Christmas lights spark a sense of joy and warmth in a single instant. How warm do you think you’ll be walking through a dazzling world of over 500,000 lights with the ones you love?
Illuminating a Community Partnership
Starting November 29, you’ll have the opportunity to find out. Center in the Square and Roanoke County Parks and Recreation have partnered to present Roanoke’s first Illuminights – Explore Park’s Winter Walk of Lights. This special event is an expansion on last year’s holiday village, creating a half-mile walking tour lighting up the beautiful sights of Explore Park.
This project was a joint effort through and through. Center in the Square worked diligently to fund the lighting for the project while Roanoke County Parks and Recreation covered the logistics, building, and staffing of the winter wonderland. Both organizations are hopefully that the attraction will bring thousands of families to the Roanoke region for holiday festivities and proceeds from admission fees will be split.
Winter Walk of Lights Activities
Attendees are encouraged to take their time exploring the illuminated walking path, interacting with the lights as they go. Guests will also enjoy nightly marshmallow roastings and an artisan craft Christmas Market.
The walking trail is open nightly and bonus activities are featured on select evenings:
- Children’s Santa Shop – Let the kids shop for gifts on their own, under the supervision of our staff. Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 only.
- Santa Visits – Santa will be available for stories and photo ops. Dec. 16-19, and 23 only.
- Edible Art – Decorate holiday cookies with us. Dec. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 & 29.
- Carriage Rides – For an extra fee, enjoy a magical ride on a horse drawn carriage. $10 per person for wagon style seating. $15 per person for a covered Cinderella carriage. Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26, 31.
How to Attend
Admission for adults (15+) is $13 in advance and $17 at the gate. Children (ages 2-14) will be admitted for $6 in advance or $10 at the gate. If you’d like to volunteer, positions through Roanoke County Parks and Recreation are available online.