WOODLAND LIGHTS BRINGS MAGIC & SPARKLE TO A 16^th SEASON

Looking for some holiday magic? Let your imagination wander at Woodland Lights where a half-mile wooded path leads to holiday fun during the month of December.

Woodland Lights captures the holiday spirit with a nightly fantasyland of lights and illuminated displays that transform Countryside Park into a sparkling, enchanted forest. The magic takes place 6 to 9 p.m. nightly Dec. 5-30 at Countryside Park , next to the Washington Township Recreation Center , 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. (Closed Dec. 24-25.)

Now in its 16^th season, Woodland Lights is a bit of winter whimsy that depicts the animals of Countryside Park as they prepare for the holidays. About 20,000 people visit Woodland Lights each year to see 1 million lights, over 25 animated displays, and a half dozen computer-animated light shows. The largest of the light shows – a grove of 16 candy canes each six feet tall – flicker and flash in sync to holiday music.

The path includes entertaining detours such as visits with Santa Claus, animated window displays, home-made gingerbread houses, interactive lights, and a food booth serving hot chocolate, Belgian waffles, cotton candy and other treats, according to Linda Madden, Woodland Lights coordinator.

Santa Claus welcomes young visitors nightly to his historic log cabin at Woodland Lights. Youngsters can perch on his knee next to a warm fire and share their Christmas lists while parents snap a picture. Photos also may be purchased for $5.

The holiday lighting event offers Discount Nights on Monday and Tuesday and Activity Nights Wednesday through Sunday with the following two levels of pricing:

Activity Nights - Activity Nights on Wednesday through Sunday include horse-drawn carriage rides, amusement rides, live deer, face painting, games, activities and visits with Santa Claus. Visitors can enjoy everything Woodland Lights offers for $5 per person. Children under 3 get in free.

Discount Nights - Tickets cost $2 on Mondays and Tuesdays when visitors can view the lights and visit Santa, or listen to music after Christmas. Children under 3 get in free.

“You don’t have to travel far from home to see holiday lights, or to enjoy a reasonably priced evening with your family,” Madden said. “Our intent with Woodland Lights is to provide an affordable event, yet also offer a variety of activities. With two tiers of pricing available to them, people can make the choice that’s best for them.”

Saturn of Dayton is a major sponsor of Woodland Lights. The Dayton Daily News and Clear Channel Radio are media sponsors. For information about handicapped accessibility, call Madden at (937)438-7985.