A Walk in the Park

During my recent trip to Amsterdam, I developed a deeper appreciation for the bright colors and lights that are part of our winter celebrations. The days are short and often gray; when the sun does make an appearance, it doesn't rise far above the horizon.

What better way to stave off the darkness than with a festival of lights?

For many years, a nearby park gets decked out with elaborate displays of lights during the holiday season.

The patterns and colors of this tunnel shift; I managed to catch it fully lit.

This used to be a strictly drive-through event, but three years ago the organizers experimented with a walk-through night.  It's a family affair, kids in strollers and wagons—even little ones on foot. Some visitors come bedecked in lights. We even saw one girl touring on crutches, her foot in a cast.

That first walk-through was a success. A new annual tradition was born—and has grown: they offer many more tickets, and this year added a second walk-through night. I persuaded a friend to join me.

Some of the displays are animated. Here, a penguin climbs to the top of the igloo and dives into the water.

It wasn't a particularly cold night, but this snowman was shivering (in an old GTE phone booth). I was surprised when one of the kids nearby knew what that was.

The kids have the upper hand in the un-traditional prehistoric zone, where a variety of dinosaurs romp and chomp (complete with sound effects.)

There are some snow-capped peaks, and even a volcano erupting.

I think there is no better way to see the displays; but if you've missed the walk-through nights, you can still pick up tickets to drive through.

Till next year ...