A host of Christmas activities are planned for the next several weeks throughout Utah County. One of the headlining events is the Spanish Fork Festival of Lights, now in its 16th year.
"It's just fascinating to see that many lights all together -- it's bright," said Steven Money, special events coordinator for the Spanish Fork Parks and Recreation Department. "It's quite breathtaking, especially for the first time."
Here is a list of some of the activities happening this holiday season in south Utah County:
• 16th Annual Festival of Lights
The festival features a slow, looping drive through a Christmas-light spectacle that spans about 1 mile, according to Steven Money, special events coordinator for the Spanish Fork Parks and Recreation Department.
Money suggested making the drive when snow is on the ground or falling, and listening to 99.9 FM's Christmas music while seeing the varied displays, which include a candy cane factory -- which is new this year -- dinosaurs, cowboys and more.
For directions, a photo tour, general information and a fact sheet with a list of the light displays, visit www.spanishfork.org/newsevents/events/festivaloflights.
When: 6-10 p.m. daily from Thanksgiving through Jan. 1
Location: Canyon View Park, 3300 E. Powerhouse Road
Admission: $5 for cars; $15 for large passenger vans and vehicles pulling a trailer; $25 per bus.
• Winter Lights Parade
The Spanish Fork Chamber of Commerce is putting on an event that will feature about 40 floats, each with a minimum of 2,000 lights. Floats will feature businesses, families and more. The chamber's float will include Santa Claus, a sleigh and inflatable soldiers.
Other things to look for: a marching band, cheerleaders and hot chocolate.
When: Today at 7 p.m. (it lasts about an hour-and-a-half)
Where: Main Street, from 900 North to Center Street
Admission: Free
• Christmas Gift & Craft Show
Craft items -- and some commercial ones, too -- will be prepared for purchase. Artists from multiple cities will present their wares, which will fill a 120-by-200-foot tennis court area. Refreshments will be available.
When: Today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Spanish Fork Fairgrounds indoor tennis courts building, 500 S. Main St.
Admission: Free
• Pondtown Christmas
Christmas-tree structures floating on a pond will be illuminated in a ceremony of lights.
When: 5 p.m. today for the ceremony. The lights can be seen anytime through New Year's Day.
Where: Knoll Park, approximately 150 W. 300 South
Admission: Free
• Visit with Santa
Meet Santa Claus and bring a camera to take pictures with him. Children will receive a free candy cane. On Dec. 8, the activity will include a "dive-in" movie, where viewers can watch Christmas classics while resting on inflatable devices at the indoor pool. Hot chocolate will be served. Members of the public are invited to bring their own flotation devices; children younger than age 8 must be accompanied by an adult in the water.
When: Mondays, Dec. 1-22, 6-8 p.m.; Saturdays, Dec. 6-20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 254 S. Main St.
Admission: Standard fee; call 489-2700 for information
• Letters to Santa
Children may write letters to Santa Claus and deliver them to the "North Pole Express" mailbox outside the UPS store. Letters must include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope in order to receive an answer from Santa.
When: Dec. 1-17
Where: UPS Store, 224 S. Main St.
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The event will feature Santa Claus, carolers, food vendors and children's letters to Santa.
When: Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Main Street, from Utah Avenue to 100 South
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A parade will run on Main Street before culminating at the city center at 45 W. 100 South. Santa Claus will be present, and hot chocolate and doughnuts will be served.
When: Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
Where: On Main Street from 400 East to 200 West, then at 45 W. 100 South.
Admission: Free
• Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Described as a low-key, fun event for children, the ceremony features Santa, hot chocolate and schoolchildren singing carols.
When: Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mapleton City Park, Main Street and Maple Street
Posted in Local on Thursday, November 27, 2008 11:00 pm
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