The winter wonderland at Warm Beach Camp will soon reveal a dazzling display of lights and decorations. As the premier holiday event in Snohomish County, Lights of Christmas will display more than one million lights and draw nearly 50,000 people to its realm of festivities.
In addition to its brilliant light displays, Lights of Christmas offers Polar Express train rides, pony rides, a petting farm, and a stunning nativity. And don’t forget the treats — the fresh made donuts are piping hot and cinnamony sweet. Caramel apples, cotton candy, pumpkin pie and apple pie will suit your sweet tooth. Full meal choices, such as Philly cheese steak sandwiches, cheesy broccoli soup in a sourdough bowl and Ivar’s clam chowder, will provide the comforting tastes of home.
Daniel Carver, marketing manager at Warm Beach Camp, believes that “regardless of your age, everyone will be filled with wonder as they walk the grounds and take in the spectacular light displays.”
He added, “You are never too old to swap jokes with our famous talking Christmas tree, Bruce the Spruce.”
Not all events take place outside at Lights of Christmas. Kids and teenagers will enjoy “Miracles on Candy Cane Lane,” a theatrical production that takes place at the Stage Too Theatre.
“For adults, I recommend dinner theater, which is a whole evening of entertainment unto itself,” Carver said. “Dinner theater tickets are $48 for our best seats, and include a six-course dinner, an original live theater production, and tickets to come back for general admission on another night.”
Lights of Christmas recently received accolades from Destinations Magazine, earning recognition as one of the American Bus Association’s top 100 events in North America for 2010.
“We are honored to be so recognized by the American Bus Association,” Carver said. “The staff and volunteers work very hard to produce a top quality event and are thrilled that the efforts have been recognized across North America.”
Amy Spain, executive director of the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau, nominated Lights of Christmas for this honor. “The Lights of Christmas is a wonderful holiday event,” she said. “Why shouldn’t it be recognized by this national travel professional organization?”
Whether you are arriving by tour bus or drive your own car, you will are sure to enjoy the event’s newest lighting display called The Sunset.
Approximately 1,200 square feet in size, the multi-channel display depicts a sunset over Camano Island. “As the sun moves over the horizon line, the colors of the clouds saturate in brilliant hues of red and gold,” Carver said.
The Lights of Christmas festivities take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 3-6, 9-13, 16-23 and 26-29.
General admission tickets, available at the gate or through advanced purchase, are $14 for teens and adults, $9 for seniors and military adults and $8 for children ages 4 through 12. Kids under 3 attend for free. Season passes and group discounts are available. General admission tickets, party room, overnight accommodations and reservations for the dinner/dessert theaters can be purchased online.
Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp is located at 20800 Marine View Dr. in Stanwood; (360) 652-7575 or (800) 228-6724.
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