Christmas in the Park

Since about the first of November, many workers have been preparing the park for a Christmas celebration.  The newspaper reported that there were 23 million lights on 400 trees and little miniature houses.

The iguana habitat, but we think that they've
moved them for right now.

 They built a small Bethlehem with a manger, "camels," and other features.  

Two inhabitants of Bethlehem

People exercising away at the evening workout session

There are a number of lighted displays around on the grass - Santa, angels, trains, etc.

A giant tree made from strands of
 lights running up to the top, advertising
for a local gas company

Can you see all of the little lights on the roof?

There are dozens of little houses that are covered in lights - not just around the eaves but criss-crossing the roof and everywhere. 

A former tower that we think was once a monkey cage when the park was a zoo, now is a giant Presidente beer can surrounded by two fountains.  

Santa has his own little house, although he wasn't there when we visited, complete with dozens of wrapped packages.

Here's the entrance - the kids
can put their heads in the hole
for a photo with Santa.

He wasn't there when we stopped by, but we saw
his jacket and hat.

Remember that Santa believes in you!

We were afraid that the pictures wouldn't come through well because of the difficulty to photograph lights at night, but we think that they are pretty good.

One of the new fountains

We don't know if this was supposed to be Santa's boot? 

Home Sweet Home!  We're looking forward to seeing Christmas lights back home.