GILROY, Calif. - (Oct. 11, 2005) – Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights™ returns to Gilroy for an expanded second season full of holiday fun and excitement. Holiday Lights runs 14 days and continues to be the only Bay Area theme park open for holiday season entertainment. Guests can enjoy ice skating, thousands of twinkling lights, a decadent holiday feast, holiday shopping, Santa’s Workshop, themed rides and more!  New this year, Bonfante Gardens adds a 40-foot by 80-foot ice rink, where families can lace up ice skates and create memories to last a lifetime.

“We’re thrilled to offer families two additional days of glittering lights, ice skating, holiday food and the gardens lit at night!  Bonfante Gardens is a fun and breathtaking place to celebrate the holidays with family,” says Barb Granter, vice president of Bonfante Gardens.

Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights opens Friday, November 25 and runs weekends only through Dec. 18 (Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18) as well as the week before Christmas (Dec. 19 -23). The evening event runs 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes:

North Pole Ice Palace   – A new 40-foot by 80-foot ice rink inside the park allows families to glide, twirl and spin during 30-minute skate sessions. Skate sessions are $8 for adults and $5 for children 10 years of age and younger and include skate rental. Guests who bring their own ice skates can skate for free.   

All-You-Can-Eat Holiday Feast -- A traditional “All-You-Can-Eat Holiday Feast” in brightly decorated Snowflake Palace serves up mouth-watering roasted turkey, ham, stuffing and other savory holiday trimmings. The feast is served nightly for an additional fee on a limited, first-come first-served basis.  

Holiday Themed Rides -- Magical, holiday-themed rides are all part of the fun!  “The North Pole Express”, a holiday train ride around the park, is the fastest way to get to the North Pole to see Santa!  The “South County Holiday Drive” gives families the chance to drive vintage cars through the 12 Days of Christmas!

Santa’s Workshop -- Kids of all ages should plan a visit to Santa’s Workshop, a winter wonderland where guests can gather around arts and crafts tables, create their own bit of holiday magic, get a picture taken with Santa and more! 

North Pole Mailboxes – Kids can mail their “wish lists” and letters to Santa via “North Pole Mailboxes” located throughout the park.  

Candy Cane Lane -- Sycamore Bridge at the park’s main entrance is illuminated from head to toe with dazzling candy cane displays that lead guests to gentle snowfalls and a decorated tree in the heart of Sugar Plum Plaza.   

Holiday Shopping and Dining – Find the perfect holiday gift in a variety of stores or enjoy holiday favorites like roasted marshmallows, chestnuts and hot spiced cider while strolling through the park.

Gingerbread Corner -- San Juan Patio gets a new look this year as lit gingerbread displays spread holiday cheer!  

Park guests can enjoy Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights FREE with the purchase of a 2006 Bonfante Gardens Premium Pass. The Premium Pass includes unlimited admission, free parking and discounts at select food and merchandise locations at Bonfante Gardens throughout the 2006 season. The 2006 Bonfante Gardens Premium Pass can be purchased online at www.bonfantegardens.org or by calling 408-840-7100. 

Admission Prices for Holiday Lights:

·        Single-night admission combo tickets (includes the Holiday Feast) are $38.99 for adults and $28.99 for children ages 3-10.

·        Single-night only admission tickets are $26.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 3-10.

·        Holiday Feast Meal for 2006 Bonfante Gardens Premium Pass Holders is $12.99.

·        Single-night admission for 2006 Paramount’s Great America VIP Passholders and previous 2005 Premium Passholders is $14.99.

·        Discounted single-night admission and combo tickets can be purchased online at www.bonfantegardens.org or at the front gate.

Bonfante Gardens is a nonprofit organization managed by Paramount Parks.
Bonfante Gardens, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is California’s only horticultural theme park designed for families with young children and garden lovers featuring 19 rides, 27 attractions, majestic gardens and the world famous Circus Trees. Attractions are designed to educate guests and foster a greater appreciation of the natural world and man’s ability to shape it. Bonfante Gardens is managed by Paramount Parks. The park is located in Gilroy, Calif. on Hwy 152 (West) just off Hwy 101. For more information, call (408) 840-7100 or visit www.bonfantegardens.org.