MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio -- If you’ve ever wondered what a skyborne Santa would look like with a team of pterodactyls -- rather than Rudolph and his pals -- pulling the sleigh, you’re in luck.
Magic of Lights 2022 features “Prehistoric Christmas,” as well as various other new displays and a bevy of returning fan favorites.
The Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Road, is home to the sparkling mile-long course, which features more than a million bulbs. The display is open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1.
Admission is per vehicle. Advance tickets for vehicles with up to three rows of seats are $21 through Dec. 9 and $26 thereafter. Tickets purchased in advance are good for any date.
Tickets at the gate currently range from $30 to $35, depending on the day of the week. Gate prices increase $5 starting Dec. 10.
Limos and buses are also welcome, though admission costs a bit more.
According to Brett Pegler, vice president of marketing for Family Entertainment Live -- the Medina-based company that presents Magic of Lights -- Saturdays and the week of Christmas are by far the busiest times.
To help alleviate the crush of visitors, tickets are cheaper during the week. And a number of promotions -- from Christmas Karaoke to Military Monday -- take place Monday through Thursday.
Still, Pegler and his team want folks to attend whenever they have the time.
“Our goal is to become a part of people’s holiday traditions, and every year we see more and more familiar faces,” noted Pegler.
Unseasonably warm temperatures in the mid-50s and occasional sprinkles did not dissuade Thanksgiving night visitors, who came from throughout Northeast Ohio.
Stacey Katona of Willoughby attended with her daughter and grandson.
“It’s great. We just love it,” remarked Katona. She added that her grandson, who is still a bit shy of his second birthday, thrilled at the dinosaur display.
Hailey Taylor and her children came from Mantua to experience the magic.
“We’re really happy with it, and it helps that it is not cold,” commented Taylor, who plans to return next year.
Joe and Pamela Parker of Medina have attended with their children each year since Magic of Lights began.
“We really like the new displays we see every year,” said Pamela Parker, adding that the annual excursion provides an opportunity to “find the holiday spirit.”
According to Joey Jarmatcki, a senior at Columbia High School who has worked the event for several years, visitors come from across the area, and a few even travel from out of state, to enjoy the display and find that sometimes elusive holiday spirit.
“Most people are happy, and we try to stay jolly and help them just enjoy the holiday season,” Joey said.
In addition to “Prehistoric Christmas,” visitors will also enjoy new and returning favorites like the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” snowflake alley, candy cane crossing, the epic tunnels of lights, a brief encounter with Barbie, a massive monster truck and traditional displays such as nativity scenes, Christmas trees and Santa and his elves.
Holiday Village, located at the midpoint of the journey, offers visitors a chance to stretch their legs and revel in the Christmas spirit. Patrons can purchase food, drink, various knickknacks, holiday apparel and a vast assortment of seasonal items.
Children will enjoy the bounce house, as well as the opportunity to write Santa a letter and drop it in the mail. Photos with Santa are available for a fee.
In addition, the popular synthetic ice-skating rink returns for a second year.
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