SPRINGFIELD — It might be New Year’s Eve, but Bright Nights at Forest Park is open tonight to complete your holiday season with a cozy, spirited ride through a wonderland that shines brightly with over 750,000 glowing and twinkling, colorful LED lights decorating more than 400 individual displays.
Holiday hours are 5 to 10 p.m.
If you can’t make it to Bright Nights tonight, the nationally recognized attraction remains open through Jan. 4.
Among the many sights to be seen while on your fun journey through Bright Nights include driving under a hallow of colorful lights called the Blizzard Tunnel, elves throwing packages to Santa for his big night, leaping deer from one side of the street to the other, a nativity scene and Menorah in honor of the season, gigantic dinosaurs spreading holiday cheer, the Garden of Peace with its flowers blooming with love, peace, faith, hope and joy added in honor of the September 11th tragedy — just a sampling of the unending whimsical displays that dot the landscape of Forest Park.
Although Santa is gone from his home in Santa’s Magical Forest until next year, visitors can still stop and visit the gift shop, and the two concession stands located there.
“While at Santa’s Magical Forest, many visitors have enjoyed seeing our stunning new five-story-tall, illuminated Christmas tree joining our many displays this year crafted especially for Bright Nights by Carpenter Decorating Company in North Carolina. It’s a unique picture-taking opportunity that families have been taking advantage of perhaps for use as their Christmas cards,” said Judith A. Matt, president and CEO of Spirit of Springfield.
Tickets for Bright Nights at Forest Park must be purchased in advance at brightnights.org.
Each ticket is for a car, truck, or van with seating up to 16 passenger capacity. General admission tickets are $25 plus a $2 ticket fee. Big Y is offering tickets at a discounted rate of $20. Admission for limousines is $40 plus a $2 ticket fee. Minibuses with seating capacity of 17-30 passengers is $100, and buses with seating capacity for 31 or more passengers is $200.
For more information, visit brightnights.org or call 413-733-3800.
