“Whether visitor or local, children in Branson on Halloween evening can dress up in their Halloween costumes, have fun and get lots of candy as they ‘trick-or-treat’ in a convenient and safe environment,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. She said that although there may be others, here is a list of three of the most popular and convenient events along with contact information:
1. Ozark Mountain Family YMCA in Hollister – “The 10th Annual Boo Bash†on Friday Oct. 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free, open to the public and will feature a hayride, a maze, face painting, Halloween games, a costume contest at 7:00 p.m. and of course candy. The candy will be dispersed through a unique “Trunk-n-Treat†walk featuring decorated cars with candy being dispensed from their trunks. This is the area’s longest continually running alternative Halloween event and provides as much fun and excitement for the kids as it does candy and there’s lots of that. Please call (417) 337-9622
2. Branson Landing – “8th Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat at Branson Landing” on Friday Oct. 31 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on the Branson Landing Promenade. “This safe Halloween alternative is exclusively for children in costume up to age 12 who may “trick-or-treat” up and down the Promenade at the businesses with the “Halloween Pumpkin Signs” on them. Call 417-239-3002 for additional information.
3. Tanger Outlets – “TangerStyle or Treat ” on Friday Oct. 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Kids 12 and under may trick or treat throughout the mall at participating stores who will be displaying “trick-or-treat†signs on their doors for as long as their supply of candy lasts. Some stores will also have “â€TangerStyle†coupons for the adults. For additional information please call 417-337-9328.
Wood points out that the transition from Halloween to Christmas happens in the blink of an eye and the very next day, Saturday, Nov. 1 is the beginning of Ozark Mountain Christmas with  Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas”, Branson’s Christmas shows, drive through lighting displays and much more. One thing is for sure,” Wood said, “whether its ‘trick-or-treat’ or ‘Merry Christmas’ there is no place like Branson for fun, entertainment and that special down home, ‘We’re glad you are here,’ spirit.”