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Woodland Lights Brings Magic to Countryside Park

Nature and nostalgia come together during a month of holiday lighting and festivities at the 19th annual Woodland Lights.

Visitors to the nightly event can enjoy the beauty of lights sparkling along a half-mile wooded path and reflecting against a woodland pond. Along the trail, whimsical characters and illuminated critters prepare for the holidays, while a real-life Santa Claus visits with children inside an historic log cabin decorated as a candyland.

"The front of Woodland Lights feels more like a festival with lighting and animation," said Linda Madden, Woodland Lights coordinator. "The mood at the back of the park is quieter, more pristine, and emphasizes the park's natural beauty."

"When we started Woodland Lights 19 years ago, we wanted it to be something that was magical and enchanting. We're staying true to that vision," Madden said.

Woodland Lights includes carriage rides and incorporates a number of entertaining detours such as interactive lights, bonfires, and a food booth serving hot chocolate and other treats. Select nights feature live deer, amusement rides, games and activities.

A Warm and Inviting Place to Visit Santa

At Woodland Lights, it's easy to find Santa. Just walk down a sparkling path until you see an historic log cabin decorated in lights.

Turn right at the split rail fence and Santa will welcome you to his cozy cabin every night through December 23. The setting offers an inviting alternative to more commercialized visits with Santa. While young visitors whisper their wish lists in Santa's ear, parents are invited to snap a picture. Photos also may be purchased for $5.

"This is a real, historic log home that originally was located in Hillsboro, Ohio," says Woodland Lights Coordinator Linda Madden. "Everything about it is authentic - from the large beams over head to the old limestone fireplace." A fire burns bright each night in a large hearth near Santa's chair, greenery is draped across the mantle, and a tree is decorated in the corner.

After Christmas, Santa returns to the North Pole and his cabin is closed until his visit next year.

Woodland Lights Display Area

Do you have a great photo taken during a past Woodland Lights visit - a photo of your family having fun, a scenic view of the lights, or possibly a special event such as an engagement? Let us make your photo famous!

Photos that best represent Woodland Lights through the years will be displayed in several activity areas for all to enjoy at the month-long event – and during future seasons as well.

Submissions are due by Friday, November 11, and should be turned in 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays at the front desk of Rec West or the Recreation Center. Photographers may submit more than one photo.

Each photographer whose photo is selected for a display area will receive two Woodland Lights 2011 daily admission tickets.

Submissions become the permanent property of Washington Township to be used this year and in future shows. Photos selected for future marketing materials will be used only with the written consent of the photographer.

Photos must be matted in a white matte board with the exterior edges measuring no more than 11 by 14 inches. Photographers should list their name, address, phone number and the year the photo was taken on the back of the matted photo.

If you would like family recognition, list the first names only of each individual in the photo.  Professional photographers may provide their business information on the back of the submission so it can be included in the display area adjacent to the photo.

Woodland Lights Contact: 
Linda Madden, Senior Recreation Supervisor
937-432-2820

Photo Submission Sites
Washington Township Recreation Center
895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.
937-433-0130

Rec West 
965 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. 
937-438-7985