I just went out recently to see the holiday lights for the New Year. As always, the lights were very impressive and I noticed quite a few new attractions made of Christmas lights. There were butterflys which I hadn't seen before along with various other lighting effects which made for a very nice night watching the colors and glow of the Holiday lights. I got there early in the afternoon just as the sun was about to set and had an excellent day taking photographs of the holiday lights. I took one Panorama which I think you'll enjoy - please allow for loading time because the file is rather large.
I took the panorama below and using a program stitched it into a quicktime movie file. It's interactive, takes time to load, but worth the wait.
The park opens at 4 P.M. and I would urge you to be there not much later if you would like to avoid the crowds and capture some photographs of the sunset at the same time. You can walk out of the end of the beach and catch some really beautiful sunsets. Should you head into the gardens and the holiday lights while it's there's still a bit of daylight you'll be able to capture some nice reflections in your pictures. On a clear calm day you'll be able to see the seals and sea lions and if you are very lucky perhaps you may see a whale as it comes up for some air. Most of the whales migrate, but there are some that stay in the area during the winter if the eating is good. I've seen them quite a number of times in the winter so keep your eye out.
I would advise you to dress warmly. As you know, the wind is a frequent guest along the coast and it is getting a bit on the chilly if not cold time of the year. I have the good fortune of choosing which days I want to go, and I hope you will be able to visit on a day without rain and little mist in the air for those of you using cameras. Be sure to sign in and have some coffee and cookies or perhaps some cider.
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