Professional Holiday Light Displays in Box Elder County, Utah

Box Elder County, Utah is located in the northern end of the state, and is home to towns such as Brigham City, Tremonton, Willard, and Mantua. The region is noted for 'The Fruit Highway', Maddox Restaurant, Thiokol, and Willard Bay.

This rural area is the perfect setting for outdoor light displays as so few 'city lights' are in competition with them. Below is a listing of some of the indoor and outdoor holiday light displays that may be enjoyed in Box Elder County, Utah. Each is either free or very low cost, making it possible to see them all on a very low budget.

Fantasy at the Bay in Willard.

One of the most popular attractions in Box Elder County, Utah, is the massive drive-through light display that borders Willard Bay and may be seen in part from the freeway.

The display begins on November 22, 2008 and runs through the end of December. It runs from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each night. Admission is $7 per carload Tuesday through Thursday evenings, $9 per carload Friday through Monday evenings. Utah State Park passes are not accepted for the display.

Visitors may drive through Fantasy at the Bay multiple times during each paid visit, and may also purchase refreshments on-site. Hayrides are available for no extra charge this year so all who wish to enjoy the ride may do so. Random appearances will be made by Santa throughout the run of the display. Additionally, on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays live reindeer from the former Reindeer Station and Christmas Village will be on-site.

Fantasy at the Bay is located at Willard Bay State Park. Visitors should take I-15 and use exit #357 to enter the display from the Cottonwood Campground. For more information regarding the display, please call Willard Bay State Park at 435-734-9494 or call the display headquarters at 435-237-9506.

Main Street Display in Brigham City

The year 2007 saw changes in the traditional Brigham City Main Street Christmas display due in part to the summer's extensive landscaping renovations at the old courthouse. The walk-through Christmas display around the old courthouse on Main Street features light displays, multiple painted wooden cutouts, lighted trees, and tiny shacks with Christmas scenes inside. Some of the scenes are animated.

A full-sized Santa shack is onsite, but features only limited dates for children to take photos with Santa. Outside the shack, however, is a special mailbox for children to use for their letters to Santa. It is important that a return address be included on the envelope.

The display is free and open to the public each day of the week from Thanksgiving through the end of December. There is parking on the front south side of the courthouse, as well as to the north rear side of the courthouse, which is located at the junction of Main Street and Forest Street.

Visitors using I-15 will want to take the Forest Street Exit #363 into Brigham City.

Christmas Tree Lane in Brigham City

Christmas Tree Lane is located inside Brigham City's Historic Train Depot. It is the place to go to view decorated trees and other lit and non-lit Christmas displays. Christmas Tree Lane is open on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from December 1^st through December 22^nd. Admission is free. Special tours are available, by arrangement, for off-hours.

The Historic Train Depot will also have its traditional Story Hour for children on December 12^th at 10:30 a.m. It is free, and all participating children will receive souvenirs and refreshments.

The Historic Depot is located at 833 West Forest Street and may be accessed from I-15 by taking the Forest Street Exit # 363 into Brigham City. More information may be obtained by calling the depot at 435-723-5476.

Sources:

Interview with Clyde "Sonny" Gilbert

Fantasy at the Bay Volunteer/Organizer with wife, LeAnn Gilbert

Willard, Utah

November 22, 2008

Interview with Fay Schulze

Owner (with husband, Don) of (former) Reindeer Station and Christmas Village

Corrine, Utah

November 24, 2008

Interview with Marg Small

Historic Train Depot Club Christmas Tree Lane Volunteer/Organizer with husband, Jack Small

Brigham City, Utah

November 24, 2008