Without snow and a wintery feel, many San Diegans struggle to get into the Christmas spirit. Even with things such as ice skating, shopping and Eggnog, some just don’t feel the Xmas vibes.
The Del Mar Fairgrounds, a venue which provides entertainment with various events year round, has one of their biggest annual events on show. If you are having troubles finding your inner Santa, head to Del Mar as soon as possible.
The Holiday of Lights features some of the most spectacular illuminations in the country. From elves playing tennis to the men hoisting the flag on Iwo Jima, the show offers a wide variety of breathtaking lights.
However, they do charge a fee. Rates are $15 for any car under six people or $20 for six or more.
“It was a pretty awesome place and worth the money,” junior Ethan Cowling said. “It’s a great pace to bring a date.”
You better be patient though. It takes about 45 minutes just to get to the entrance of the show. And with cars going very slow looking at the lights, the show takes about another 30.
The wait is very much worth the experience. Now that I’ve been, I just want to watch ‘Elf’’ over and over drinking hot chocolate, living up the Christmas holiday until it ends.
For many, it also brings back the memories of waiting for Santa eagerly, and rushing downstairs Christmas morning to open presents.
“It brought back a lot of great memories,” senior Phil Fredericks said. “They have a lot of great lights and it just overall puts me in the mood of Christmas time.”
The show ends with a finish like no other. The cars pass under a tunnel of lights, in an array of colors.
So, if you’re feeling the need for the best Christmas experience possible but do not have $87 to spend on a Disneyland ticket, than the next best thing would be to drive down to Del Mar for the Holiday of Lights.
