For many families and children, Christmas lights help create the magic of the holidays. This holiday season, The Lights return for their second year at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. In its inaugural year, they welcomed 7,500 people. The Lights truly showcase the very best of Cedarhurst’s campus.
Planning for this event never stops. Director of Visitor Engagement at Cedarhurst, Courtney Kabat says, “We plan, prep, purchase, and partner all year round for The Lights.” This season, enjoy a stroll down Peppermint Pathway, dance along to Christmas favorites, and more! Take a family photo at the fun photo stations placed along the route. The walking route is longer this year, one full mile. A longer route means more lights! With over 1 million holiday lights, favorite light features from last season are returning, as well as five new additional displays. Many of the new features now have music and movement. Accessibility will also be increased as the gravel walking trails will now be oil and chipped. This will allow wheelchairs and strollers easier access. Other upgrades include a new concession stand and restroom area. Finally, the route will be reversed from last year creating a better flow of traffic.
Cedarhurst’s entire holiday program kicks off with the Festival of Trees on November 17th. Guests enjoy a festive gala and can purchase live auction, pre-decorated Christmas trees. Tickets are on sale now for this event.
Regular tickets to The Lights include community fire pits, the option to purchase seasonal drinks such as hot cocoa, admission to five art galleries, family fun in the Beck Family Center, and opportunities to purchase holiday merchandise.
Warm up by the fire pits and purchase a s’mores kit for more family fun. Or, rent your own private fire pit for your party. Fire pits can be rented on Friday and Saturday nights and include two complimentary drink tickets for each person (up to 8 people), a deluxe s’mores kit or charcuterie board, and a free light up lanyard for each person.
If you would like to host a large or private event, Cedarhurst offers the Schweinfurth House for rentals. Whether it’s your family Christmas get together or work holiday party, this is a great space to host! Rentals are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Another option is to rent The Lights for a private showing with a larger celebration inside the Mitchell Museum during Thursday evenings or special rental opportunities.
The Lights will also hold three Family Nights on November 26th, December 10th, and December 31st.. Kabat states, “Cedarhurst wants all families to create memories and enjoy The Lights, thus on Family Nights, kids enter free with the accompaniment of an adult.” The special Christmas Market, on December 1st-3rd, will also host more vendors this year to give guests a greater selection of holiday gifts from regional artists. Supper with Santa returns on December 15th and 16th. Guests can meet Santa Claus himself, enjoy a nice dinner, and afterward, walk The Lights. A favorite night from last year will also be returning with the showing of a holiday classic movie and cookie decorating.
Children aged 2 to 10 years old are $5. Free admission for Children under 2. Pets are not permitted. This is a cashless event. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. Ticket holders are welcome to exchange their tickets for a later date as long as the request is made 48 hours in advance. No refunds available.
