Ludington Area Festival of Lights

Ludington Area Festival of Lights Get ready for a magical experience at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights at the Mason County Fairgrounds! Don't miss this unforgettable holiday tradition!

This stunning drive-thru lights display, running from Thanksgiving Week through the last weekend of December, promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. You'll be greeted by an incredible 26-foot Santa, with Santas popping up throughout the route, adding festive cheer. Drive through Candy Cane Land, past full-size snow globes and feel the wonder as you pass under lighted tunnels. As you jou

rney through this 30-minute wonderland, you'll experience mesmerizing light shows synchronized to holiday music, all broadcast directly to your car's radio. With over 100 trees decked out in colorful lights and animations scattered across the drive, there's always something spectacular to see at every turn. Look for nativity scenes, holiday light shows and decorations and so much more. The Ludington Area Festival of Lights will not only delight visitors of all ages but will also support local non-profits, making this the perfect way to celebrate the season while giving back to the community.

We're excited to invite you to the Ludington Area Festival of Lights at the Mason County Fairgrounds all week this week,...
12/24/2024

We're excited to invite you to the Ludington Area Festival of Lights at the Mason County Fairgrounds all week this week, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We hope that you and your family or friends will include us in your festivities and enjoy the drive thru. As a reminder, we're open tonight from 5:30pm to 9pm with just a $10 admission. We have just a few nights left, wrapping up this year's festival of lights season on December 29th, so don't wait to enjoy the 25 minutes drive thru lights put on by local radio stations 102.7 WMOM and Hot Country Hits 99.9 WHCH. We're also excited that we foresee, based on your visits, we will be providing nearly $15,000 in charitable contributions to groups that have volunteered some of the nights, including ZIVA Network, Radiant Church, Miss Sawyer's "Kids With A Cause" and Western Michigan Fair Association, the last one, who graciously provided the use of the fairgrounds for the radio stations to bring this holiday drive thru back to the area. It was 20 years ago that the fair board put this on and the radio stations are excited to carry the torch this year and into the future.

We shared some statistics in regards to financial contributions back to the area non profits, but we also have some additional exciting news. Recently we surpassed 10,000 votes for the 3 contest areas that are part of the Ludington Area Festival of Lights (1) Individual and Family Decorated Christmas Trees, (2) Ludington Area School District Industrial Arts class lighted structures and (3) Various non profit Christmas decorated trees. In each of these 3 areas, the top vote getter will win $1,000. When you arrive at the festival of lights you'll receive slips to write your top 3 in each area and then drop those in at the end of the drive thru. We're excited to have groups like Gateway to Success Academy helping with our tabulating and on January 9th, we're going to have a special check presentation for the contestants, non-profits and others, where Event Organizer Chris Nicholas from the radio station, will present these groups with the funds earned to help them in 2025, the awards for the top decorating winners and also recognize certain individuals that were there to help with maintenance and more each day of the festival.

We hope that you have enjoyed the Ludington Area Festival of Lights so far and as our posts have mentioned, now that we are closing in on our first year organizing an event like this, 102.7 WMOM and Hot Country Hits 99.9 WHCH looks forward to many years investing in the community organizing this event and making it bigger and better than ever each year with new and rearranged displays.

Lastly, a big thank you to our sponsors, including our champion sponsor Safe Harbor Credit Union and also the rest of our sponsors including... Lighthouse Realty, Auto, LLC, Occasions Events & Floral, LLC, Metro Mortgage Group, Visscher Construction & Restoration INC, Orthodontics, PLC, SyncWave LLC, FloraCraft®, Nickelson's Christmas Trees, Ludington Liquor and Java Bloom. We also would like to thank Spartan West Bowling Center and Beamers Restaurant, At The Peak Roofing, Trail's End Baking Company, Sanders Meats, West Coast Car Wash & Detail Center, Urka Auto Center and Watson Ludington. A big thank you to Ludington Meat Company, House of Flavors Restaurants, West Shore Bank, NorthStar Chiropractic, Benedict's Auto Center, Lakeshore Automotive & Tire, Preferred Credit Union, Wanna Buy Sheds, Pro-Master Cleaning & Restoration, Hungry Howie's Pizza Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam and 102.7 WMOM and Hot Country Hits 99.9 WHCH.

The best part of it all is the smiles and excitement we see at the entrance each night and that at the end, you enjoyed it. It warms our hearts to see and hear your joy this holiday season.

Merry Christmas everyone.

We were able to meet up with Medilodge today for a test run of a few adjustments. This allowed us to plan for area senio...
12/22/2024

We were able to meet up with Medilodge today for a test run of a few adjustments. This allowed us to plan for area senior citizens and other care providers and their short busses to still come out this year. Our team of amazing plow drivers made routes around the arches, which would be the only area that the busses would not able to go through/under. Next year, we'll work with the height of these busses to accommodate under the arches. It's just a part of growing, adjusting and accommodating for as many to enjoy the Ludington Area Festival of Lights.

So many smiles tonight...
12/21/2024

So many smiles tonight...

We still have every night that we are open this week until December 29th for the Ludington Area Festival of Lights, but ...
12/21/2024

We still have every night that we are open this week until December 29th for the Ludington Area Festival of Lights, but we wanted to say "Thank You" to you. We've heard hundreds of mentions on how you have loved it this year and with this year being our 1st year planning, purchasing, organizing, maintaining it, we're already thinking about so many more displays for next year and activities as part of this community event. We know it will double at least next year with the creative juices already flowing. Today though, we just wanted to say "thank you" as we get ready for tonight's start.

🚨 Breaking News from the Ludington Area Festival of Lights🚨We’ve heard your requests loud and clear, and we’re thrilled ...
12/20/2024

🚨 Breaking News from the Ludington Area Festival of Lights🚨

We’ve heard your requests loud and clear, and we’re thrilled to announce expanded days and hours to spread even more holiday cheer! 🌟✨

Also, check out the link below for Ludington Area Festival of Lights hoodies! Just 50 are being printed for sale and are now available for purchase!

Here’s our updated schedule:

🎄 Tonight (Dec 20th): 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
🎄 Saturday (Dec 21st): 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
🎄 Sunday (Dec 22nd): 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

🌟 Newly Added Days:
🎅 Monday (Dec 23rd): 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎅 Christmas Eve (Dec 24th): 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎅 Christmas Day (Dec 25th): 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

🎇 Final Nights of Magic:
🎆 December 26th – 29th
All details have been updated at checkoutthelights.com

There’s more! 👕🎁

We're printing 50 Ludington Area Festival of Lights hoodies available in festive red or green—perfect for staying cozy this season. Hoodies are $25 each and come with a FREE admission into the drive-thru experience! Sizes are limited, so don’t wait! 50% of every hoodie purchased is also going to the non-profits taking part in the Ludington Area Festival of Lights.

🛍️ Order yours now and pick them up starting Monday at the Festival entrance beginning at 5:30pm or on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday next week. Choose your color and size here:
👉 https://checkoutthelights.com/store/

Let’s make this holiday season the brightest yet! 🎄✨ See you at the lights! 🌟

🎄✨ The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is lighting up the Mason County Fairgrounds once again! Get ready for an unforg...
12/19/2024

🎄✨ The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is lighting up the Mason County Fairgrounds once again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with glowing trees, twinkling lights, and festive cheer. If you’re wondering what all the buzz is about, just picture jaws dropping in awe as the magic of the holiday season surrounds them—it’s THAT kind of vibe! 🌟

Here’s the lineup for this weekend’s dazzling fun:

Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Admission is just $10 per vehicle (cash or card), and proceeds go to support local charities.

🚗 Enter through the front gate, grab your ticket, and let the magic begin! Don’t forget to:
✨ Turn off your headlights to let the glow of the lights take over.
📻 Tune your radio to 88.1 FM for the first half of the show, then switch to 88.5 FM when you spot the Nutcrackers for a seamless musical journey.

With every twinkle and sparkle, this event is proof of the incredible hard work that goes into making the season bright. So, bundle up, grab your loved ones, and experience the wonder of the Ludington Area Festival of Lights! 🎅🎄

A big thank you to our champion sponsor Safe Harbor Credit Union as well as some of our other sponsors including NorthStar Chiropractic, Hungry Howie's Pizza Ludington, Visscher Construction & Restoration INC, Lighthouse Realty and Nickelson's Christmas Trees.

"We drove an hour and 45 minutes to come here because it's hard to find a light show for our autistic child." That comme...
12/19/2024

"We drove an hour and 45 minutes to come here because it's hard to find a light show for our autistic child." That comment hit home for our volunteers mentioned to them at the exit. That also solidified that "Sensory Nights" will always be an annual traditional here at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights.

Tonight we change things up a bit from 5:30pm to 9pm. The flashing lights are put to "steady on mode" as we welcome a sp...
12/18/2024

Tonight we change things up a bit from 5:30pm to 9pm. The flashing lights are put to "steady on mode" as we welcome a special Wednesday Night for "Sensory Friendly Night". Nearly every light will be on and non-flashing mode. If you have visited the Ludington Area Festival of Lights at the Mason County Fairgrounds prior to tonight, this will be a bit of a different experience. The flashing lights will return tomorrow, Thursday and for the rest of the weekend, but tonight, will be a bit different. Everyone is welcome tonight and not only will 50% of your $10 vehicle admission going to charity for tonight, but on Sensory Friendly night, the other 50% will go towards sensory friendly initiatives here in the area. It's a 100% win-win for everyone.

We could not have done this without our Champion Sponsor Safe Harbor Credit Union. As well to all of our other sponsors Lighthouse Realty, Oceana Auto, LLC, All Occasions Events & Floral, LLC, Metro Mortgage Group, Visscher Construction & Restoration INC, Lakeshore Orthodontics, PLC, SyncWave LLC, FloraCraft®, Nickelson's Christmas Trees, Ludington Liquor and Java Bloom. We also would like to thank Spartan West Bowling Center and Beamers Restaurant, At The Peak Roofing, Trail's End Baking Company, Sanders Meats, West Coast Car Wash & Detail Center, Urka Auto Center and Watson Ludington. A big thank you to Ludington Meat Company, House of Flavors Restaurants, West Shore Bank, NorthStar Chiropractic, Benedict's Auto Center, Lakeshore Automotive & Tire, Preferred Credit Union, Wanna Buy Sheds, Pro-Master Cleaning & Restoration, Hungry Howie's Pizza Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam and to our two radio stations of 102.7 WMOM and Hot Country Hits 99.9 WHCH.

Merry Christmas. The lights look neat, glowing in the fog that has rolled in. We were blessed by McBride Quality Care fr...
12/16/2024

Merry Christmas. The lights look neat, glowing in the fog that has rolled in. We were blessed by McBride Quality Care from Baldwin that brought their special needs friends. Tonight, we are open till 9pm and then back open for a special night on Wednesday for "Sensory Night" From 530pm pm to 9pm. Back open then Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

We're so excited about how the snow has complimented the light displays at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights at the ...
12/13/2024

We're so excited about how the snow has complimented the light displays at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights at the Mason County Fairgrounds. We've even added a few things and are loving the smiles and twinkles in the eyes of those going through the drive thru. Open from 5:30pm to 10pm tonight, fill your vehicle with your family and friends and for $10 enjoy a 25 minute drive thru that is about 1.5 miles through the fairgrounds off US 10 in Ludington. Wear an ugly sweater tonight and you'll receive a $2 off coupon for a future visit for you or someone you know.

We could not do it without our Champion Sponsor Safe Harbor Credit Union and also these great sponsors too, Oceana Auto, LLC, All Occasions Events & Floral, LLC, At The Peak Roofing and Hot Country Hits 99.9 WHCH.

This week brought challenges that were both nerve-wracking and inspiring. The three archway areas we built were reinforc...
12/13/2024

This week brought challenges that were both nerve-wracking and inspiring. The three archway areas we built were reinforced with additional "ribs," but the recent snow and freezing drizzle revealed that it wasn’t enough. As the photos show, the arches began to “limbo,” and we feared they might collapse completely. Our team gathered on-site, brainstorming every possible solution, but we couldn’t figure out how to stabilize them. That’s when we reached out to Hardman Construction and SRM Concrete for advice—a call that turned out to be more critical than we ever imagined.

Within minutes, Joe and Dave from Hardman were on-site, closely followed by Dave from SRM. They assessed the situation and returned and provided game plans. Hardman quickly mobilized a crew that worked to install metal ribs for extra support, while SRM provided fiberglass poles to reinforce the structure between those medal ribs. Over the course of Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday morning, all three arches were secured to ensure they could endure the rest of the Ludington Area Festival of Lights. Not only did they fix the immediate issue, but they also shared invaluable guidance on making the arches taller and more resilient for next year by using this new material.

Thanks to the combined efforts of our hands on team, Joe, "the Daves", and Hardman’s incredible crew, we were able to reopen the Festival yesterday on time. We now feel confident that the arches can withstand wind, ice, and snow without issue. This experience for our first year, has taught us a lot, and we’re already planning to double the size of next year’s light show, working with the best minds and materials to make it even more spectacular; we'll work all year on ideas and creations.

The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is truly a labor of love, and while we may hit a few bumps along the way, we hope you’re enjoying the magic as much as we are creating it. Thank you for supporting this growing tradition!

🎄✨ We’ve got an inspiring story to share with you later today, so stay tuned! In the meantime, we’re thrilled to welcome...
12/12/2024

🎄✨ We’ve got an inspiring story to share with you later today, so stay tuned! In the meantime, we’re thrilled to welcome you back tonight for the 3rd magical weekend of the Ludington Area Festival of Lights at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington 🌟

Our team has been fluffy decorated Christmas trees and ensuring the snow is removed so you can see them and when we post about the inspiring story later today, you will realize how much work this event is, but so worth it for the community.

Here’s when we’re open:

Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Admission is just $10 per vehicle, and we accept both cash and credit cards! Proceeds benefit amazing local charities, including tonight’s spotlight charity: Miss Sawyer’s "Kids With A Cause". 🌟

🚗 Enter through the front gate and stop at the ticket booth. Don’t forget to:
✨ Turn off your headlights to enjoy the magical glow.
📻 Tune to 88.1 FM for the first half of the show, and when you reach the "new" Nutcrackers, switch to 88.5 FM for the second half! 🎶

Let’s make this weekend one to remember—see you there! 🎅🎄

We couldn't do it without the help of our Champion Sponsor Safe Harbor Credit Union as well as some of our other sponsors including: Metro Mortgage Group, Preferred Credit Union, Ludington Liquor, Oceana Auto, LLC and Beamer's Restaurant at Spartan West Bowling Center.

It's "Pay it Forward Night" from 5:30pm to 9pm, this Sunday at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights located at the Maso...
12/08/2024

It's "Pay it Forward Night" from 5:30pm to 9pm, this Sunday at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights located at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington. We will get it started by providing a $2.00 off coupon to the first driver, they will have the opportunity to give that $2.00 to the next driver in line or give it to someone else that they know that could use a little bit of cheer with a few bucks off their admission. Each vehicle will receive a $2.00 off coupon tonight do the same thing. So, not only do you get a chance to benefit from the car in front of you with $2.00 off tonight (if they pass it on to you), but you also are able to give the gift of savings to someone else you know for next Sunday December 15th. The "Pay it Forward" is only good for tonight, but again the coupon that you take with you to give to others, will be good for next Sunday December 15th. It's always nice to give back whenever we can, even if it's just a little bit here and there.

We could not do this without the generation support of our champion sponsor Safe Harbor Credit Union and also to the following sponsors Fresh Coast Foam, Walmart Ludington, 102.7 WMOM, and Wanna Buy Sheds. We would love to see you tonight at the drive thru.

🎄✨ The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is Lighting Up the Night this Saturday and Sunday nights! ✨🎄Get ready to immers...
12/07/2024

🎄✨ The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is Lighting Up the Night this Saturday and Sunday nights! ✨🎄

Get ready to immerse yourself in holiday magic as the Festival of Lights continues Saturday night from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM and returns tomorrow, Sunday with more festive fun from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Admission is just $10 per vehicle, making it the perfect family-friendly outing! 🚗🌟 To ensure a smooth entry, please approach from the northbound lane, heading west toward the Mason County fairgrounds in the Ludington area.

his 25-30 minute journey through illuminated tunnels, sparkling displays, and synchronized music will leave you in awe. Don't forget—credit cards and cash are both accepted at the entrance. And for the best experience, turn off your headlights as you enter to dive into the glowing magic. 🎄💡

📅 Festival Schedule:
December 5th–8th.
December 12th–15th.
December 18th (Sensory Night)
December 19th–22nd.
December 26th–29th.

🕰️ Hours of Operation:
Sundays & Thursdays: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Special Sensory-Friendly Wednesday Night December 18th 5:30pm to 9pm.

This enchanting event is proudly supported by Safe Harbor Credit Union, our champion sponsor and also supported by these great sponsors too... Lakeshore Automotive & Tire, Trail's End Baking Company, Urka Auto Center, Pro-Master Cleaning & Restoration and Benedict's Auto Center.

Don’t miss the chance to bring the family, vote on your favorite displays, and create holiday memories at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights drive thru. We’ll see you there! 🎅🌟

If you are going to visit us throughout the season, we would love to know what your favorite part is here at the Ludingt...
12/07/2024

If you are going to visit us throughout the season, we would love to know what your favorite part is here at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights?

We are open and having so much fun and the line is moving quickly too. We love the holidays and hope you do as well.
12/06/2024

We are open and having so much fun and the line is moving quickly too. We love the holidays and hope you do as well.

We're so excited to be back open tonight from 5:30pm to 10:00pm at the Mason County Fairgrounds. Come join us for an exp...
12/06/2024

We're so excited to be back open tonight from 5:30pm to 10:00pm at the Mason County Fairgrounds. Come join us for an experience that you'll love as you drive through the Ludington Area Festival of Lights championed by sponsor Safe Harbor Credit Union. We have a few steps that will help your entire family, or friends have an amazing time...

💲 Admission: Entry is $10 per vehicle and can be paid with either cash or credit card.

💡 Headlights: Please turn off your headlights just prior to the ticket booth, to avoid disturbing others enjoying the display.

🐢 Speed Limit: Maintain a speed of 5 MPH or less as you drive through. In some areas, you may find yourself moving even slower.

🚙 Stay in Your Vehicle: For everyone's safety, we ask that you remain in your vehicle throughout the experience.

📻 Radio Tune-In:
Start by tuning your radio to 88.1 FM to enjoy the synchronized music and light displays in the first half.
After you pass the nativity scene, switch to 88.5 FM to continue enjoying the music and lights seamlessly.

🗳️ Voting Process:
🎄 Area 1 - Individual/Family Decorated Christmas Trees:
🌟 Look for decorated trees numbered down a lane on both sides of your vehicle just past the 3rd arch that you drive under.
🏆 Your votes will help one individual or family win a $1,000 prize!

✨ Area 2 - Ludington High School Student Lighted Structures:
🌲 Turn the corner, and you'll see lighted structures on your right created by students lining the pine trees.
🏅 These students are competing for a prize package!

🌟 Area 3 - Non-Profit Decorated Trees:
🎁 Look for six beautifully decorated trees by non-profit organizations on your left-hand side.
💵 Your votes help them win funding to support their causes.

🏁 Submitting Votes: Once you've completed your voting slips, hand them in at the exit shed, where they’ll be collected and counted.

📸 Capture the Memories: Don’t forget to snap a photo of your group while enjoying the drive-thru! Share your pictures with friends and family to spread the joy of the Festival of Lights.

We could not do it without the help of these sponsors too... LLC, Ludington Meat Company, Watson Ludington, House of Flavors Restaurants and West Shore Bank.

Can't tell you how much emotion is going on out here at the fairgrounds today. With the wind and the massive amount of s...
12/05/2024

Can't tell you how much emotion is going on out here at the fairgrounds today. With the wind and the massive amount of snow it has definitely put us in a spot where we have to fix some things before we open at 5:30 pm tonight. But I'll tell you one thing that has happened today, three companies showed up and have cleared the route; Jon Morrill started clearing the route, then we realized there were some areas with too much snow to try to get through without a loader, so Russell showed up from Larsen's Landscaping and snow removal and the conversation that we had with them was pretty spectacular. They said we got you on this. We want this to be great for the community. So they came out and they started moving snow and clearing more
lanes. And Todd from TNT demolition derby and his snow plowing and landscaping said they'll be out this afternoon to clear a route as well for any of the additional drifting that comes through. We are blessed in this community to have great individuals like these guys that said how can we help. Now, the major undertaking of trying to get the areas that have blown down and getting those set up before we open this afternoon as things are starting to calm down with the wind and snow we are already seeing clearing. I can tell you this, it's going to be a scramble, so we'll put the reach out, out there if you have time to help in the next few hours we're here and could use an extra hand or two. If you show up tonight for the drive thru, we'll be ready.

Address

5302 US-10
Ludington, MI
49431

Opening Hours

Thursday 5:30pm - 9pm
Friday 5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday 5:30pm - 10pm
Sunday 5:30pm - 9pm

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