CARLSBAD, Calif. Actor Rich Sommer and actress and model Ali Landry joined Santa as they pulled the switch to light the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree tonight at LEGOLAND® California. As thousands of guests waited to see the 30-foot-tall tree illuminate, they enjoyed performances by one of the hottest children’s entertainment groups, The Jumpitz® and LEGOLAND California Resort General Manager Peter Ronchetti presented $10,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California.
“Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California is grateful to LEGOLAND California for their generous donation this holiday season and appreciative of all the support given to our Charity,” said Carol Horvitz, chief development officer for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. “It is because of this type of support that we are able to provide comfort and care to Southern California families every day.”
The celebration tonight began as the Toy Soldier from the Park’s interactive holiday musical “Let it Snow” introduced Ronchetti, who spoke of great things to come in 2010: “2009 was an exciting year for LEGOLAND California as we celebrated our tenth birthday with the opening of ten new attractions including Dune Raiders, Bob the Builder™ 4-D movie and Xbox Family GameSpace,” said Ronchetti. “2010 is going to be even more exciting as we open up a new 5-acre water park over Memorial Day weekend!”
The world’s largest LEGO® Christmas tree is made of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO® bricks, adorned with more than 240 LEGO ornaments and surrounded by packages and LEGO friends the whole family can enjoy. Tonight’s tree lighting ceremony marks the beginning of LEGOLAND California’s Holly Jolly Holidays presented by Western Dental which runs through Dec. 31, 2009. The entire theme park is transformed into a holiday wonderland featuring vibrant holiday decorations, festive entertainment every weekend including carolers and strolling musicians plus nightly fireworks Dec. 26 through 30.
Children may pose with a new five-foot-tall snowman made of more than 37,000 LEGO bricks or with a life-size LEGO Santa, his sleigh and two reindeer featuring 51,100 LEGO bricks. Also, from Dec. 3 through 24, a child will randomly be selected to help pull the switch that lights the LEGO Christmas tree during a fun ceremony right before the Park closes each night.
“Let it Snow” returns with festive songs, dancing and a holiday story to warm guest’s hearts. The musical holiday show runs every weekend from Nov. 27 through Dec. 13 and runs daily Dec. 19 through Dec. 25.
The holiday season concludes with the one-and-only Kids’ New Year’s Eve party in southern California on Dec. 31 with festivities beginning at 4 p.m. For more information on the LEGOLAND theme park, event schedules, hours and prices visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO.
