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What's new at York's Christmas Magic


Nearly 600,000 Christmas lights will light up Rocky Ridge County Park when the 32nd annual Christmas Magic returns Nov. 27.

This festival of lights, held through Dec. 31, includes a half-mile walking trail along a wooded hilltop, where guests will see holiday scenes and five heated pavilions, featuring a G-gauge train display, animation, food, Santa Claus and more, according to a news release.

This year’s hours are 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The attraction will be closed Dec. 24 and 25.

Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods for York County Parks’ Food Drive and new toys for Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots days are Nov. 27 and 28. Those who participate will receive a buy-one-get-one-free admission to Christmas Magic.

Visitors can also take part in Pet Night Dec. 2, when Santa Claus will pose for photos with your pet.

York Revolution’s mascot Downtown will also be available to meet guests and pose for photos every Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Christmas. Chuck E. Cheese will make weekend appearances throughout the event.

What’s new this year:

  • A  “Monarchs Bring Santa To Town” scene at the Nixon Park Nature Center
  • A Santa Claus scene constructed by the York County School of Technology carpentry shop.
  • More outdoor props
  • A larger G-gauge train display by the Susquehanna Garden Railroad Society
  • New trail themes
  • A Light-O-Rama Synchronized lighting program written by Caleb Linburg
  • Additional paving of the trail
  • An ATM at the admission booth

Fast facts:

  • It takes about 6,000 hours to set up, run and tear down Christmas Magic.
  • Christmas Magic’s largest attendance was 43,800 visitors in 2011.
  • In 2006, Christmas Magic welcomed its 500,000th visitor.
  • In 2013, the event was recognized by GoodMorningAmerica.com.
  • Last year, the trail was closed 10 of its 34 nights due to weather and saw an attendance of 36,068.
  • More than 3,500 volunteer hours were donated to operating Christmas Magic last year.
  • The Food Drive produced 1240 pounds of canned goods last year.
  • Fifty-one civic organizations and businesses decorated Christmas trees in the pavilions last year.

Entertainment Schedule:

  • Nov. 27             Lou Ann Jones (vocals)
  • Nov. 28             Shrewsbury Assembly of God Bell Choir
  • Nov. 29             Sommer Gardner Studio (vocals)
  • Nov. 30             Gloria’s Strings
  • Dec. 1               Madalyn Alt (baton twirling)
  • Dec. 2               Kay’s Reflections Baton and Dance Studio
  • Dec. 3               Wanda’s Cadet Baton Studio
  • Dec. 4               Linda Huber (autoharpist)
  • Dec. 5               Explosion Dance Twirl
  • Dec. 6               Keil Holland (acoustic guitarist)
  • Dec. 7               York Chorus
  • Dec. 8               The Chapelmen (gospel)
  • Dec. 9               Wetzel Robertson (vocal)
  • Dec. 10              Spring Grove Middle School Chorus
  • Dec. 11              Behavioral Nightmare (classic rock and roll)
  • Dec. 12              Sommer Gardner Studio (vocals)
  • Dec. 13              River Rhythm Ramblers
  • Dec. 14              Madison Ave Church of the Brethren Praise Team
  • Dec. 15              West Shore School District Strings
  • Dec. 16              Keil Holland (acoustic guitar)
  • Dec. 17              Celtic Trio
  • Dec. 18              Behavioral Nightmare (classic rock and roll)
  • Dec. 19              Keith Grim (acoustic guitar/vocals)
  • Dec. 20              Celtic Trio 
  • Dec. 21              Don Ryan’s Trumpet Choir
  • Dec. 22              Linda Huber (autoharpist)
  • Dec. 23              Keith Grim (acoustic guitar/vocals)
  • Dec. 26              Wetzel Robertson (vocals)
  • Dec. 27              Wanda’s Cadet Baton Studio
  • Dec. 28              Hay for Four (bluegrass)
  • Dec. 29              Front Porch Rockers
  • Dec. 30              Madalyn Alt (baton twirling)
  • Dec. 31              Lou Ann Jones (vocals)

Tickets cost $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (60+), $6 for ages 4-12, free for children 3 and under. The group rate (12+) is $5 for children and $7 for adults.

Proceeds benefit the York County Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information, visit yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation, call 717-840-7443 or follow @yorkcountyparks on Twitter.