Vista, CA – The launch of a new holiday light drive-thru experience and an audio streaming musical radio play promises to brighten the holidays this year as the City of Vista’s Cultural Arts Division announces “Jingle Terrace Park” and Moonlight Stage Productions’ audio-streamed performance of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Musical Radio Play.”
This new, annual, free drive-thru event will feature holiday-themed light displays along the driving loop in Brengle Terrace Park. “Jingle Terrace Park” runs December 5 through December 28 and will be open 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. nightly. Visitors will be captivated by the displays of holiday lights depicting many of Vista’s special and unique amenities.
To bring “Jingle Terrace Park” to light, the City of Vista acknowledges the visionary sponsorship of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps and title sponsorships of the Moonlight Cultural Foundation and the newly launched non-profit Friends of Vista to support the City’s Recreation & Community Services programs. Other event sponsors include Dick Miller Inc., Harris and Associates, HDR Inc., Dudek, STC Traffic Inc., Friends of the Vista Fire Department and the Vista Chamber of Commerce.
“We are grateful to our corporate and foundation sponsors who rallied around this idea and provided the support necessary to offer “Jingle Terrace Park” to our community at no cost,” said Cultural Arts Program Manager and Moonlight Managing Director Colleen Kollar Smith.
“December is typically a time to gather, reflect, and celebrate. Although we are unable to do so in traditional ways this year, we know our community is longing to connect. We are excited to fill that need in a safe and special way and we hope it will become a new tradition for years to come.”
Moonlight Amphitheatre where scenic elements of “Jingle Terrace Park” are being constructed (courtsey photo)
Along the nearly one-mile loop, guests will drive through “lands” highlighting the City’s Recreation & Community Services programs, including: Ahoy to the World (the Wave Waterpark), Steal Home for the Holidays (Youth Sports), ‘Twas the Moonlight Before Christmas (Moonlight Stage Productions), Winter Solstice (the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe), Merry and Flight (Vista’s Public Art Program), and Santa’s Workshop (Senior Services). In addition, Vista’s craft beer scene and the Vista Fire Department will also be featured.
Designed by Mike Bradford, the light displays will be installed by DeLIGHTS at Christmas, whose experience in bringing the holidays to life in San Diego includes the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park, Manchester Financial, Mr. A’s and the Navy Medical Center.
Please note that “Jingle Terrace Park” will not be offered on December 24th and 25th so that employees may enjoy the holidays with their families.
While it is still too soon to welcome audiences back to the Moonlight Amphitheatre for live stage entertainment, The Moonlight is bringing holiday cheer into homes this year with the audio streaming performance of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Musical Radio Play,” adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast. Adapted and written by Lance Arthur Smith, the musical features original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz. Moonlight’s Managing Director Colleen Kollar Smith directs a cast of Moonlight favorites, including Ralph Johnson as Kris Kringle.
Tickets are available for purchase for $25 per household. An audio download link will be made available on December 10 for all ticket holders to listen within the comfort of their homes. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Moonlight Cultural Foundation in their support of The Moonlight’s year-round programming and extensive youth arts education program.
The classic play features the story of a department store Santa claiming he’s the real Kris Kringle. Audiences will listen as the case unfolds and makes its way all the way to the Supreme Court. Will one little girl’s belief make the difference? Recorded in studio with Foley effects and a score of familiar and new holiday carols, this special audio recording of “Miracle on 34th Street” will melt even the most cynical of hearts.
Support for “Miracle on 34th Street” is generously provided by Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Frontwave Credit Union, Issa Family Foundation, Modern Builders Supply, Atlantic & Pacific Management, Hirsch Pipe and Supply and Viasat.
For more information, visit cityofvista.com/holidays or call VisTix at (760) 724-2110.
