Illumination light show returns to Phoenix, adds Tempe location
Nov 13, 2018, 1:44 PM
(Illumination: Symphony of Light Photo)
(Illumination: Symphony of Light Photo)
PHOENIX – What’s better than a spectacular drive-thru holiday light show?
Two spectacular drive-thru holiday light shows, of course.
Illumination: Symphony of Light is returning to north Phoenix, where it debuted last year, and a second location in the East Valley has been added for 2018.
The Phoenix location once again will be at Interstate 17 and Jomax Road and will be open daily starting Wednesday until Jan. 5.
And for the first time, Tempe Diablo Stadium will host the show daily starting Friday until Dec. 31.
The locations will be open from 6-10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 6-11 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Each site will feature 1.7 million lights synchronized to holiday music that plays over your car’s radio. It takes about 25 minutes per car to complete the attraction.
Unique to the Phoenix location will be the Holiday Boulevard Marketplace, with food, interactive activities, vendors, arts and crafts and visits with Santa.
Visitors don’t need tickets to the light show to attend the free marketplace.
The Tempe location will feature Santa’s Portal, billed as the largest drive-thru light tunnel in the United States.
Tickets for the drive-thru attractions cost the same at both locations, $29 per vehicle and $59 per bus or limo when purchased online, and $35 per vehicle and $65 per bus or limo for drive-up purchases.
Event organizers recommend buying tickets online not just for the lower price, but to reduce wait times and ensure access.
Time slots are sold in 30-minute increments, and drive-up customers aren’t guaranteed entrance.
According to a press release, approximately 76,000 vehicles drove through the Phoenix display in 2017.
