Magical Forest lighting up Opportunity Village
Lights! Cameras! And more lights!
That’s the plan Friday as Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest lights up for its 23rd season.
At 5:30 p.m., Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman will flip a switch, launching a celebratory tree-lighting ceremony featuring musical guests Boyz II Men and Human Nature.
Along with a forest full of brilliantly lit trees, the Magical Forest includes such attractions as Boris the Elf’s 3D Experience, Rudolph’s Raceway, Magical Midway, Rod’s Mini-Golf, Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel, Avalanche Slide and the perennially popular Forest Express Passenger Train.
Among the seasonal photo ops: Boris the Elf; Magical Forest mascots Ovie Bear and girlfriend Honey Bear; and, naturally, Santa Claus himself.
The Magical Forest is the largest annual fundraiser for Opportunity Village, a local not-for-profit organization serving people with intellectual disabilities.
Other red-letter days on the Magical Forest’s holiday calendar: a Feliz Navidad celebration Dec. 17; a Hanukkah menorah lighting Dec. 21; and a special “Times Square West” celebration Dec. 31 featuring entertainment and a countdown to 9 p.m. — midnight on the East Coast.
Weekly discount nights include Family Night on Mondays (one free children’s admission with one paid adult), Scout Night ($2 of general admission for Boy or Girl Scouts in uniform), Thrifty Thursdays ($2 discount admission with a donation of new or gently used clothing or household items) and College Student Night ($2 off on Sundays).
Seniors and military receive $2 discounts daily, while health, education or government workers get a $2 discount Dec. 29-Jan. 6.
The Magical Forest is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd.
General admission is $11 for adults and $9 for children; passports for unlimited rides and attractions are $20 for adults and $18 for children. Advance tickets are available online at www.MagicalForest.org or at Lee’s Discount Liquors and Opportunity Village locations.
