Where in Memphis can an entire family, in the comfort of their pajamas, experience pure holiday magic for $20? I recommend Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park.

Over a million environmentally-friendly LED lights have transformed the nation’s largest urban park into a drive-through nocturnal wonderland of twinkling stars and luminous creatures. From ducks and dragonflies to angels and candy canes, every stretch of winding road inspires new oohs and aahs.

A dazzling collection of stars dangling from the park’s trees sets the mood for seasonal displays that include menorahs, a massive nativity, and Christmas trees reflected in the nighttime lake. The display that made my family say, “How’d they do that?” involved a large, moving ball of light that appeared to collide with a massive tree, fully illuminating it and half of a field in a multi-colored symphony of flashing lights.

The holiday ambience was further enhanced by the melodies of Memphis musicians played on a shortwave radio station set up for the event. Artists included classical guitarist Lily Afshar, actress Cybill Shepherd and soprano Kallen Esperian. The Starry Nights CD is available for $5 both online and at the on-site gift shop after the show.

On the Friday night we visited, it took 40 minutes to get in. But the moment we pulled into the park, my toddler was captivated by the fun planetary display just at the entrance.

It was wonderful to see groups of enthusiastic volunteers, many of them teenagers, braving the chilly temperatures to make it all happen.

The excursion prompted me to think about the park’s beauty during daylight hours, and left me wondering why I don’t visit one of the city’s family-friendly gems nearly as often as I should.

When you visit, bundle up with warm blankets and pack tasty holiday treats. Pajamas are optional.

Runs through January 2: Monday-Thursday, 6-10pm, Friday-Sunday, 6-11pm

Visit: starrynightsmemphis.com

Aisling Maki is co-creator of MemphisLovesKids.com, the Mid-South’s first comprehensive Web site for families with children, founded in 2005. An award-winning fiction writer and freelance journalist, Aisling’s work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and online sources around the globe. She previously worked as Web producer and new media reporter for WMC-TV in Memphis. Aisling serves on the board of the Sea Isle Park Neighborhood Association and volunteers as longtime marketing director for V-Day Memphis, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds to help victims of domestic violence. She’s also active in animal welfare and children’s issues, and recently started volunteering with Hope House, a local organization that assists young children and their families affected by HIV/AIDS. She lives in Memphis with her husband, their daughter and six adopted animals. Aisling’s Web site is aislingmaki.com.

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