The Tall Pines Forest of Lights is back by popular demand! After becoming one of the leading holiday attractions in Susquehanna County, the forest is once again lit up. Despite having to scale back on a few elements this year, organizers promised another magical experience this year… and they did not disappoint. The beautiful drive-through attraction at the Tall Pines Players Club near Friendsville opened last weekend and will be open until Wednesday, December 30.
The exhibit features more than a mile of lighted trees and whimsical displays designed to capture the beauty of the season. Forest of Lights coordinator Tom Follert estimates that more than 40,000 people in Pennsylvania’s northern tier and New York’s southern tier enjoyed the extravaganza in 2019.
“It was a great year,” said Follert, who credits golf club owner Adam Diaz for wanting to develop a light show for the community. “We really wanted to provide a Christmas experience for people, and it took off like wildfire. We were just thrilled.”
Though a lot of pieces are manufactured offsite, Follert is responsible for tying the themes together. He oversaw the production of three pieces that celebrated Susquehanna County icons like the Starrucca Bridge, the courthouse in Montrose and St. Joseph’s Church in Friendsville. “People were really wowed by the local themes,” he told us. “Parents told us that it was very nostalgic and brought a lot of joy to their kids.”
The work starts in September with the wrapping of more than 1,000 trees with some of the 500,000 plus lights. Except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Forest of Lights will be open from 5 to 9 pm. The cost for vehicles with up to eight passengers is $25, and $50 for vehicles with nine to 15 passengers. This year, Cabot has purchased 55 tickets to the Forest of Lights to spread that holiday cheer to our employees and their families.
An abundance of caution related to the pandemic will require that guests remain in their vehicles this year as they enjoy the exhibit. Santa’s Workshop will not be open to the public at Santa’s request, as he wants to keep his elves safe while they make toys. Children will see him at the end of the ride, however. They can drop their Christmas wish lists in Santa’s mailbox!
The restaurant at Tall Pines will be open with limited seating capacity, so reservations will be required. Guests can also order food from a limited menu when they arrive and pick it up as they leave.
Join Cabot and our employees as we leave the real world behind us for an hour and enter this fantasyland of lights. You’ll experience some astonishing holiday cheer while also supporting the efforts of the Tall Pines staff.
