With Christmastime fast approaching, there are two things that are practically guaranteed in the Pacific Northwest: Christmas lights and unpredictable weather. Luckily for all of us, there’s a perfect way to see Christmas lights without having to take the brunt of the unpredictable weather. The folks at the Pierce County Parks & Recreation Department are back with the 23rd annual Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park. This two-and-a-half mile holiday spectacle is one of the best places to see thousands Christmas lights all in one place this side of the Cascades, and you don’t even have to pack a rain coat or check the weather report since Fantasy Lights is a drive-through Christmas lights display.
Twenty-three years ago, the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department identified a need for activities for families to do in the winter. “We thought Fantasy Lights would be a fun activity for everyone to do together,” Jennifer Spane, Recreation Supervisor of the Pierce County Parks and Recreation.
Since then, the Parks & Recreation Department has joined forces with Rogers High School and Bates Technical College each year to create dazzling lights displays that line the drive through Spanaway Park, with new displays added every year since then. They are even improving upon the older displays by converting old lights to the more efficient LED lights, in an effort to save energy and keep costs down.
According to Spane, there are more than 300 different light displays throughout the park. Visitors can expect to see Santa jumping his Harley over Christmas packages, bears flying kites, gingerbread men playing in the forest, Santa and Rudolf sailing, snow boys kicking field goals, penguins sliding down an igloo, and even reindeer leaping over your car. You’ll drive through a tunnel or two as well, which are always a hit with the little ones.
If you’ve been before—or been many times before—you can expect something new, including owls perched on trees, orcas jumping out of the water, a giant dog wagging its tail, and a sun and moon arch. As you drive, Spane recommends dialing your radio to 95.3 FM for special holiday music to add to the atmosphere. And since you’re in the confines of your own car, you can sing along as loud as you want.
The best part is visitors don’t have to face the elements that tend to be pervasive this time of year, which makes Fantasy Lights unique. In fact, it is the only major Christmas lights event in the area where you drive instead of walk. Visitors can enjoy the lights without the need for an umbrella, and without getting bundled up in layers.
“Fantasy Lights is great for the Pacific Northwest weather because you get to stay in your car and enjoy the lights for the warmth and dryness of your vehicle,” Spane says. This is also particularly convenient for small children and seniors who might not be able to handle long walks in the elements.
So if you’re looking to start a new holiday tradition and want to stay out of the rain, be sure to head to Spanaway Park for some light delights. Fantasy Lights is open every night, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, from November 23 through January 1. The hours of operation are 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each night.
Spane says to expect long lines on the weekends, especially those leading right up to Christmas. For those looking for more of a relaxed experience, she recommends visiting Sundays through Thursdays when lines are shorter.
The cost is $14 per car (25 people or less). The Parks and Recreation Department offer Half Price Nights on November 27, 28 and 29, as well as December 4, 5 and 6. For more information, contact the Pierce County Parks Administration Office at 253-798-3330.
Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park
14905 Bresemann Blvd S
Spanaway, WA 98387
253-798-3330
Sponsored
