City Focus

The mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex guards the entry, wagging his monstrous

tail, while a much more gentle giant, a Brontosaurus, bends down to lift

his head again with a leaf in his mouth.

These extinct favorites are the first sights that greet visitors to

the Boeing Huntington Beach Holiday D’Lights presentation. The mile-long

holiday festival of lights featuring animated light displays costs $5 and

benefits 10 local schools and foundations in Huntington, Fountain Valley,

Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin and Westminster. It is the second year

Boeing has staged the attraction, which many other businesses help

sponsor.

The prehistoric theme continues on the left with a flying Tyradacktle,

an Ankylosaurus and a couple of Tricerayops, while on the right a more

traditional scene unfolds with a host of toy soldiers.

All that is before one even drives under the archway of holiday lights

that resembles a Disney castle. At that point drivers stop, pay and

receive two pair of psychedelic holiday glasses, one that makes even a

simple street light appear to be a glowing star and another that makes

the word “joy” appear before the viewer’s eyes. Once inside, with lights

off, cars proceed at a speed of no more than 10 mph.

From there the animated displays evoke “oohs,” “ahs” and a few giggles

when you see Santa shooting hoops or Polar bears putting.

Just when the journey seems to be at an end, families can exit their

car and enter the holiday village where there is caroling, crafts, visits

with Santa Claus and a few carnival rides, which can be enjoyed for $1.

The village is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 6 to 10 p.m.

through Dec. 23. The lights display is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m.

through Dec. 31.