Drive-Thru Extravaganza

An evening drive to gawk at Christmas lights is a tradition in many families, and one in which your pooch can certainly participate. If you live in the Bay Area, the ultimate in drive-by lighting displays is worth a special trip. The 13th annual Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos is billed as the premier lights spectacular in Northern California, and those who have seen it assure us it’s worth the price of admission ($10 per vehicle Nov. 25-Dec. 8, $15 starting Dec. 9). What is it? A 1.5-mile, self-drive route past dozens of over-the-top, larger-than-life animated displays, most themed to the holidays but some not (dinosaurs and volcanoes, anyone)? It’s all set to music piped through your car radio, and it’s guaranteed to have occupants of your vehicle ooh-ing, aah-ing, laughing and barking for the duration. Photo: Fantasy of Lights – Demetri Mouratis (CC)