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SPECTACULAR LIGHTING WARMS THE HOLIDAYS

Local Experts

By Published: December 23 2005

LongIsland.com

One of the delightful activities of the Christmas and Hanukah seasons is troopingthe family to one or another of the holiday lighting displays, which add to the festivity of this time of year. Following are ...

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One of the delightful activities of the Christmas and Hanukah seasons is troopingthe family to one or another of the holiday lighting displays, which add to the festivity of this time of year. Following are some popular events that add warmth to the holidays:

Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacular - In its sixth season, this drive-through extravaganza is becoming a family tradition. With over one million dazzling lights, it's guaranteed to delight young and old. Besides the unique rendering of the "Twelve Days of Christmas," a new addition this year is
"Santa On the Go," with lighting displays that feature Santa in a hot-air balloon, on a motorcycle, kayaking, surfing and hopping into his sleigh.

The event is at the beach's West End (follow the signs) each evening through January 1, from dusk to 9:30 PM. The cost of the drive-through is $17 per carload, with passenger vans seating 15 at $39. There is also a Holiday Village where children can have their picture taken with Santa and where refreshments may be purchased. For further information, call (516) 221-1000, or log on to their website, www.holidaylightspectacular.com.

The Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights - An enchanting walk-through extravaganza, this animal-themed event features larger-than-life lighted animal sculptures, while also allowing visitors to see such live residents of the zoo as monkeys, reindeer, camels and tigers. A new feature this season is "The Land of Narnia and Butterfly Garden," a living interpretation of the Disney movie. The event runs nightly from 5 PM to 9 PM through Jan. 2, but is closed December 24 and 25. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children and seniors. Call (718) 220-5100, or log on to www.wcs.org.

NY Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show - another annual favorite, just across from the Bonnx Zoo, through January 8. In addition to the trains, there are reproductions of New York landmarks, puppet shows and storytelling. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $5 for chidren 4 to 12. Closed Christmas Day. Call (718) 817-8700 for more information.