Deb's Monthly Review

December 2005

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

Festivals for Travelers, Sites of the Month, Archives, Selected Links and more.

Special Quotation "To love is to receive a glimpse of Heaven." --Karen Sunde

To parents, teachers, and other guardians of children: The Review is a place where adults or kids should be able to stop by and browse comfortably. But, remember - I have no control over outside links. For happiest results, please surf the Web with your kids!

Important Message Just For Kids: If someone (even someone you love) has touched you in a way that didn't seem right or made you feel bad, you can talk about it with someone. There are really nice people at this number who will listen and let you talk about what you might want to do next to stay safe.

Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) and push 1 to talk to someone. Nobody has the right to hurt you and then tell you not to tell. It's important to talk about it. Tell someone!

	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Picturing Business in America Hedcuts from The Wall Street Journal		Handy Site Of The Month: Build 3D Christmas Trees Easels, bolt cutters, lots of lights and lots of tie wraps
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: NASA's Santa Track Click the Next button for status updates.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Reindeer FAQ Not quite caribou

December 2005 Festivals and Events

Need a place to stay? Days Inn - Great San Francisco rates! Wingate Inns - Great Columbia, SC rates! Ramada - Great Washington D.C. rates! Howard Johnson - Great Anaheim rates! Travelodge - Great Las Vegas rates! Super 8 - Great NYC rates! Knights Inn - Great value on the road.

Scroll down for December Festivals and other events for travelers in the U.S.

Please Note: Because of recent hurricanes affecting our coastal areas, it is especially important right now that you verify all festival or event information. Even areas that were not in the direct path of major storms may have strained local resources in their attempts to assist displaced people. Some typically available festival or event venues may have become temporary evacuation centers. Travel in some areas may still be difficult or restricted. Once there has been more restoration to affected areas your attendance and support at local events and festivals will be a great way to help the local economy and our national economy in general.

December 1, 2005 Christmas on the Square Town Square, Waynesville, Missouri	Caroling, merchant specials, live nativity scene, hay rides, pony rides, carriage rides, auction, pictures with Santa, food court, arts and crafts. Get Information: Call 573-774-6000
December 1-2, 2005 Flushing Community Candlewalk downtown, Flushing, Michigan	10,000 candles glow over a stretch of more than 5 miles of city streets. Enjoy carriage rides, choirs, ice sculptures, hayrides, refreshments, grade parade with Santa Claus' arrival, home decorating contest, gingerbread house contest, tree decorating contest, roasted chestnuts and more. Learn More: Call 810-859-4141
December 1-31, 2005 Winterfest various venues, Talkeetna, Alaska	Most events occur on weekends and include a Parade of Lights, tree lighting ceremony, gingerbread contest, treasure hunt, Bachelor Society Ball/Wilderness Woman Contest and arts and crafts. Further Details: Call 907-733-1234
December 2, 2005 Peoria's Old Town Holiday Festival Osuna Park area Peoria, Arizona	Crafts for kids, entertainment, hayrides, cookie decorating, merchant specials, snow play area, high school choral contest, food, arts and crafts, scavenger hunt and more. Additional Information: Call 623-773-7142
December 2, 2005 Holiday Walk in Forest Park Madison Street, Forest Park, Illinois	Horse-drawn carriage rides, marshmallow roasting, live window displays, merchant specials, tree lighting, caroling, refreshments, Santa's arrival by fire engine and a chance to visit with him and get a free photo. There is more downtown fun the next day. Further Details: Call 708-366-2543
December 2, 2005 Living Windows Downtown, Monmouth, Illinois	More than 40 downtown windows are filled with living holiday scenes. Enjoy food, vendors, a live Nativity scene, a parade with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Learn More: Call 309-924-1172.
December 2, 2005 Christmas on the River Downtown, Parkville, Missouri	Merchant specials, fireworks, 1000-voice choir, visit from St. Nick, costumed Christmas characters. Information: Call 816-505-2227
December 2, 2005 Hollydazzle City Center at Oyster Point, Newport News, Virginia	Fireworks and special effects show, activities for kids, holiday entertainment, food vendors. (The fireworks show is at 8:45pm.) Additional Details: Call 757-926-1400
December 2-3, 2005 Light Up LaGrange Downtown, LaGrange, Kentucky	Music, carriage rides, activities for kids, window decorations, merchant specials, caroling and more. Questions: Call 502-269-0126 or 502-222-1650
December 2-3, 2005 Christmas Past in Oil City various venues, Oil City, Pennsylvania	Outdoor Christmas figurines and displays, arts and crafts, caroling, horse drawn wagon rides, raffles, food, downtown window decorating contest, church candlelight dinners, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus with live reindeer, merchant specials and more. Further Details: Call 814-676-8521
December 2-3, 2005 Santa Fest Stancil Park Arena and downtown, Cleveland, Texas	Senior food fest, karaoke, breakfast with Santa, battle of the bands, fun run, Christmas concert, lighted parade and more. Learn More: Call 281-592-8786
December 2-4, 2005 Festival of the Arts Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona	More than 400 juried artists show and sell their work in 18 different categories. Enjoy street performers, vendors, exhibits, and food, plus staged musical entertainment. The festival runs from 10am until dusk. Further Information: Call 480-921-2300
December 2-4, 2005 Christmas by the Lake various venues, Clear Lake, Iowa	Opportunity Village Festival of Trees (for display and for sale), breakfast with Santa, activities for kids, pony rides, arts and crafts, petting zoo, cookie walk, kites, ice sculptures, free horse drawn wagon (and carriage) rides, church soup supper, lighted Christmas parade, polar bear dip, free matinee at Lake Theater (please bring donations for the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank), fireworks and more. Additional Details: Call 641-357-2159
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December 2-4, 2005 Frostfest Downtown, Hays, Kansas	Merchant specials, Christmas parade, visit from Santa, drawings for prizes, horse drawn wagon rides, music, decorated trees, model train display, food. Questions: Call 410-632-2080
December 2-4, 2005 Christmas by the Sea various venues, Camden, Maine	Tree lighting ceremony, tours of residences decorated for the holidays, Santa's arrival by lobster boat, bonfires, horse drawn wagon rides, merchant specials, Chowder fest, music and more. Learn More: Call 207-236-4404
December 2-4, 2005 Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Main Street & other venues, Stockbridge, Massachusetts	Norman Rockwell's painting of Main Street is brought to life with Christmas decorations, vintage vehicles, caroling, tours of area homes, music, holiday readings at Berkshire Theatre Festival, horse drawn rides, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, food and more. The festival is celebrating its 16th year. Find Out Details: Call 413-298-5200
December 2-4, 2005 Red Rock Balloon Rally Red Rock State Park (and other venues), Gallup, New Mexico	American Indian craft vendors, Indian dance demonstrations, evening balloon glows, balloon launches early in the morning. Visitors are encouraged to join in the chase crews. In addition to the balloon events the town holds its Christmas parade on Dec. 3rd at 2pm. Questions: Call 505-722-3839.
December 2-4, 2005 Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas Community Center, Medora, North Dakota	Christmas quilt display, sleigh/hay rides, wreath ceremony, Cowboy Christmas Poetry, Western Parade of Lights, storytelling, Cowboy Candy arts and crafts show, museum open house, family Christmas dance, traditional Christmas supper, pancake breakfast, ecumenical cowboy church service and much more. Get Details: Call 701-623-4829
December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 2005 Sorrento Cheese Christmas in Little Italy Mulberry Street between Canal & Broome Streets, New York, New York	Carolers in 19th century costume, holiday lights and decorations, parade, visit from Santa, food. Information: Call 800-654-9710
December 2-4, 2005 Festival of Trees Renziehausen Park, McKeesport, Pennsylvania	Sleigh hay ride, visits with Santa, bake sale, raffle, entertainment, themed holiday trees, bake sale, decorating greens for purchase, crafts, area for kids and more. Further Details: Call 412-675-5068
December 2-4, 2005 Christmas in the Gorge unknown venue(s), Gorge, Washington	Arts and crafts, firetruck parade, merchant specials and open houses, nativity display and more. Get The Facts: Call 509-427-9811 or 800-989-9178
Decemmber 2-11, 2005 Sparkle various venues, Freeport, Maine	Trolley rides, tuba Christmas concert, Parade of Lights, horse drawn carriage rides, carolers, a very unusual talking Christmas tree, a visit from Santa, more. More: Call 207-865-1212
December 3, 2005 Fireman's Carnival unknown venue(s), Nome, Alaska	The local Volunteer Fire Department gets the proceeds from this festival, which includes bingo, a cake walk, prizes, games and more. More Information: Call 907-443-2310
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December 3, 2005 Santa Parade & Snowfest North Straub Park Mendocino, California	Activities for kids, winter sports and games, holiday parade. There is no admission charge. (The parade begins at 10am). More: Call 727-525-5950
December 3, 2005 Cowboy Christmas Community Park, Templeton, California	Christmas music, country music, visit from Santa, 10 tons of snow to enjoy, arts and crafts, vendors, refreshments, hayrides, pony rides. Questions: Call 805-434-1789
December 3, 2005 Holidays on the Square Courthouse Square, Blakely, Georgia	Two parades, entertainment, classic cars, activities for kids, arts and crafts, food vendors, games and more. The fun is from 9am-5pm. Further Details: Call 229-723-3741.
December 3, 2005 Christmas Festival unknown venue(s), Natchitoches, Louisiana	Entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts and more. There are other events going on that surround the one-day festival, so call now for more information. Additional Information: Call 800-259-1714
December 3, 2005 Chester Greenwood Day Downtown, Farmington, Maine	In its 29th year, this festival is a celebration of Chester Greenwood, known as the official inventor of the earmuff. Enjoy a chili cooking contest (chili will be served to, and voted on by, festival-goers). Have a slice of cake, buy a wreath, view the Festival of Trees at Granary Restaurant, enjoy a parade and more. At 3pm a local group will be making their annual dip into frosty Clearwater Lake. Further Details: Call 207-778-4215
December 3, 2005 Festival of Lights various venues, York, Maine	Open houses, caroling, arts and crafts, caroling, breakfast with Santa, lighted parade at 4:30pm, library book sale, greens and wreaths sale, festival of gingerbread houses, musical entertainment, model train village display at the Village Marketplace, fish chowder supper, spaghetti supper, cookie walk, hot cocoa. Questions: Call 207-363-4974
December 3, 2005 Millbury Chain of Lights various venues, Millbury, Massachusetts	The festival actually takes place in several towns, including Millbury, Northbridge, Mendon and Uxbridge. Enjoy open houses, food, merchant specials, entertainment and more. Additional Information: Call 800-841-0919 or 508-865-5831
December 3, 2005 Christmas in the Park Tuscumbia Riverside Park, Tuscumbia, Missouri	Christmas parade (at 2pm), Christmas light display in the park, bean supper, hot beverages, cinnamon rolls, music. Get the Facts: Call 573-369-2376
December 3, 2005 Christmas in Collierville various venues, Collierville, Tennessee	(There's a Christmas parade the day before, at 7pm.) Events include music, food, a visit from Santa, activities for kids, merchant specials, bonfires. Questions: Call 901-853-1666
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December 3, 2005 Christmas in the Park Town Center Park, Kingwood, Texas	Christmas tree lighting, merchant specials, puppeteers, music, appearance by Santa, arts and crafts, food, vendors. The festival begins at 10am and the tree lighting is at 6:30pm. Additional Details: Call 832-594-6969
December 3, 2005 Winter Flake Festival Centennial Park, Wenatchee, Washington	The fun begins at 1pm with arts and crafts, food vendors, sledding, entertainment, activities for kids, a Jingle Bell Run, with a the twilight parade and tree ligting later in the day. More: Call 509-664-3392
December 3-4, 2005 Orange Festival Medal of Honor Park, Belle Chasse, Louisiana	Details are few at the moment, but there will be a scaled-back version of this festival, which was formerly held at Fort Jackson. The fort was heavily flooded and facilities are not ready for crowds. Try the contact information below this entry to get an update. Get The Facts: Call 985-564-2951 or email info@orangefestival.com
December 3-4, 2005 Festival Noir John B. Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts	This event showcases African American juried art pieces, with artists in attendance for demonstration. This year the event organizers ask that you bring a gift of warm clothing or a new, unwrapped toy suitable for a boy or girl between the ages of 4 and 14, which will be donated to the Italian Home for Children. Further Details: Call 805-238-4103
December 3-4, 2005 Budafest City Greenbelt, Buda, Texas	Parade, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carnival rides, arts and crafts, pony rides, music, food, entertainment. Questions: Call 512-312-1559
December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 2005 Winter Wonderland Slater Memorial Park (at Newport Ave. & Armistice Blvd.), Pawtucket, Rhode Island	Miniature Christmas village of shops and trees, caroling, visits and photos with Santa, carousel rides, hay rides, train rides, food court, bell ringers, children's movies, face painting. Additional Information: Call 401-726-3185
December 4, 2005 Christmas on the Canal Union Street, Spencerport, New York	Horse drawn hayrides, candlelight caroling, fireworks, entertainment, children's tent, food, merchant specials, living nativity, visit from Santa, choral concert at the White Church (3-4pm), tree lighting. Learn More: Call 585-352-4771
December 9-11, 2005 Festival of the Bonfires Lutcher Recreation Park on Louisiana Avenue, Lutcher, Louisiana	The park is a new location for the festival, but familiar fun continues this year with a carnival, entertainment, Million Mutt March, poker run, Gumbo Cook-off, arts and crafts, Santa's Very Merry Forest lighted trees, pageant, Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament and—of course—the nightly bonfires. There will be no lack of food either. Last year festival-goers enjoyed burgers, fried sweet potatoes, onion blossoms, Po-Boys, nachos and white chocolate bread pudding. Expect similar goodies this year. NOTE: There are usually bonfires along the levee (River Road) on December 24, but do call for updates this year. Questions: Call 225-869-1717 or 800-FORSTJAMES.
December 10, 2005 Christmas on the Coosa various venues, Wetumpka, Alabama	Arts and crafts, fun run, quilt show, street parade, activities for kids, entertainment, classic cars, lighted boat parade on the Coosa River. Further Details: Call 334-567-1313
December 10, 2005 Old Fashioned Christmas Downtown, Glasgow, Missouri	Crafts, entertainment, merchant specials, wagon rides, drawings for prizes, visit from Santa. The event runs from 10am-5pm. Questions: Call 660-338-2576
December 10-11, 2005 Wells Winterfest Downtown Wells, Maine	Arts and crafts, food vendors, music, winter sporting events, Christmas parade (at 2pm on the 10th). Learn More: Call 207-646-2451
December 10-11, 2005 Christmas by the Sea various venues, Ogunquit, Maine	Chowder, Christmas decoration-making for kids, church concert, merchant specials, storytelling, bake sale, hay rides. Additional Information: Call 207-646-2939
Sorry, festival-goers. I am unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists free of charge. You may hire me by the hour for personal research.
December 10-11, 2005 Christmas Along the Mississippi Front Street area, Clarkesville, Missouri	150 juried artisans, art area for kids, entertainment, craft demonstrations, food court. The event is from 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Questions: Call 985-871-4141 or 985-705-7968.
December 10, 17, 2005 Old Town Country Christmas Old Town, Auburn, California	Living Christmas tree, pony rides, bungee jump, raffle, carolers, music, bonfire, hayrides, chowder served in bread bowls, roasted chestnuts, arts and crafts. The fun is from 5-9pm both days. Further Details: Call 530-888-1585
December 11, 2005 St. Lucy Festival of Lights St. Martin d'Tours Church Square, St. Martinville, Louisiana	The St. Martinville area fared well throughout the hurricane season and plans are still on for this festival. Enjoy arts and crafts, games, entertainment, holiday light displays and plenty of food. Learn More: Call 337-394-2233 or 337-394-6021
Sorry, festival-goers. I am unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists free of charge. You may hire me by the hour for personal research.
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December Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
Dec. 2 Winterfest, Downtown, Redding, California, 530-243-7773 Dec. 2 Christmas on Main Street, Downtown, Dickson, Tennessee, 615-446-2349 Dec. 2 Lighted Boat Parade, along York River, Yorktown, Virginia, 757-890-4490 Dec. 2-3 Balboa Park December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego, California, 619-239-0512 Dec. 2-4 Christmas in LeClaire, downtown, LeClaire, Iowa, 563-322-3911 ext. 120 Dec. 2-4, 9-11 Old Tyme Christmas, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 304-725-8019 or 304-535-9909 Dec. 3 Cowboy Christmas, 1-4pm, Community Park, Templeton, California, 805-434-1789 Dec. 3 Star City Holiday Festival, Lincoln, Nebraska, 402-434-6902 Dec. 3 Wild West Christmas, Quanah, Texas, 940-663-2222 Dec. 3-4 Carols in the Park, Central Park, Winter Haven, Florida, 863-291-5656 Dec. 4 Holiday Street Festival, Main Street, Ventura, California, 805-654-7830 Dec. 8 Holiday Open House, 4-7pm, Downtown, Schenectady, New York, 518-377-9430 Dec. 9-11 Kwanzaa Festival, Seattle Vocational Institute, Seattle, Washington, 206-587-4935 Dec. 10 Victorian Holiday Showcase, Vine Street between 8th & 21st, Paso Robles, California, 805-238-4103 Dec. 10 American Indian Film Festival, San Francisco, California, 415-554-0525 Dec. 10 A Christmas Carroll, Carrollton, Kentucky, 502-732-8100 Dec. 10 "Just One More" Invitational Arts Festival, Ponce de Leon Park, Tallahassee, Florida, 850-980-8727 Dec. 10 Christmas at Moosehead, Greenville, Maine Dec. 10, 17 Old Town Country Christmas, Auburn, California, 530-888-1585 Dec. 26 Christmas Bed Race & Parade, Preston, Idaho, 208-852-2703 Dec. 27 Kwanzaa Celebration, Hunton YMCA, Norfolk, Virginia, 757-622-7271
Other December 2005 Events You Might Enjoy Events in this section may be called festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
Dec. 1 Holiday Parade of Lights, Pacific Grove, California, 831-373-3304 Dec. 1 Lighted Christmas Parade, 7pm, Creston, Iowa, 641-782-7021 Dec. 1 Parade of Lights, 6:45pm, UCO Campus to downtown, Edmond, Oklahoma, 405-249-9391 Dec. 1 Christmas Parade, Main Street, Shawnee, Oklahoma, 405-273-1080 Dec. 1 Christmas Parade & Stroll, Downtown, Landrum, South Carolina, 864-457-4879 Dec. 1-2 Christmas Festival of Trees,                    8am-5pm, County Government Center, Brooksville, Florida, 352-597-9829 or 352-796-6026 Dec. 1-5 HDFest (High Definition Film Festival), Los Angeles, California, 321-206-5343 Dec. 1-11 Gingerbread Homes for Animals (display & raffle), Central Park, New York, New York, 212-860-1370 Dec. 2-4 Chimneyville Crafts Festival, State Fairgrounds, Jackson, Mississippi, 601-981-0019 Dec. 2-11 Anchorage Film Festival, Anchorage, Alaska, 907-338-3690 Dec. 3 Lighted Boat Parade, 6:30pm, Marinas, Morro Bay, California, 800-231-0592 Dec. 3 Super Toy, Doll & Collectible Show, County Fairgrounds, San Jose, California, 408-298-1709 Dec. 3 Candy Cane Parade, Hollywood Beach, Hollywood, Florida, 954-921-3404 Dec. 3 Holly Fair, 9am-2pm, St. Mary's Episcopal Church on Rt. 6A, Barnstable, Massachusetts, 508-362-3977 Dec. 2 Christmas Parade, 6:30pm, State Street, Santa Barbara, California, 805-962-2098 Dec. 2 Holiday Parade, 7pm, Main Street, Seal Beach, California, 562-799-0179 Dec. 2-3 9News Parade of Lights, Fri 8pm/Sat. 6pm, downtown, Denver, Colorado, 303-534-6161 Dec. 2-3 Nashville Coin Show, Gallatin Civic Center, Nashville, Tennessee, 615-868-9456 Dec. 2-4 Christmas Extravaganza, 9am-5pm, Fairgrounds, Covington, Louisiana, 985-796-5853 Dec. 2-4 Greens Show, Jackman-Long Bldg at Expo Center, Salem, Oregon, 503-393-4439 Dec. 2-4 Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Holiday Show, State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-292-7457 Dec. 2-11 Gingerbread Wonderland, Frelinghuysen Arboretum on Hanover Ave., Morristown, New Jersey, 973-326-7628 Dec. 3 APS Electric Light Parade, 7pm, begins at Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona, 602-262-4627 Dec. 3 Lighted Boat Parade, 6:30pm, Marinas, Morro Bay, California, 800-231-0592 Dec. 3 Oakland Tribune Holiday Parade, 2pm, Broadway & 14th, Oakland, California, 510-874-4800 Dec. 3 Lighted Yacht Parade, Oakland Estuary near Jack London Square, Oakland, California, 510-522-3272 Dec. 3 Holiday Tour of Homes, Leesville, Louisiana, 800-349-6287 Dec. 3 Christmas Parade, Ponchatoula, Louisiana, 985-370-9223 Dec. 3 Holiday Lighted Parade, 6pm, Lake Orion, Michigan, 248-693-0222 Dec. 3 Arts & Crafts Fair, 9am-4pm, 7801 Wilshire Ave. NE (La Cueva High School), Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-296-3758 Dec. 3 Parade of Lights, likely at Lake Mead marina, Las Vegas, Nevada, 702-294-2883 Dec. 3 Christmas Lights Parade, Downtown, Willamina, Oregon, 503-876-5777 Dec. 3 Lehigh Valley Comic Con, 10am-4pm, 4550 Old Packerhouse Rd., Schnecksville, Pennsylvania Dec. 3 Lighted Christmas Parade, Cisco, Texas, 254-442-2537 Dec. 3 Parade of Lights, 6pm, Arlington, Texas, 817-533-3425 Dec. 3 Beyond the Unicorn Christmas Craft Fair, Springfield, Vermont, 802-885-3579 Dec. 3 Christmas Parade, 6pm, Chesapeake, Virginia, 757-456-1589 Dec. 3 Holiday Parade of Lights, Alexandria Marina, Alexandria, Virginia, 703-838-5005 Dec. 3 Lighted Farm Implement Parade, 6pm, Downtown, Sunnyside, Washington, 509-837-5939 or 800-457-8089 Dec. 3-4 Band Booster Country Christmas Craft Fair,                    Owensville High School on Hwy. 19, Owensville, Missouri, 573-437-4221 Dec. 3-4 Pittsburgh Toy, Comic & Childhood Collectibles Show,                    Expo Mart & Monroeville Mall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 814-467-1500 Dec. 3-4 Crafts Guild Christmas Bazaar, Wells Fargo Pavilion, San Angelo, Texas, 325-650-1816 or 325-650-1817 Dec. 3-5 Christmas Extravaganza, St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, Covington, Louisiana, 985-796-5853 Dec. 3-5 Music City Winter Guitar Show, Nashville, Tennessee, 314-645-6670 Dec. 3-10 Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar,                    St. George's Church on Tucker Hill Rd., Middlebury, Connecticut, 203-758-9557 Dec. 3-11 Holiday Train Show, Avalon Church of Christ on Woodstock Rd., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 757-420-5208 Dec. 4 Comic Book & Science Fiction Convention,                    10am-5pm, 700 W. 32nd St. (Shrine Auditiorium), Los Angeles, California, info@comicbookscifi.com Dec. 4 Christmas Parade, Main Street, Falmouth, Massachusetts, 508-548-8500 Dec. 4 Christmas Open House, noon-4pm, Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Northport, Michigan, 231-386-7195 Dec. 4 Christmas Parade, Main Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, 843-525-6644 Dec. 8 Marine Labs Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire,                    10am-6pm, 8277 Moss Landing Rd., Moss Landing, California, 831-771-4175 Dec. 8-12 New York Armory Antiques Show,                    Seventh Regiment Armory, Park Ave. at 67th St., New York, New York, 212-472-1180/0590 Dec. 9 Lighted Boat Parade, St. Petersburg, Florida, 727-821-6443 Dec. 9 Parade of Lights, begins at high school, Blissfield, Michigan, 517-486-3642 Dec. 9-11 Philcon 2005, Marriott Downtown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, info@philcon.org Dec. 10 Christmas Parade of Lights, 5pm, Downtown, Palmer, Alaska Dec. 10 Luminaria Run , Cave Creek, Arizona, 602-769-0848 Dec. 10 Old Town Christmas, 5-9pm, Auburn, California, 530-888-1585 Dec. 10 Candlelight Sing-Along Tour,                    6:30pm if no rain, starts Mission San Juan Bautista (410 Third), San Juan Bautista, California, 831-623-2454 Dec. 10, 17 Frank Llyod Wright Home Christmas Tours, 931 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, Illnois, 708-848-1976 Dec. 10 Cecil Floyd Craft Show, 9am-4pm, 2201 W. 24th St., Joplin, Missouri, 417-626-0154 Dec. 10 SEMO Farm Toy Show, 8am-3pm, Raudmont, Sikeston, Missouri, 573-628-3643 Dec. 10 PGE Festival of Lights Holiday Parade, Downtown, Salem, Oregon, 503-581-4325 Dec. 10 Holiday Lighted Parade, Iowa Park, Texas, 940-592-3441 Dec. 10-11 Pueblo Grande Indian Market,                    9am-5pm, Steel Indian School Park, Phoenix, Arizona, 602-495-0901 or 877-706-4408 Dec. 10-11 Gun Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego, California, 801-544-9125 Dec. 10-11 Tom & Huck Marble Show & Auction, Clemens Hotel, Hannibal, Missouri, 573-221-4410 Dec. 10-11 Antique Show & Flea Market, County Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ohio, 937-325-0053 Dec. 10-11 Gun Show, Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall, Oregon, 503-623-3048 Dec. 10-11 Saxets Gun Show, Lone Star Convention Center, Conroe, Texas, 361-289-2256 Dec. 11 Brighten the Harbor, Monterey, California, 831-657-0855 Dec. 11 Philadelphia Comic-Con, Ramada Philadelphia Airport, Essington, Pennsylvania, 856-782-0817 Dec. 11 Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu, Hawaii, 808-734-7200 Dec. 11 It's A Wonderful Life in Whittemore, Whittemore, Iowa, 515-884-2265 Dec. 11 Parade of Horses, 2pm, Charles Town, West Virginia, 304-728-7455 Dec. 13 Capitol Caroling, State Capitol Rotunda, Jefferson City, Missouri, 573-632-3482 Dec. 16-17 Adventure Film Festival, Caesar's Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, 800-648-3353 Dec. 15 Light Up the Night, North Myrtle Beach, Florida, 843-281-2662 Dec. 17 Brooksville Cruise In, 6-9pm, Downtown, Brooksville, Florida, 352-754-4405 Dec. 17 TubaChristmas, 3pm, Palmer House Hilton (Grand Ballroom), Chicago, Illinois, 812-824-8833 Dec. 17-18 Seashore Marketplace, Balli Park Pavilion on North Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Texas, 361-332-9978 Dec. 17-18 Sports Card/Collectible Show, Ruther Glen, Virginia, 804-448-9488 Dec. 18 Lighted Tractor Parade, 7pm, Main Street, Ferndale, California, 707-786-4299 Dec. 18 Caroling in Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana, 504-524-8432 Dec. 24 Salem Tuba Christmas, Elsinor Theatre, Salem, Oregon, 503-769-5598 Dec. 25 George Washington Crossing Delaware Reenactment,                    Washington Crossing State Park, Trenton, New Jersey, 609-393-8998 Dec. 26 Menorah Lighting, Riley Park, Bradley Beach, New Jersey, 732-776-2999 Dec 31 King Mango Strut Parade, 1pm. begins at Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, Florida, 305-401-1171
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It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

Look at this guy!

This is Scott L. Schwartz. If you ever get into trouble, you'll want him on your side. This guy means business. And his business is playing big and bad. Big may come easy, because he's 6'10" and weighs about 300 pounds. I'm not sure how he pulls off the bad part though, because he actually seems to be very... Well, never mind. Just click on the banner and get ready for some action. www.ultimatebadguy.com

Once upon a time there was a man with a gentle voice and quiet charm. He made several movies and worked in a TV show playing a character who rode a motorcycle from town to town, touching lives, and singing a little here and there. Then some of us didn't hear much of him for awhile. We wondered if he would ever come to sing for us again.
Michael Parks is singing, and he recorded 17 songs for us to enjoy, including: I'll Never Be Free Basin Street Blues Don't Go To Strangers Easy Street This CD was a long time coming, but it was worth waiting for. Take a trip to Listen Recordings where you can order your copy.

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

Joan Garnand creates from her home in Tennessee. Her design styles range from simple elegance to whimsical fun. Joan does hand-painted stationery, uses spare moments at festivals to paint faces, and entertains children at private parties. Only a small sample of her work is illustrated online. Talk to her about what you're looking for!

Rumor has it that you can see lots of lights in these places. There aren't as many outside displays featuring Chanukah lights, but try doing a search for public Menorrah Lightings. If I missed your favorite holiday display, let me know! If I've listed a display and you find it dark, let me know! Note: Some addresses are private residences. Please respect the families' property. Lights may not be on every night. Have fun, and drive safely.

Alabama County Courthouse and City Hall on Lee Street in Decatur. Indian Village subdivision in Hartselle. Santa's Village (5-9pm, Dec. 1-23) at Constitution Village (Gates Ave.) in Huntsville (256-564-8100). Sturdivant Street in Huntsville. Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden (Member Nights: Nov. 11-13; Walking Nights: Nov. 18-21, 5-8pm; Drive-Thru Nights Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 5:30-9pm) on Bob Wallace Ave in Huntsville (fee) (256-830-4447). Village Green Park in Millbrook. Magic Christmas in Lights (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 5-9pm, except closed Dec. 25) at Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore (251-973-2217 or 800-247-8420).

Alaska Town Square downtown in Anchorage (907-279-5650). Town Plaza in Ketchikan. Main Street downtown in Kodiak. Parker Park in Soldotna (907-262-9814).

Arizona Lighted Tree (lights up evening of Dec. 3) Made of Tumbleweeds in A.J.Chandler Park in Chandler (480-782-2735). Holiday Lights (begins Nov. 26 and goes until late Jan. 31, 2006) at Little America Hotel (I-40 & Butler Ave.) in Flagstaff (free) (800-435-2493). Courthouse in Florence (520-868-9433). Avenue of the Fountains (lights early in December & then luminarias for a few days before Christmas) in Fountain Hills (480-837-9306). Glendale Glitters (Nov. 25-Jan. 14, 6-10pm) in Old Towne area (free) (623-930-2299). Arizona Celebration of Lights (Nov. 23-Jan 7) at Community of Joy campus (21000 N. 75th Ave.) in Glendale (fee: discount with food or toy donation) (623-561-0500). Festival of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1) at London Bridge Resort in Lake Havasu City (520-855-0888). Wild Winter Nights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1; may be closed some nights) at Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park (623-935-9453). Arizona Mormon Temple and Visitor's Center (Nov. 25-Jan. 6) at 525 East Main Street in Mesa (602-964-7164). Pollack Investment Bldg on Baseline in Mesa. St. Timothy Catholic Community grounds at 1730 W. Guadalupe Rd. in Mesa (480-775-5200). West Natal Circle in Rancho Del Mar subdivision, Mesa. Center Street, Robson historic area (near the temple) in Mesa. Lakeshore Dr. in Forest Park area, Payson. Garden Grove Lights (Nov. 26-Dec. 311) at Moon Valley Nurseries (14225 N. 7th St.) in Phoenix (free) (602-942-7313). Zoo Lights at the zoo (Nov. 24-Jan. 8) (may be closed Dec. 25) in Phoenix (fee) (602-273-1341). Ahwatukee Festival of Lights (Nov. 27-Jan. 1, 5:30-11pm) on Chandler Blvd. between 24th St. & Desert Foothills Parkway in Phoenix (480-460-6169). City Lights at Arizona Center (Van Buren & Third) in Phoenix (free) (602-271-4000). Heritage and Science Park (at Seventh & Washington streets) (free) (602-262-5029). Courthouse Plaza (Dec. 4-Jan. 1) in Prescott (800-266-7534). Valley of Lights in Fain Park (Nov. 25-Dec. 30) (Fifth & Second Streets) in Prescott (free/donation) (928-772-8857). Winter Wonderland (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 6-10pm, except closed Tuesdays) at Schnepf Farms at 22601 E. Cloud Rd. in Queen Creek (fee) (480-987-3100). Holiday Lights (6:30-9pm, Dec. 9-30, except closed 12-24 & 25) at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park on Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale (small fee) (480-312-2312). Cowboy Christmas at Rawhide Wild West Town (23023 N. Scottsdale Rd) in Scottsdale (free) (480-502-5600). Winter Wonderland (Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 6-10pm) at 8208 E. Montebello Ave. in Scottsdale (free) (480-607-6422). Sedona Red Rock Fantasy (Nov. 17-Jan. 1) at Los Abrigados Resort (160 Portal) in Sedona (fee) (800-282-1777). APS Fantasy of Lights (Nov. 23-Jan 1?) on Mill Ave. in Tempe (free) (480-921-2300). Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo (1100 S. Randolph Way) (Dec. 2-23) (6-8pm Thur-Sun) in Tucson (520-791-4022).

Arkansas City Park and Downtown (until Jan. 1) in Altus (479-468-4684). Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina (Nov. 25-Dec. 31) (134 Iron Mountain Marina Dr.) on DeGray Lake in Arkadelphia (free/donations) (870-246-4310). Little River County Courthouse in Ashdown. Downtown's Main Street area (Nov. 23-Dec. 27) in Blytheville (870-763-2525). Wynn Park in Corning. Sevier County Courthouse in De Queen (870-584-3225). Lights on the Square (begins Nov. 19) at Historic Downtown Square in Fayetteville (479-521-1710). Thistle Avenue/Brookhurst Street area in Fountain Valley. Downtown area of Hamburg (870-853-8345). Lake Harrison & Downtown Square (Nov. 19-Jan 1) in Harrison (870-741-1789). Downtown area of Horseshoe Bend 870-670-5433). Light the Loop in Bull Shoals (and other towns) 870-453-5124). Cherry Street in Helena. Garvan Woodland Gardens (Nov. 19-Dec. 31) on Arkridge Rd. in Hot Springs (fee) (501-262-9300). Lights On The Ridge throughout downtown Jonesboro. County courthouse and courthouse square area in Lewisville (870-921-4633). City Square at Chestnut & Poplar streets in Marianna. Courthouse Square and Main Street in Mountain View. City Hall and Courthouse area in Nashville (870-845-1262). Mississippi County Courthouse in Osceola (870-563-6177). Jefferson County Courthouse and downtown Pine Bluff. Enchanted Land of Lights (Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 6-9pm) at Pine Bluff Regional Park in Pine Bluff (800-536-7660). Berryhill Park in Searcy (501-279-1010). Enchanted Forest (Dec. 1-30) at Sherwood Forest (on Maryland) in Sherwood (501-836-8909). Sherwood Municipal Complex on Kiehl Avenue in Sherwood. Jones Lake Road, about 4.5 miles east of Strong (870-797-7642). Courthouse Square in Waldron.

California Balian House on Mendocino in Altadena. Christmas Tree Lane (Santa Rosa Avenue, between Woodbury Ave. & Altadena Dr.) in Altadena. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Lincoln & Paloma avenues in Burlingame. Minerva Road in Cathedral City. Holiday Of Lights (Nov. 24-Jan. 1, Sun-Thur 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm) along racetrack at Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar (fee) (858-793-5555). 4715 Woodrose Circle in Dublin. Festival of Lights (Dec. 9-23, Dec. 26-30) (until 9pm) at Wild Animal Park in Escondido. Ryland Court in Elk Grove. Thistle Avenue area (at Brookhurst) in Fountain Valley. 92-foot redwood tree (Dec. 4-25) on Huntington Blvd. in Fresno (559-266-4242). Christmas Tree Lane (through Dec. 25, 6-10pm weeknights, 6-11pm weekends) on Van Ness Blvd. (between Shields Ave. & Shaw Ave.) in Fresno (559-225-3116). Bonfante Gardens (Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11 & 17-23) (4-9pm) at 3050 Hecker Pass Rd. in Gilroy (substantial fee) (408-840-7100). Severinsen Street in Hollister. Catamaran Lane in Huntington Beach. 3311 West Avenue L-4 (begins Dec. 1) (off 30th Street West) in Lancaster email Kathie. Candy Court (off Patterson Pass Rd.) in Livermore. Riesling Circle (off College Ave.) in Livermore. Griffith Park (Crystal Springs Road) in Los Angeles (213-485-8743). Fantasy of Lights (Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 6-10pm) at Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos (fee) (408-355-2201). Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Menlo Park. Oakland Zoo at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland. Dovewood Court (may be only Dec. 3, 6pm) in Orangevale (donations of money and non-perishable food). Avenue of Lights (Dec. 15-19, 5:30-9:30pm) at Glenn County Fairgrounds in Orland (fee) (530-865-9663). Upper Hastings Ranch off Michillinda Blvd. in Pasadena. 1000 block of Rashford Dr. in Placentia. 500 block of Apache Drive in Placentia. Walnut Drive (off Ray) in Pleasanton. Alameda de las Pulgas (between Brewster & Jefferson avenues in Redwood City. Candy Cane Lane from 1200-1299 Dewey St. in Redwood City. Pebble Creek Drive in Rocklin. Diamond K Estates area on Kaseberg Dr. in Roseville. Zeum Carousel (lit after Thanksgiving) in Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. Christmas in the Park (Nov. 25-Jan. 1) at Cesar Chavez Park in San Jose (408-995-6635). Holly Avenue/Mission St. area in South San Francisco. Treeside Court area at Parkway Estates in South San Francisco. Layton Court in Santa Clara. 1100 block of Tangerine Way in Sunnyvale. Ray Wise Ln. (off Golden Leaf) in Tracy. Candy Cane Lane on Arlene Drive (off N. Orchard) in Vacaville. Lollipop Lane on Shady Glen Avenue in Vacaville. Starlight Lane at 5032 Poplar Rd. in Vacaville. Lawrence Avenue (off Green Valley) in Watsonville. Want more California lights? Try Lights of the Valley more more listings!

Colorado 6830 block of Welch Court in Arvada. 2570 Nadine Drive in Colorado Springs. Zoo Lights (Dec. 9-Jan 1, 5-9pm) at Denver Zoo in Denver (303-376-4800) (fee). Greeley Lights the Nights in Lincoln Park (Nov. 25-Jan. 2) at 10th Ave. & 8th St. in Greeley. Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs (719-685-1011).

Keep checking back for light display updates all through December 2005!

Connecticut Constitution Plaza in downtown Hartford (860-728-3089). NOT UP this year (maybe in 2006) Holiday Light Fantasia in Goodwin Park in Hartford (860-343-1565). Festival of Silver Lights (Nov. 23-Jan. 2) at Hubbard Park on West Main Street in Meriden (free) (203-630-4259). Fantasy of Lights (Nov. 18-Dec. 31) at Lighthouse Park on Lighthouse Road in New Haven (fee) (203-777-2000). 6 Midwood Road in Norwalk. Town Hall area of Main Street in Ridgefield.

Delaware Avenue of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 6pm-midnight) along Rehoboth Ave. area in Rehoboth Beach (800-441-1329).

Florida George Street area (Hwy 17-98 S. to Mann Road) in southeastern Bartow (863-533-2333). Tradewinds Park at 3600 W. Sample Road (6-10pm) (through Jan. 1) in Coconut Creek (fee)(945-968-3885). Holiday House (Dec. 2-31, 5-9pm, except closed Dec. 24-25) at Edison-Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers (239-334-7419). Zoo Lights (Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-30, except closed Dec. 24-25) at the zoo in Gulf Breeze (850-932-2229). Celebration of Lights (Dec. 17-24) at Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park in Homasassa Springs (352-628-2311). Festival of Lights (Nov. 26-Dec. 31) at Olustee Park in Lake City (877-746-4778). Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. Central Park (may be only on Dec. 2-3) in Largo (727-587-6775). Lights of Lake in Venetian Gardens (Nov. 26-Jan. 1) in Leesburg (352-728-9885). Suwannee Lights Display (Dec. 1-15) in Suwannee Music Park at 3076 95th Drive in Live Oak (fee). Space Coast Lightfest (through Dec. 31 Sun-Thurs 6-9pm, Fri-Sat 6-10pm) at Wickham Park in Melbourne (fee/discount with 2 food items). Santa's Enchanted Forest at Tropical Park (through first week of Jan.) (7900 SW 40th St.) (5pm-midnight) in Miami (305-226-8315) (fee?). Donnelly Park in Mount Dora. Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights (Nov. 14-Jan. 8) on Residential Street at Disney World in Orlando. 30361 Alder Road (through Jan. 1, 2006, Sun-Thur 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 6-11pm) in Ridge Harbor subdivision in Punta Gorda. Nights of Lights (Nov. 19-Jan. 31) along the bayfront and historic downtown in St. Augustine (800-653-2489). Verbenia Court in Satellite Beach. Lights Under the Stars (Nov. 22-Jan. 1, 6-9pm; Fri-Sat-Holidays 6:30-10:30pm) at 10015 Park Blvd. in Seminole (fee) (800-777-6903). Festival of Lights (Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-30 from dusk until 8:30pm) in Silver Springs (352-236-2121). 5116, 5118 & 5122 Rawls Road (Nov. 24-Dec. 31 from dusk to 11pm, except on rainy evenings) in Tampa. Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven.

Georgia Rockdale County Courthouse in Conyers. Lights of the South (Nov. 24-Jan. 1) at 633 Louisville Rd. in Grovetown (706-825-6441). 186 W. Windemere Way (off Hwy. 138) in Jonesboro. Juliette Rd. and Hwy. Georgia 87 area in Juliette. Magical Nights of Lights (Nov. 19-Dec. 30) at 7000 Holiday Rd. in Lake Lanier Islands (fee) (770-932-7200). Capitol Avenue in Macon (unconfirmed for 2005). College Street between Georgia Ave. & Bond Street in Macon. Lights of Life (Nov. 21-Dec. 31) at Life University (1269 Barclay Circle) in Marietta (free/donations urged). Enchanted Garden of Lights (Nov. 18-Dec. 31, Sun-Thur 6-9pm, Fri-Sat 6-10pm, except Christmas Eve night)) at Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain (fee) (706-375-7702). 566 Old Cedartown Rd in Rockmart. Stone Mountain Park (call them for schedule) in Stone Mountain (fee) (770-498-5690 or 800-317-2006). Festival of Lights (Dec. 1-Jan 1) at Helton Howland Park in Tallapoosa (770-537-5594).

Hawaii 91-1146 Haiano Place, Ewa Beach, Hawaii. City Hall and Honolulu Hale (Dec. 3-Jan. 1) on King Street in Honolulu. Banyan Tree Park (begins Dec. 4) in Lahaina on Maui (808-667-9193). Ritz-Carlton courtyard (begins Dec. 1)at One Ritz-Carlton Drive in Kapalua on Maui (800-669-6200).

Idaho Georgia Mae Plaza in Bonners Ferry. Holiday Lights Cruise (Nov. 22-Jan. 1)on Lake Coeur d'Alene in Coeur D'Alene (800-688-5253) (fee). Area of E. Oneida and S. 1st East in Preston. Downtown (begins Nov. 25) area of Rupert (208-436-9600).

Keep checking back for light display updates all through December 2005!

Illinois Christmas Wonderland (Nov. 25-Dec. 30, Mon-Thur 6-9pm, Fri-Sun 5-9pm) at Rock Springs Park on College Ave. in Alton (fee) (618-465-6676). Clearbrook's Wonderland of Lights (Nov. 22-Jan. 1) at Arlington Park on Euclid in Arlington Heights (847-385-7500). North School Park at on Eastman Street at Arlington Hts. Rd. in Arlington Heights (847-577-3000). Belvidere Park (enter from West Lincoln Ave.) in Belvidere (815-547-5711). Holiday Magic Lights at Brookfield Zoo (Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 and 26-Jan. 1 from 4-9pm) in Brookfield (call to verify dates) (708-485-0263). Zoolights (Nov. 25-Dec. 11 open Fri-Sun; Dec. 16-25 open nightly, 5-9pm) at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago (free). Central Park in Decatur. Holiday Lights Fair (Nov. 25-Dec. 28, 6-10pm) at State Fairgrounds on Hwy 51 S. in DuQuoin (fee) (618-542-1515). Folepi's Enchanted Village (Nov. 27-Dec. 30, 5-9pm) at Fon du Lac Farm Park on Neumann Dr. in E. Peoria. Wonderland-in-Lights (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, Sun-Thur 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm) at Community Park on E. Temple Ave. in Effingham (800-772-0750). Night of the Luminaria (Dec. 17 only!) along riverbanks and downtown in Galena (815-777-9050). Harrison Street (Arts District) in Oak Park (708-358-1750). Avenue Of Lights in Wavering-Moorman Park (Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 6pm-9:30pm) in Quincy (fee) (217-222-7980). The blue lights display (until Jan.) of the Arts & Entertainment district in Rock Island. Special Lights for Special Kids at Shanahan Industrial Park (at Shanahan Dr. & Umbdenstock Rd.) in South Elgin (fee). Candy Cane Lane on East Clark Street (enter at Locust St. near high school) in West Frankfurt.

Indiana Festival of Lights (until Jan. 4) at Mill Race Park in Columbus (free this year but is a scaled-back display) (812-371-2680). Reynolds Farm Equipment (Nov. 22-Jan. 1) at junction of State Rd. 37 N. and 126th St in Fishers (free) (317-849-0810 or 800-382-9038). 1500 block of Glenwood Ave. in Fort Wayne. Fantasy of Lights (Nov. 20-Dec. 31, Sun-Thur 6-9pm, Fri-Sat 6-10pm) at Franke Park on Sherman Road in Fort Wayne (fee) (260-744-6145). Gingerbread Village (Nov. 25-Dec. 23) at Whistler Plaza, City Market in Indianapolis (donations accepted) (317-634-9266). Kroger Christmas at the Zoo (Dec. 2-23, 5-9pm daily, except closed Dec. 24-25), at 1200 W. Washington St. in Indianapolis (fee) (317-630-2001). Monument Circle (until Jan. 7) in Indianapolis (317-237-2222). Festival of Lights (until Dec. 31) at Newton County Fairgrounds near Kentland (free) (219-474-6050). Walkway of Lights (Nov. 19-Dec. 31) at Matter Park along the Mississinewa River in Marion (765-668-4453 or 800-662-9474). Holliday's Christmas (6-10pm until Dec. 28) at 22330 Lamong Road (this may be the last year due to health issues) (off State Rd. 38) in Sheridan (donations accepted). Christmas in the Park at Deming Park (until Dec. 26) in Terre Haute (free) (812-232-2727).

Iowa Holiday Animated Lighting Extravaganza (Nov. 25-Dec. 25, 5:30-10pm) at Swan Lake State Park in Carroll (719-792-1335). Symphony of Lights (Nov. 24-Dec. 30) at Eagle Point Park Lodge in Clinton (fee). Winter Wonderland of Lights (Nov. 22-mid-Jan., 5-11pm) at Bayliss Park (on Pearl St.) in Council Bluffs (712-328-4650). Holiday Lights at Children's Zoo in Fejervary Park (Dec. 3-Jan. 2, 5-10pm) on West 12th in Davenport. Jolly Holiday Lights (Nov. 22-Jan. 1, 5:30-10pm) at Water Works Park on George Flagg Parkway in Des Moines (fee) (515-334-2636). Reflections in the Park (Nov. 25-Jan. 1) at Murphy Park on S. Grandview in Dubuque (fee) (563-583-7357 or 877-437-6333). City of Christmas (Nov. 24-Dec. 27) at Rand Park in Keokuk (319-524-5433). Jasper County Courthouse in Newton. Grotto of the Redemption (Dec. 17-Jan. 1, 5-11pm) in West Bend (515-887-2372).

Kansas Christmas Fantasy Village (6:30-9pm Wed, Thur & Sun, 6:30-10pm Fri-Sat) on S. Highway 281 (at Main), south of Great Bend (fee) (620-617-1477). Brit Spaugh Park and Zoo on North Main Street, in Great Bend (316-793-4160). Jack Kilby Square in Great Bend. Lafayette Park in Great Bend. Langrehr Park in Great Bend. Twelve Days of Christmas at Veteran's Park in Great Bend (620-792-2750). Nanninga's Christmas Joyland (Dec. 1-31, 6-10pm) at 913 15th Rd in Morrowville (free) (785-265-3538). Christmas Card Lane at S.Ridgeview and Butterfield Pl. in Olathe (through Jan. 1) (free) (913-764-2913). Spring Grove Friends Church (37330 W. 379th St.) in Osawatomie (785-869-2401). Lemon Park Lights (through December) at Lemon Park (S. Pine St. & Santa Fe Rd.) in Pratt (free?)(620-672-5611). Winter Wonderland (Nov. 18-Dec. 31) at Lake Shawnee in Topeka (fee) (785-267-1156). Lights on the Lake (Nov. 19-20, 25-27 and Dec. 1-Jan. 1, Thurs-Sun, 6-9pm) dat Heartspring (6700 E. 29th St. N—enter at Rock Rd.) in Wichita (donations) (316-634-8740). Isle of Lights (Nov. 20-Dec. 30, 5-9pm) in Island Park at 300 Main St. in Winfield (free/donations) (620-221-2418).

Kentucky Winter Wonderland of Lights (Nov. 11-Jan. 2) at Central Park in Ashland (800-377-6249). Winter Lights (Nov. 23-Dec. 31) at Basil Griffin Park in Bowling Green (270-782-3660). Not Confirmed! Christmas Island (Nov. 19-Dec.) at General Burnside Island State Park in Burnside (800-642-6287). 6287 Christmas in the Park (Nov. 26-Jan. 2) at Mike Miller County Park in Draffenville (270-527-5284). Christmas in the Park (Nov. 20-Jan. 4, 6-11pm) at Freeman Lake Park in Elizabethtown (free/donations). Southern Lights at Kentucky Horse Park (through Dec. 31) (5:30-10pm) on Iron Works Parkway in Lexington (fee) (859-255-5727). Christmas at Panther Creek (Nov. 25-Jan. 2) at Panther Creek Park in Owensboro (270-685-6142). Holiday in the Park (Nov. 26-Jan. 1) at Legion Park in Owensboro (800-489-1131). Noble Park (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, Sun-Thur 6-9pm, Fri-Sat 6-10pm) in Paducah.

Louisiana "Christmas in the Park" (7-9pm) (Fri-Sun from Dec. 1-17, then nightly Dec. 18-25) at Cassidy Park in Bogalusa (985-732-7044). Christmas NIghts/Holiday Lights (Dec. 3-23) at Zemurray Park in Hammond (800-542-7520) Holiday of Lights at Tammany Trace Trailhead (21490 Koop Drive) (6-9pm Dec. 3-10?), in Mandeville (free) (985-867-9490). Lakeshore Drive in Mandeville. Mistletoe in Monroe (Mon-Thur 6-9pm, Fri-Sun 6-10pm) at Chennault Park in Monroe (318-329-2442) (fee). Celebration in the Oaks (5:30-10pm from Dec. 9-30, except Dec. 24-25, and 31) at the City Park Botanical Garden in New Orleans (504-483-9415) (fee) (On again, thanks to Azby Fund!) (fee) (504-722-6505 or 504-722-6502). Christmas in Roseland (Nov. 21-Dec. 30, 5:30-10pm, except closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day) at American Rose Center on Jefferson Paige Road (off I-5) in Shreveport (fee) (318-938-5402). Christmas Under the Stars (Dec. 10-19) at Griffith Park in Slidell. Kiroli Park (Sun-Thur 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 6-11pm) in West Monroe (318-396-4016) (small fee).

Keep checking back for light display updates all through December 2005!

Maine Main Street downtown area in Dover-Foxcroft. Congress Square in Portland. Longfellow Square in Portland. Middlesex Rd. (near Rusty's Grocery) in Topsham (not confirmed for 2006—has anyone seen it?). Cape Neddick Lighthouse at Sohier Park in York (207-363-1040).

Maryland Lights On The Bay (Nov. 18-Jan. 1, 5-10pm) along Chesapeake bay in Sandy Point State Park (off Rt. 50) in Annapolis (fee) (443-481-3161). Miracle on 34th Street at the 700 block of 34th Street in Baltimore (410-659-7300). Baltimore Zoo in Baltimore (410-366-LION). Symphony of Lights (Nov. 21-Jan. 1, 6-11pm) at Symphony Woods in Columbia (fee) (410-740-7666). Winter Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1, Sun-Thur 6-9pm, Fri-Sat 6-10pm) at Seneca Creek State Park on Clopper Rd. in Gaithersburg (fee) (301-258-6350). Winterfest of Lights (Dec. 1-Jan. 2, 5:30-9:30pm) at Northside Park in Ocean City (fee?) (800-OC-OCEAN). Garden in Lights (Dec. 9-Jan. 1, 6-9pm) at Annemarie Garden in Solomons (suggested donation of 5 dollars) (410-326-4640). Garden of Lights (Nov. 19-20, 24-27, Dec. 1-4, 7-11, 14-23, 26-30, Jan. 2-8, 5:30-9pm) at Brookside Gardens on Glenallen Ave. in Wheaton (fee) (301-962-1453). Winter Festival of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 2, 5-9:30pm) at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro.

Massachusetts Festival of Lights (Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 5-9pm) at La Salette Shrine at 947 Park Ave. in Attleboro (508-222-5410). Boston Common (Beacon & St. Charles) (through December) in Boston. Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston. Boston Common (Dec. 1-31) in Boston. The Prudential Center in Boston. Festival of Lights (Nov. 23, 25-30, Dec. 1-Jan. 1, except closed Dec. 25) at Edaville USA in South Carver(fee)(877-EDAVILLE). 144 Tenney Street in Georgetown. Fatima Shrine at 101 Summer St. in Holliston (508-429-2144). 40 Holliston St. (off Main St.) in Medway. Heritage Museum & Gardens (Nov. 25-25, 30, Dec. 1-4, 7-11,14-18, 21-23 & 28-31) in Sandwich (508-888-3300) (fee). Arch Bridge in Springfield. Bright Lights (Nov. 23-Dec. 11 open Wed-Sun, Dec. 14-Jan. 1 open nightly) at Forest Park in Springfield (413-733-3800). Springfield Newspaper building in Sprinfield. Zoo Lights (Nov. 24-Dec. 30, 5-9pm, except closed on Dec. 25) at Stone Zoo in Stoneham (fee) (617-541-5466). Narrows Lane off Great Western Road in Yarmouth.

Michigan Heritage Park (Dec. 1-31) in Adrian (517-263-2161). Downtown (Nov. 19-Dec. 31) parks and Division Street area of Battle Creek (800-397-2240). River of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 8, 6-10pm) at Veteran's Memorial Park in Bay City (donations accepted) (989-893-1222). Cadillac City Park (begins Nov. 18) in Cadillac. Nite Lites (Nov. 18-Jan. 1) at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park (fee) (616-784-4131). Crossroads Village in Flint (fee) (800-648-7275 or 810-736-7100). Christmas Lane on Highbanks Court in Holland. South Shore Dr. in Holland. Town Square in Holton (785-364-3963). Banner of Lights (Nov. 25-Dec. 25, weekends from 6-9pm) at Banner Lake west of Holton (fee) (785-364-3534 ext. 108). Nite Lights (Nov. 18-Dec. 30 6-10pm) at Jackson County Fairgrounds (200 W. Ganson) in Jackson (fee) (517-788-4405). Wonderland of Lights (Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 5-8pm, except closed Dec. 24-25) at Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania in Lansing (fee) (517-702-4730). The Lights Before Christmas (Dec. 2-4, 8-11, 22-23) at Fernwood Botanical Gardens at 13988 Range Line Rd. in Niles (fee) (269-695-6491). Wick's Park gazebo on Water Street in Saugatuck. Lights Before Christmas (Mon-Thur. 5-8pm, Fri-Sun. 5-9pm from Nov. 18-Dec. 31, except closed Dec. 24-25) at Toledo Zoo in Toledo (fee) (419-385-5721). Wayne County Lightfest (Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 7-10pm, except closed Dec. 25) on Hines Drive (south of I-96) in Westland (fee?) (734-261-1990).

Minnesota 1645 Lake Lucy Rd. in Chanhassen. Bentleyville Tour of Lights (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 5-10pm?) at 3858 Crosby Road (off Cty Rd. 56) in Solway Township (Cloquet) (free). 2076 and 2080 128th Ave. NW in Coon Rapids. Ebony Ave. in Duluth. Greysolon Rd. between 36th & 38th Avenues in Congdon Park area of Duluth. 3739 Lake Ave. S. in Park Point area of Duluth. Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. 93rd Ave. W. from Hilton to Falcon St. in Morgan Park area of Duluth. 600 block of Utah Ave. South in Golden Valley. 7800 block of Dawn Ave. in Inver Grove Heights. 2500 block of Cheyenne Circle in Minnetonka. Como Zoo at Kaufman Drive in St. Paul. Rice Park in St. Paul. 5000 block of Forest Glen Court in Savage. 1085 Hall Ave. in South St. Paul.

Keep checking back for light display updates all through December 2005!

Mississippi Alcorn County Courthouse & grounds (Dec. 1-31) in downtown Corinth (662-287-1550). 280 White Chapel Road in Pine Belt. McGee's Castle Christmas Drive Through (Dec 16-24, 6-10pm) at 1479 Pinehill Dr. in Raymond (fee) (601-857-8997). Southern Lights (Nov. 23-Dec. 31) at Central Park in Southaven (fee) (662-890-7275). Christmas in the Park (Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 6-9pm) at Holmes Water Park in Tylertown (fee) (601-876-2680). Winter Wonderland of Lights (Nov. 18-Jan. 1) along the Riverwalk in Vidalia (fee) (318-336-8223).

Missouri Christmas in the Park (Nov. 23-Dec. 31) at Longview Lake Campground in Blue Springs (donations accepted) (816-795-8200 ext. 1230). Englehardt residence at 1404 W. 12th St. in Blue Springs. Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills on W. Highway 76 in Branson (800-653-6288 or 417-334-4191). Branson Hills Parkway in Branson. Santa's Magical Kingdom (Nov. 18-Jan. 2, Sun-Thur 5:30-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm) in Eureka (fee) (636-938-5925). Holiday of Lights (Dec. 1-31) at Cape County Park in Cape Girardeau (573-335-1631). Winter Wonderland in Hood Park (6-9pm) (Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18) in Cuba (free/donations) (877-212-8429). Crown Center in Kansas City. Port of Lights (Nov. 3-Dec. 31) in Kimberling City (fee) (417-739-2564). Holiday Magic Drive (Nov. 10-Jan. 1) (Mon-Thur 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm) at Bagnell Dam in Lake Ozark (fee) (800-386-5235). Enchanted Village of Lights (Nov. 24-Dec. 31) at the Fairgrounds on Route O in Laurie (573-372-0367). Festival of Lights (Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 2006) at St. Patrick's Church on Route 5 in Laurie (573-374-6279). Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake Campground (Nov.23-Dec. 31) (Sun-Thur 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm) in Lee's Summit (donations) (816-795-4830). Marshall Habilitation Center (through Jan. 1) on E. Slater in Marshall. Courthouse in Maryville. Winter Wonderland at Franklin Park (uncertain of dates) in Maryville (660-582-8643). Festival of Lights (Nov. 18-Dec. 26, 5:30-9:30pm) at City South Park in Monett (free/donations) 417-235-7919. Big Spring Park (6-11pm, Dec. 3 until first week in January) in Neosho. Christmas at the Lake in Radio Springs Park in Nevada (417-448-2742). Celebration of Lights (Nov. 11-Dec. 20) at Fort Zumwalt Park in O' Fallon (636-379-5574). Christmas in the Park (Dec. 9-21, 6-9pm) at Rolla Lions Club Park in Rolla (573-364-1722). Second Street in Scott City. Festival of Lights (Nov. 25-Dec. 31) at Cornerstone Church in Springfield (417-831-7242). Jordan Valley Park in Springfield. Red Oak Plantation Drive in St. Louis. Way of Lights (Nov. 15-Jan. 6, 5-10pm) at Our Lady of the Snows in St. Louis (free/donations) (618-397-6700). Tiffany Estates subdivision off Tesson Ferry in St. Louis. U.S. Band Wild Lights (Nov. 25-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-23, 26-30, 5:30-8:30pm) at St. Louis Zoo on Wells Drive in St. Louis (fee) (314-781-0900). St. James Park (Dec. 3-25) in St. James (573-265-71124). Wyeth-Tootle Mansion in St. Joseph (816-232-8471). Krug Park and Hyde Park (begins at dusk, Nov. 26-Dec. 31) in St. Joseph (donations) (816-271-5500).

Montana Electric Avenue in Bigfork. Heritage Park in Butte. Marantette Park in Columbia Falls. Electric City Light Festival (Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 6-9pm—may be weekends only) at State Fairgrounds (3rd St. NW) in Great Falls (406-771-8648). 1700 River Dr. N. in Great Falls. Lights of Opportunity (Dec 2-31) at Dick's RV Park (1403 11th St. SW) in Great Falls (fee) (406-454-2782 or 406-590-3128). Kapphan residence on 3rd Ave. North (east of 20th St.) in Great Falls. Mineral County Courthouse (tree is lit on Dec. 9) in Superior (406-822-4388).

Nebraska SantaLand (Dec. 1-30, 6-10pm) at City Park in Creighton (donations) (402-358-3737). Festival of Lights at Stolley Park (Nov. 24-Dec. 30, Mon-Thur 6:30pm-9:30pm Fri-Sat 6:30-10pm) in Grand Island (fee) (308-381-2311). Christmas Diorama (Nov. 24-Dec. 31—their 50th anniversary!) at the fairgrounds in Hemingford (308-487-3695). Gene Leahy Mall (Nov. 25 until Jan. 9) (10th-14th street area) in Omaha (402-345-5401). Union Station (Nov. 25-Jan.8—special tribute to those who serve and protect) in Omaha (402-444-5071). Centennial Park in Seward (fee?) (402-643-4189).

Nevada "Light the Night" at botanical gardens of Ethel M. Chocolate Factory (2 Cactus Garden Way) (sunset-10pm) in Henderson (702-892-0711). 210 West Highland Drive (between Ridgeway Rd. & Mountain View Rd.) in Henderson. 6917 Cobblestone Avenue (near Redstone St.) in Las Vegas. 4295 E. Wyoming Avenue (near Lamb & Charleston) in Las Vegas. Gift Of Lights in Sunset Park (until Jan. 2) (5-9pm) in Las Vegas (fee: reduced fee with donated bag of items for Goodwill) (702-451-1641). Magical Forest (Nov. 24-Dec. 30, Sun-Thur 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10pm) at Opportunity Village (6300 Oakey) in Las Vegas (fee) (702-259-3700). Celebration Of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1) at Ramada Express in Laughlin (702-298-6231). Diamond Bar Estates subdivision (off Blagg Rd.) in Pahrump.

New Hampshire Holiday Magic Light Park (Nov. 24-Jan 1, 4:30-8:30pm) at Branch Brook Campground (on 49W) in Campton (fee) (800-237-2307). Hudson Christmas at 75 Pelham Rd. in Hudson.

New Jersey Camden's Children's Garden (Fri-Sat evenings through Dec., except closed Dec. 24 and 31) in Camden (856-365-8733). Munsee Drive in Cranford. Christmas City Light Display (Dec. 2-Jan 1; may be limited hours on week nights) at 1064 County Road 523 in Flemington. Victoria Lane (near Garden Court) in Mahwah.

New Mexico Luminarias (Dec. 24, lit at 6pm—going for a record number this year!) throughout Old Town and other neighborhoods of Albuquerque. River of Lights (Nov. 26-Dec. 30, except Dec. 24-25) at Rio Grande Botanic Garden (2601 Central Ave. NW) in Albuquerque (fee) (505-764-6200). Heritage Plaza in Artesia. Main Street luminarias (December 24 only) in Carrizozo (505-648-2732). Christmas on the Pecos along the Pecos River (Nov. 24-Jan. 1, except Christmas Eve) in Carlsbad (505-887-6516)(seen by boat: reservations required)(fee). Riverwalk Park in Grants. Fire and Ice Park in Grants. River of Lights (Nov. 26-Dec. 30 from 6-9pm, except closed Dec. 24 & 25) at Botanic Garden in Rio Grande (fee) (764-6200).

New York Capital Holiday Lights in the Park at Washington Park (through Dec. 1)in Albany (518-434-2032) (fee). Holiday Lights at Bronx Zoo (Nov. 19-Dec. 19 Fri, Sat, Sun & Dec. 20-Jan 9--except closed Dec. 24-25) (5-9pm) in Bronx (718-220-5100)(fee). New York Botanical Garden at 200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard in Bronx (718-817-8700). 83rd & 84th Street (Dyker Heights area) between 10th & 13th avenues in Brooklyn. Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine (Dec. 1-Jan. 2) at 1023 Swann Road in Lewiston (free) (716-754-7489). Lights on the Lake (Nov. 22-Jan. 8, 5-10pm) at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool (fee)(315-451-PARK). Rockefeller Center at 50th Street and 5th Avenue in New York. Holiday Lights (Dec. 1-Jan. 3) at Oppenheim County Park in Niagara Falls (716-285-8461). Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park in Scranton (donations) (570-348-4186). Lights on the Lake (5-10pm, Nov. 22, 2005-Jan. 8, 2006) at Onondaga Lake Park in Syracuse (fee).

Keep checking back for light display updates all through December 2005!

North Carolina Holiday of Lights (Nov 25-Jan. 1—may be closed Dec. 25) at NC Zoo in Asheboro (800-488-0444). Meadow Christmas Lights (Nov. 18 until?), (7 miles south of town, off NC Hwy 96 on Godwin Lake Rd.) in Benson (894-4370). Carolina Beach Lake at Hwy 21 & Atlanta Ave. in Carolina Beach (910-458-5507). Festival of Lights (Nov. 12-Jan. 1, 6-11pm) in Tanglewood Park in Clemmons (Exit 184 off I-40)(fee). Main Street in Forest City. Springwood Avenue in Gibsonville. Deerglade Ct. in Greensboro. Town of McAdenville (Dec. 1-26). Celebration of Lights at ALLTEL Pavilion (6-10pm) (until Jan. 2) at Walnut Creek in Raleigh (919-831-6666). Trail of Lights (through Dec. 25) on Church Street in Valdese (free) (828-874-1893). The Battleship in Wilmington (910-251-5797). 1112 block of Rundell St. in Winston-Salem. 4755 Randall Ave (off Jonestown Rd.) in Winston-Salem.

North Dakota Christmas in the Park (through Dec. 31)at Sertoma Park in Bismarck (fee/also asking for food donations) (701-255-0227). Prairie Outpost Park (Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 5-9:30pm) in Dickinson (donations welcome) (800-279-7391). Holiday Lights (Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 5:30-10:30pm) in Lindenwood Park in Fargo. Christmas in the Park (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 5:30-10pm) at Lincoln Drive Park in Grand Forks (fee) (701-795-1115). Leistikow Park in Grafton. Harmon Park in Williston.

Ohio PNC Festival of Lights (until Jan. 1) at Cincinnati Zoo (3400 Vine Street) in Cincinnati (800-944-4778). Holiday in Lights (Nov. 18-Jan. 1) at Sharon Woods in Cincinnati (fee) (513-769-0393). Clifton Mill (Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 6pm until?) at 75 Water Street at Hwys. 72 & 343 in Clifton (fee) (937-767-5501). Wildlights (Nov. 18-Jan. 1, Sun-Thur 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5p-10pm) (closed Nov. 24 and Dec. 24-25) at Columbus Zoo in Columbus. Whispering Christmas (Dec. 1-31, 6-10pm) at Fort St. Clair Park on Camden Road in Eaton (937-456-4125). Holiday Lights on the Hill (Nov. 19-Jan. 1, 6-10pm) at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park (1763 Ohio Rd. 128) in Hamilton (fee) (513-868-8336). Armory grounds on Front Street in Marietta. Christmas By Candlelight (Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 6-10pm) at Marion County Fairgrounds in Marion (fee) (740-382-2558). Winding Creek Court (may be turned off due to local traffic problems!) (I believe you go to Socialville Foster Rd., then Simpson Creek Way & right on Meadowview) in Mason. Light Up Middletown (5:30-9:30pm through Dec. 30) at Smith Park on Tytus Ave. in Middletown (donations accepted) (513-423-1877). Wonderland Fairgrounds (Nov. 26-Dec. 22, Fri-Sat 7-10pm) (donated from Rudd's Family Christmas Lights at County Fairgrounds (fee) (937-544-2391) in West Union.

Oklahoma Wintersmith Park (Nov. 22-Jan. 1) in Ada (580-436-6300). Christmas in the Park (Nov. 25-Dec. 31) at Hightower Park in Altus (580-482-0210). Central Blvd. & Randlett Park (Nov. 26-Dec. 31) in Anadarko (donations welcome) (405-247-6651). Festival of Lights (Nov. 26-Dec. 30) at Regional Park in Ardmore (580-223-7765). Fantasy Land of Lights (Nov. 18-Dec. 30, 6-10pm) at Johnstone Park in Bartlesville (donations accepted) (918-333-4978). Wonderland of Lights (Nov. 26-Dec. 19, Fri-Sat-Sun 5-9pm) at Woolaroc Ranch (on State 123) in Bartlesville (918-336-0307). Bells and Bows (Dec. 1-31) at Kay County Fairgrounds in Blackwell (580-363-4195). Holiday Lights (Nov. 22-Dec. 311, 6pm-midnight) at Central Park in Broken Arrow (918-251-1518). Rhema Christmas Light Tour (Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 6pm-midnight) at Rhema Bible College (1025 W. Kenosha) in Broken Arrow (fee) (918-258-1588). Holiday Light Tour (Nov. 26-Dec. 31) at Lake Eufala State Park in Checotah (918-689-5311 or 800-654-8240). Festival of Light at Shannon Springs Park (Nov. 22-Dec. 31, 6-11pm) in Chickasha (405-224-9627). Turner Falls Park in Davis. Lighting the Trail (Nov. 19-Dec. 31, Sun-Thur 7-10pm, Fri-Sat 7-11pm) at Fuqua Park in Duncan (405-255-3644). Carl Albert Park (Nov. 25-Dec. 31) in Durant (free) (580-924-7222). Christmas in the Park (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 6-11pm) at Ackley Park in Elk City (800-280-0207). Courthouse lawn area of Enid (580-234-1919). Sequoyah Lights in the Park (Dec. 1-31) in Hulbert (918-772-2406 or 800-368-1486). City Park (Nov. 24-Dec. 30?) in Kingfisher (405-375-4445). Gore Blvd. in Lawton. Holiday Lights Spectacular at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park (Nov. 18-Dec. 30) in Midwest City (donations) (405-739-1293). Garden of Lights (Nov. 24-Jan. 1) at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee (donations accepted) (918-684-6302). OG&E Garden Lights at Myriad Botanical Gardens (Nov. 23-Jan. 1), in Oklahoma City (405-297-3995). Festival of Angels (Nov. 23-Dec. 30?) at Lake Ponca Park (and other city venues) in Ponca City (580-762-2273). Holiday Lights on the Lake (Nov. 25-Dec. 26) at Snowdale State Park in Salina (918-434-2651). Festival of Lights (Nov 24-Jan. 1) at Sequoyah City Park in Tahlequah (918-456-3742). Riverside Drive (begins Dec. 5) in Tulsa (918-596-2001). ZooLightful (Nov. 25-Dec. 30) at the Tulsa Zoo (918-669-6635). Crystal Christmas (Nov. 19-Dec. 31, Sun-Thur 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 6-11pm) at Crystal Beach Park in Woodward (580-256-7411). Hwy. 29 through downtown Wynnewood (405-665-4466). Christmas in the Park (Nov. 19-Dec. 31, 6-11pm) at City Park & Chisholm Trail Park in Yukon (free/donations) (405-354-7208).

Oregon Celebration of Lights (until Jan. 1) at 24232 S. Upper Highland Rd in Colton (free) (503-636-5318). Holiday Lights (Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 4-10pm) at Shore Acres State Park in Coos Bay (541-888-3732). Miracle Of Christmas (Dec. 2-26, 6-10pm) (begins at Lockhaven Dr. NE & 14th Ave.) in North Keizer (donations for food bank encouraged)(503-856-3403). Christmas Fantasy Trail (Dec. 9-28?) on S. Ridge Road in Oregon City (fee) (503-631-2047). Peacock Lane (6-11pm, Dec. 15-31?) (one block east of Southeast 39th Ave) in Portland (free). Christmas Ship Parade (nightly, Dec. 8-21, except in extreme weather conditions) in Willamette & Columbia rivers near Portland (503-282-0159). Queen Anne Victorian Mansion at 1441 N. McAllen St. in Portland (503-283-3224). Festival of Lights at The Grotto (5-9:30pm, until Dec. 30) (corner of Sandy Boulevard and 85th Avenue in Portland (fee) (241-2400). Twelve Days of Christmas (until Jan. 1) at Portland International Raceway (1940 N. Victory Blvd) in Portland (fee). Festival of Lights at (Nov. 20-Jan 1, Sun-Thur 5:30-9pm Fri-Sat-Holidays 5:30-10pm) River Forks Park, west of Roseburg (fee).

Pennsylvania Lights in the Parkway (5:30-10pm, Nov. 25-Jan. 1, except closed Dec. 25) on Lehigh Parkway in Allentown (fee) (610-437-7530). Lights On The Lake (approx. Nov. 24-Jan. 8, 6-10pm) at Lakemont Park (from I-99 take Frankstown Road exit) in Altoona (fee) (814-949-7275 or 800-434-8006). Koziar's Christmas Village (Nov. 1-Jan. 1) at Christmas Village Rd. in Bernville (fee?) (610-488-1110). Payrow Plaza (at Church & New streets) in Bethlehem. Festival of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 5-10pm) at Blue Spruce Park (near Ernest) in Indiana County (fee) (724-463-8636). Overly's Country Christmas (Nov. 11-Jan. 1, Sun-Thur 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm) at Westmoreland County Fairgrounds (Mt. Pleasant Rd.) in Greensburg (fee) (724-423-1400 or 800-9-OVERLY). Christmas Magic (Nov. 25-Dec. 23, Dec. 26-31) at Rocky Ridge County Park (fee) (888-858-9675) in Hallam. Hershey Sweet Lights at Hershey Park in Hershey (fee) (800-HERSHEY). Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square (800-737-5500). Cascade of Lights (6-9pm Nov. 24-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23, 25, 26-30) in Cascade Park (fee) (724-656-3510). House of Lights (Nov. 24-Dec. 24) at ME's Zoo (12441 Randolph County Road 300-S) in Parker City (fee) (765-468-8559). City Hall tree at Broad & Market in Philadelphia. Lord & Taylor Holiday Light Show (Nov. 25-Jan. 1) at 1300 Market St. in Philadelphia (215-241-9000). Rittenhouse Square at Walnut & 18th Streets in Philadelphia. Mellon Square in Pittsburgh. Celebration of Lights (Nov. 18-Jan. 8, Sun-Thur dusk-10pm, Fri-Sat. dusk-11pm) at Hartwood Acres (until Jan. 11) in Pittsburgh (fee) (412-767-9200). Holiday Lights Spectacular (Nov. 25-Jan. 2?) at Nay Aug Park in Scranton (donations) (570-348-4186). (CANCELLED) FOR 2005 Christmas Spectacular at Village Greens Golf at 1444 Village Rd. in Strasburg (CANCELLED FOR 2005).

Rhode Island Winter Wonderland in Slater Memorial Park at Newport Avenue in Pawtucket (401-726-3185). Brown Street in Wickford.

South Carolina Lights of Hope (Nov. 24-Dec. 31) at Darwin Wright Park on Hwy. 178 in Anderson (fee) (864-225-1371). Holiday Festival of Lights (Nov. 11-Jan. 1) at St. James Island County Park on Riverland Drive in Charleston (fee)(843-795-7275). Marion Square (60-foot tree is lit on Dec. 3) in Charleston (843-724-7305). Riverbanks Zoo (Nov. 25-Dec. 30) on Greystone Boulevard in Columbia (803-779-8717). Holiday Lights Safari (Nov. 24-Jan. 1?) in Hollywild Animal Park at 2325 Hampton Road in Inman (864-472-2038). Hope Ferry Rd. (can anyone confirm lights for 2005?) in Lexington. Edisto Memorial Gardens (Nov. 21-Jan. 1) in Orangeburg (803-533-6020). Pacolet Amphitheatre in Pacolet (864-474-9504). Wofford College campus (lights on Dec. 5?) at 429 N. Church Street in Spartanburg (864-597-4180).

Keep checking back for light display updates all through December 2005!

South Dakota Festival of Lights (Nov. 24-Dec. 29) at Wylie Park (off US Hwy 281) in Aberdeen. Capitol Building in Pierre (605-773-2387). Holiday of Lights (Nov. 24-Dec. 27, 6-10pm) at Yankton Trails Park on S. Minnesota Ave. in Sioux Falls (fee) (605-334-2808). Winter Wonderland (Nov. 18-Jan. 1) at Falls Park in Sioux Falls (605-336-1620).

Tennessee Speedway in Lights (6-10pm, beginning Nov. 18) at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol (423-989-6901). Christmas on the Cumberland (5-10pm Nov. 25-Jan. 1) along the Riverwalk in McGregor Park in Clarksville (931-645-7476). 2450 Petty Rd. (off Hwy. 49) in Charlotte. Tate Road in Dyersburg. (NOTE: Taking the year off—back in 2006!)Planet Christmas in Franklin. Zoo Lights at (Dec. 18-23) Memphis Zoo in Memphis (901-333-6764). Graceland (from Thanksgiving until the Elvis Birthday Celebration in Jan.) in Memphis (901-332-3322). Gaylord Opryland Resort (Nov. 17-Jan. 8) at 2800 Opryland Drive in Nashville (615-889-1000). Centennial Park in Nashville. Festival of Lights (Dec. 3-25) at Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon (615-443-2626). Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge (800-365-6993). Gatlinburg (Nov. 2, 2005-Feb 28, 2006) (try taking the trolley!) (865-436-3897). Veterans Park (lights go on Nov. 25 at about 6:30pm) in Shelbyville. 4519 Highway 11 West in Surgoinsville.

Texas Celebration Park (Nov. 17-Dec. 30, 6:30-10pm) on I-20 east of Abilene (fee) (325-692-5098). Christmas Lane (Dec. 6-24) at Abilene State School (2501 Maple) in Abilene (325-592-4053). Interlochen area (usually lit mid-December) (subdivision in northwest area of town)(from I-30 take Fielder Rd. and go W. to Randol Mill Rd.) in Arlington (free) (817-459-6100). Land of Lights (Nov. 12-Jan. 1, 6-10:30pm) off Loop 317 between Hwy. 175W & Hwy 31W in Athens (fee) (903-675-7469). 37th Street in Austin. Zilker Park (Dec. 4-31) in Austin (512-974-6700). River of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1) along the river from Fisherman's Park to Ferry Park in Bastrop (512-321-2419). Glenbrook subdivision (most homes lit from 6-9pm until Jan. 1) (off Brookside Drive) in Bedford. Festival of Lights at Comanche Trail Park in Big Spring (432-263-4607). Blanco County Courthouse in Blanco (830-833-2201). Washington Street (first two weekends in December, 6-9pm) in Burnet (512-756-4481). Tom Finley Park in Cedar Creek. Woodland Hills area (near Martin Parkway) in Colleyville. Wonderland Christmas (through Dec. 30, Sun-Thur 6-10:15pm, Fri-Sat 6-11:15pm, Dec. 24-25 6pm-midnight) on Warwick Drive in Corinth. DeWitt County Courthouse in Cuero. Highland Park neighborhood (Armstrong Road/Preston Parkway area) in Dallas. Preston Hollow neighborhood (look for Preston Haven Drive, Preston Road) in Dallas. Grayson County Holiday Lights (Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 6-10pm) in Denison (903-456-1551). Festival of Lights at Paul Hopkins Park (through Dec. 31, 6-8:30pm) in Dickinson (free) (281-337-6293). Main Street in Dripping Springs. From City Hall to Historical Park in Farmer's Branch (972-919-2631). Hidden Cove Park (Hackberry Creek Park Rd.) (still on for 2005?) in Frisco (food, toy or cash donation) (972-292-1001). Moody Gardens (Nov. 19-Jan. 7, 6-10pm) in Galveston (800-582-4673). Springpark area (off Jupiter Road&emdash;look for Springpark Way) in Garland. Downtown historic area on Main in Grapevine. Post Oak Blvd. in Houston. Enchanted Forest (Nov. 25-Dec. 31) at Lions Park on E. Jefferson in Jefferson (free) (903-665-7064). Kerr County Courthouse in Kerrville. Nature in Lights (Nov. 12-Jan. 8, 5:30-11pm) at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area on Cottage Rd. in Killeen (fee) (254-287-2523). LLano County Courthouse in Llano. Gregg County courthouse in Longview. Walkway of Lights (Nov. 18-Dec. 31) at Lakeside Park (6-10pm) in Marble Falls (800-759-8178). Harrison County Courthouse in Marshall. Newton County Courthouse in Newton. Nancy Lane in Oak Ridge North. Starbright Village at McKinney Park in Odessa. Celebration of Lights (Nov. 19-Dec. 31) at Recreation Park (US Hwy. 60) in Pampa (donations accepted). Deerfield Estates area (look for Archgate Drive) in Plano. Christmas at Bryan's Barn (Dec. 1-31) in Robert Lee (325-453-2831). River Walk in San Angelo. River Walk in San Antonio. Santa's Ranch Drive Through Christmas Light Park in San Marcos (830-743-1293). Loy Lake Park (until Jan. 1) in Sherman (donations) (888-893-1188). Trail of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1) at Newman Park in Sweetwater (325-236-6677). Nolan County Courthouse in Sweetwater. Lights of the Blackland Trails (Dec.1-Jan. 1) in Taylor (512-365-8485). Lighted Christmas Drive (Dec. 3-11, 6-9pm) at Ben Gill Park, 1314 W. Moore in Terrell (972-563-5703). Downtown Texarkana (903-792-7191). Uvalde County Courthouse in Uvalde. Wild Lights (Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17) at Texas Zoo in Riverside Park in Victoria (361-573-7681). Electricritters (Nov. 12-Dec. 18 on Fri & Sat from 6:30-8:30pm) at River Bend Nature Works in Wichita Falls (940-767-0843). MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights (Dec. 2-Jan 1) at Midwestern State University (3410 Taft St.) in Wichita Falls (940-397-4352). EmilyAnn Theatre in Wimberley (512-847-6969). Wimberley Square in Wimberley (512-847-2201). Downtown Park and Coleto Creek area of Yorktown (361-564-2661).

Utah Festival of Lights (Nov. 25-Dec. 23 on Thur-Sat and on Mon) at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins (800-746-9882). Christmas Utah (begins Nov. 25: Check Marty's web site for more Utah Christmas light listings) at 5631 S. Whispering Pine Circle in Murray. The 10-acre block of Temple Square downtown in Salt Lake City (801-521-2822).

Vermont Church Street Marketplace in Burlington (802-863-1648). Village Green in Chester.

Virginia 3900 block of Lincolnshire Street in Arlington. Miracle of Lights (Nov. 18- Jan. 8, 5:30-10:30pm) at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia (fee) (703-709-KIDS). Clearbrook Park (Dec. 10-31) in Clearbrook (540-665-5678). Luminaries at Belmont Estates subdivision (Dec. 18 only) in Harrisonburg. 550 New York Ave. in Harrisonburg. Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park (13560 Jefferson Ave.) (Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 5:30-10pm) in Newport News (fee). Coleman's Winter Wonderland (Nov. 18-Dec. 31) (formerly done by a nursery, now hosted by Courthouse Galleries at High & Court streets) in Portsmouth (fee) (757-393-8543). Cary Street in downtown Richmond. GardenFest of Lights (Nov. 25-Jan. 8, except closed Dec. 24-25, 31)) at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Lakeside Ave. in Richmond (804-262-9887). Holiday Lights at the Beach (Nov. 18-Jan. 1) (at Tidewater and Hampton) in Virginia Beach (757-491-7866). Camp Bethel (6-10pm) in Wise (276-328-6876).

Keep checking back for light display updates all through December 2005!

Washington Garden D'Lights (Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 5-9:30pm) at Bellevue Botanical Garden on Main St. in Bellevue (425-451-3755). Timberline Park Lights (Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 5-10pm weekdays & 5-11pm weekends) at the 3800 and 3900 blocks on 228th Place SW in Brier (food, toy, cash donations). Wild Waves Park (Dec. 10-Jan 1) in Federal Way (253-925-8000). Civic Center in downtown Longview. Lone Oak Road (still active?) in Longview . 3916 Woodlawn Ave. N. (still active?) in Seattle (donations accepted). Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp (begins Dec. 1?) (20800 Marine Dr.) in Stanwood (fee) (360-652-7575). Zoolights (Nov. 25-Jan. 1, except closed Dec. 24-25) at Point Defiance Zoo on Pearl Street in Tacoma (fee) (253-404-3637).

Washington, D.C. Capitol Holiday Christmas Tree (Dec. 8-Jan.1) on the U.S. Capitol lawn. Christmas Pageant of Peace (Dec. 2--Jan. 1) at President's Park (1100 Ohio Drive SW, south of the White House) (free) (202-208-1631).

West Virgina Christmas In The Park (dusk-10pm Nov. 24-Dec. 31) at Chief Logan State Park in Logan (donations accepted) (304-792-7125). Festival of Lights (Nov. 1-Jan. 1) at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling (fee/donation)(304-243-4000).

Wisconsin Christmas Village (Nov. 25-Jan. 1) in Irvine Park at Bridgewater Ave. & Hwy. 124 in Chippewa Falls (715-723-0051). Mill Yard Park (Dec. 1-31) at Bridge Street & Park Road in Cornell (715-239-3717). The Ice Castle (this one actually lights up after Christmas), illuminated with colored floodlights, in Eagle River (800-359-6315). Lakeside Park (Dec. 1-Jan. 1) at North Main St. in Fond Du Lac (920-020-2950). WPS Garden of Lights (Fri-Sun Nov. 25-Dec. 18; may be additional hours Dec. 22-23 & 29-30) at Green Bay Botanical Garden in Green Bay (fee) (920-490-9457). Rotary Lights (Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 5-10pm) in Riverside Park in La Crosse (donations: cash/canned food) (800-658-9424). Christmas in the County (mid-November-Jan. 1) Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva (800-558-3417). Holiday Lights (Nov. 17-Jan. 2) at Olin-Turville Park in Madison (608-222-7630). Courthouse in Merrill (877-907-2757). Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee. Community Spirit Park (Nov. 17 through Jan. 1) at Cathedral Square Park (N. Jefferson & E. Wells) in Milwaukee (414-220-4700 ext. 23). Holiday Central at Pere Marquette Park (at West State & Old World Third) in Milwaukee (414-220-4700 ext. 23). Make the Season Bright at Zeidler Union Square (W. Michigan between 3rd & 4th Streets) in Milwaukee (414-220-4700 ext. 23). Holiday Night Lights (Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17 from 6-9pm) at Milwaukee Zoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (414-256-5412)(fee). Water Street near Broadway in Milwaukee. La Salette Shrine (Dec. 4-Jan. 1, 5-9pm) on Road KD in Twin Lakes (free/donations).

Wyoming Pioneer Square in Worland.

Keep checking back for light display updates all through December 2005!

Close to our northern border? Keep going for great holiday lights in Canada. Christmaslights.ca

Quick touches to make the house or RV a little more festive: candy canes stuffed in a glass, teddy bears grouped with Christmas pillows, plain pillows tied with ribbon like a package&emdash;extend the season even further by saving some decorating for each week of the season. Or, grab some friends and go decorate an elderly friend's house. A lot of seniors would love to have lights and other goodies around but are not as agile as they once were, and a little help would make their holidays a lot more fun.
Dress up a holiday table with a Fire and Ice Centerpiece.		If this time of year actually makes you get the blues, remember that January is coming and it's full of other holidays to get ready for. How about National Kazoo Day, National Popcorn Day, Peculiar People Day or Pie Day? The New Year approaches and there are new opportunities for fun and making dreams come true. If something's been holding you back from your dream you can get ready to grab life by the horns in 2006!

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated December 21, 2005

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson