One-stop holiday experience

More than 1 million lights adorn the grounds of Warm Beach in Stanwood during its annual The Lights of Christmas event.

The year-round Christian camp and conference center, located an hour north of Seattle, is transformed into a winter wonderland that provides families a one-stop Christmas experience throughout December.

Performances from local high school bands are coupled with community choirs for concerts. Victorian Carolers perform Christmas carols. Bands such as Mission Mountain, The Dunton Sisters and Stilly River Band offer contemporary bluegrass and gospel music.

Children’s events include pony and wagon rides, a petting zoo and a chance to make a toy at the Joyland Workshop. Kids can also hop on the Polar Express for train rides.

Theater is plentiful with performances on two stages. Showcased this year are “The Whitmore Christmas Extravaganza” in the Baylight Room and “The Pirates of Christmas” at the Stage (2) Too! Theatre.

“The Whitmore Christmas Extravaganza” is an original production written by Sean Gaffney. Dinner theater and Sunday dessert matinee performances invite participants into the home of the Whitmore family for a family reunion and birthday party celebrating Kip Whitmore’s 75th birthday, which falls on Christmas Day.

A six-course meal featuring prime rib, salmon or a vegetarian option accompanies the 31/2-hour dinner theater, and dessert is served at Sunday matinees. The play is not appropriate for young audiences, so babies and children younger than 8 are discouraged from attending.

“The Pirates of Christmas” by Rich and Lydia Crouch is a 60-minute musical featuring slapstick gags and mayhem and is suitable for all ages.

For those who can’t complete The Lights of Christmas experience in a day trip, visitors can choose to spend the night or weekend in lodging decorated for the season. Getaway packages start at $98 and come complete with a hot breakfast. Rooms vary in size from the cozy two-person Kringle Kottage to three-room bunkhouses with 30 beds.

Warm Beach features three restaurants, including Tinhorn Town, a Western/bluegrass dining venue. Three additional food booths offer light snacks and treats.

Three gift shops, including the Victorian Tea Room and Gift Shoppe, offer handmade crafts, items by artist Thomas Kinkade and holiday apparel.

Bruce the Spruce, an interactive, talking Christmas tree, remains a favorite of visitors. Kids can chat with Bruce, hear tales of Christmas, listen to jokes and ask questions.