Opportunity Village's Magical Forest is an enchanting holiday event that takes place annually in Las Vegas. The Magical Forest is a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. The event is held at the Opportunity Village campus and spans several acres of land. The main attraction of the Magical Forest is the stunning display of over three million lights. The lights are meticulously arranged to create vibrant scenes and displays that bring the holiday spirit to life. Visitors can stroll through the forest, admiring the dazzling light displays and capturing beautiful photos along the way.
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It's not the local holiday season in Las Vegas until the lights go on at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.
Their own Magical Forest and carnival got so popular that we brought it on to our campus and it has grown to what it is today, said Taylor Judkin, donor engagement specialist at Opportunity Village. Through workforce development, community employment, day services, inclusive housing, arts and social recreation, they are able to find new friends, realize future career paths, seek independence and community integration, and unleash creative passions.
Visitors can stroll through the forest, admiring the dazzling light displays and capturing beautiful photos along the way. In addition to the lights, there are various activities and attractions that enhance the Magical Forest experience. One of the highlights is the Forest Express Train Ride, which takes visitors on a magical journey through the forest.
Magical Forest continues to shine bright at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas
It's not the local holiday season in Las Vegas until the lights go on at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.
Posted at 3:52 PM, Dec 01, 2021 and last updated 2021-12-04 01:37:01-05LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It's not the local holiday season in Las Vegas until the lights go on at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.
"The Magical Forest was founded by a family in their backyard. Their own Magical Forest and carnival got so popular that we brought it on to our campus and it has grown to what it is today," said Taylor Judkin, donor engagement specialist at Opportunity Village
The annual event has become a family holiday tradition for those who call Las Vegas home, and 2021 marks 30 years of holiday magic.
"This is our 30th anniversary for the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. We have a beautiful walk through the forest for you to see all of the decorations and more," Judkin said.
Last year, the trees were dark due to COVID, but the sparkling lights can't be missed again near Oakey Boulevard and Torrey Pines Road.
Visitors can travel through the forest of trees to see hundreds of decorated trees and other displays.
"When you enter, we have Christmas music playing and even a dancing light show. We also have a retail shop, and then when you head right, you enter the magical forest of trees. There are plenty of differently decorated trees along with house displays. As you move through you, get to see all of the different excitement in the forest," Judkin said.
And the forest is the star of the show, but there's more in the expanded area, including rides, food and a family favorite -- a train through the forest.
"We have rides such as the train that takes you throughout the forest, a carousel, and of course, Santa visits. We also have other rides and mini golf and carnival food and food trucks for different types of cuisine," Judkin said.
The event is also a way for the community to give back to the Opportunity Village.
"Our decorated trees are put together by different community members. It gives them an opportunity to help with our own mission at Opportunity Village and also a way we can show our community thanks for helping us throughout the year," Judkin said.
Every dollar spent at the Magical Forest goes toward programs or services for the people with disabilities the organization serves.
"The Magical Forest is one of our largest fundraiser events, and all of the money raised from the event goes directly back to help fund education and programs offered at Opportunity Village," Judkin said.
And the forest is made up of volunteers nightly, with opportunities still available.
"We typically have about 200 volunteers helping run our forest. We are always looking for volunteers. Volunteers run our entire forest, and it's really nice to see the community come out to help support our fundraiser event," Judkin said.
The attraction is open nightly until the new year, and weekdays could be your best bet to beat the crowds.
"We are open nightly starting at 5:30 p.m. and run through Jan. 2. The weekends are also are busiest. So, if you don't want a big crowd, I would come during the week. We still have a good turnout, but it isn't as much as on the weekend," Judkin said.
Even as new holiday displays come to town, take a page from us locals and make the Magical Forest part of your holiday celebrations.
"It's a great way to get you in the Christmas spirit. Everyone was closed last year, and we are back open this year. It's an outdoor event. Get out of the house, see the community, see the people and support a good cause. It puts a smile on your face, and it puts a smile on our face to see you at the Opportunity Village," Judkin said.
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The train ride provides a unique perspective of the light displays and is especially enjoyable for children. There are also several amusement rides scattered throughout the Magical Forest, including a carousel, bumper cars, and a mini roller coaster. These rides add an element of excitement and entertainment to the event and are sure to delight visitors of all ages. For those in search of holiday gifts and treats, the Magical Forest features a selection of vendor booths selling crafts, snacks, and souvenirs. Visitors can browse through the booths, finding unique gifts and tasty treats to enjoy during their visit. Aside from being a fun-filled event, the Magical Forest also serves as a fundraiser for Opportunity Village. Opportunity Village is a local Las Vegas non-profit organization that provides programs and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The proceeds from the event support the organization's mission and help fund their various programs and initiatives. Overall, Opportunity Village's Magical Forest is a magical and heartwarming event that brings joy to the Las Vegas community during the holiday season. With its stunning light displays, entertaining activities, and charitable cause, the Magical Forest is a must-visit attraction for locals and tourists alike..
Reviews for "Experience the Magic in Opportunity Village's Enchanted Forest"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I found Opportunity Village Magic Forest to be quite underwhelming. The attractions were limited and didn't offer much excitement. The price of admission was also quite high considering the lackluster experience. Additionally, the staff seemed disinterested and weren't very helpful. Overall, I wouldn't recommend visiting the Magic Forest as there are other attractions in the area that offer a much better experience for the same price or less.
2. John - 1/5 - The Opportunity Village Magic Forest was a major disappointment. The decorations were tacky and outdated, and the overall atmosphere was lacking. The lines for the few available attractions were ridiculously long, and the staff seemed overwhelmed and unorganized. The price of admission was far too high for what is essentially a below-average holiday-themed park. Save your money and find a better holiday attraction in the area.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to visiting the Opportunity Village Magic Forest, but unfortunately, it was a letdown. The displays were poorly maintained, and many of them were broken or not functioning properly. The park felt overcrowded, and it was difficult to navigate through the crowds. The food options were also limited and overpriced. All in all, it was not worth the time or money.
4. Michael - 2/5 - I had high expectations for the Opportunity Village Magic Forest, but I left feeling disappointed. The attractions were quite repetitive, and there weren't many options to choose from. The lines were long, and the wait times were considerably high. The staff did their best, but it felt like they were understaffed for the number of visitors. I would recommend exploring other holiday attractions in the area instead of visiting the Magic Forest.