One More Winter Lights Festival + Happy Christmas Eve

Okay, so we're way into the winter lights is what I'm hearing from you.  What of it?  When it's as cold as it's been these evenings (in the teens and low 20s), I'm loathe to make the kids walk around for an hour or two when a relaxing drive through a beautiful light display keeps them toasty and comfortable.  This is a small production for us because there is nothing close by in the city.  The really fantastic light displays we know about are all about a 45-60 minute drive so with bedtimes looming, timing is essential.  We usually start off with an early dinner and then do a quick bath.  While C handles that, I'm packing snacks - popcorn, crackers of all sorts, cut up strawberries and drinks.  We get them into their pajamas, booties, coats and hats and then we take off!  The boys love to narrate all the exciting things they see.

So heading into this Christmas weekend, if you're looking for something to do in the evenings with family, check out the following:

* Seneca State Park Winter Lights Festival:  This is one of the biggest light festivals in the area and a childhood favorite of mine.  If you've been keeping track you'll know that we've already been twice. $15 per car.

* Zoo Lights:  This is a favorite of the boys.  They like being able to run around in the darkness, calling out for one another.  We went early in the season when it was still pretty warm at night but these days it would be too cold to hang out for an hour or two.  Zoo Lights is free this year but you have to pay for parking even if you're a FONZ member.  If the weather cooperates, we'll be visiting one more time before the season ends. 

* Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights  This past weekend was our first time visiting and we were impressed!  It's comparable to Seneca Creek Park but it has different displays so the boys were really excited to see new displays.  $5 per car.

By the way, I'm not promising that this is our last lights festival.  There is one more we traditionally go to but haven't had a chance yet this year.