The KFDC 2012 Guide to DC’s Best Holiday Events

 

Now that the election is over, we can redirect our focus — to the holidays! It might seem early, but the folks behind some of the area’s best seasonal celebrations don’t think so, with many of them commencing in the next couple of weeks, and the rest starting shortly after. But no matter when you’re ready to embrace the holiday spirit, you’re in the right place. There are options galore in DC to celebrate the season, many of them annual events that are family traditions for Washingtonians. Local stages come alive with holiday shows. Model trains wind through miniature Christmas villages. Light displays dazzle visitors as they walk or drive among them. And all kinds of events and extravaganzas, several at iconic locales,  present holiday cheer and activities that thrill kids (and the kid in all of us grown-ups). Here’s where you can find it all:

Holiday Shows
Model Trains
Events, etc.
Light Displays

Holiday Shows

 

A Christmas Carol
Where: Ford’s Theatre
When: November 16 – December 30
Tickets: $22-89
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed Washington stage actor Edward Gero returns to play Scrooge.

A Little House Christmas
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: November 17 – December 31
Tickets: $19 (Look for a discount here)
The Ingalls are hosting some of their friends and relatives for a pre-Christmas dinner when a sudden storm threatens to cut off access to the town from which most of the guests have come. Come home for the holidays with this heartwarming adventure that shows that the simple things make living worthwhile as Mary and Laura learn the true meaning of Christmas. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

The Nutcracker
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: November 25 – December 31
Tickets: $10
The Puppet Co.’s annual holiday treat!  The Nutcracker is the festive story of Clara-Marie’s favorite toy and their adventures together in the land of the Sugarplum Fairy. Music from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet blends with marionettes and costume characters to create this unique production.  This is the 25th Anniversary of this wildly popular show. Recommended for kindergarten age and older.

The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker
Where: THEARC Theater
When: November 24-25
Tickets: $30/35/40
The Washington Ballet modifies Septime Webre’s critically acclaimed production a bit at the Anacostia theatre, making it more enticing to antsy little theatre-goers. The set is scaled-down, and performances are shorter. This version of The Nutcracker transports audiences back in time to historic Washington, DC, and stars George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker.  Full of swirling snowflakes, magnificent sets and costumes and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the curtain rises and the stage bursts with waltzing cherry blossoms, dancing sugar plums and other enchanting adaptations that have made Webre’s Nutcracker a Washington tradition with raves from critics and sold-out crowds.

Nutcracker Fantasy
Where: The Puppet Co. Tiny Tots
When: November 24 – December 30
Tickets: $5

This marionette version of the holiday classic is geared toward the smallest of audience members. Tiny Tots shows are designed for theater patrons ages 0-4. They are shorter, the lights stay on, the doors stay open, and the show is set up on the floor.

Holiday Sing-A-Long
Where: Wolf Trap
When: December 1, 4pm
Tickets: Free
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s 2012 Holiday Sing-A-Long! This annual musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.

Septime Weber’s The Nutcracker
Where: Warner Theatre
When: December 1-24
Tickets: $34-101

The Washington Ballet celebrates the 120th anniversary of the first performance of The Nutcracker by bringing Septime Webre’s, The Nutcracker, to the historic Warner Theater in Washington. This adaptation of the beloved ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker at a Christmas Eve in her family’s 1882 Georgetown mansion. Later that evening she encounters a battle of Revolutionary War soldiers led by the frightful King Rat (King George III) and the Nutcracker (George Washington). After winning the battle, the Nutcracker, now a handsome prince leads her on a wondrous journey filled with the Snow Queen and King, Sugar Plum Fairy, cherry blossoms, Anacostia Indians, a frontiersman, cardinals and more.

Seasons of Light
Where: Discovery Theater
When: December 3-21
Tickets: $3-8

Discovery Theater’s seasonal favorite captures the warmth of many holidays filled with light, in this joyous interactive celebration. Explore the history and customs of Devali, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice. Recommended for ages 5-10.

Annual Carol Sing
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: December 9, 1pm & 4pm
Tickets: Free, but must be reserved ($2 service fee)
An H Street holiday tradition is back! Sing along to your favorite holiday classics at the annual, free concert at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with Capital City Symphony the Congressional Chorus, the American Youth Chorus, and the Atlas.

Drumming with Dishes: Holiday Edition
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: December 11 – 16
Tickets: $8
Drumming with Dishes is back, this time with a holiday twist!  A young girl introduces her imaginary friend to what makes the holiday season the most wonderful time of the year. This gentle, whimsical adventure celebrates friendship and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Recommended for ages up to 5.

Step Afrika!’s Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: December 12 – 23
Tickets: $35/adult, $20/seniors, military, $12/ages 17 and Under
“Who wants to sit still and be quiet for the holidays?” Can Step Afrika! teach a polar bear to step?  What about a penguin? This December, come make music with Step Afrika! and their furry friends from the Animal Kingdom in this new holiday tradition! Come ready to bring in the festive season with a bang featuring the electrifying artists from Step Afrika! and special guest DJ Frosty the Snowman.  The interactive experience will get you in the mood for the festive season.

Ballet West: The Nutcracker
Where: Kennedy Center
When: December 5-9
Tickets: $45-150

Ring in the holidays with America’s first full-length Nutcracker, when Utah’s Ballet West presents Willam Christensen’s beloved production. Hailed by New York Times dance critic Alastair Macaulay as “one of the best productions I’ve ever seen,” Ballet West’s The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, and a brilliant blend of costumes, sets, and choreography to create a magical storybook world. Performed with live orchestra, choir, and a host of young children from the area, this is the seasonal gift everyone deserves to receive.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: December 8
Tickets: $14
The classic television animated special will be shown on the big screen (without commercial interruption!), followed by a live performance of songs from Vince Guaraldi’s fabulous jazz score played by the Eric Byrd Trio. Think of it as the perfect opportunity to indulge in a little nostalgia while creating new family memories. Sure to be a highlight is Eric’s 9 year-old son, Jason Miles Byrd, singing the song “Christmas Time is Here.”

A Children’s Nutcracker
Where: Battlefield High School, Haymarket, VA
When: December 8
Tickets: $15-20
This production from the Gainesville Ballet School features local talent ranging from three years of age through adult professionals. The show presents the traditional dances, such as Snow Flake and Sugar Plum Fairy, plus some very special dances with the young ballerinas, such as Blue Bird and Angels.

The Mini-Nut
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center
When: December 8-9
Tickets: $18/adults, $12/children 12 and under

The Maryland Youth Ballet presents a sweet treat with a delightful, 50- minute, abbreviated presentation of their classic production. Performances takes place at Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus.

Christmas Dreams from The Nutcracker
Where: National Theatre
When: December 10
Tickets: FREE
Saturday Morning at the National presents its annual holiday show, the Virginia Ballet Company and School’s selections from Tchaikovsky’s glittering confection. Snowflakes and Sugar Plum Fairies fill the air in a dazzling presentation full of lovely costumes, lively dances and elegant holiday cheer. Performances take place at 9:30am and 11am, and tickets are required for admission. Free tickets are distributed half an hour prior to the start of shows on a first-come first-served basis. Seating is limited, so get there early.

Merry TubaChristmas!
Where: Kennedy Center
When: December 13, 6pm
Tickets: Free
One of the Millennium Stage’s free, holiday-themed performances will feature more than 100 tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium players putting a new spin on holiday classics.

The Nutcracker
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center
When: December 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
Tickets: $28/adults, $23/children in advance; $33/adults, $28/children at the door

This is the 22nd season of the Maryland Youth Ballets beloved, full-length classic. Performances will tale place at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center of Montgomery College in Rockville.

 

Trains

 

Season’s Greenings

Where:U.S. Botanic Garden
When: November 22 – January 1
Admission: FREE
If my blog stats are any indication, this might be DC’s most popular holiday attraction; the Botanic Garden’s seasonal exhibit was among the most searched for topics last year. And I can’t say I’m surprised. Season’s Greenings is an annual delight for all ages. The conservatory exhibit features Washington landmarks constructed from plant materials and one of the city’s largest Christmas trees. But the highlight, hands-down, is the garden railway, which never fails to impress and enchant with intricate, imaginative designs. This year, trains will zip through an imaginative Enchanted Forest, with fanciful fairy dwellings along the rail line, all created with plant materials. For even more holiday magic at the garden, there are concerts most Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December, when the USBG stays open until 8pm.  For more on the seasonal favorite, read this KFDC review from a Season’s Greenings past.

Holiday Train Show
Where: Union Station
When: TBD
Admission: FREE
Every year, DC’s grand train station hosts a wonderful model train display during the holidays. While this details of this season’s locomotive showcase have yet to be announced, in past years they have been on view in Main and West Halls, and they are always free for the public to see.  Look for an update soon!

Holiday Festival of Trains & Toys
Where: B&O Railroad Museum
When: November 23 – December 31
Admission: $16/adults, $14/seniors (60+), $10/ages 2-12, free for B&O members

This is a venue dedicated to locomotives, so you know the holiday model train exhibit is going to be special. So much so, it changes throughout its run featuring new displays from various Model Railroad Exhibitors every few days. The exhibit opens the day after Thanksgiving with the arrival of Santa in the Roundhouse at 10:30am. On weekends through December 18, guests can enjoy train rides with Santa and Frosty the Snowman along with crafts and choral performances. Train rides are $3/adults, $2/children, free for B&O Members.

Holiday Trains and Planes
Where: College Park Aviation Museum
When: December 17 – December 23
Admission: 4/adults, $3/seniors, $2/ages 2-18, under 2 are free
During the holiday season the College Park Aviation Museum gets ready for the festivities as miniature trains, villages, tunnels, and depots spark the imagination and bring history to life. The National Capital Trackers bring a fascinating and constantly moving display of model railroads.

 

Events, etc.

 

Holiday on the Ellipse
Where: The National Ellipse
When: December 8 – January 1
Admission: FREE

This should have a permanent spot on everyone’s DC holiday repertoire. The National Christmas Tree, the National Menorah, Santa’s Workshop, plus trains and displays representing all 50 states are a must-see during the season. Kids will especially love visiting Santa in his adorable little cottage for a peek at his operations and a photo op on his lap (read about our experience there a couple of years ago) which is open at select times, usually through Christmas Eve. And the rest of it lit up at night with the White House and Washington Monument glowing in the distance makes for a dazzling holiday scene. (Note: The National Christmas Tree Lighting is on December 6, but Santa’s Workshop does not open until the December 8 — be sure to check the schedule here.)

Ice Palace
Where: Fair Oaks Mall
When: November 8 – December 24
Admission: Free
Journey through the Ice Palace, a 30-foot ice dome with falling snow, a light show and, new this year, the beloved prehistoric herd from the family film Ice Age: Continental Drift. The adventure continues with a visit to Santa and photo ops on the Ice Throne.

Christmas on the Potomac
Where: National Harbor
When: November 18 – January 8

Admission: FREE, though some activities cost extra
National Harbor goes all out during the holidays. ICE! might be the big attraction, but there’s way more to do there to warrant a visit without the frozen entertainment. Most of it takes place in the Gaylord National Resort, which is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a spectacular glass Christmas tree, nightly tree lightings , the Potomac Express train offering rides for guests, photo ops with Santa, indoor snowfalls, fountain shows, and more. (Read about our experience there a couple of years ago.)

ICE!
Where: National Harbor
When: November 16 – January 6
Admission: $23-30/adult, $19-26/seniors, $16-23/kids, 3 and under are free (look for a LivingSocial deal here)
Technically, this is part of Christmas on the Potomac, but it’s such a huge spectacle in itself, that it deserves its own write-up. We went last year, and I recommend reading my review (and getting the LivingSocial deal) before you go. And since it features a new theme this year, here’s the description from the website: “Gaylord National’s popular ICE! winter holiday attraction returns with an all-NEW, hilarious theme: ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls… The animated holiday TV special will be brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures and incredible 20-feet tall ice slides carved entirely from TWO MILLION pounds of ice. Relive the heartwarming story as you stroll through this amazing attraction featuring your favorite characters: Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingy and Puss in Boots as they celebrate Christmas in their own special way. When Shrek tries to plan the “perfect Christmas” for Fiona and the kids, his plans are disrupted by chaos and commotion. But, in the end, Shrek learns the true meaning of the holiday.” Tickets can be purchased in advance online, and there are timed entries are every half-hour.  Hours vary by day, so be sure to check the schedule when you plan to go.

Christmas at Mount Vernon

Where: Mount Vernon Estate, Museum, & Gardens
When: November 23 – January 6
Admission: $15/adults, $7/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

The special daytime holiday program at George Washington’s homestead includes 12 Christmas trees, a gingerbread Mount Vernon, historical chocolate-making demonstrations (and tastings!), and more.  Guests will also have the chance to tour the rarely opened third floor of the mansion to learn how the first First Family celebrated Christmas.  And outside, Alladin the camel will be on view to recall the camel ol’ George himself bought for 18 shillings in 1787 for his guests’ enjoyment at Christmas.

Harbor Holiday Festival
Where: National Harbor
When: November 30 – December 1
Admission: $15/adults, $29.99/Family Weekend Pass (see below)
The magic of the holidays will come alive at the National Harbor’s new seasonal festival.This fantastic, fun-filled, family fest offers something for everyone — handmade crafts, unique one-of-a kind gift items, great holiday décor, wonderful wines and foods, magical entertainment, costumed merri-makers, kids activities, and so much more. There is an admission charge for ages 15 and up.  A nice deal is the Family Weekend Pass, which includes admission for two adults and two children, a souvenir shopping bag, complimentary hot chocolate, and a tasting flight pass — look for a LivingSocial deal here.

Holiday Card Workshop
Where: National Postal Museum
When: December 1, 11am – 3:30pm
Admission: Free
Kids can get creative and into the holiday spirit at this special workshop hosted by the National Postal Museum every year. Artist Thalia Doukas provides stamp-centric inspiration and mailable ornaments that guests can use as they make two holiday cards – one to bring home and give away, and one to send to the troops. We went to this last year, and the kids had a blast designing cards for their friends and members of the military overseas for the holidays.

Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland
Where: Downtown Bethesda
When: December 1-2
Admission: Free, but concerts and events cost extra
Celebrate the season in downtown Bethesda with a variety of performances, an ice sculpting presentation,  a visit from Santa Claus, and more. See the website for the schedule of events over the two-day festival.

Christmas Town
Where: Busch Gardens
When: December 1-31
Admission: $27/ages 3 and up
Go big on a treat for your family at this holiday celebration at the Williamsburg amusement park. Enjoy spectacular light shows, rides, live entertainment, the Mistletoe Marketplace,visits from Santa, live penguins, and more! Be sure to look for the Certifikid deal on this holiday adventure here.

Holly Trolley Fest

Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum
When: December 1 – 23, Saturdays & Sundays only
Admission: $7/adults, $5/ages 2-17 (includes unlimited rides)
Guests can ride with Santa on the street cars and enjoy the model garden railway and holiday village inside the museum. Of course the rest of the museum, offering a glimpse into the history of street cars, including a Hall displaying different cars from around the region and Europe. Visit the website for directions museum.

Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
When: December 4
Admission: Free
Another big tree lighting ceremony in DC takes place at the Capitol, and the public is invited to watch it. You can track the tree as it journeys from Colorado, where it was cut down to, DC. It’s expected to arrive on November 26. After the lighting, the tree will be lit every evening  for all to enjoy until December 26.

The Chanukah Experience
Where: TheSHUL
When: December 2-3
Admission: $9/person or $30/family
Get the Chanukah celebration started early with activities for all ages — themed arts and crafts, food, a Chanukah movie theater, an olive press exhibit, and a performance by comedian juggler Michael Rosman! TheSHUL is located at 2110 Leroy Place NW, 5 blocks north of Dupont Circle.

Christmas Spirit at Union Station
Where: Union Station
When: December 4
Admission: Free
The Royal Norwegian Embassy presents the 15th Norwegian Christmas at Union Station. Listen to The Children’s Chorus of Washington sing Christmas carols and let the whole family find the Christmas Spirit as Under Secretary of the Navy Robert O. Work flicks the switch to the 20,000 lights on the Christmas tree at Union Station.Santa Claus will be on hand with treats for the children in attendance. Marines and representatives of the Embassy will also be present to accept donations to this year’s Toys for Tots campaign, which distributes toys to needy children throughout the region. Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy. Checks made out to “Toys for Tots” are also welcome. The tree will be on display through December.

National Menorah Lighting
Where: The National Ellipse
When: December 9, 4pm
Admission: Free, but you must request tickets
This is the Jewish counterpart to the National Christmas Tree Lighting. Every Chanukah, the National Menorah is lit in a ceremony on the Ellipse. Along with the lighting, there will be live entertainment, plus menorah kits and dreidels to take home. And if you don’t mind waiting in line afterward, you can stay for latkes and donuts. Tickets are free, but you need to request them in advance through the website.

Light the Night
Where: Cabin John Shopping Center
When: December 9, 4-5:30pm
Admission: Free
The highlight of Chabad Shul of Potomac’s Chanukah celebration will be Eric Energy’s Chanukah Science Spectacular, a showcase of science experiments about the festival of lights.  A Laser light show, vortex fog rings, and a voice changer are all part of the show.  And   a giant menorah lighting, magic tricks and balloons, music and dancing, latkes, and jelly doughnuts, will be part of the celebration.

Chanukah on Ice
Where: Pentagon Row Ice Rink
When: December 9, 6-8:30pm
Admission: $10 in advance, $12 at the door
Celebrate the second night of Chanukah with a giant menorah lighting, holiday treats, raffles, and ice skating! Ice skate rentals are included, but food will be sold separately. Purchase advance tickets online at www.chabadAA.org or call 703-370-2774.

Chanukah Festival
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel in Alexandria
When: December 10, 6:30pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the third night of Chanukah with a giant menorah lighting, free light stick for every child, latkes, donuts, a raffle, and music! The lighting will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Old Town Alexandria located at 901 N Fairfax Street. For More info, go to www.chabadAA.org or call 703-370-2774.

 

Holiday Lights

 

Symphony of Lights
Where: Symphony Woods, Merriweather Post Pavilion
When: November 19 – January 6, 6-10pm nightly
Admission: $20/car (get a LivingSocial discount here)

Called a “woodland wonderland,” this beautiful display of more than 70 larger-than-life, animated and stationary light creations is a local holiday tradition for many. Cruise along the 1.4-mile route through the Symphony Woods in downtown Columbia and enjoy the twinkling lights as you go. (Note that it’s closed on December 31.)

ZooLights
Where: National Zoo
When: November 23  –  January 1
Admission: FREE
(Note: Be sure to visit the website for the schedule, as this is not open every day!) Every year, thousands of environmentally-friendly light and animal exhibits transform the Zoo into a holiday wonderland.  The highlights are dozens of animal light displays, and this year there will be “Zoo Tubing” on Lion/Tiger (hey, does that make it Liger?) Hill on two 150-foot snow tracks. Guests can also enjoy entertainment, a special train ride for children, a whirl on the Conservation Carousel (a new feature this year!), special talks by animal keepers, Zoo-themed model trains displays, and the gingerbread habitat contest entries on display in the auditorium.  The Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, and Kids’ Farm will be open every night. Rides and parking cost extra.

Festival of Lights
Where: Watkins Regional Park
When: November 23 – January 1, 5-9:30pm nightly
Admission: $5/car, FREE on December 25

This spectacular holiday drive-through event of more than one million twinkling lights has been dazzling holiday-goers for 25 years. This is great way to get into the holiday spirit from the comfort of your car – pop some holiday music into the CD player, turn on the seat warmers, and take in the illuminated scenes. New festival features include Santa flying a helicopter and driving a fire truck.

Garden of Lights
Where: Brookside Gardens
When: November 23 – January 6, with noted exceptions
Admission: $20/car Mon-Thurs, $25/car Fri-Sun

It’s the 15th season of this festive light show, that is a popular family tradition in the DC area, attracting nearly 40,000 visitors each winter. Why? Visualize close to one million twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the gardens. Enjoy the four seasons illuminated as giant summer sunflowers, autumn leaves, winter snowflakes, spring flowers, rain showers, and more. Walk along the easily accessible paths and you’ll see what sets this light show apart from others; it’s the hundreds of wrapped trees and shrubs, beautifully lighted gazebos, cascading fountains, and the individually formed displays in the shapes of blooming flowers and wild animals. Look for moving displays such as a flock of geese, or an 11-foot giraffe covered with 9,000 lights. Open Sunday – Thursday 5:30-9pm, with last car admitted at 8:30pm, and Friday/Saturday 5:30-10pm, with last car admitted at 9:30pm.

Winter Lights Festival

Where: Seneca Creeek State Park
When: November 23-24, then nightly November 30 – December 31
Admission: $12/car Tues-Thurs, $15/car Fri- Sun
The 17th Annual Winter Lights Festival will feature more than 380 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays in a 3.5 mile drive through beautiful Seneca Creek State Park. Theme areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, North Pole, Toyland, and Penguin Cove. Proceeds Benefit Local Charities.  Hours are Sunday – Thursday 6-9pm and Friday-Saturday 6-10pm.

Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights

Where: Alexandria City Marina
When: December 1
Admission: FREE
Alexandria’s harbor lights up when more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Washington Channel to the historic waterfront. Pre-parade festivities at the Alexandria City Marina begin at 4pm with Santa arriving by fireboat at 4:15pm. The boat parade begins at 6pm. The Marina is located at Cameron Street in Old Town.

Parade of Lighted Boats
Where:Southwest Waterfront
When: December 1, 5:30-8pm
Admission: Free
On the other end of Alexandria’s boat parade, the Washington Waterfront Association and Old Dominion Boat Club will host the Parade of Lighted Boats along the Southwest Waterfront. So, it’s actually the same parade, just different festivities on the DC side. In addition to the magical display of decorated boats sailing from Alexandria to Washington, DC, the festival will include a surprise snow fall, lighting of the waterfront Christmas Tree, complimentary photos with Santa Claus, and live holiday music.

Winter Walk of Lights

Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
When: November 16 – January 6
Admission: $13/adult, $8/ages 3-12 (get a Certifikid deal here)
Experience  the beauty of Meadowlark’s renowned gardens as over 500,000 LED lights and displays bring the gardens to life and transform it into a winter wonderland. Be enchanted by a flowing stream of softly glowing lights, marvel at the two story animated fountain, stroll past the Gingerbread Village, and explore the beauty of nature like you’ve never seen it.

Bull Run Festival of Lights
Where: Bull Run Regional Park
When: November 21 – January 6
Admission: Monday- Thursday $15/car, Friday-Saturday $20/car
For more than 12 years the Bull Run Festival of Lights has drawn thousands of visitors to the park to delight in its winter wonderland. Get a sneak preview of it on the website, where a video of Santa’s Enchanted Lights, with over 40,000 animated lights set to music, is merely a fraction of what you’ll find there.