Bette Midler is an iconic American singer, actress, and comedian, known for her powerful voice, unique sense of style, and vibrant personality. Her talent and charisma have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry for several decades. One of her most notable roles was in the 1993 film "Hocus Pocus," where she portrayed the character of Winifred Sanderson, a witch who is resurrected for one night of mischief and mayhem. Midler's portrayal of Winifred Sanderson showcased her incredible acting abilities and comedic timing, as she brought humor, wit, and a touch of menace to the role. Midler's performance as a witch in "Hocus Pocus" stood out due to her ability to truly embody the character. Her facial expressions, body language, and delivery of lines were all perfectly suited to the role, creating a memorable and enchanting portrayal of a witch.
Also new this year, Christmas Underground will operate with timed-entry ticketing. As a specially ticketed event, guests purchase tickets based on the time they would like to check in at Ruby Falls for their Journey to the North Pole. For greatest availability, purchase online tickets early as multiple dates are expected to sell out. Tickets may also be purchased at Ruby Falls based on availability. Several ticket options are offered, including discount tickets combining a visit to Christmas Underground and a Classic Waterfall Tour. Admission to Christmas Underground - A Journey to the North Pole includes a private visit with Santa, keepsake geode, complimentary digital photo with Santa, all event activities and special surprises! Tickets are $16.95 for everyone ages three and up. Additional photo packages are available for purchase.
We adore showcasing our love of the holidays and family traditions by creating delightful new holiday displays and introducing new features along Christmas Underground s Journey to the North Pole. Admission to Christmas Underground - A Journey to the North Pole includes a private visit with Santa, keepsake geode, complimentary digital photo with Santa, all event activities and special surprises.
Her facial expressions, body language, and delivery of lines were all perfectly suited to the role, creating a memorable and enchanting portrayal of a witch. Additionally, Midler's portrayal of Winifred Sanderson allowed her to showcase her exceptional singing talent. In the film, she performed the song "I Put a Spell on You" during a Halloween party scene, captivating the audience with her powerful vocals and energetic stage presence.
Thank you to our 2022 patrons for a fantastic 1st year!
Open nightly 7-days a week for six weeks, there are so many opportunities to enjoy the lights with friends and family.
Chester Frost Park
Experience a world-class holiday lights display from the comfort of your vehicle during this magical winter light experience on Dallas Island inside Chester Frost Park.
Hours of Operation
Sunday–Thursday:
5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Friday-Saturday:
5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Event Information
Location
Dallas Island inside Chester Frost Park
Dates
November 14 – December 31*
*Open on Thanksgiving
*Closed on Christmas Day
Hours of Operation
Open at 5:30pm 7-days a week
Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:00pm
Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-10:00pm
In line at close? Vehicles in line at the time of gate closure will be admitted!
Length of Ride
Approximately a half-hour drive thru the 1.5-mile route
Pricing
$30 per car, online purchase only (you’re in the right place!) No cash at gate. Purchase tickets in advance!
Payment
Online Ticket Purchase Only. No cash or credit cards accepted at the gate! Purchase Tickets here and come prepared to have a your ticket’s QR Code scanned for admittance at the entrance gate.
Weather
Rain or snow, the lights will glow. Adverse weather actually amplifies the lighting effects, so don’t hesitate to attend if it’s raining. Extreme weather conditions may temporarily close the event.
The spirit of the season abounds at Ruby Falls with merry and bright décor and twinkling lights. “The picturesque Village Plaza is a perfect backdrop for our new, stunning 27-foot Christmas tree topped with a grand star, warmly welcoming guests,” said Hollie Baranick, Tours and Special Projects Manager. “We adore showcasing our love of the holidays and family traditions by creating delightful new holiday displays and introducing new features along Christmas Underground’s Journey to the North Pole.”
Beyond her role in "Hocus Pocus," Midler has also been associated with witch-like characters in other projects. In the 1991 film "For the Boys," she played a singer who is compared to a witch due to her strong personality and determination. This character allowed Midler to showcase her range as an actress and further solidified her association with witch-like roles. Overall, Bette Midler's portrayal of witches in films such as "Hocus Pocus" and "For the Boys" highlights her incredible talent and versatility as an actress. Her ability to fully immerse herself in these roles, along with her exceptional singing abilities, has made her a memorable and beloved figure in the realm of witch characters in entertainment..
Reviews for "The Wickedly Talented Bette Midler: A Closer Look at her Witchcraft Skills"
1. John - ★★☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with Bette Midler's portrayal of a witch. Her performance felt forced and over-the-top, with exaggerated gestures and a cackling laugh that quickly became grating. I had higher expectations for such an acclaimed actress, but unfortunately, she just didn't deliver in this role. It felt like she was trying too hard to be funny and ended up coming across as more annoying than anything else. Overall, I was left unimpressed by her performance.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
As a long-time fan of Bette Midler, I was excited to see her take on the role of a witch. However, I found her portrayal to be quite underwhelming. Her character lacked depth, and it felt like she was just going through the motions without bringing anything new or interesting to the table. Additionally, her exaggerated makeup and costume only served to distract from the already weak performance. I was hoping for more from Midler, but ultimately, I was left feeling disappointed.
3. David - ★☆☆☆☆
Bette Midler's performance as a witch was absolutely dreadful. Her exaggerated expressions and overacting were painful to watch. It felt like she was trying to ham it up for comedic effect, but it only came across as forced and unnatural. The character lacked any depth or complexity, and Midler's performance did nothing to make up for that. I expected more from an actress of her caliber, but sadly, this was a major letdown.
4. Amanda - ★★☆☆☆
Bette Midler's portrayal of a witch left a lot to be desired. Her performance felt very one-dimensional and lacked the nuance that I expect from an actress of her caliber. The constant overacting and exaggerated gestures made it difficult to take her character seriously. I wanted to see a more nuanced and multifaceted witch, but instead, Midler delivered a caricature that fell flat. It's a shame because I know she is capable of so much more.