An array of holiday lights creates a festive glow in the dark, rolling hills of Tilden Park. All photos: Nancy Rubin

If you don’t have young kids, the Tilden Park Merry Go Round Christmas Fantasy in the Woods will probably make you want to go out and find some just so you have an excuse to visit.

Running every evening through December 23, the event sees the much-loved antique carrousel transformed into a whimsical holiday spectacular.

When Berkeleyside contributing photographer Nancy Rubin visited recently, not only did she meet Santa, but also a live camel and a Shetland pony. She said the whole effect was “magical indeed”.

The vintage carrousel, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, is decorated for the holiday season

The Merry Go Round, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, is surrounded by Christmas trees whose ornaments are for sale, with themes ranging from the traditional to the eccentric, such as “Vampire” and “Mardis Gras”.  There are holiday sweets and warm drinks on offer, carolers, as well as visits from Santa and his live reindeer.

The Tilden Park Merry Go Round Christmas Fantasy in the Woods runs through December 23, from 5:30-8:30 pm. Santa visits every night 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, except Wednesdays. Entrance to the event and visits with Santa are free. It costs $2 for one ride, or $10 for 7 rides.

And who needs a child? Adults are welcome to ride the Merry Go Round too.

For information, call (510) 524-6773.

Santa visits the Merry Go Round every night 6:00-8:00pm except on Wednesdays (presumably too busy working with the elves in the toy workshop)

Related:
Tilden Merry Go Round in Berkeley celebrates 100 years [07.25.11]

To find out about more events in Berkeley and nearby, visit Berkeleyside’s Events Calendar. We also encourage you to submit your own events.

Tracey Taylor is co-founder of Berkeleyside and co-founder and editorial director of Cityside, the nonprofit parent to Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. Before launching Berkeleyside, Tracey wrote for...