November 30, 2023 10:10 a.m.

The Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights has opened its Holiday Village.

It is located at Riversdale Grange at 4855 Garden Valley Road. Sponsored by Dutch Bros, it is open Thursday through Sunday nights. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays. It is open until 10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It remains open through December 24th

Kids can meet Santa Claus, write a letter to the North Pole and meet a host of different characters. A Santa collection and a model railroad are on display. Cookies, warm cider, coffee and hot chocolate are on sale.

Holiday Village is included with the $10 per carload ticket for the drive through at River Forks Park. It can be purchased at either location or obtained online: www.uvfestivaloflights.com

The Festival of Lights has more than a half million lights and over 90 displays. This is the 31st season of the event. It is openly nightly 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and until 10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through January 1st.

Proceeds from the Festival of Lights go to Rotary scholarships and other Rotary sponsored programs.