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Guide To Santa's Enchanted Forest

It's been a family tradition for over 30 years, it's the largest Christmas-themed park in the world and it's right in your backyard. Santa's Enchanted Forest is open nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight through January 5, 2014, and in case you've never been, you'll find over 100 rides, live shows, carnival games and millions of twinkling holiday lights. Nicknamed the "Miracle on 40th Street," it's sure to put you in the holiday spirit, even if the temperature is hovering around 75 degrees. Bring patience and your wallet, this place gets crowded and the food can get expensive for a family.

Santa's Enchanted Forest

Tropical Park
7900 S.W. 40th St.
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 559-9689
www.santasenchantedforest.com

The Rides
From toddlers to teens, every member of your family will find a favorite ride at Santa's Enchanted Forest. Little ones under 42 inches can crawl their way through giant inflatables and ride gentle trains, coasters and cars. Kids from 42 inches to 53 inches can hop on rides like Crazy Mouse, Ring of Fire, the Water Flume and many more. Those taller than 54 inches can get their thrills and scream with excitement on popular rides like Mega Drop, Stratosphere and Techno Power, to name a few.

Foods From Around The World
Come hungry and bring extra spending money to treat yourself to those once-a-year fair foods we all love. Bags of mini doughnuts covered in cinnamon sugar are always a big hit, as are the fresh fried elephant ears, hot roasted corn, pizza, BBQ and candied apples. Craving something more exotic? You'll find food booths from several countries including Mexico, Italy and Greece. Of course, you'll find plenty of Latin favorites, too.

Tickets And Special Passes
Save yourself a headache and lots of frustration and purchase your tickets online ahead of time. You'll avoid the long lines at the front gate. Just print them out at home and go. Season passes can also be purchased, allowing you to come back as often as you want and only pay one price. A new addition is Santa's Express Pass Add-On that works just like a Disney Fast Pass. You'll get front-of-the-line access on specific nights to the most popular rides. Check the online calendar for dates and for purchasing information.

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The Attractions
To see everything in just one night will be quite the challenge because there are so many interactive experiences and games along the sparkling midway. Test your skills and try the bungee jump, bull rides or the climbing wall. Kids can get their face painted, ride a pony or get their photo taken with Santa. The holiday spirit is everywhere and you can be a part of it with Christmas karaoke, or just make your way down Mistletoe Lane and admire all of the holiday displays. In all, there are over three million lights.


Live Shows
You won't believe all of the live shows your family can see, included for free with your admission: The Dale Scott Magic Show, Cats of the World, the Kachunga Alligator Show, Sea Lions Spectacular, the Motorcycle Globe of Death and newly added this year are the Show Me Safari Pig Racers and an exciting Aerial Show. Bring your camera to capture some amazing moments. Most shows begin at 7 p.m., with several options to choose from each night. Check the calendar for showtimes.

Related: Best Places To See Santa Claus

Jill Martin is a family travel expert, appearing on numerous television and radio shows. She spent five years as the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider, has penned children's books, and is the creator of Sunshine Brain Games – trivia cards about Florida. A Miami native, Jill resides in Redland. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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