The Journal

Issue date: 12/8/05 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Mario Ulibarri More than 1 million lights adorn Tilles Park this holiday season. "Winter Wonderland" celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. [Click to enlarge]

The decked halls, boughs of holly and overdressed Christmas trees are often given too much attention during the holidays. What really puts the season's spirit in the spotlight are the elaborate holiday light displays. A variety of drive-through light shows, from quaint to over-the-top, are now open in the St. Louis area through the holiday season. Many of the locations have carriage or tram rides available for the perfect, romantic date, while other activities are catered for the young, or young at heart.

Tilles Park

Always a St. Louis favorite, "Winter Wonderland" at Tilles Park is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Old favorites such as the "Tripod Tree Forest," with its 200 to 300 multicolored, miniature Christmas trees, will make its annual appearance this year. The carousel and gingerbread house also recently received updates. New additions include a fish leaping out of a lighted lake. More than 1 million lights went into this year's show.

Location: Litzsinger and McKnight Roads in St. Louis County.

Distance from Webster: 3.5 miles

Times: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday

Admission fees: $9 family vehicle, $10 limousine, $30 commercial transport van, $75 tour bus

More information: http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/ww/ww2005.htm

Santa's Magical Kingdom

For those who prefer the tackier side of Christmas, Santa's Magical Kingdom provides enough holiday overload that you'll scream for the Fourth of July. Two seizure-inducing lighted tunnels, a massive waterfall and lake, reindeer and frogs leaping over the road, cartoon characters frolicking about and some frisky candy canes make this light show the loudest, biggest and possibly the best light display in the St. Louis area. More than 2 million lights go into the construction of this massive display.

Location: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, 5300 Fox Creek Road, in Eureka, Mo.

Distance from Webster: 18.4 miles

Times: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Admission fees: $16 car or van, $25 mini-buses, limousines and commercial passenger vans. New this year are "Santa Express" train rides for $12 per person.

More information:
(636) 938-5925 or http://www.eurekajellystone.com/santa



National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Way Of Lights Christmas Display

A holiday visit to the Shrine shows visitors the reason for all of the stress and gift swapping - the light show depicts the Christmas story. However, the lights are just the beginning. Other activities include camel and donkey rides, carriage rides, a live animal display, a Christmas tree display and a children's area with puppets and storytelling for the youngsters. Children of all ages will love the Lego displays. The Shrine itself features a restaurant and 12 devotional areas year-round.

Location: 442 S. Demazenod Drive, Belleville, Ill.

Distance from Webster: 25.4 miles

Times: 5 to 10 p.m. nightly

Admission fees: Free for light display; camel and donkey rides, $4 for adults, $3 for children; carriage ride pricing available by phone

More information: (618) 397-6700, 1-800-682-2879 or http://www.snows.org/DefaultEnglish.aspx

14th Celebration of Lights

This drive-through light display features a mile of holiday scenes. Vehicle viewing, however, isn't your only option. Carriage rides are available.

Location: 411 S. Service Road West, O'Fallon, Mo.

Distance from Webster: 33.6 miles

Times: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6:30 to
10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Admission fees: $7 per car

More information:
(636) 379-5575

Christmas Wonderland 2005

More than 2.5 million lights make up this display in Illinois. A waterfall, lighted trees and more are included in the show, which is located in Rock Springs Park. The younger members of your crew will enjoy a petting zoo and some quality time with the big guy himself, Santa Claus.

Location: One Spring Street, Alton, Ill.

Distance from Webster: 30.3 miles

Times: 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday

Admission fees: $7 cars and small vans, $1 per person for 10-and-over passenger vehicles, $10 per adult, $5 for children 10 years old and under for carriage rides

More information: (866) 465-7890


St. Louis Zoo Wild Lights

Celebrate the holidays with the critters at the zoo this season. Nearly a half-million bulbs make up lighted penguins, flamingos, butterflies, bullfrogs, shooting stars and an elephant. The Zooline Railroad isn't making its routes, but is decked in its holiday best for a picture-perfect photo opportunity. Children can enjoy costumed characters, crafts and storytelling. Guests can try an animated motion ride simulator for an extra $3 per person. Lakeside Café will serve hot chocolate along with dinner and snacks.

Location: One Government Drive, St. Louis

Distance from Webster: 4.7 miles

Times: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Admission fees: $4 Zoo Friends, $5 non-members and free for children under two

More information: (314) 781-0900 or http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/wildlights.htm

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