Warm Beach’s holiday wonderland opens Dec. 5

Pick a date for the annual “Lights of Christmas” display at Warm Beach Camp near Stanwood.

Then pack up the kids, Grandma, Grandpa and the neighbors to stroll through the biggest holiday light show in Snohomish County.

More than 1 million lights shine at the annual holiday event on 15 acres near Stanwood. Seven areas of lights reveal animals, waterfalls, flowers and scenic vistas, not to mention the talking Bruce the Spruce.

It’s not just lights. There are Victorian carolers, storytellers and bluegrass musicians. A Polar Express Train runs through the display, and there’s a petting farm and pony rides for tots.

You can warm your nose and your toes with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled cider at an outdoor fire.

If you get peckish, you’re bound to find something that satisfies. Choose from items like mashed potatoes and gravy, chowder, candy, pastries and popcorn.

Hourly entertainment appears on five stages, including traditional Christmas performances at Joyland Concert Hall starting at 5:45 p.m., and western and bluegrass performances at Tinhorn Town starting at 5:15 p.m.

The annual attraction, suitable for the whole family, from kids to oldsters, is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays from Dec. 5 to 29.

Admission is $15 for teens and adults, $11 for seniors and military, $10 for kids 4 to 12, and free for kids 3 and younger.

You can buy tickets at the gate or at www.warmbeach.com/lights-of-christmas/tickets.

On “pay what you can nights,” Dec. 5, 12 and 29, you can pay what you can afford, at the gate only.

Arrangements can also be made for overnight stays. Accommodations vary; they include the motel-style Bayside Inn and the Kringle Cottage with room for six to eight guests. For larger parties, there’s the Nutcracker Suite, with room for 18 — 15 beds, two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen; or the Trail’s End and the El Dorado, three-room bunkhouses that sleep 33, with a sitting area and two restrooms.

You can find out more, buy tickets and make reservations at www.warmbeach.com/lights-of-christmas.

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