Illuminights

Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights

Brighten your nights and explore your holiday spirit through a dazzling world of over 650,000 lights at Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights. Travel down our half-mile wooded path while taking in the sights and sounds of the season. Visitors will experience 50,000 new lights, new displays, trail enhancements and family activities.

While you’re here, shop for artisan crafts, roast marshmallows around the campfire, and enjoy additional family activities on select nights. #Illuminights #ExplorePark #CenterInTheSquare

  1. ADMISSION FEES
  2. ACTIVITIES
  3. TIPS & FUN FACTS
  4. Meet LUmi!

All proceeds from Illuminights go to support the valuable missions of Center in the Square and Explore Park!

Admission Rates

  • Ticket Sales Begin on Tuesday, November 1st at 9:00 AM
  • Adult (ages 16+) = $17.50 in advance*
  • Child (ages 3-15) = $6.50 in advance*
  • Savings Days (shown in green) = $1 off individual admission
  • Groups of 25+ = Save $1 off on Peak Dates, available by phone only at (540) 777-6365.

How to Purchase Tickets

  • Option 1 (preferred): Online Purchase - Click on the "Illuminights Tickets Here" button above, which will take you to our online ticketing portal.
  • Option 2: Phone Purchase - Reserve your tickets with credit card only via phone at (540) 387-6078 ext. 0. Available weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Option 3: In-Person Purchase (No Walk-Ups Available on Operating Nights) - Reserve your tickets in advance for a future operating night with cash or credit card at the following locations:
    • Public Service Center, 1206 Kessler Mill RD 24153  (M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM)
    • Brambleton Center, 3738 Brambleton AVE 24018  (M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM) 
    • Explore Park Visitor Center, 56 Roanoke River PKWY 24014 (F-Su, 10 AM - 5 PM)
    • Center in the Square Box Office, 1 Market SQ 24011  (Tu-Sa, 9:45 AM - 4:45 PM, Su, 12:45 PM - 4:45 PM) 

* Time slots will be sold in advance every 15-minutes, with strict participation limits. Tickets must be purchased in advanced, no walk-ups.

November 2022

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ILLUMINIGHTS PEAK SEASON
Open 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
*Groups of 25+ save $1 off admission

ILLUMINIGHTS SAVINGS DAYS
Open 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Admission $1 off 

SOLD OUT
Saturday, December 10

CLOSED
November 21st - 24th, 28th - 30th
Saturday, December 24th
Sunday, December 25th


Getting Here

Travelers can access Explore Park (Milepost 115) from the Blue Ridge Parkway North from US220 at Milepost 121, Blue Ridge Parkway South from VA 24 at Milepost 112 or by the Alternate Entrance at 3900 Rutrough Road. Click here for more information, maps and details on how to get to Explore Park! Our physical location is 56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd, and postal address/ alternate entrance is 3900 Rutrough Rd, 24014.

Volunteers

Illuminights relies on volunteers for support roles, with many volunteer shifts available during our operating season. Your organization can be a part of it! Submit an online Volunteer Interest Form with your availability during Illuminights. Once submitted, our staffing team will contact you regarding your volunteer shift. Please note volunteers must be 16 or older. 

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Artisan Christmas Market - Explore Park Visitor Center

Have you started shopping for the holidays? The Artisan Market at Explore Park has you covered and features unique hand-made crafts from 50 local artisans! Call the Visitor Center at (540) 427-1800 for more information about the Artisan Market.

Artisan Christmas Market Starts on Saturday, November 19th - Open Weekdays 4 PM to Close and Weekends 11 AM to Close

12 Giveaways of Christmas at the Artisan Market

Shop at the 2022 Artisan Market for a chance to win some amazing, holiday gifts from one of our 50 participating artisans! Purchase an item from the Explore Park Artisan Market for a chance to enter and win! The 12 Giveaways of Christmas drawings will take place throughout Illuminights! Call (540) 427-1800 or click here for more information! 

Sensory Night - Sunday, December 4th - 4 PM - 6 PM

llluminights is offering a reduced sensory experience on Sunday, December 4th from 4 PM to 6 PM for community members that may be sensitive to light and/or sound stimuli! Explore your holiday spirit through a unique experience on our half-mile wooded path featuring over 650,000 lights. Call (540) 772-7529 ext. 2 for more information and to register for Sensory Night at Illuminights!

  • Adult Tickets (16+) - $16.50
  • Child Tickets (3-15) - $5.50
  • One Care-provider will be admitted for Free with a paid admission

 Call (540) 772-7529 ext. 2 for more information and to register!


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Choral & Musical Performances

Choral and musical performances will be at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm on select nights below! Performances will take place beside the large Christmas Tree in the Brugh Tavern lawn and will include traditional and contemporary holiday season selections. 

  • December 8th - Community School
  • December 13th - William Byrd High School Choir
  • December 15th, 22nd, 29th - Thundershock Jazz Band

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. The food drive donation box will be located at the Walk of Lights Trail Entrance and 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.

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Illuminights is Proudly Sponsored by the Businesses & Donors Below:

Want to help create some magic at Explore Park this holiday season? Email our sponsorship coordinator

Carilion-Sponsor
Jarrett-Sponsor
Cox-Sponsor
WSLS-Sponsor-REV
Zoo-Sponsor
Grand-Sponsor-2021
Vistar-Sponsor
Lunsford-Sponsor
Woods-Sponsor
MemberOne-Sponsor2020
Friendship-Sponsor
Kroger-Sponsor
Pinnacle-sponsor
Blue-Cow-sponsor
ValleyStarCreditUnion
RoanokeGas-Sponsor
PriorityHonda-Sponsor2022