Over 600,000 Christmas lights will illuminate Rocky Ridge County Park, 3699 Deininger Road, York, during the 38th annual Christmas Magic - A Festival of Lights. The light display will be open through Thursday, Dec. 30, on Mondays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m. It will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 25.
Christmas Magic is a half-mile walking trail, accessible to anyone, that meanders along a wooded hilltop through displays of Christmas lights, holiday scenes, and five enclosed, heated pavilions. The spirit of the holiday is conveyed using animation, displays, food, and a train display. The event includes hot chocolate and photo opportunities.
Christmas Magic is sponsored by the York County Department of Parks and Recreation. It began in 1984, the product of the "energy crunch," when fewer homes were decorating yet there was still a desire to see Christmas lights locally. In the event's first year, a small budget allowed for 10,000 lights and props, most produced by the Parks Department. Today, the props are produced commercially and in-house. It takes about six months to set up, run, and disassemble Christmas Magic.
Separate fees have been set for adults and for youths ages 6 to 14 to attend Christmas Magic. Children age 5 and under will receive free admission.
Prepurchased, timed-entry tickets are required; walk-ins will not be permitted. Tickets will be available, while supplies last, by visiting http://www.christmasmagicyork.com or calling 717-840-7440 and choosing option 2.They may also be purchased in person or by phone at John Rudy Park Administrative Headquarters on Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the office closed from 12:30 to 1 p.m. daily. The park is located at 400 Mundis Race Road, York.
The trail may be closed due to inclement weather, with the decision made as early as possible. To find out the status of the trail, contact the Christmas Magic hotline by calling 717-840-7440 and pressing 4, then 2. For weather-related updates, search for @yorkcountyparks or "York County Parks" on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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