Holiday Travel Review Miami: Santa's Enchanted Forest

With our warm winters and lack of snow or the other sights of winter, it can be difficult to get into the spirit of Christmas season in South Florida....but there is place to go where the feel of the holiday is very evident and almost feels like a winter wonderland itself, well, maybe not feel it with our warm weather, but it certainly gives the impression with the transformation that takes place on this piece of property each year...

Santa's Enchanted Forest, located on the Palmetto Causeway at Bird Road, is a wonderland of displays and lights and just bursts with holiday good cheer...Whenever we pass by I remember the days we took our daughters there for this very special taste of Christmas, now my grandkiddies enjoy this spectacle...You can't miss the place as the lights are so visible and extensive, with over 3,000,000 of them, you can be sure they will delight all who visit.

Of course Santa is the main attraction with his elaborate workshop and special guests, so popular for the kids in attendance, from Blue's Clues to the Power Puff Girls, these characters are guaranteed to delight them all. A very special treat while visiting Santa is the ability to send him a letter in the special postal box which is guaranteed to arrive at the North Pole before the jolly old guy departs for his special night of travels around the world.

Nearby, in the center of Santa's Enchanted Forest is the 90 ft Christmas tree, all sparkling and lit up from bottom to top. Definitely a beautiful and joyful sight.

But that's not all, Santa's Enchanted Forest is a very large carnival attraction featuring more than 50 rides and 20 milder rides for the wee ones, pony rides, a small petting zoo and live shows scheduled throughout the night which include, a magic show, circus acts, elephant's entertaining, juggling and a special BMX thrill and stunt show

And, don't forget the food! All the traditional carnival offerings are there in addition to cuisine from around the world, Gyros from Greece, Mexican tacos and Italian pizza, sandwiches other goodies to tempt your taste buds...something for your sweet tooth? Try one of the most popular funnel cakes, ice cream custard or candied apples, just to name a few..

Feeling lucky? Try one of the carnival games, maybe you can win a Christmas gift for yourself or a lucky friend or family member.

Santa's Enchanted Forest is fun place for all, young and old alike, all you need is a bit of spirit and that is definitely waiting for you when you arrive. You will also need some cash since, though the carnival is billed as free, it really is only free with your ticket to The Christmas Park.

Those prices are: $23.50 for adults, $15.50 for children under the age of 9 and free for the kiddies under 2, but that does include all the rides and shows. You can also buy a season pass which you can use every night except Christmas day and Saturdays, with this pass you do not have to wait in lines for any of the rides...this pass is $35.50 for those 10 and over and $25.23 for kids 9 and under....Parking is free.

The park is open from now until January 6 2008, every day from 5 pm until midnight, 7 days a week