One of our previous Christmas traditions was one evening enjoying the light display at Sunset Park, to be followed the next night by a trip to Opportunity Village for their Magical Forest. Both events were special, both were well worth revisiting each year. Unfortunately, Sunset Park no longer has its gift of lights, so that leaves more time for The Magic Forest!
I was devastated when the old Opportunity Village burned down, but am delighted with the new location. The Magical Forest is everything that you want at Christmas: a beautiful display of lights, games, food kiosks (you have to have the funnel cakes!), even artificial snow! It’s usually moderately cool by then, so be sure to wear a jacket in the evening – you won’t be sorry. This is the place for fun, friends and family. We found it well worth the admission cost, and will definitely be visiting again this year, to see what’s new and to see some of our favorite older things too.
The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
The Magical forest features two passenger trains, an antique carousel, parades, carnival games, and the jolly old elf himself! No wonder this has been the place to be in Vegas for over 15 years now! It runs from just around Thanksgiving until the end of December, and proves that winter wonderlands truly can exist in a desert!
Enjoy a ride on the passenger train. The FOREST EXPRESS winds it way through the two acre Forest giving visitors another angle to view the many trees and displays.
The ENCHANTED CAROUSEL will delight riders and spectators alike. Featuring beautiful animals, lights and traditional carousel music you will find yourself lost in the moment.
Feeling hungry yet? Visit the GIFT BOX CAFE and enjoy a warm funnel cake (my personal favorite), hot dog, burger or pizza as you are entertained nightly by local performing groups. Another Magical Forest favorite is the GINGERBREAD HOUSE display and raffle and don’t forget to stop by the GIFT CABIN, a great place to get some holiday shopping done.
All Proceeds raised at the Magical Forest will benefit people with disabilities at Opportunity Village. Since 1954 Opportunity Village has been serving men and women in our community to provide them with programs and services to help enrich their lives. If you are interested in learning more about Opportunity Village, taking a daytime tour of our campus or getting involved with Opportunity Village or the Magical Forest, please call (702) 259-3741.
The Magical Forest is open nightly at 5:30PM from Saturday, November 19th 2011 – Saturday, December 31, 2011 , closing Sundays – Thursdays at 9:00PM and at 10:00PM on Fridays and Saturdays. There are plenty of special events and offers throughout the Forest season. It’s located at 6300 West Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV with parking behind the CSN parking lot.