Tom Goodwin ties lights to metal framework of the tunnel of lights. The Pilot/Bill Schilichting

aThe last of the lights have been strung in Azalea Park this past weekend and Nature’s Coastal Holiday will begin its three-week show beginning Saturday, Dec. 3.

The 450,000 lights, set up by volunteers, have transformed the park into a holiday wonderland of toy soldiers, candy canes, ice skaters, elk, sea creatures, flowers and more.

The show will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. The cost is $1 for general admission and free for children younger than 12. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 22, 23 and 24, Santa will make an appearance at the park.

Each night a team of volunteers from community organizations and businesses from the community will be operating the entrance booths, located at the upper and lower parking lots along Old County Road, as well as the Snack Shack, where cookies and hot cider will be served.

To help warm the body and spirit, people are welcome to take a side trip to the Capella by the Sea where volunteers are keeping the chapel open.

Nature’s Coastal Holiday began in 1997 with 50,000 lights; that quickly grew to nearly a quarter of a million. It is now approaching half a million lights, making it one of the biggest light shows on the Oregon Coast.