FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381

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HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN ANNUAL DAZZLING DISPLAY OF LIGHTS SET FOR NOVEMBER 10 TO DECEMBER 31

Decatur, Ala. – The Huntsville Botanical Garden welcomes the holiday season with a magnificent mile and half-long holiday light extravaganza featuring larger-than-life animated light displays, visits with Santa, live reindeer, and refreshments. Quickly becoming one of North Alabama’s must see holiday attractions, this year’s spectacle is set for November 10 to December 31, 2011 and includes a new route and entrance.

The transformation from garden to a dazzling display of twinkling lights begins November 10, and instead of entering through the main entrance on Bob Wallace Avenue, the entrance for both walking and driving nights will be through the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Visitors can walk at their own pace through the winter wonderland of holiday lights November 18-22 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (last admission taken). Children can also visit with Santa Claus and warm refreshments and festive entertainment will be available throughout the evening. On Monday, November 21, 5 to 7:30 p.m., walkers are welcome to bring the family pooch (on a leash), as the Garden hosts their 3^rd annual Dog Walking Night. Admission for walk-through is $6 adults and $3 for children ages 3-17 and $1 for dogs. No cars will be allowed on these nights, unless it rains and the attraction will be drive-through only.

Drive-through nights begin on Thanksgiving evening and continue nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. through December 31, 2011. Admission for drive through is $20 per car up to 10 people and $20 for vans and tour buses up to 10 people. For each additional person, cost is $3. ($1 discount will be given for donated canned food, toys, paper product, pet food, warm coat for local charities.) On the way into the Garden during driving nights, visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Aviation Challenge Area to see Santa’s Rocket Pit Stop for some fun treats and live reindeer.

In 2009, the Galaxy of Lights was named a “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society, and the Garden made the American Automobile Association’s “GEM” list for 2010. It has also been included on the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events, and was named Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association’s Event of the Year in 2003. To hear the story of the first Galaxy of Lights, visit www.hsvbg.org/behindthemagic. The Huntsville Botanical Garden is located at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue in Huntsville. For more information, visit www.hsvbg.org, or call 256.830.4447.

About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)

AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available from the AMLA by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting their web site at www.NorthAlabama.org.

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