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Getting there:
Take I-77 North from Charlotte to Statesville exit 51 A and take I-40 East
towards Winston-Salem; then take exit 180 in Advance and follow the signs to
Tanglewood Park and the Festival of Lights.
To see and do:
Even before reaching the gatehouse a rainbow of lighted arches and a display
of Heralds welcome visitors. Some of the elaborate magical displays are the
Nativity Scene, Snow Flakes adorning the windblown trees, a Charlotte golfer
hitting a perfect drive down the fairway, a Southern Railway Steam engine
loaded with gifts, proud tin soldiers guarding the gates of Toyland,
majestic reindeer leaping high over cars, and a horse trainer running his
horse.
As you near the Manor House, where displays encompass the entire loop, cars
will be directed to bear right where visitors will pass such popular
displays as a Grist Mill and stream, Shimmering Swans, Frosty the Snowman,
an animated Fireworks Finale, a Hot Air Balloon, a Tunnel of Lights, and the
animated display of a runner Training for the 10K. As autos loop around
Skilpot Lake creatures of the lake become nervous and a Leaping Frog,
Jumping Fish, and a Sea Serpent jump out to see who is approaching, while
the Skilpot Mermaid calmly watches the traffic.
About halfway around the park there’s a chance to take a break by visiting
the Holiday Gift Shop at the red barn, featuring holiday crafts, and a
variety of custom-made fashions, including woodwork, Christmas ornaments and
other fine gifts created by nearly a hundred Triad craftsmen. At the
concession area children and adults alike will love the chance to roast
marshmallows and drink hot chocolate at the giant outdoor marshmallow
roaster. Santa is in the shop each Thursday greeting customers and posing
for pictures for those who would like a remembrance. Reservations for photos
may be made by calling 336-778-6352 after 4 p.m.
Next to the clubhouse at the top of the hill is the decorated historic Mount
Pleasant Church built in 1809. When you leave this loop, you enter Toyland
where visitors of all ages will be oohhing and aahhing as they continue
driving through the displays to the exit.
The entire route is one way with cars driving with their lights off to
better view the displays. But, don’t worry—with all the lighted displays the
roads are very visible. The festival is well organized and traffic moves
slowly, but constantly.
Details
Open nightly 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. through January 1, 2007. Rates: Monday –
Thursday (excluding Holidays) $9.00 for family cars, vans and trucks. Friday
– Sunday and Holidays $13 -- including Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. With
advanced reservations Holiday Dinner Party packages, Overnight Stay
packages, hayrides and carriage rides are available. For Dinner packages
call (336) 778-6310. For Horse Drawn Carriage rides and Hayrides call the
stables at (336) 766-9540. For more information on the Festival call (336)
778-6300. The best days to attend the festival are Sunday through Thursday.
On Friday and Saturday evenings the wait just to enter the park can run an
hour or longer. To view more pictures of this festival go to
www.subduedlight.com, then click on recent articles under Charlotte
Observer.
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