Through December Santee Lakes’ musical light show in its second year

Courtesy photo

Now in its second year, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is bringing back its Lights at the Lakes holiday show now through Dec. 28. Guests will drive through one mile of over 35 sparkling light displays set to music synchronized on their car radio.

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve Park Recreation Manager Megan Monteith said the holiday drive-thru light show will also have Santa at the lakes on Dec. 21, 22, and 23.

“On those three nights, Santa will be there to say ‘Hello’ to those who drive through, along with some candy canes,” she said. “This year we added Magic Holiday Glasses that make the lights twinkle and dance, holiday light bulb necklaces, light up Santa wands, and kettle corn in churro and sweet and salty flavors.”

Monteith said there are selected showtimes for the light shows, changing every 15 minutes from 5:45 – 8:45 p.m.

“Anytime you go you will see something different as the music changes,” she said. Some of the displays are animated. Depending on what song is playing, they move differently. The event is only drive-thru, so there is no walking, or riding bicycles, Monteith said.

The annual Lights at the Lakes holiday show will begin select dates: Dec. 1 – 28, 2023, from 5:45 p.m.-8 p.m., and on select dates until 8:45 p.m.

Tickets are $19.99 plus fees for vehicles up to eight passengers and $29.99 plus fees for vehicles of more than eight passengers.

Ticket information and purchase can be found at https://bit.ly/3SPwD5q.

Authorities just stocked the lakes with trout from Mount Lassen and Jess Ranch Lakes. Its trout reopener on Jan. 13,14, 2024, will be another trout stock from Mount Lassen, which will also include Lightning Trout.