SAN ANTONIO All decked out in red and green finery, Morgans Wonderland will launch a new family tradition this holiday season with the debut of A Wonderland Christmas, special Friday and Saturday evening activities and entertainment at the unique theme park. A Wonderland Christmas will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 23 through Dec. 22. Morgans Wonderland is always colorful and vibrant, but it takes on a special glow after dark, said Ron Morander, general manager. It beckons families and friends to gather for an enjoyable evening of fun and a heaping helping of holiday spirit. We believe we have the makings of a new tradition that families will want to incorporate into their pre-Christmas plans year after year. In addition to the parks regular rides and attractions, Morgans Wonderland will recreate the North Pole at the Butterfly Garden playground and have it serve as focal point for strolling entertainers such as carolers, choirs and magicians. Not far away at Santas Living Room near the Off-Road Adventure ride, kids of all ages can for a nominal fee obtain a photo with Santa Claus, whos scheduled to be on hand each evening from 5:30 to 8:30. Guests also can snack on cookies and hot chocolate. A petting zoo will enable youngsters to meet animals up-close, and each evening of Wonderland Christmas, one family will be selected to flip a switch and make the parks lights shine and twinkle. Regular Morgans Wonderland admission prices will apply throughout A Wonderland Christmas Nov. 23, 24 and 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Those with special needs are always admitted free of charge. The parks complete operating schedule is as follows: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 and 24; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 21; Noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 1 through Dec. 22; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 For the latest Morgans Wonderland information, visit www.MorgansWonderland.com. Morgans Wonderland, which is completely wheelchair-accessible, features more than 25 elements and attractions including rides, playgrounds and gardens. Its located at 5223 David Edwards drive at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive just west of IH 35 in Northeast San Antonio. The non-profit park, STAR (South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex, Monarch Academy school for students with special needs and the San Antonio Scorpions FC pro soccer team were created through the vision and leadership of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. Net profits from STAR Soccer and the Scorpions help Morgans Wonderland meet its operating expenses as well as expand programs and services for the special-needs community. -- 30 --