fantasy of lights

Lisette and I attended another fun holiday party this evening at the Testarossa Winery in the hills Los Gatos. While driving along Hwy 17 we noticed a large number of Christmas lights just to the north, and after the party we decided to investigate. We discovered something many of you with children have likely known about for years: the Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Park.

Since 1999, the Santa Clara County Parks department, together with corporate sponsors, has created a wonderful Holiday-themed display of lights. Starting at 6p, Vasona Park is transformed into nighttime fantasy playground filled with glowing reindeers, Santas, elves penguins, snowmen and even giant dinosaurs.

The designs are whimsical, large, and in some cases, animated. A fisherman fishes from his boat, Santa plays some basketball, a Tyranausaurus shakes his tail and a toy solider fires his cannon. It all starts with a drive through the Tunnel of Lights and ends 1.5 miles (~15 minutes) later when you vehicle exits the Poinsettia Arch.

During the trip you stay in your (headlights-off) car, but there are plenty of opportunities to take pictures. You should have a very steady hand, or one of these. We improvised using the side view mirror of my car, and the resulting photos are on Flickr.

Between 6p and 9p you can also tour the light show via miniature passenger train. The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad runs every 30 minutes Dec 7 to Dec 30. Details

The Fantasy of Lights is open nightly 6-10p through December 31. Admission is $12 per vehicle; attendees M-Th get a discount until December 14. Directions