FREDERICKSBURG ENTERTAINMENT
News and notes from Fredericksburg's entertainment scene
Making spirits bright: Outdoor light celebrations
POWER ON: Conservatory blue and white lights at Dominion GardenFest of Lights in Richmond. (Photo by Don Williamson)
RELATED: Here’s the COMPLETE GUIDE to decorated homes around Fredericksburg.
BY CRAIG SCHULIN
We’re almost to that time of year when cars loaded with family meander through neighborhoods in search of over-the-top holiday light displays.
For a more surefire way of locating luminescent exhibitions to get the children oohing and ahhing, visit one of the drive-through attractions or outdoor light celebrations in our area or even beyond.
MR. B’S PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Mr. B’s Park Festival of Lights opens today and runs through New Year’s Eve.
The park features one mile of Christmas lights, holiday displays and laser lights. This is the third year for the event, hosted by Warren Bauserman.
Admission is $7 per car, with the first two Thursdays free with the donation of canned goods for the Caroline County Food Bank.
Trolley rides with Santa will take place on Fridays and Saturdays and refreshments available at the Drive Thru Car Hop Christmas Kitchen.
For $4 a pair, car riders can have the lights come at them with 3–D glasses.\
CONCERT IN LIGHTS
The Village at Towne Centre is presenting its free Concert in Lights through Dec. 31.
It features synchronized light performances beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Village near Bravo, with additional shows at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.
DOMINION GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS
To our south, Richmond offers the Dominion GardenFest of Lights 2012 at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
This year’s theme is “East Meets West,” highlighting plants and arts from Eastern cultures.
This light extravaganza, now in its 18th year, features more than a half-million lights along the botanical garden’s pathways.
During Friday’s opening night, join in the countdown to the 5:30 p.m. illumination and watch performances by the River City Taiko drummers and Jow Ga Kuen Lion Dance Team. GardenFest will also offer family-friendly activities, music and more into the new year.
BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
For those looking to venture outside the area, Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville offers Santa’s Enchanted Lights, featuring 40,000 animated lights set to music within its 2.5-mile drive. Plus enjoy food, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, carnival and hayrides in the Holiday Village.
More than 30,000 cars wander through this popular display in Northern Virginia every year.
Mr. B’s Park Festival of Lights
Where: 7243 Gatewood Road, Woodford
When: Today–Dec. 31, 5–10 p.m. Closed most Mondays–Wednesdays
Cost: $7 per car.
Info: 804/449-6350; mrbspark.com
Concert in Lights
Where: Village at Towne Centre
When: Daily showtimes at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. now through Dec. 31 Cost: Free
Info:
Dominion GardenFest of Lights
Where:
When: Nov. 23–Jan. 7 (closed Dec. 24–25); nightly 5–10 p.m.
Cost: $11 adults; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 3–12; under 3 free
Info:
Festival of Lights
Where: Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
When: Through Jan. 6, Monday–Thursday. 5:30–9:30 p.m., Friday–Sunday. and holidays 5:30–10 p.m.
Cost: $15 Monday–Thursday, $20 Friday–Sunday and holidays
Info: 703/631-0550; nvrpa.org
Craig Schulin: 540/374-5403
cschulin@freelancestar.com
