“Walking through a winter wonderland” might be weird this year with everyone wearing masks and staying six feet apart. But driving through a winter wonderland can feel pretty festive. Here is a trio of holiday light shows to illuminate your nights.
Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields
Expect to spend about 20 minutes slowly cruising the 1.2-mile route at Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields while jamming to holiday tunes on an FM station. The dazzling display includes five million synchronized lights including snowflakes, ornaments, stars and icicles in six tunnels measuring approximately 16 feet by 200 feet.
A special Hanukkah Celebration will take place at 7 p.m. on December 10, when all five million lights will turn blue and white. Tickets cost $36-$46. Fast passes and VIP packages including private carriage rides are available at higher costs. Shows take place from 5:45 to 10 p.m. daily through December 31, including all holidays. Visit holidaylightssrf.com for more information.
World of Illumination
Now that “socially safe” and “contactless” events are all the necessary rage, giving your drive-thru holiday light extravaganza a tagline like “a touchless experience” is a good idea. But when it comes to World of Illumination, “touchless” doesn’t mean the experience isn’t touching – few things feel as festive as seeing millions of colorful lights and animatronic displays laid out along a carefully choreographed course and timed to holiday tunes playing through your car stereo.
Two different World of Illumination theme parks will light up vacant Valley lots this year: Rockin’ Christmas in Glendale and Arctic Adventure in Tempe. The Glendale event located near State Farm Stadium is the larger of the two, with over two million lights twinkling along a 1-mile drive. Illuminations include life-size music notes, a colossal Santa at a turntable, towering Nutcracker ornaments and a forest of lit up trees. Arctic Adventure at Tempe Diablo Stadium is a tundra-themed cruise featuring a 32-foot tall snowman and other polar characters, giant twinkling snowflakes, singing elves and rows of neon candy canes.
Both locations include appearances by Santa on December 7, 14 and 21. Each show takes approximately 30 minutes when driving at the 3-5 mph speed limit. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and cost $29-$39 per vehicle. Visit worldofillumination.com for more information.
Cruise the ZooLights
This year, the Phoenix Zoo is offering a cruise of its annual ZooLights event that allows you to enjoy the illuminated trees and animal displays from the comfort of your own car. Check the event website for information on available nights and to purchase tickets ($60 per car).
