Holiday of Lights opens Nov. 26; New this year: Holiday Hayride

DEL MAR, CA (October 22, 2009) - This holiday season kicks off on Thanksgiving night when the 15th annual “Holiday of Lights” opens at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

With more than 400 lighted animated scenes, this 1.5-mile drive around the world famous Del Mar Racetrack is sure to get everyone from 1 to 100 into the holiday spirit. With returning holiday favorites such as Toyland, Candy Cane Lane, Treasures by the Lake and Elves at Play, the holiday tradition continues with opening night on November 26 (Thanksgiving) and running nightly through Sunday, January 3, 2010.

Holiday of Lights is a long-standing tradition at the Fairgrounds. People drive their own vehicles around the racetrack to view the spectacular light displays. This season, the event is offering a fun new way to see the lights.

PREMIERING THIS SEASON, the “Holiday Hayride” Friday nights (Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Included with your ride is a hot chocolate or cider and a holiday cookie! Dress warmly and enjoy holiday music and carolers while roasting marshmallows at fire pits before boarding the hayride in the Paddock. Santa’s Pub and Piano Bar will be open to enjoy some “holiday spirits” and is a great spot for your company Happy Hour!

Advanced ticket purchase is recommended to guarantee your space on the “Holiday Hayride.” Tickets are $10, and will go on sale in early November through the Del Mar Fairgrounds Box Office (858-792-4252) and Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

“Holiday of Lights” hours:
Sundays through Thursdays, 5:30 - 10:00PM
Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 - 11:00PM
Prices:
$14.00 per vehicle, up to 5 people
$19.00 per vehicle with 6 or more people
$49.00 per bus.

For more information go to: www.holidayoflights.com.

The 22nd District Agricultural Association is a State of California agency that owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Surfside Race Place, Horsepark Equestrian Center and the Del Mar Golf Center.

The 22nd DAA produces five events each year: The San Diego County Fair, the Del Mar National Horse Show, Professional Bull Riding (PBR), The Scream Zone and Holiday of Lights. The Fairgrounds hosts more than 350 events annually, the largest of which is the live horse racing meet each summer, which is operated by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for the 22nd DAA and the State of California.