This popular display of over 400 twinkling lights, opened on Thanksgiving evening, but for those those of us who missed it, there is the entire month of December still available.
The Holiday of Lights is an annual event held on Del Mar Fairgrounds, in San Diego County. The decorative display, of over 400 scenes, is made entirely of christmas lights, and is a beautiful way to begin the Christmas season. It is also the largest "drive thru" light show on the West Coast. The displays are organized in themes - Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, The twelve days of Christmas, and Elves at Play - to name a few. Among the more memorable animated displays is -
1. The giant US Flag, which hangs on the grandstand at the Fairgrounds, instead of 50
stars, shown on the background of "deep blue", there is a twinkling and ever changing
pattern of stars - as if one was looking at the reflection of the nighttime sky.
2. The Raising of the Flag over Iwo Jima in WWII depicts the most famous
photography from that time, re-created with christmas lights.
3. Two whimsical animated displays - Mr Polar Bear playing golf, and Santas Elves
playing a rousing game of Volleyball.
Since the fairgrounds has a "horse racing track" and hosts numerous "sporting events", it is only natural that many of the displays feature these elements; and as this a community of waterfront homes, there is a display showing a waterfront house with it's own lakeside dock, two lighted anchors and a christmas tree topped by a shining star.
The displays are viewed from the comfort of ones own car, along a 1.5 mile route thru the Fairgrounds, accompanied with live christmas music, it takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and view all the displays.
The popularity of the event draws large crowds, which can be good in many ways - slowing the speed of the cars as they go around the different tracks, giving viewers a more leisurely way to enjoy the displays.
The most popular days for visitors are Fridays and Saturdays, on these days the display lights up at 5:30pm and closes at 10:30pm. On other nights they close at 10:00pm; and there are three mondays when they do not open - November 28, Dec. 5 and 12, and the displays open even if there is light rain. The entrance fee to the "Holiday of Lights" event is under $15.00 per carload of five people or less, truly a bargain to see such beautiful displays.
Also offered in conjunction with this, but with a seperate fee, is the Hayrides on Friday evenings. Instead of driving your own car, take the Hayride Tour, the old fashion way to enjoy the "lights" The cost is $10.00 per person and includes the tour, hot chocolate or cider, and holiday cookies - children under three years are free.
Del Mar Fairgrounds are located off Interstate 5, at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar California. More information regarding weather conditions and closures can be had at 858 755 1161, or visit http://www.holidayoflights.com/dates.html
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