Santa confidential

Santa's Enchanted Forest: cherished holiday fun or a ho-ho hassle? Our video guide shows you how to avoid nightmares before Christmas.

By J.R. Biersmith

Santa's Enchanted Forest, the self proclaimed world's largest Christmas theme park and free carnival, celebrates its 25th year this month at Tropical Park. Here are some tips if you plan to join the thousands of visitors to this holiday mecca:

The price: This family-owned facility has plenty for all ages, but it is not free, despite the somewhat misleading motto - admission to the park is $22.90 plus tax for adults, $15.89 plus tax for senior citizens and children under 9. (Kids under 2 do get in free.) That buys you unlimited rides, and plenty of good, clean family fun.

Our Forest expedition cost $71 (for two). That included a lucky break from the vending machine that spit out bottled water for $2 instead of $3.

The vibe: The front and back of the park are completely different: the front is a holiday wonderland teeming with three million lights, a massive Christmas tree, youngsters clamoring to see Santa and holiday music played with enough volume to drown out the sound of parents weeping over ticket prices. The back is a thrill-seeker's paradise with carnival games, food and shows. There's also a midway with games of chance, er skill - try to resist the siren call of the Pop-A-Shot if you can and hustle on back to the rides.

The crowd: If you're going with kids, go early for the best parking and the shortest lines at rides. The family atmosphere also makes this a good date spot or outing for teens in junior high and high school, though if you are bringing small children, be warned: teens throng the place after 8 or 9 p.m.

What to wear: Anything casual works. If you'll be riding the rides, wear something with pockets so you can safely tuck away cell phones, wallets, keys and cameras.

Don't miss: If you are looking for the perfect Christmas photo, it will cost you $10, but skip the photos at the entrance and make your way to the middle of the park and take a photo with the sea lions. They smell a little fishy, but you can't resist smiling when the trainer asks them to rest their heads on your shoulders.

Freebies: Until Dec. 13, children 9 and under enter FREE with a paid adult if he/she brings a Pepsi product can or bottle cap.

Gazing time: Ooh and ahh at the Christmas displays on your way out, *after* you've been on all the rides and need a little downtime before driving home.

Don't pay to play: For $25, the free-fall ride just isn't worth it - nor is the rock climbing wall. The free attractions here are definitely the best.

Save money, stay healthy: eat before you arrive.

Santa's Enchanted Forest is at Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St., Miami; 305-892-2848 or santasenchantedforest.com.