Holiday Festivals And Lighting Displays The following are both public and private (but open to the public) holiday lighting displays and events in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore and India. Most of those in North America are Christmas oriented, but many of the community displays are sometimes neutral in theme... If you want to do an armchair tour of a few displays, check out this site: http://www.kevinsdomain.com/xmas/xmas.htm ARKANSAS FAYETTEVILLE Lights of the Ozarks Festival November 22, 2003 - January 01, 2004 On Thanksgiving Eve, the switch is thrown to ignite 300 miles of decorative lights all over the city with dazzling light displays, decorations, parades and more. ARIZONA TEMPE APS Fantasy of Lights November 29, 2003 - January 04, 2004 A shimmering wonderland during the holidays with over 500,000 lights, fireworks, an outdoor ice skating rink, 20 tons of snow, a children's carnival, a boat parade and more! Ice skating $6 for adults and $4 for children. All other events are free to the public Lighted Parade begins at 6:00 p.m. on November 24th. Fireworks and Tree Lighting 7:00 p.m. Snow Day December 15th. Lighted Boat Parade December 15th. http://www.millavenue.org PHOENIX ZooLights November 22, 2003 - January 04, 2004 More than two million lights and dozens of new animated animal displays with life size elephant and giraffe families, lighted trees that dance to music. http://www.phoenixzoo.org/zoo/events/zoolights.asp Advertisement CALIFORNIA HOLLYWOOD http://www.christmas.com/pe/103 In recent years Griffith Park has made a "Zoo Light" display, but with the current power situation in California they may not do it this year, if they do it begins in late November and goes to December 31 up Riverside (Zoo) Drive from the North side of the part to the South side. CONNECTICUT HARTFORD Festival of Light November 29, 2003 - January 06, 2004 Santa arrives as millions of lights and light sculptures are turned on to celebrate the holiday season. All of downtown Constitution Plaza is ablaze in this annual festival. http://www.connectthedots.org/fol.html FLORIDA PINECREST http://www.clotxmas.com/home.html CLOT FAMILY CHRISTMAS DISPLAY BILL, ARCHY, JOSH, DIANE and JOSHUA CLOT 6840 SW 119 Street Pinecrest, Florida 33156 For over three decades the Clot Family Christmas Display has been delighting residents and visitors in the South Florida area. Over 600,000 lights and more than 100 Animated Figures thrill children young and old alike. The Display is turned on annually after The Thanksgiving weekend and may be viewed nightly through New Years Day. Directions: U.S. 1 to SW 120 Street then East on SW 120 Street to SW 68 Court. Advertisement GEORGIA LAKE LANIER ISLANDS Magical Night of Lights November 14, 2003 - December 30, 2003 5 to 10 p.m. Celebrate the holidays in style this year at Lake Lanier Islands Resort's Magical Nights of Lights festival, an extraordinary display of over six miles of animated lights, sure to make the season brighter for the entire family. This year marks the eighth annual event that is the largest animated light extravaganza in the world and has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society for a second year in a row. Afterward Santa's Workshop and Holiday Village are a joy for all ages, and the night will culminate with a bonfire complete with roasted marshmallows. Live entertainment will be heard every Friday in December from 7 to 9 p.m. http://www.lakelanierislands.com/mnol/default.asp LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN Enchanted Garden of Lights November 21, 2003 - January 03, 2004 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy this holiday lighting tradition at Rock City Gardens, one of Tennessee's oldest and most popular environmental wonders. Rock City Gardens brightens the holidays with over half-a-million lights in this scenic extravaganza every evening except Christmas Eve. Enjoy the "Music Under the Moon Tent" and activities for the kids. Each night, youngsters can visit and have their pictures taken with Santa under the Cliff Terrace Pavilion, and decorate gingerbread cookies along the Enchanted Trail. http://www.seerockcity.com/tickets/default.asp PINE MOUNTAIN Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens November 21, 2003 - December 28, 2003 Fantasy In Lights, a holiday tradition of the South, is Callaway Gardens' holiday celebration of lights, music and fun for the entire family. The longest running outdoor light show in Georgia, Fantasy In Lights started in 1992 and now includes more than eight million lights forming more than a dozen spectacular, larger-than-life lighted displays! Some scenes stretch longer than a quarter mile, each has its own sound system, and many include charming animation. One of the new scenes this year is the Enchanted Rainbow Forest, a delightful scene that is sure to become one of your favorites. Magical pixies wave their wands to transform the landscape from frosty winter white into a colorful forest filled with the flowers of spring. You'll be whisked through the seasons as everything all around you changes. Fantasy In Lights also includes the Callaway Christmas Village, a heated, indoor village that features merry holiday decor, craftspeople demonstrating their skills, live entertainment, costumed characters, Santa Claus, Kids' Craft Center, gift booths and educational exhibits. Other features of this event include the Trim-A-Tree Shop filled to the brim with glistening holiday decor items, toys and souvenirs; and the Fantasy Cafe where a traditional Christmas dinner is served nightly. http://www.callawaygardens.com/events/fil/dates_times.htm HAWAII HONOLULU http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/menu/visitors/index.htm The 16th Annual Honolulu City Lights December 6, 2000 - January 4, 2003 A trip to Honolulu Hale to see the lighting of the city's 50-foot Christmas tree has become a tradition for island families. This year, the "Lei of Stars" theme is reflected everywhere _ from the exciting new lighting concept on the big tree to the stars shining down on the decorated Christmas trees in the courtyard to the star-studded holiday concert presented by Tom Moffatt Productions. Food booths located on the Civic Center grounds made it possible for families to arrive early to enjoy an early dinner on the grass. There was also entertainment at the SkyGate stage presented by Island Rhythm 98.5. Corporate mascots, clowns, barbershop quartets and other holiday surprises were out on the Civic Center lawn. ILLINOIS CHICAGO Downtown Chicago store displays. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Sets the Stage for the Holiday Season Chicago, IL - - The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA) presents the 10th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival(TM) on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18, 2003, when visitors and city residents alike will view the lighting of the trees along Chicago's world renown Magnificent Mile. As one of Chicago's great traditions, The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival proudly sets the stage for the holiday season. Mickey Mouse, in his eighth year as master of ceremonies, will illuminate over one million lights on 200 trees along Chicago's Magnificent Mile from Oak Street to the Chicago River. The master of ceremonies will be joined by an exciting array of Disney characters from Walt Disney World in Florida, new procession vehicles and entertainment for all to enjoy. On Thursday, November 15, the Lights Festival kicks off along Chicago's Magnificent Mile with the unveiling and judging of holiday window displays and continues throughout the weekend with more than 100 different activities including a brand new Walt Disney World stage show, live ice carving demonstrations, carolers, and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Christmas Holidays at the Lincoln Park Zoo November 28, 2003 - December 31, 2003 From the ZooLights Opening Night celebration to the New Year's Eve celebration, children of all ages can enjoy spirited and bright events for the holidays. Other event are as follows: Caroling to the Animals, Country Christmas Festival and the Kwanza Celebration. http://www.lpzoo.com/events/events.html#dec Celebrations - A Festival of Lights and Flowers November 28, 2003 - January 04, 2004 Starting at 5 p.m. Join us to celebrate and experience the magic of 750,000 lights as Chicago's Botanic Garden becomes a winter wonderland. http://www.chicagobotanic.org/celebrations/index.html BELLEVILLE Way of Lights Christmas Display November 22, 2003 - January 5, 2004 5 to 10 p.m. Drive through a scenic fantasy of over one million lights that wind past electro-art sculptures, life-size figures and displays that depict the Christmas Story. In the Visitors Center, visit the Christmas Village, listen to area choirs nightly and enjoy our designer Christmas Tree Display. Horse-drawn carriages and trolley rides are available. Admission is Free. http://www.oblatesusa.org/events/wayoflights.html Advertisement INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS In 1999, in Downtown Indianapolis, the Holiday Season was ushered in, as it has been since 1962, with a "Circle of Lights Celebration." An estimated crowd of 80,000 cheered as the "world's largest Christmas tree," the 284 feet high Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument was once again lit with strings of lights (4,600 bulbs). 52 statues, each 12 feet tall, of toy soldiers and peppermint sticks were added to the display. About 56,000 twinkling lights now adorn the branches of trees along the sidewalks and laser images of stars and snowflakes dance across the sides of the buildings surrounding Monument Circle. Live reindeer were on hand while Santa and the Mayor looked on as a student pushed the button to light the Monument. A Polka band played, and there was singing and performances. BLOOMINGTON In Bloomington there was the annual "Canopy of Lights" ceremony to light up the Monroe County Courthouse and the special "Light up a Life" tree for the Hospice of Bloomington. The lights on the Hospice Community Tree represent deceased relatives and friends. On hand were the mayor and Santa, complete with elves and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. KENTUCKY LEXINGTON Southern Lights Holiday Festival November 21, 2003 - December 31, 2003 5:30 to 10 p.m. From the Friday before Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, the Kentucky Horse Park is transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland of lights - Southern Lights. You'll be thrilled at these Spectacular Sites on Holiday Nights. Take a driving tour of the Kentucky Horse Park grounds and enjoy the twinkling splendor of toy soldiers, gingerbread houses, galloping horses and brightly lit tunnels. The park also features great shopping, live entertainment, arts and crafts and caroling nightly, except Thanksgiving, through December 23. Horse Mania descends upon the Kentucky Horse Park for this year's Southern Lights. Lexington's overwhelming popular collection of 79 art horses (like Chicago's cows and Cincinnati's pigs) will be gathered together at the park's Indoor Arena from November 17 to 30. On December 2, these horses will be auctioned off at the world renown sales ring at Keeneland race course. Selected horses will return to the park for display through December 23. http://www.kyhorsepark.com/khp/holiday/ LOUISIANA http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Delta/2134/ Allen Parish, LA, will be the place to be during the holiday season, so follow the "trail of lights" down to Oakdale and experience the Grandes Lumieres and the true spirit of Christmas. NATCHITOCHES Christmas Festival of Lights November 25, 2003 - January 06, 2004 Louisiana's premier Christmas Celebration celebrates 75 years. A fairyland of multi-colored lights awaits visitors to this visual treasure. The displays are created by 300,000 standard-size colored Christmas bulbs strung along city streets and incorporated into 72 unique displays along Cane River Lake. The lights reflect in the waters below and stretch along the historic downtown area, while the displays create a panoramic view on the east bank of the river. Guided streetcar tours, cruises on the scenic Cane River Lake, a holiday carnival, entertainment and fireworks are part of the fun every Saturday in December and on New Years Eve. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival November 25, 2003 - December 06, 2003 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, established 1714, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tush), Louisiana celebrates its 75th annual Christmas Festival. The event features hundreds of thousands of festival goers celebrating the season in this historic community. More than 500,000 tourists visited the City of Lights last December. Our Diamond Jubilee Celebration is a day long event with entertainment, a parade, crafts and food vendors and the famed fireworks show over the scenic Cane River Lake followed by the lighting of more than 300,000 Christmas bulbs and 77 display pieces along the Cane River. Event Performers: Grassroots http://www.christmasfestival.com MARYLAND COLUMBIA The Symphony of Lights Festival held in Columbia, MD. This light festival has run for a number of years now and is one of the best! I For more information contact: Howard County Tourism Council, Inc. 8267 Main Street, P.O. Box 9 Ellicott City, MD 21041 MORE@howardcountymdtour.com GAITHERSBURG http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/calendar.html November 23 & 24 Winter Lights 2003 December 1-31 SENECA CREEK STATE PARK A 3.5 mile drive-through light show with more than 200 illuminated displays, including 50 animated holiday displays. 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. $10/car; $25/15 passenger van; $50/bus. Mid-November-Dec. 31 7th Annual Lights on the Bay SANDY POINT STATE PARK Annual holiday evening light show to benefit the Anne Arundel Medical Center. Many twinkling seasonal displays throughout the park. Bring the kids and cookies on a drive through a winter wonderland. Light Show fee collected at tollgate, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. December Events December 1-January 7, 2004 Mountain Reflections ROCKY GAP STATE PARK A "Community Celebration of Lights" will be held at Rocky Gap State Park during the holiday season. Over 25 giant lighted displays set in a background of spectacular tree lighting will be featured in a combined drive and walk through venue. The $7 per vehicle service charge will benefit the Western Potomac Chapter of the American Red Cross. Weekday hours are 5-9 p.m.; weekend hours 5-11 p.m. SILVER SPRING Lights at the Mormon Temple The Mormon Temple is located adjacent to the Capital Beltway near Silver Spring, MD. Each December visitors are invited to the grounds of the Temple to view a spectacular display of over 300,000 lights. In addition there is a live Nativity scene and other displays and activities featured in the Visitor's Center. The Temple is located at 9900 Stoneybrook Drive in Kensington MD. Take Exit 33 off the Capital Beltway (I-495), turn right on Beach Drive and left on Stoneybrook Drive. I recommend arriving around dusk to avoid the large crowds that form later in the evening. Advertisement MICHIGAN BATTLE CREEK International Festival of Lights 77 E. Michigan Ave. Suite 100 • Battle Creek, MI • 49017 The lights will begin with the grand lighting ceremony of the Holiday Parade, November 17. Battle Creek again will be lit-up from Division St along the Linear Path which winds along the Battle Creek River for 4 city blocks beginning with the Kellogg House and their 12 days of Christmas. Many of the Downtown Parks will be festive with animated and static Christmas related displays, which will be bright in many colors every night from 6p till midnight 7 days a week. MINNESOTA CHANHASSEN Arbor Lights November 15, 2003 - January 12, 2004 Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The holiday season is highlighted by the Twin Cities newest holiday tradition in one of the Top Ten American Gardens (USA Today). Arbor Lights offers entertainment, family fun and an exceptional evening garden tour with dramatic landscape lighting, highlighting one of Minnesota's loveliest outdoor areas. Event Performers: Entertainment changes nightly with Thursday education programs, Friday Folk Night, Saturday musical potpourri including jazz and choirs, nightly children's make-and-take activities and more! http://arboretum.umn.edu Advertisement MISSOURI BRANSON Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City November 01, 2003 - December 28, 2003 Wednesday to Sunday 1 to 10 p.m. The festival features a five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree that presents a sound and light show, a 17-foot Talking Christmas Tree that interacts with children, the production A Christmas in the Ozarks and holiday shows on stages around the park. All this plus millions of holiday lights and crisp days make enjoying Christmas at Silver Dollar City a treat for the entire family. This year there is a Dicken's Christmas Carol show and a Christmas Parade. http://www.silverdollarcity.com/festivals/old_time_christmas.asp NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE Candle Light Christmas Evenings November 07, 2003 - January 04, 2004 This event is by paid reservation only, Sunday through Saturday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Estate is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Candlelight Christmas Evenings allow guests to see Biltmore House at night, with hundreds of luminaria lighting the front lawn. Inside, Biltmore Estate's staff has re-created the holiday warmth and charm of Christmas Eve in 1895 when George Washington Vanderbilt formally opened Biltmore House to family and friends. Live music, crackling fireplaces and candles cast a warm holiday glow on spectacular Victorian Christmas decorations and more than 35 Christmas trees throughout the house. http://www.biltmore.com/visit/events/christmas_at_biltmore.html Light up your Holidays November 22, 2003 (with other event to) January 01, 2004 A multi-faith, multi-cultural observance of the holidays. Asheville celebrates the season with a variety of events throughout the area. Activities include music, dance, caroling, fireworks, tours of historic, decorated homes, seasonal theatre productions, craft shows, parades and children’s holiday activities. http://www.ashevillechamber.org/holidays.htm http://www.exploreasheville.com/calendar12.htm NEW YORK ALBANY Capital Holiday Lights in the Park November 24, 2003 - December 31, 2004 A fantasy world with thousands and thousands of lights awaits you along the exquisite lakeside and tree-lined carriage paths in Albany's Washington Park. After the drive-through, stop by the Lakehouse -- transformed into a magical Animal Kingdom. Refreshments, crafts and costumed characters are also on hand for fun and entertainment. On December 31st there's also a "First Night" celebration for the New Year of 2004! http://www.albanyevents.org/more_events/index.cfm?ID=13 LIVERPOOL Lights on the Lake November 27, 2003 - January 01, 2004 5 to 10 p.m. Join us for the 11th annual edition of one of America's top holiday drive-through light shows featuring two miles of non-stop holiday magic! Sites to see and fun to enjoy include towering new light displays, hundreds of icicle-laden trees and newly themed sections including a Fantasy Forest, Victorian Village, Wild World of Sports and Gumdrop Land, all viewed from the comfort of your own car. The storybook finale, Fairytale Magic, which blends captivating scenes of childhood favorites including princesses; fairy godmothers; unicorns with holiday traditions completes your journey in grand style! http://syrahoo.web-arch.com/tour/contents.php3?cat=3 http://www.tourny.org/thingstodoresults.cfm?tbn=Kids NIAGARA FALLS Festival of Lights November 16, 2003 - December 31, 2003 Monday through Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 3 to 10 p.m. Visit New York's premier winter light festival, as downtown Niagara Falls all the way to the brink of the illuminated Falls are transformed into a sea of magical lights at dusk. Take a walk alongside the American Falls where you will be guided by twinkling lights and animated displays. For a warm retreat, make your way to the seven story tropical gardens of Wintergarden - full of festive poinsettias - or the indoor World of Animation at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, laser light shows, and live entertainment events. Also on the Canadian side: http://www.iaw.on.ca/~falls/lights.html OHIO CINCINNATI PNC Festival of Lights November 22, 2003 - December 30, 2003 Sunday to Thursday 5 to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 5 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the Holidays at the Cincinnati Zoo with a bigger and brighter PNC Festival of Lights. Enjoy all of your favorite holiday animals and exhibits, as well as train rides, light sculptures, carolers, camel rides, holiday characters and more than two million lights. http://www.cincyzoo.org/discoverthezoo/calendr.htm#november COSHOCTON Christmas Candlelightings December 06, 13 and 30th, 2003 Historic Roscoe Village is decorated with the warmth of an old-fashioned country Christmas. The weekend-only event offers visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides, complimentary hot-mulled cider, ginger cookies, and more. Candle lighting ceremonies are the first three Saturdays of December at 6 p.m. The shops and other activities are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. http://www.roscoevillage.com/festivals.cfm?content=Christmas Advertisement OREGON PORTLAND ZooLights Festival of Lights November 28, 2003 - December 30, 2003 The Portland Zoo lights up for the holidays with thousands of lights, animated silhouettes, a decorated train, artists' gallery and market, puppet show, a model train display and music by community groups. Co-sponsored by Old Navy. http://www.oregonzoo.org PENNSYLVANIA BEDFORD Old Fashioned Christmas Festival and other Christmas events November 29, 2003 - December 24, 2003 5 to 9 p.m. It's a wonderful time of year at Old Bedford Village! There are beautiful holiday decorations, pathways lit by thousands of luminaries, singing, caroling and a theater production! And warm apple cider in the Pendergrass Tavern and unique shopping experiences from our craftspeople and demonstrators. Plus, a very special visit from der Belsnickel. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Old Bedford Village is a living history site portraying life in rural Pennsylvania during the period 1750-1899. http://www.bedfordcounty.net/calendar.htm SOUTH CAROLINA COLUMBIA Lights Before Christmas November 28, 2003 - December 30, 2003 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m More than one million lights transform the Riverbanks into a winter wonderland. Plus, there's Gorillas in the trees, a 700-foot-bridge covered in ribbons and bows, Santa Land, and even a snow flurry every night! http://www.riverbanks.org/s01plan/events.shtml#lights TEXAS AUSTIN The 2003 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, a premier Austin arts event held in the Austin Music Hall at Third and Nueces in downtown Austin for the two-week period preceding Christmas, is an alternative marketplace with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The show is open from 11AM until 11PM each day from December 11th through Christmas Eve. Food and drink are available at all times with live music every evening from 8PM to closing. The marketplace features the work of over 130 artists, craftspeople and vendors who offer an eclectic selection of fine gift items. http://www.armadillobazaar.com This lot is bounded by 3rd and 4th Streets to the south and north and Guadalupe and San Antonio Streets to the east and west. Advertisement HOUSTON Angels in the Park Presented by Be An Angel Fund, Inc. During the holiday season millions of Houstonians will turn the darkness... into lights "Angels in the Park" is an animated, lighting spectacular. It is a drive-through event which consists of over 100 dazzling, holiday displays stretching over a mile. It is estimated that there are over one million sparkling light bulbs used for these fanciful displays. mailto:angel@BeAnAngel.org Angels in The Woodlands Presented by Be An Angel Fund, Inc. During the holiday season millions of Houstonians will turn the darkness... into lights "Angels in The Woodlands" is an animated, lighting spectacular. It is a drive-through event along with a family train ride around Lake Covey, which together consist of over 150 dazzling, holiday displays stretching 1.5 miles. It is estimated that there are over one million sparkling light bulbs used for these fanciful displays. http://www.beanangel.org/what.htm November 23, through Dec 31 Webshots! Over 1000 screen saver and wallpaper photos. Free Download! MARSHALL Wonderland of Lights November 21, 2003 - December 30, 2003 More than ten million tiny white lights blanket buildings around the city and residential areas of Marshall, Texas. The celebration includes a lighted Christmas parade, candlelight home tours, outdoor ice skating on the square and live entertainment. On Saturday, December, 8th enjoy the Cowboy Christmas Celebration with breakfast, entertainment and activities for the kids. Other fun things to do throughout the six weeks are carriage rides, bus tours and visits with Santa Claus. And not-to-be-missed are museum visits that include the T&P Depot museum, Michelson Art Museum, Harrison County Historical Museum, Star Family Home. Plus, don't forget great shopping. It's a must at our many pottery retail stores. http://www.marshalltxchamber.com VIRGINIA FAIRFAX MIRACLE OF LIGHTS Nov. 16th 2003 - Jan. 5th 2004 From the Beltway to I-66 West to Centreville Exit 52, south on Rt. 29 for 2 miles, left on Old Post Office Road, then follow signs to Bull Run Regional Park. The Miracle of Lights runs daily 5:30 - 10:30 pm $12 per small car or van (1-14 people). A percentage of ticket sales will benefit Medical Care for Children Partnership The Bull Run Regional Park in Fairfax Virginia becomes a winter wonderland with a 2.5 mile long display spectacular holiday lights. Sponsors said at the time that it was the largest display of its kind in Virginia. The display featured various wildlife figures, Frosty the Snowman at the North Pole, the elves' workshop, candyland, toyland, finishing with Santa Claus and his sled being pulled by a team of reindeer. Animation brought many of the figures to life in past displays, including a toy soldier shooting a cannon, elves filling Santa's sack, a rocking horse, a jack in the box. The item that inspired me was a squirrel climbing up a tree, jumping to another tree across the road and down that tree. The displays use over 150,000 bulbs, and consumed over 750,000 watts of power. The Washington Post rates it as one of the best lighting displays! MANASSAS Andy and Barb's Christmas Wonderland http://www.christmaswonderland.org/index.html http://www.christmaswonderland.org/webcam/webcam.html WASHINGTON SEATTLE Argosy Christmas Ship Festival December 01, 2003 - December 23, 2003 The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival returns for another season of sparkling lights, festive caroling and holiday delight. The Spirit of Seattle, the official Christmas Ship, will be decorated with hundreds of shimmering white lights that reflect the spirit and joy of the holiday season. Aboard ship, joyous voices from the Northwest's finest choirs sing holiday greetings. A portion of all tickets goes to benefit The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy. This holiday flotilla has been a Northwest tradition for over 50 years. http://www.argosycruises.com/specialevents/default.cfm WEST VIRGINIA WHEELING Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights November 01, 2003 - January 04, 2004 America's largest light show glows brightly every holiday season with more than a million lights on more than 300 acres! http://www.oglebay-resort.com/fol.htm TACOMA MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Our next Christmas Revels will be performed December 13,14,16, and 17, 2003 at the Rialto Theater in Tacoma. This year's theme is still unfolding, but it will take place during the Italian Renaissance. Come back later this Spring; there will be more information about the show, how to participate and how to order tickets. Meanwhile, for more information, either email psrevels@aol.com or call (253) 756-1804. So WHAT ARE THE REVELS? A Revels show is "a celebrating village onstage that ends up encompassing the whole theater", "seasonal, celebratory, and participatory", "a new form of musical theater", "a cross between a circus and the opera", featuring singers, dancers, instrumentalists, actors, storytellers, children, amateurs, theatre professionals, enthusiasts, volunteers, & the audience! If you've never been, come join the party, it will charge your soul! http://www.pugetsoundrevels.org St. Albans City Hall 1499 MacCorkle Ave St. Albans, WV 25177 Advertisement UNITED KINGDOM (ENGLAND) http://www.ludlowcraftevents.co.uk/ November 29-30, 2003 Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre is based mainly in the glorious setting of Ludlow Castle, the best known tourist location in Ludlow, Shropshire, with complimentary events and street entertainment in the town, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Festooned with seasonal greenery and transformed into a medieval market town in miniature, Ludlow Castle's Outer Bailey bustles with medieval jesters, minstrels and townsfolk. Stallholders dressed in medieval costume sell a variety of goods from authentically styled historical items to hand-crafted goods and foodstuffs, giving visitors the chance to savour the sights and sounds of medieval market and to buy all the ingredients of a traditional Christmas. The popular candle-lit opening on Saturday evening runs from 6pm to 9pm, with the Fayre closed between 4pm and 6pm. The evening starts with the switch-on of Ludlow's Christmas Lights and includes a costumed candle-lit procession inside the Castle, with festive singing, music and a stunning fire show finale to complete the enchantment. Castle Square features a medieval-style market on Sunday, with all the Market Traders in costume and entering into the spirit of the weekend. A unique and joyous start to the festive season, Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre is truly a feast for all the senses. Ludlow is situated on the A49 trunk road which runs from Warrington, through Shrewsbury and Hereford to Ross-on-Wye. From Birmingham, head west on the A456 through Kidderminster. From the M5 leave at junction 3 and continue on the A456 through Kidderminster. There is also train and bus service. CANADA http://www.enchanted-forest.org/ The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Enchanted Forest made its debut in November 1999 to the people of Saskatchewan. Response was tremendous, as over 131,000 people visited this display during its 7 weeks of operation! What makes this display so exciting? It could be the highest free-standing Christmas light structure in Canada, or the mouth watering sights of Candy Lane, the 78 larger-than-life still and animated images of the 12 Days of Christmas display, or any number of the other 460 images that lit up the Forestry Farm Park this past Christmas. Together, these incredible displays of technology created the most exciting Christmas light display Saskatchewan had ever seen. Now, as year three approaches, organizers are busy with plans that will make the Enchanted Forest even bigger and more spectacular! Visitors can expect to see over 800 animated and still images throughout the park. Everyone must see the Enchanted Forest this year...plan now to attend Saskatoon's most talked about event in Christmas 2003! Opens in November 28th through early January 2004. Western Development Museum 2610 Lorne Avenue Saskatoon, Saskatchewan CANADA The Festival of Trees is a holiday festival featuring decorated trees in a family-centered fantasy land. It is created around the magic of lavishly decorated, one-of-a kind trees. There's also an exciting new gingerbread house display - The Sugarplum Tunnel, unique wreaths, designer stockings and a host of special events for children and families. It is decorations, lights, music and warmth -- all the blessings of the season, wrapped up in a one week event. Each year funds raised are used to purchase special equipment for the benefit of Saskatoon City Hospital and its patients. Daily entertainment featuring choirs, musicians and dance groups are performed on the train platform at the end of Main Street in Boomtown and bring the spirit of the holiday season to everyone attending. Between November 24 and December 1 there will be all sorts of special events. 1. Off-Broadway Dinner Theatre 2. Father-Daughter Banquet 3. Gospel Brunch 4. The Hip-Notist 5. Santa's Breakfast 6. A Tribute to Elvis JAPAN SENDAI, MIYAGI Sendai Pageant of Starlight December 12, 2003 - December 31, 2003 Take a stroll down Aoba avenue and Jozenji avenue and soak in the ambiance created by the more than 800,000 lights which are attached to the zelkova trees lining both avenues. HIROSHIMA Lighting Up Hiroshima City November 01, 2003 - January 15, 2004 See the shopping district and main street of the city of Hiroshima lit up during this winter season. One major event of this festival takes place during the month of December, when approximately 35 shops in Hiroshima's downtown offer competing illuminated displays which highlight the individuality of each shop. Participating locations can be identified by the large "Light up" stickers in their windows, and spectators who pause to vote for their favorite display are automatically entered to win fabulous prizes including a round trip ticket to Tokyo. Other highlights are the Illuminated works of art by local artists which are displayed in the windows of financial institutions and securities firms located along Aioi Dori or Rijo Dori, and other artistic works which adorn the sidewalks of Aioi Dori or Rijo Dori which create a magical atmosphere for locals out for an evening stroll. Finally, the winter visitor to Hiroshima cannot fail to miss the beautiful nighttime display created by 40 trees along Namiki dori which are illuminated by 40,000 lights during the winter period. http://www.hiroshima-navi.or.jp/ OITA Oita Fantasy December 30, 2003 - January 03, 2004 Find yourself in Japan during the winter holiday season? Take a trip to Oita and have a stroll through Promenade Park (Yuho Park) amid decorated trees and holiday lights. SINGAPORE Hari Raya Light-Up October 24th to December 7, 2003 Christmas In The Tropics November 14, 2003 - January 05, 2004 Singapore Buskers' Festival November 11 to 23, 2003 Lights and a plethora of colours. The shopping malls come alive too, with a burst of activities, decked with their finest festive decor to win the coveted Best Decorated Building title. The angelic voices of carolers will lend the perfect note to the season of joy and goodwill. Lights come on from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Christmas and New Year Eve. http://www.visitsingapore.com/index_main.html This year Deepavali (Diwali) comes in late October with celebrations in various areas starting around October 15th and going into the early part of November. Check localities for exact celebration dates and events as our listings here are approximate! Deepavali Light-Up October 2003 - November 2003 Setangoon Road, Little India Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, is a joyous Hindu celebration which marks the victory of light over darkness and of good over evil (see our profile on this holiday elsewhere in Issues). The "Little India" of Singapore, centered along Serangoon Road, is decorated with fairy lights, garlands and colourful arches to mark this festive period. At night, Hindu temples, such as Sri Veerama Kaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal, are also brightly lit, while special delicacies and other festive goods are on sale throughout the streets of Little India. Email: stb_sog@stb.gov.sg SRI LANKA Deepavali October-November 2003 The festival of lights is celebrated by all Hindus as they welcome Lakshimi. Homes throughout the country are filled with lights, everyone gets new clothes and purifies their bodies with hot oil baths. INDIA Diwali (Deepavali) October-November 2003 The Festival of Lights. People illuminate their homes with strings of candle or oil lamps, all followed by fireworks. This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in most parts of India, though practices and customs vary significantly. Important note: Events and dates listed and subject to cancellation or changes due to power shortages, the current state or world affairs and other acts outside their control. Contact all events listed directly to see if they will still be active later this year! Our Holiday Special Issue continues with these offerings: World Holidays November-December 2003 - Winter Festivals and Lighting Displays 2003 - Saying Merry Christmas In Many Languages - Origin Of December 25th As Christmas Day Story of the Candy Cane - Christmas in The USA - Treats To Leave For Santa Fable of St. Nick - Poetry: Christmas Recalled - Poetry: Whispers The Wind Holiday Traditions Revisited - Movies: Santa Films - Gift Ideas for Computer Owners Picture Perfect Gift Ideas - Religion: Luke's Christmas Story From The Bible Recipe: Cooking A Turkey Recipe: Turkey Teriyaki - Movavian Love-Feast Buns SUFGANIYOT - A Solitary Wicca Yule Ritual - Why Are There Christmas Lights? - From last year (2002): Holiday Festivals, Displays and Events - Bah Humbug! - Gift Ideas Under $10 Some Unique Mail Order Gifts - Staying In The Holiday Spirit Holidays Around the World From two years ago (2001): Holiday Festivals, Displays and Events - Diwali - India's Festival Of Lights Holidays Around the World - How Christmas Is Celebrated In Many Countries The Origin of Some Christmas Traditions - Picking and Trimming a Christmas Tree Shipping Your Holiday Gifts - Oh Ye Disbelievers: The Fable of Saint Nick - Gifts She'll Love Techno Gifts - CD Musical Stocking Stuffers from Then to Now - Every pick's a hit! Recipe: Christmas Cake - Craft: Wreaths - Craft: Stockings

© 2001-2005 Issues Magazine. All Rights Reserved. editors@issues-mag.com Table of Contents Cover(Home) Masthead Features Issues Technology Entertainment Lifestyle