Photo By Janecze Wright | The 12 Days of Christmas exhibition was my favorite of the Nature in Lights drive...... read more read more
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FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — In the nearly 30 years that the annual Nature in Lights drive through display at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area has been a holiday tradition, I never had the pleasure of seeing the festive exhibition, until now.
I visited on Friday and as I drove up to the illuminated “Nature in Lights” sign, I anxiously anticipated the wonderment that awaited me just beyond the entrance.
A variety of vehicles with families, couples and singles were lined up, ready to embark upon a tour of more than 100 colorfully illuminated displays with thousands of twinkling lights.
Thankfully, each vehicle proceeded slowly, and I was able to enjoy the many light fixtures on display throughout the area.
The five-and-a-half-mile tour was lined with strung lights on each side that illuminated the road and arrows outlined in white lights along with strategically placed cones helped to guide drivers along the path.
Restrooms were available and easily identified with green lights so guests could stop and take breaks at their leisure.
We proceeded past an array of static, moving and blinking exhibits that displayed Santa in various states of wonder, along with a number of other holiday characters and themes.
Most visitors took in the view looking out of car windows, while others stretched out in truck beds and sat in the back of their vehicles, feet dangling with the hatch up.
Guests had the option to tune into radio station 91.9 FM to listen to holiday music to enhance the tour, but I opted for the sounds of squeals, giggles and glee instead.
One of my favorite exhibitions was the 12 Days of Christmas, which featured larger than life, and even dancing, renditions of each of the twelve days.
One of the more engaging displays was a literal tunnel of vibrant lights that flickered and created the illusion of movement as we drove through.
The military displays also added a touch of patriotism to the holiday theme.
Each display seemed to glow even brighter against the nighttime backdrop, adding to the overall excitement of the event.
Further into the journey, Santa’s Village at Live Oak Pavilion offered more holiday merriment for visitors, along with hot cocoa, snacks and refreshments, a variety of vendors and special holiday-themed items.
And since the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a photo with Santa, children and adults alike lined up for personalized keepsakes.
I’d say my first visit to Nature in Lights was well worth the wait, and it won’t be my last.
Colorful displays and twinkling lights stretched out over a five-and-a-half-mile display made for one unforgettable experience.
It’s the perfect activity to impress family and friends visiting during the holidays.
Nature in Lights is open daily from 5:30–11p.m. through Dec. 31.
Santa’s Village at Live Oak Pavilion is open from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8-10 and Dec. 15–24.
Costs are as follows:
• $20 — Car, mini-van and pick-up
• $35 — Limos, 15-passenger van & RVs
• $55 — 24-passenger van
• $80 — 47+ passenger van or larger bus
Weekends can get crowded, so visitors are encouraged to go during the week.
All vehicles that drive into BLORA on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings will receive a Collector’s Edition Annual Nature in Lights ornament, limit of one per vehicle while supplies last.
| Date Taken: | 11.30.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 02.08.2024 12:03 |
| Story ID: | 462299 |
| Location: | FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Nature in Lights creates merry, bright memories, by Janecze Wright, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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