Illuminights is a rain or shine event, and will operate as scheduled on Friday, January 1, 2021. However, given the forecast for Friday, January 1, Illuminights tickets for January 1 will be honored on Thursday, December 31 and Saturday, January 2. To redeem your January 1 tickets on either night, simply bring your ticket email (digital is acceptable) with you to check-in and our staff will be able to process your admission without any additional steps. We look forward to seeing you at Illuminights!
ILLUMINIGHTS UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, Illuminights has been canceled for Wednesday, December 16th. Individuals who purchased tickets for December 16 have received an email with instructions regarding their purchase.
Due to the Governor’s Executive Order 67, and with guidance from the Virginia Department of Health, Illuminights will still operate at a limited capacity. In order to comply with the Governor’s order, we must delay our start date to Wednesday, November 25. If you have purchased tickets for November 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 you have received an email with instructions regarding your ticket purchase.
Explore your holiday spirit through a unique experience featuring over 500,000 lights, dazzling features and memorable moments. Travel down our half-mile wooded path while taking in the sights and sounds of the season*.
While you’re here, shop for artisan crafts, roast marshmallows around the campfire, and enjoy additional family activities on select nights. #Illuminights #ExplorePark #CenterInTheSquare
*Dogs are allowed at Explore Park, outside on a leash, but are not allowed on the Walk of Lights Trail.
All proceeds from Illuminights go to support the valuable missions of Center in the Square and Explore Park! Admission Rates
Due to limited capacity, we are sold out for many of the early time slots on each operating night. See the dates below to check on the list. The following dates and time slots are still available:
How to Purchase Tickets
* Please note that due to COVID-19 precautions, walk-up tickets will not be available at the event this year. Time slots will be sold in advance on the half-hour, with strict participation limits.5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM | November 2020
December 2020
|
Walk of Lights Trail* - Travel down our half-mile wooded path while taking in the signs and sounds of the season. The trail has more than 500,000 lights, dazzling features and photo opportunities**. Advanced ticket purchases are required to enter the trail. See the "Admission Fees" tab above for ticket prices and registration information. * Please note that due to COVID-19 precautions, walk-up tickets will not be available at the event this year. Time slots will be sold in advance on the half-hour, with strict participation limits. **Dogs are allowed at Explore Park, outside on a leash, but are not allowed on the Walk of Lights Trail. | Artisan Market - Start your Christmas shopping early at the Artisan Market beginning Friday, November 20 at the Explore Park Visitor Center. The market features unique, hand rafted Christmas items from 50 local and regional artisans. Artisan Market Hours: November 20 - 24, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM - Close on Illuminights operating days. See the "Admission Fees" tab for the operating calendar. |
NEW: Miniature Christmas Display - Take in thousands of twinkling lights and miniature Christmas scenes with our new Miniature Christmas Display. This display is open on select nights from 5 PM to 10 PM. This display will not be open on December 21st and 22nd. | Santa Experience - Santa and his elves are working hard at the North Pole, and he is joining Illuminights on the following dates: December 14-17, 21-23 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. |
Food & Beverage - Food vendors will be on site during select nights. Twin Creeks Brewpub will be open for food and beverage options on Thursdays - Sundays during Illuminights. TWIN CREEKS BREWPUB CLOSED UNTIL SATURDAY, 12/26/20 | Marshmallow Roasting - Gather around the campfire and enjoy a classic Christmas treat! Marshmallows and roasting sticks are provided, compliments of the Town of Vinton. |
Southwest Virginia Ballet - The Southwest Virginia Ballet will be performing at Illuminights on December 12 with performances at 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM. | Canned Food Drive - Explore Park and Center in the Square have partnered with Kroger to offer a canned food drive at Illuminights. All donations will benefit The Agape Center Vinton/Roanoke. The food drive will be available each night at Illuminights. See more information below. |
Know Before You Go
|
COVID19 INFORMATIONIn an effort to mitigate risk and comply with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Phase 3 Guidelines for Entertainment and Public Amusement, the following is required of all guests who a Roanoke County's Illuminights: Before you arrive:
During Illuminights:
After Illuminights;
Taking these steps will ensure the safety of our guests, staff and volunteers throughout the 36-night event. * Please note that due to COVID-19 precautions, walk-up tickets will not be available at the event this year. Time slots will be sold in advance on the half-hour, with strict participation limits. |
The easiest way to get to Explore Park is to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and follow the signs at milepost 115 down the parkway spur to our location. Our physical location is 56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd, and postal address/ service entrance is 3900 Rutrough Rd, 24014.
Illuminights relies heavily on volunteers for support, with many volunteer shifts available during our operating season. Your organization can be a part of it! View and register for volunteer positions online, or contact Charlie Goens at cgoens@roanokecountyva.gov. Please note volunteers must be 16 or older.
Have you started shopping for the holidays? The Artisan Market at Explore Park has you covered starting at 11:00 AM each day during Illuminights. The market features unique hand-made crafts from 50 local artisans! Purchase $25 or more of Artisan items and receive an Illuminights tote bag. Purchase $100 or more and you will be entered into a drawing for a 2-night stay at Don's Cab-Inns. Call the Visitor Center at (540) 427-1800 for more information about the Artisan Market
Explore Park and Center in the Square have partnered with Kroger to offer a canned food drive at Illuminights. All donations will benefit The Agape Center Vinton/Roanoke. The food drive will be available each night at Illuminights. The food drive donation box will be located in Explore Park Visitor Center.
The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation is on a mission to help create communities free of hunger and waste. Learn more about Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste foundation.
Want to help create some magic at Explore Park this holiday season? Email our sponsorship coordinator