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December 24, 2013

Home > Blog > The "Magic" of Christmas Visits Las Vegas

The Magical Forest has become a cherished Las Vegas Christmas tradition. Originally it began as a small wine and cheese party that drew in passersby with its lovely Christmas lights, causing them to stop on their journey through the city and ask for a moment’s admittance.

But the Magical Forest of today is a far cry from its simple origins. Now it is a major local “happening” that draws thousands of return patrons year after year along with hundreds of volunteers.

And this year, the not-for-profit foundation, Opportunity Village, which sponsors the Magical Forest, has outdone itself once again, orchestrating yet another incredible display of yuletide cheer to raise money for all the services they provide. Opportunity Village has been training those with intellectual disabilities to seek independence and community integration since 1954, and is one of the largest charitable foundations in the city.

The forest is an amazing spectacle to say the least: hundreds of trees are illuminated with Christmas lights the whole way through. Excited guests climb aboard the Forest Express Passenger Train to tour a true winter wonderland complete with Fantasy Gingerbread House, Enchanted Carousel, Magical Midway and Santa’s Workshop. In addition to the many magical sights and lights, this year the Forest also provided a unique custom percussion tube set with instructions that showed visitors how to play “Jingle Bells” a la the Blue Man Group, which is known for its eccentric instrumentation.

We are proud to say that each year Prudential joins in on the festivities by providing a corporate sponsorship for a tree in the forest. Along with that sponsorship comes the responsibility of having 75 of its employees and real estate agents staff the Magical Forest event for one night. Each year there are always plenty of volunteers ready and willing to lend a hand!

Our Prudential members stood cheerfully in the cold and ushered guest of all ages around the bright and colorful forest rides. Some even broke out in song. While they received no more material incentive than a cup of hot cocoa, they were blessed with the gift of joy from all the excited children and families. Their looks of awe beamed love and warmth into the hearts of all who volunteered on that frigid night.

The Tonnesen Team of Prudential would like to wish you and your family the gifts of joy and wonder this Holiday Season. May your Las Vegas home be blessed with love.