A frenzy of family fun opens season

Published 2:55 pm Thursday, November 29, 2007

For many people, once Thanksgiving is over, the search begins not just for the perfect gifts, but also for holiday entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

Here are several local, open-to-the-community festivities to consider this week:

Warm Beach’s Lights of Christmas: The annual tradition of this winter wonderland in Stanwood is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, now through Dec. 30 at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive in Stanwood.

While a wide range of holiday treats, live music and art work will be available to enjoy, the venue also offers storytelling and craft-making times, pony and train rides, a petting farm and more.

Admission is $12 for ages 13 to 59, $8 for seniors and members of the military; $7 for ages 4 to 12, and free for ages 3 and under. For more information, call 360-652-7575 or 800-228-6724, or visit www.warmbeach.com.

Marysville becomes “Merrysville for the Holidays”: The free fun will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, with an Electric Lights parade at 6:30 p.m. that starts at City Hall, 1049 State Ave., and ends at Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave. It also will feature the official lighting of the city’s water tower.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture the sights, including the 7 p.m. arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Holiday treats, hot drinks and other refreshments will be available. In addition, donations of canned food items or new, unwrapped gifts will be accepted for Operation Marysville Community Christmas.

Another part of the event, the display of Third Street’s dressed-up storefronts that is called “Christmas Around the World,” starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Saturday. For details, call 360-363-8400 or visit www.ci.marysville.wa.us.

Sultan Winterfest: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, the Sultan High School commons at 13715 310th Ave. SE, becomes a place for local crafters to share their work, and for visitors to have their pictures taken with Santa, and to enjoy hay rides, a bonfire, caroling and face painting. All of these events are free. Call 360-793-2400 or visit www.voaww.org/skyvalley for more information.

Finally, items of note for those looking to venture a little further from home:

Mingle with the Jingle in Mount Vernon: From noon to 5:10 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., will offer live holiday music and refreshments. Santa will be on hand for a visit and tree ornaments will be on sale from noon to 3 p.m. Also at 3 p.m., a free screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” will play. For further details, call 360-336-8955 or 877-754-6284 or visit www.lincolntheatre.org.

Country Village’s Festival of Lights: Takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway. Visitors are welcome to this annual display of holiday lights, snowmen and angel displays and more. Mrs. Claus will hand out cookie samples from noon to 3 p.m. More details can be obtained by calling 425-483-2250 or visiting www.countryvillagebothell.com.

South Whidbey on Sunday: The Bed and Breakfast Tour &Taste takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at various locations in Langley. Tickets cost $20 per person. Maps can be obtained from the Langley Visitor Information Center at 208 Anthes St. More details on the tour are available at 360-221-6765 or by visiting www.langleychamb.whidbey.com.

Also, the South Whidbey Winter Festival lasts from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Community Park, 5495 Maxwelton Road in Langley. The festival is free, open to all ages, and features music, free pictures, refreshments and more. More information is available at 360-221-5484 and www.swparks.org.