In the winter season, there are many festive events that families and friends can do to embrace their holiday spirit. One activity that you can do is see Christmas Light attractions. There are many places you can go, but you will need a car to get there and drive through the set-up lights.
One of the more popular lights around the central Pennsylvania area is the Holiday Lights on the Lake in Altoona, PA. These lights are open Nov. 15 to Jan. 5 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Prices can vary depending on the vehicle you are in. Standard Vehicles are $18.00, Vans are $40.00, School Bus/RVs are $50.00, and Motor Coaches are $100.00. If you want an Unlimited Visits pass, it will cost $75.00. In the Google Reviews, people love it. Mr. Ken Locher said, “Stunning Light Display!!!” and Mr. Edward Weiss called it “An annual tradition you won’t want to miss.” The reviews also hold some complaints. For instance, Ms. Lindsay Platt thought, “Beautiful lights but overpriced” and Ms. Jamie D’andrea said: “Honestly pretty mediocre. Luckily we went when it wasn’t busy. But definitely not worth the line if there is one.” As you can see, there are many happy customers, but there are some that were displeased with the traffic and cost of the event, so if you go, try to choose a day were it may not be as busy and take a regular vehicle to lessen the cost.
Another popular Christmas light attraction is Overly’s Country Christmas in Greensboro, PA. It opens Nov. 21 and closes at the end of December. It is open every Thursday through Sunday and the week before Christmas. Thursday and Sunday, it is open from 5:30pm-9:00pm, and Friday and Saturday it is open from 5:30pm-10:00pm. This display has two different options to go through. The first option is a drive through which costs $25.00 for a carload of up to eight people or $40.00 if more than eight passengers are in the vehicle. The first option’s destination is the Christmas Village. The second option is a Park & Walk, which is $5.00 per person and will take you directly to Christmas Village. In the village, there are food, drinks, music, and beautiful sights to see. The Hartman Station, Santa’s Workshop, and The Manger are a few other spots throughout the Village that offer beauty and fun. The Google reviews are mostly all positive, but some were very upset because they believed it to be a drive-through experience, which it is not. So, if you visit, remember that it is not a drive-through and be prepared to walk.
Next is Valley of Lights Christmas Drive Thru in Winfield, PA at the Little Mexico Campground Open from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 at 5:30pm-8:00pm on Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-9:00pm on Friday and Saturday. This drive through costs $15.00 for a car seating up to 7 people, for vans and other big vehicles that seat up to 15 it will cost $20.00. At the campground, there are drinks, snack, craft making, and letters to Santa with costs for each. For all prices, it is cash only, so remember that if you attend. The google reviews are all 5 stars with many happy and appreciative compliments. With that being said, see the beautiful lights and activities that The Valley of the Lights has to offer.
Additionally, a big light attraction is Hershey Sweet Lights in Hershey, PA. It is open throughout the Christmas season during park hours. The cost of admission starts at $29.99 and tickets can be bought in person and online before 5:00pm on the day of visit. The light attraction is 2 miles long and full of many beautiful designs. The Google review is at a 3.2 stars which some ranging from very pleased to very upset. For instance, Ms. Kalene Wolfe said, “80% of the lighted displays are outdated/broken and hard to tell what they are.” That is just one of the many comments about the outdated lights. The cost is another issue that attendees had. Many claimed that the excessive cost and outdated lights caused them to not want to return. Other than the cost and outdated light reviews, most were happy with the park’s setup and length of the drive. Throughout the drive you will be able to listen to music that is set up with the lights you go by as well as two pairs of glasses that will enhance your experience. If you go see Hershey Sweet Lights be prepared for the cost and the wait times that could come with it.
Lastly, the Enchanted Lights Pittsburgh in Freedom, PA is another nice light display you can go see. This is a walk-through experience that happens to be outdoors. The event is open every weekend in December from 5:30pm-9:00pm. Some weekdays are open in the year and some days are dog-friendly, but they must be on leash. For adults it is $25, for children 3-10 it is $20, and children under 3 get in for free. Groups of 10 or more can get 10% admission. Parking is $5.00 and proceeds go to Crisis Center North and Cross Your Paws Dog Rescue. The Google reviews are 4.7 stars and have mostly good comments, but some had issues with the cost of admission. If you attend these lights remember to dress accordingly and to be prepared to pay a decent amount to get in.
As you can see, there are many light display options to go see during the holiday season. Some can be costly, but worth it in the end. If you have an interest in visiting one of these displays, make sure to visit their online website to view prices, rules, and any other information needed to ensure an enjoyable experience. Spending time looking at lights with family and friends can bring people closer together during the holiday season and heighten Christmas spirit.
