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December 15, 2005

Cruise through a winter wonderland at Fantasy of Lights

By Stephanie Janucik

Getting in the car and traveling the holiday-hectic streets in December doesn’t exactly sound like the greatest thing to do when you have some time for yourself. But in the winter months, staying in doesn’t have to be the main theme when it comes to having some fun and keeping warm. Around this time, you can do both.

On an icy Sunday evening, I ventured outside (for the first time voluntarily that weekend) for a mini-date with my boyfriend. Snowy weekends make me want to keep my slippers on, cuddle on the couch and bake some cookies, but sometimes it’s just time to get out.
Getting to our destination wasn’t exciting, but once we arrived we weren’t disappointed.

From now until Dec. 31, the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries is showing off its holiday spirit with the 11th annual Fantasy of Lights in New Haven (Lighthouse Point Park on Lighthouse Road). As you travel through the beachfront park, more than 45 light displays and nine Santa Clauses (we counted as we went) entice you to indulge in the holiday spirit.

For $10 per car ($25 for mini-buses, $50 for buses), an approximate 15-minute drive through this winter wonderland raises money to support Easter Seals Goodwill Industries’ employment and training services. The nonprofit’s mission is “to enhance employment opportunities and the quality of life for people with disabilities and other special needs.� So while you get that warm, fuzzy Christmas feeling as you drive through the lighting extravaganza, you can rest easy knowing that you did your good deed of the season, too.

Although it is suggested that you tune to their radio station as you view the spectacular driving show, I suggest you bring a holiday CD of your own. The radio station can be filled with more talk than holiday cheer. A few travel mugs full of hot chocolate wouldn’t hurt either. Why not make it a holiday car party?

It’s often difficult to find time in the crazy holiday season to enjoy what our area has to offer. Try to set some time aside to do what’s enjoyable instead of the traditional rushing, stressing and list-making.

To fit a trip in to your schedule, the Fantasy of Lights’ hours of operation are convenient enough so that you really should find the time to get there. You can visit the display Sunday through Thursday, 5-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m. What could be better than leaping deer, elves playing volleyball and a teddy bear snowball toss?

As you exit under an enormous lighted wreath, those of you with children will be given candy canes (we were a little jealous) to go. The rest of you will have that holiday memory to treasure forever. You’ll be glad you stopped to enjoy the season.

For directions and more information, visit www.newhavengoodwill.easterseals.com or call the seasonal recorded infoline at 777-2000, extension 603.

Posted by getout on December 15, 2005 8:24 AM