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Magical Forest lights up the night

Attendees look at the tree after it is lit by Mayor Carolyn Goodman at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas on Friday. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Mayor Carolyn Goodman addresses the crowd before flipping the switch to light the tree at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas on Friday. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Devin Frey, right, takes a picture of her daughter, 2-year-old Stella, with Honey Bear at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas on Friday. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

People make their way through the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas on Friday. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Mayor Carolyn Goodman, left, in red, flips the switch to light the tree at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas on Friday. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Deputy City Marshal Kevin Punzalan, left, takes a photo of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, center, with volunteers Patricia Francheteau, left, and Debbie Damron, at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas on Friday. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

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LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

November 29, 2013 - 10:35 pm

It came a week later than expected, but visitors of all ages were no less awed by the tree lighting ceremony at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village on Friday.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman did the honors of illuminating the nearly 3 million lights decorating the forest, now in its 22nd year. The attraction brings in an average of 175,000 visitors every holiday season.

Opportunity Village plans to pack the forest, at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., with nightly entertainment, including storytellers, friendly characters, parades and choirs.

Traditional attractions, such as the Forest Express Passenger Train, Cheyenne’s Enchanted Carousel and Rod’s Mini-Golf, have returned.

The Magical Forest is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Jan. 6. Parking is free.

For tickets or more information, visit opportunityvillage.org/magical-forest.

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