The Branson Christmas Coalition is set to kick-off the 10-week Ozark Mountain Christmas Celebration this weekend with a special lighting event.

Branson Christmas Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Hughes, during interviews on "Josh Grisham Live" on MY 100.1 and "The Upside with Josh and Them" on Legends 1063 said the coalition is bringing back an event that happened in the early days of Ozark Mountain Christmas which is the simultaneous switching on of the Christmas Lights Saturday night. The lighting will be the final event of the Ozark Mountain Christmas opening ceremony at the Location of the Community Christmas Tree near the Branson Ferris Wheel. Hughes says the coalition is encouraging area individuals, businesses, and organization throughout the Lakes Region to turn their lights on at 7:00 pm. 

Hughes also talked about the ceremony which begins at 6:00 pm will feature live music including Rick McEwen, Stevie Lee Woods and his vocal group who will be performing the song "Ozark Mountain Christmas" written by area performer Lynda Lynn.

The complete interview with Elizabeth Hughes can be found on the MY 100.1 and Upside with Josh and Them Facebook pages with the original release on the event reposted below:

Get ready to usher in the most magical time of the year! Ozark Mountain Christmas, one of America's most cherished holiday celebrations, will officially kick off this year with a spectacular area-wide event: "The First Lights of Ozark Mountain Christmas & the Community Christmas Tree Lighting" on Saturday, November 1st, 2025.

This year, the Branson Christmas Coalition invites the entire area to participate in a truly special moment. All Branson businesses, organizations, and churches are called upon to join in the festive spirit by turning on their Christmas lights at precisely 7:00 PM on November 1st, creating a synchronized "first lights" display across Ozark Mountain Country.

The public is warmly invited to attend the Community Christmas Tree Lighting, beginning at 6:00 PM, located at 3335 West Country Music Blvd, next to the iconic Ferris Wheel. This free, family-friendly event promises an evening of enchanting holiday cheer.

Attendees will enjoy:

🎄 Christmas-themed refreshments to delight the taste buds.
🎶 Live music to set the festive mood.
🌟 A front-row seat to witness the "first lights" of Ozark Mountain Christmas.
🎡 A spectacular Ferris Wheel light display specially designed for the Christmas season.
"Ozark Mountain Christmas is a deeply rooted tradition that brings joy to so many, and this year, we want to make the kickoff truly unforgettable," says Elizabeth Hughes, executive director of the Branson Christmas Coalition. "By inviting everyone to turn on their lights at the same moment, we're creating a wave of brightness that symbolizes the unity and spirit of Ozark Mountain Country. We encourage everyone to be a part of this magical start to the holiday season!"

For more information about The First Lights of Ozark Mountain Christmas & the Community Christmas Tree Lighting or to get involved, please visit www.bransonchristmas.org or email director@bransonchristmas.org.

About Ozark Mountain Christmas:
Celebrated November 1st-January 7th, Ozark Mountain Christmas is a renowned annual celebration transforming our area into a dazzling holiday wonderland. Featuring millions of lights, festive shows, special events, and unique shopping experiences, it draws visitors from across the nation to experience the magic of the holiday season in the Ozarks.