You know the feeling. It's late December, the heater's humming, and you’re looking for that one thing to make the season feel, well, real. For families in Virginia, that thing is usually a slow crawl through two miles of woods.
Celebration in Lights Newport News isn't just a drive; it's a rite of passage. Since 1993, this event has transformed Newport News Park into a glowing, neon-hued labyrinth. Honestly, if you grew up in the 757 area, you probably have a core memory of pressing your face against a cold car window while your dad complained about the traffic on Jefferson Avenue.
But here’s the thing. Most people treat it like a "check-the-box" holiday activity. They show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday, sit in a two-mile bumper-to-bumper line, and wonder why they aren't feeling the magic. You've got to play this smart.
The Logistics of a Million Bulbs
Let’s get the basics out of the way. The show usually kicks off on Thanksgiving night and runs straight through New Year's Day. It’s located at Newport News Park, specifically at the intersection of Ft. Eustis Blvd. and Jefferson Ave.
The route stretches for exactly two miles. That might sound short, but when you're moving at "scenic crawl" speed, it takes a while. You’ll see over one million lights. They aren't just thrown into the trees, either. They’re shaped into 300+ individual display pieces and 50+ animated arches.
What it Costs (The 2025-2026 Reality)
Money talks. Prices have shifted a bit over the years. Generally, you’re looking at:
- $15 per car on Monday through Thursday.
- $20 per car on Friday through Sunday.
- $85 for a bus (if you're bringing the whole church choir).
Pro tip? Go to the Newport News Visitor Center beforehand. They often sell advanced tickets for about $12. It works for any night. It saves you a few bucks, but more importantly, it saves you from fumbling with your wallet at the gate while the people behind you lose their minds.
📖 Related: Hotel Garda Milan Italy: Why Smart Travelers Choose This Spot Near Centrale
Why This Specific Show Still Matters
Virginia has plenty of light shows. There’s the one at the Norfolk Botanical Garden and the boardwalk displays in Virginia Beach. So why do people keep coming back to this one?
Basically, it's the "First." This was Virginia’s original drive-through light event. There’s a sense of history here that the newer, high-tech LED shows sometimes lack. It feels local. You’ll see a 36-foot display of the USS Newport News, which was built right down the road at the shipyard. You’ll see "Snappy the Alligator" and the "Underwater Fish Arches."
It’s also surprisingly educational, though don't tell the kids that. There’s a display titled "Once Divided, Forever United" featuring the Monitor and the Merrimack. It’s a nod to the region's Civil War history. Where else can you see ironclad warships rendered in Christmas lights?
The "Tailgate" Problem and Other Realities
If you read Reddit or local forums, you’ll see the same complaint over and over: tailgaters.
It’s a bizarre phenomenon. People pay $20 to see a light show, and then they ride the bumper of the person in front of them because they’re in a hurry. Look, the whole point is to go slow. Most veterans of the show recommend turning your headlights off (if your car allows it) and just using your parking lights. It makes the experience better for everyone.
Wait times are real. If you go on a Saturday night in mid-December, expect to wait. Long. Sometimes over an hour just to get into the park.
How to actually enjoy it:
- Go on a Tuesday. It’s cheaper and way less crowded.
- Pack the snacks. Don't expect to buy food inside the car route. Bring a thermos of cocoa and those overpriced seasonal cookies from the grocery store.
- The Music Sync. Tune your radio. The park usually has a dedicated frequency (check the signs at the entrance) that syncs holiday tunes to the vibe of the drive.
New Additions for the 33rd Season
The city hasn't just rested on its laurels. For the 33rd season (running into early 2026), they’ve added a "Tunnel of Lights" and some 3D trees that are actually pretty impressive. They also added a "Candy Arch" and some glowing peacocks.
Wait. Peacocks?
Yeah, it’s a bit random, but it works. The park also highlights its status as an "All-America City" with a dedicated logo display. It’s a bit of civic pride mixed in with the reindeer and snowflakes.
Navigating the NlightN Series
Celebration in Lights is actually part of a bigger thing called the NlightN Holiday Event Series. If the drive-through feels too claustrophobic, you have other options in Newport News:
- Lights at the Fountain: This happens at City Center at Oyster Point. It’s a synchronized show with a 50-foot "intelligent" tree.
- ARTech Lights: This is over at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. It’s more of an immersive, tech-heavy display.
Common Misconceptions
People often think you can walk through the Newport News Park display. You can't. It is strictly a drive-through event for safety reasons. If you want to walk and look at lights, you’re better off heading to Colonial Williamsburg or the City Center fountain.
Another one: "It's all the same every year."
While the "greatest hits" remain, the crew (shoutout to the Parks & Rec team who starts setting this up in the heat of early autumn) rotates displays and updates older incandescent bulbs to LEDs. The LEDs are crisper. They also last 100,000 hours compared to the 3,000 hours of the old school bulbs.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to go this week, here is the move:
- Check the Weather: If it’s raining, go anyway. The reflections of the lights on the wet pavement actually make the photos look better.
- The Bathroom Rule: There are no restrooms once you enter the two-mile queue. Stop at the gas station on Jefferson Avenue before you turn into the park. You'll thank me later.
- Camera Settings: If you’re using a phone, turn off your flash. It’ll just bounce off your windshield and ruin the shot. Use "Night Mode" and hold the phone against the glass to steady it.
- The "Exit" Strategy: Once you finish the two miles, the exit drops you back onto Jefferson Avenue. Traffic can be a mess. If you need to head toward I-64, be prepared for some aggressive lane merging.
Celebration in Lights Newport News is a bit of a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about the atmosphere in the car as much as the bulbs outside. Put the phones away (except for the designated photographer), turn up the music, and just crawl. It’s one of the few times in life where being stuck in traffic is actually the goal.
Next Steps:
Before you head out, verify the current night's gate status on the Newport News Parks & Recreation official website or their social media pages. High winds or extreme weather can occasionally cause temporary closures of the taller displays. If you want to save the $8 difference between a weekend gate price and an advanced ticket, swing by the Newport News Visitor Center at 13560 Jefferson Ave during their daytime business hours to grab your pass. Finally, make sure your car's interior lights are off and your windshield is clean—streaks look terrible under a million LED lights.