Reasons you will want to visit Woodland Lights this holiday season

Credit: Mixed

Credit: Mixed

Santa is coming to Woodland Lights a little earlier this year. He will arrive at the site of the annual holiday lights display in Washington Twp. atop a fire engine with flashing lights and sirens on Thanksgiving weekend on Friday, Nov. 25.

This year the path to holiday fun will run from 6-9 p.m. every night until Dec. 30 in Countryside Park on the Washington Twp. Recreation Campus, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Road.

With so many of the returning old activities and sceneries, there also are plenty of new attractions that make up the boundless opportunities to have a good time.

From opening night until Dec. 23, there will be tons of festivals and activities to enjoy with your friends and families. After that, Woodland Lights will close for a few days and reopen on Dec. 26, but at that time there will only be lights.

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR

The tunnel of lights will stretch above and over the path for 50 feet setting the stage for a walk through 8 acres of illuminations and whimsical displays eventually leading you to a scene of lights that reflect off the central pond during the new laser light show.

The laser light show this year will include laser-powered images that dance across the surface of the water visible from a deck overlooking the pond.

ALL ABOARD, the Carillon Polar Express is taking the kids on a trackless train ride through the park.

ENTERTAINMENT

In the Sam's Club Entertainment Pavilion, a variety of live performances will take place all month long showcasing holiday songs and mandolin music, historic and Celtic dance to name a few.

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Credit: Mixed

A Ferris wheel and fun slide along with three other amusement rides will be available for kids to get their adrenaline pumping. Families can also board a horse-drawn carriage for a tour that is off the trodden path.

Kids party in the park Monday nights through Thursdays in the Sam's Club Entertainment Pavilion.

Children can take pictures with the costumed cartoon characters like a talking snowman and a pair of friendly mice… we heard Princess Elsa will be there, too.

Credit: Mixed

Credit: Mixed

What turned into the one of the most popular attractions last year, Grinch World is also coming back. The world of Whoville has been recreated with the Grinch's cave, his sleigh and the town square.

Visit the live animal displays with Santa's deer before he leaves and meet a pair of silver foxes and whatever other surprises the animal care expert brings with them.

SPECIAL NIGHTS/THEME NIGHTS

After meeting your favorite characters on Friday nights, go on over to the newly renovated Rec West Theater to see the movies that made them famous for free. How the Grinch Stole Christmas will show on Nov. 25, Elf will premiere on Dec. 2, Star Wars- the Force Awakens will play on Dec. 9 and Polar Express will show on Dec. 16. All films will begin at 7:30 p.m. and are included with your tickets (bring tickets with you to the theater for admission).

Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 are special because guests can now bring their dogs to walk the path as well for PetPeople nights.

Star Wars Battlefront nights will take place Dec. 9-11 as the Dark Side takes on the Light Side in a head-to-head challenge, the Rebel Legion versus the 501st Legion. The first 100 children age 12 and under will receive a glow wrist band to join in combat.

Credit: Mixed

Credit: Mixed

FOOD 

Food trucks will always be the highlight at any festival including the festivals at Woodland Lights. During festival nights, the vendors included will be Our Melt BarNatalie's Concessions and Original Kettle Korn through Dec. 23.

TICKETS AND PRICING

Tickets for festival nights Nov. 25-Dec. 23 can be purchased for $8 online at the Woodland Lights website or at any Washington Twp. Recreation facility or at the gate. Children 2 and under are free.

When Woodland Lights reopens on Dec. 26 ticket pricing will go down to $4 with children 2 and under still free.

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