial Adoration Parade celebrates the true spirit of Christmas and features local organizations and high school marching bands and performers of all kinds. Sometimes even calling Saint Nicholas himself out.
But have no fear… the giant Adoration Scene nativity will be lit as usual on the First Sunday for people visiting Branson on Thanskgiving Weekend. The scene visible from practically all of downtown day or night this time of year … across Lake Taneycomo from Downtown Branson.
Originally built in 1949 by businessman Joe Todd and designed by local artist Steve Miller, it depicts the Christmas nativity scene in the style of a classic Christmas card and sits atop Mount Branson. The scene has remained largely unchanged for seven decades, though many pieces had to be rebuilt or restored after the site took a direct hit from a tornado in 2012.
At a towering 28 feet tall, it is one of the Ozarks largest and longest-standing holiday traditions. Hanging above the scene is the brilliant 20-point Star of Bethlehem, unveiled in 2012 and far outshining the original 1949 star (which was lit with only 10 bulbs).
NOTE: The Sparky trolleys will end their normal Sunday routes a little early on Sunday, Dec. 8 because of road closures for the parade.