Fantasy of Lights

This is a pretty standard tradition for my dad’s side of the family, I’ve gone almost every year since before I can remember and if your kids haven’t been-​take them! They’ll love sticking their head out the sunroof, listening to the dinosaurs, and watching santa play basketball all in LED style.
This is the first year I noticed the dinosaurs and the LED magic. There were a few lights out, along with one entire side of the giant christmas tree-​and this was on christmas eve.
It’s still a fun experience, regardless of your age because there are some interesting lights for the whole family.
I would recommend taking an SUV or a car with a full sunroof along with not having anyone sit in the middle (unless they stick out the top of the sunroof) since you can’t see much.
We bought our tickets in advance, once you do they give you a specific time span in which you should arrive. Ours was 8:00 — 8:30pm, they seem to change everything around as well with only one line, ending well past the exit, as the entrance. If you don’t buy before hand your risk of getting into the park is pretty slim.
We left Campbell off Ewer/​Brannan around 7:20pm and got into the park at 8:28pm and the line was not at its worst so keep in mind to double/​quadruple the time it takes you to get there normally to arrive within the timeframe. I think it really depends on the time that you go and if you have 3D glasses-​bring them for the kids!
I’ll inevitably attend again next year to see what they have in store, super bummer on half of the christmas tree being out (was it on purpose?) but major props on the dinosaurs!

I’ve resided in the South Bay for many years but never had the opportunity to actually go through Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake County Park until this year (2015). Very nice experience driving through the park and seeing all the nice lights and exhibits. About 1.5 miles in length altogether.
Starting in 2015, due to high popularity and all the congestion that has come with it, you need to purchase your tickets in advance prior to coming to Fantasy of Lights ($ 20 per vehicle, up to 12 people each). Best way to do so is going online to their website and selecting a day and timeslot (30-​minute increments). I went with the 6 PM-6:30 PM slot and got to the area early enough so that I didn’t have to wait too long at the event route. There will be park rangers and officers to control traffic and guide you into the park. Unfortunately, from what I’ve read, traffic and lines have really been getting worse and worse each year.
Drive slowly to get the best experience, though at the same time you don’t want to hold up traffic right behind you for too long. Don’t forget to tune your radio to 92.1 FM for Christmas music. And turn your headlights off so everyone can enjoy the experience; you can still see the brake lights from others.
Some of my favorite exhibits and lights were the erupting Volcano, Dinosaurs, Santa Shooting Hoops, a pen of Playful Penguins, blazing Pirate Ship cannons, Tunnels of Lights, and the large Christmas tree itself. Plus the Happy New Year display was a beauty.
Yes, I can totally understand some of the other Unilocalers’ frustrations with the new pre-​paid ticket system and the aforementioned long lines, but this is still something you should check out at least once in your life.

A-​OK honestly the best part about it is those amazing gingerbread lensed glasses!
It’s a nice holiday spirited event, but for 20 $ a car i guess i expected a bit more.
Anywho will we definitely be back again next year, cuz whynot.

This used to be a great holiday tradition for us, especially when it wasn’t so popular – I think it was $ 10 or $ 12 per vehicle when we first started going. I also don’t remember having to wait in a long line of cars get in, not for very much time anyway.
The previously spontaneous visit and drive through to check out the lights display on our way to/​from the SC Mountains, was the way we’d always done it. Well, his year, advance online ticket purchase is required for entry; a carload of folks must commit to a specific date and to a specific 30-​minute time frame on that date, at a cost of $ 20/​vehicle.
Alright, this year I figured if we must commit, we’ll give it a go. We’ll plan it out and do the advanced-​ticket thing… but no. Once we decided on a date/​time, we found it didn’t matter anyway – after repeated trial and error, clicking around on the web page in a futile effort to purchase a ticket, attempting to select every possible time slot (from 6 – 9 pm), I found there wasn’t one available slot through the last day of the lights show (December 31^st). We won’t see it this year after all; I won’t put this much effort into it seeing it next year.
Here’s an idea for the SCC Parks District: How about a posting a big, super-​obvious banner on your web page as soon as you sell out? That way, we don’t have to waste our valuable time looking for sold-​out tickets.
It’s become more and more crowded over the years, but it was still do-​able. It seems that now, if we ever want to visit the lights display again, it’ll have to be another scheduled holiday «cram-​in». With so many other scheduled commitments around the holidays, it’s just not enjoyable doing the drive-​through lights display that way too.
Besides, there are so many cool neighborhoods that invest a ton of effort on the home front; they illuminate their homes and yards for show – «one-​upping» their neighbors in a friendly competition of holiday spirit, demonstrating their awe-​inspiring creativity, gloriously excessive LEDs, and their mad light-​distribution skills – it’s enjoyable touring the neighborhood lights displays… and (bonus) it’s free!

Very poor planning. What’s the point of selling tickets in 30 minutes slots if the patrons have to wait in line for over an hour to get in?
They should only sell a limited number of tickets for each slot (if they aren’t doing it already). Otherwise, only the next slot patrons should be allowed in the event route.
Be prepared to wait in line for over an hour. Not worth it.

Fantasy of Lights is very good for kids but… u need a whole lot of patience waiting in line even though you have the prepaid tickets in your hand. I would say that the time in selecting your tickets does not matter because of very long wait and very long lines. Make sure you purchase ticket first online. $ 20 per car. For vehicles with 13 passengers or more will have a different fee. When you go online, there’s different time frames to choose from. For example, 8:00pm-8:30. 9 – 9:30. And then again like what I’ve said it does not matter cause all of the cars won’t make it on time due to long, long, traffic lines! There’s event staff and signs that tells you where to go so it’s organize and no cutting lines as you approach the entrance. It was Christmas Day when we went there. 10 of us, 2 cars. I thought xmas day won’t be that busy and since there’s no traffic on the road going there. But boy, I was wrong! Lights were all the same every year. Fun for kids. Some drivers don’t turn off their headlights which is dumb and no common sense! Others even have those bright halogen lights shining brightly!!! Bring your jackets/​blankets, as it is cold while windows are rolled down. Tune in to 92.9 and they play xmas songs as you stroll an hour and a half mile of lights adventure! If you don’t have the patience to wait in lines of traffic just to reach the entrance, I would say don’t go. Otherwise, good for kids! Spectacular views! They will say wow!!! Btw, this is our 2^nd visit, the 1^st one was in 2011.

This used to be fun, now you have to purchase a ticket in advance via Internet and wait in a long line before getting to the entrance of the park. I could guess there was too many Los Gatos residence complaining just like they complain about the people passing threw their town going to the beach. I think people need to show this town that they couldn’t survive with out visitor. Protest the fantasy of lights 2016 movement!!!
Protest visiting this town!!!

It was fun
Turn your radio to 92.1 FM for Christmas music
Turn your headlights
You can Ask for 3D glasses
Drive slow to get the best experience
I will return next year
Make sure to get a prepaid ticket or you won’t get in
It’s better doing prepaid now tickets because it used to be SO LONG without it
Make sure u bring friends
I had 6 people in the car it was fun
It’s a nice local tradition before Christmas
I reccomend it HIGHLY

We have always gone to see the show and this year was really bad. We did not know you had to buy tickets in advance this year. We got their early 5pm and waited until 6pm when it stared to be told you must have a prepaid ticket or you have to go to another line to get a ticket. Ok no prob we got in the other line to be told we have to wait until 8:30 pm to go. My kids were not going to sit in the car for 2.5 hrs after we had just driven 1hr to get their and another hr of waiting. Lets just say we were not happy and left. Same show every year anyways so now we will go to Lathrop to the Dell’Osso Family Farm. They have a train you can ride to see the lights or you can drive. Also have ice scatting and snow tubbing. We’re sorry but this was a horrible experience and we will make sure to tell everyone we know

Well, this was our last trip to Vasona for the Fantasy of Lights.
It has been our Christmas thing for YEARS now… We used to look forward to stopping for hot cocoa and dinner in route to the lights. This year was VERY different. We were forced to buy a ticket well in advance for a 30 minute time frame. Yes, 30 minutes. Since our plans are always shifting, I used to enjoy the spontaneous trips when our schedule allowed. This year it was a huge inconvenience and it felt like a chore rushing there so we weren’t out $ 20. My son usually goes with me, but he had other plans after I bought this ticket. So he couldn’t attend with us. Sad really…
The lights were exactly the same, nothing new at all… same route… and the line was still a painful 45 minute plus wait to get in. Those prepaid tickets didn’t help AT ALL. So instead of enjoying it, I felt rushed to get in that long line by 7:30 and once in I didn’t enjoy it at all.
So fair well Vasona, it was fun all the previous years, this year killed it.

What a Cheerful way to start off a fun holiday evening in Los Gatos.
We bought on line tickets for the 6:30 entrance. Entering the park was
easy and we were greeted by friendly attendance who encouraged us to have a
FANTASTIC time. Headlights off, radio on selected station, and our journey began.
Oh what fun it was to ride in a Honda full of cheer!

I had some «oh, that’s kinda cool» moments but for the most part, felt pretty underwhelmed by the entire experience.
Granted, we attended the walk-​through but can’t imagine the real event being any better. We probably spent more time waiting in line for the transportation buses than walking through the entire park! I would have felt ripped off if I paid more than $ 8 (online price for the walk-​through) for the two of us!
The staff and event itself seemed well organized, but I just can’t recommend going out of your way for this.

I saw the holiday light show with 5 others last night (we were in and out after about 40 minutes).
Although this is the 17^th year for Fantasy of Lights, we had never heard of it until this month.
It’s $ 20 per vehicle ($ 50 if you’re in a vehicle with a capacity of 13+).
This makes the holiday light show a good value (individually, I wouldn’t pay more than $ 5).
12÷6−12÷31:
It’s good that pre-​paid tickets are required.
There would otherwise be too much congestion.
Our time slot was 7:30−8. Even though we got lost (my dad apologized later), our ticket was scanned right before 8.
92.9 FM:
The radio station plays Christmas music while you’re driving through, and the DJ thanks you for attending Fantasy of Lights.
Like some other reviewers have stated, the music really adds something to the experience. It makes things more magical.
I’m glad that we didn’t take part in the walk-​thru (this year, the «extravaganza» began on ¹²⁄₅).
All the negative reviews seem to involve it.
It was comfortable driving through, and I think having to walk the path would have been a bit boring (the only negative thing for me is that it was hard to take pictures while the minivan was moving– there are some displays that I didn’t get any pictures of).
There are apparently two types of 3D glasses, but you’re not really given a choice in the matter (the staff is friendly, though, and so you’ll probably be given different glasses if you ask).
You’re only given 2 pairs of glasses (I think 3 should be provided).
The 3D glasses are cool. It turns the lights into gingerbread men (I would say people instead of men, but none of them seem to have boobs). Even the headlights of the vehicles around you appear as them (I was amazed that this one small light in the distance appeared as a huge gingerbread man).
The 3D glasses make the bushes look like fuzzy ocean sponges.
My mom was glad that it didn’t rain.
Keep the weather in mind when buying your tickets, as there are no refunds.
My son really enjoyed the displays (it was great to see his reactions).
He even wanted to see the lights again right after we left.
In short, kids will probably be mesmerized by the displays.
«FOL is 1.5 miles in length ONE WAY.»
Even if it’s really dark outside, the path is easy to navigate because of all the cones. The lights from the vehicles in front of you will also help.
The path curves around.
I was a bit slow to realize this (I initially tried to take some pictures of the displays on the left even though my dad was in the way).
:
I applaud the creators for making some cool and creative displays.
:
The snowman is put together whole every few seconds.
There are restrooms near the entrance.
We discovered them by accident (it was not a good night for my dad in terms of driving).
I gave it 4 stars too, but I like Fantasy of Lights more than ZooLights (the latter, though, features more to do).
I don’t know if we’ll return next year (this mainly has to do with the drive), but I recommend that you check Fantasy of Lights out.

Meh. Kids will enjoy it.
Around ten food trucks. Long lines
3D glasses makes the lights interesting. Get the foldable glasses and not the handheld ones.
Go early. 6pm the Shuttle line from the parking lot looked like at least 30 minute wait for the shuttle.

Filled with Christmas cheer and thrill, my hubby got us tickets to see Fantasy of Lights, an event we tried to go to last year that was unfortunately booked on the day we went. You have two «route» options: either you pay $ 20 to drive through the attraction or $ 6 to walk through it, a distance of roughly 1.5 miles.
Deciding to work off the ever-​growing holiday weight, we got two tickets to walk. Parking was provided in the parking structure next to Netflix and shuttles (which were actually yellow school buses) took you to and from the site.
Since it gets dark so early now, my hubby and I drove there at around 5:00 pm, the perfect time that beat the large influx of people that came to turn in their ticket and stand in line for the shuttle. But even then, we still waited for about 40 minutes before we actually got on the bus. Stepping on that creaky vehicle brought back all my high school years like a big deja-​vu wave. Nostalgic and at the same time relieved that I never had to do this on a daily basis ever again, my hubby and I rode the shuttle for about 10 minutes before reaching Fantasy of Lights.
Once we got there, we were set loose to walk around as we pleased. The light fixtures were BEAUTIFUL. Large, bright figures of Santa Claus, elves, penguins, snowmen, and even DINOSAURS (that’s right, dinosaurs! apparently they are now a part of Christmas paraphernalia too?), lit up the dark path. Unfortunately, because of the dim light, taking pictures was a bit difficult, but my hubby and I still tried. There wasn’t any music playing, but plenty of people were singing carols on their own (including myself!).
But while the place was beautiful, there were some pitfalls. First off, walking around does get a bit boring as you go through because the attraction becomes mundane after some time: just a lot of lights, a lot of twinkles, and not much else. Secondly, there were TONS of families which means actively dodging strollers, side-​stepping little tots running around, and ignoring shrieking babies who seemed to have made it their life’s goal to be heard across town. It can get pretty hectic!
Still, with my hand warmly held in his, I thought it made for a perfect romantic date for the both of us. Sure, waiting for the shuttles was a little long and yes, my feet were a little sore (although, that was my fault for wearing heeled boots), but as we made our way through the show of lights, I was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude that I was spending time with a person I love. Now isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

First year to take this «road trip.» As everyone else before me has commented, the wait is insane but I think it is worth it. My husband recommended it and I must say it was very nice. I definitely do not suggest you visiting if you are under a time crunch or if you don’t have some snacks in the car. Luckily they do have public restrooms at the end of the light path, but I suggest you visit the commode BEFORE you embark. Bonne Chance!

3.5÷5
Fantasy of Lights is not your average Christmas light show. This is some advanced stuff with some crazy light antics.
What you do is you wait anywhere from 30 minutes-​2 hours (I waited 1 hour and 45 minutes) to pay $ 15 to drive around the park to see 1.5 miles worth of lights. They make you turn off your lights so it’s easier to see the lights. Don’t worry about hitting other cars because it’s bright enough to easily see the cars in front of you, and you got all the people who don’t turn off their lights so you’re just blinded…
Anyways, the lights are pretty cool. Most of them are moving lights, from Santa playing basketball to the Loch Ness Monster to dinosaur land (complete with sound!).
Definitely a great place to take your kids! May not be the best place to go for adults. There are some cooler spots in the Bay Area.
Protips:
— Wear something really warm or keep the heater on blast! You’ll want to roll down your windows for at least the dinosaur exhibit
— Pee beforehand, especially if there’s a long line
— Blast that Christmas station. Everything is better with Christmas music.

Loved loved loved this. We went late on a Wednesday so there was no wait — which is the way to do it. I understand that sometimes there are 2 hour waits. I would not have done that. With no wait it was terrific. Cost was $ 15 per car. You drive through at a nice slow pace so you have time to see everything. They do a really lovely job with the lights. Took about 20 minutes to drive through and they have a radio station you can tune your car to for Christmas tunes. A fantastic family activity. Pack a thermos of cocoa and some cookies!
I also highly recommend the Billy Jones Train ride next door. You see most of the vasona lights on this charming train and tickets are only $ 5 including a carousel ride. We did both and it was a great evening. Hot cocoa at train only $ 1.50!
Afterwards we headed to San Jose Christmas in the park which is open till midnight for a full night of Christmas fun. All were fantastic.

Never heard of this, until a few days ago, so I decided to give it a shot. Lots of nice displays and lights. We came close to closing so we were able to avoid most of the people and felt like we had the entire park to ourselves. Not bad.
If you like Christmas and enjoy Christmas lights then I’m not sure why you wouldn’t come here. Plus you’ll get a little work out with the walk. The day we came it was apparently the only day you could walk through the place as it’s normally a driving thing? Not sure how accurate that is. We also got in for free as apparently this thing actually costs money? Wow.

on Sat, Nov 23, 2013 they had a one night only walk at Vasona Park for the Festival of Lights. It was advertised in the SJ Mercury Newspaper, Santa Clara County Park website, & Facebook.
Got there later than I wanted, it’s best to arrive at event before all the crowd shows up. I wanted to get there at 5pm, left house late, bad traffic, didn’t get to the parking lot until after 6:30pm. We took a FREE shuttle from Home Church in Campbell & the shuttle took us to the front of Vasona Park.
Entrance fee was $ 5 per adult. Paid cash for it & then we got our Hand Stamp.
It was pretty cold outside, no wind, no rain at least. I didn’t bring enough clothes, gloves, scarve — better to have all those things. Walk was only 1.5 miles long — is that one way? Anyway, it felt very short.
Moveable Feast food trucks were there. Too many people so lines were crazy long. Glad I ate before going. Bring your own food & hot drink if you want to save money.
There’s some lights, not tons & tons. Christmas in the Park in SJ is just as good & doesn’t charge admission.
Dinosaur lights & Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus were at the far end. There were 2 loops to do & one section looked like loop, but it dead-​ended & we just had to back-​track, had to head back to shuttle by 8:45pm flyer said. Event ended at 9pm.