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World of Illumination 2024: How to see the drive-thru holiday lights
Halloween has come and gone, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means it’s almost time for the return of World of Illumination, a drive-thru animated light show synchronized to Christmas music.
The self-proclaimed world’s largest drive-thru light show opens in Tempe on Friday, Nov. 15, and Glendale on Saturday, Nov. 16. Forbes included World of Illumination on its 2019 list of the top holiday light displays in the U.S.
Each location will feature a milelong light display with 500 installations based on different themes and will be open until Dec. 29.
Here’s what to expect at World of Illumination 2024 in Tempe and Glendale.
World of Illumination Tempe AZ
This year’s theme at World of Illumination Tempe is Enchanted Safari. Guests will follow their guide, Toukie Toucan, to “discover the jingle of the jungle” as they trek over land, sea and air to experience a host of exotic animals from peacocks to piranhas, reindeer to T.rexes, and travel through the Tunnel of Tentacles filled with sharks and jellyfish.
Details: Friday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, Dec. 29. Hours are 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays (also Mondays, Dec. 9, 16 and 23). Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive.
World of Illumination Glendale AZ
Glendale: Rockin’ Christmas is a “full-throttle musical extravaganza” with a mile-long symphony of sight and sound hosted by MC mic. Guests will see everything from life-sized musical notes to retro Santa spinning it old school and of course, millions of colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays.
Details: Saturday, Nov. 18, through Sunday, Dec. 31. Hours are 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays (also Mondays, Dec. 9, 16 and 23). Desert Diamond Casino, 9431 W. Northern Ave., Glendale.
World of Illumination tickets price
The ticket system for World of Illumination is simple: One admission ticket per carload. To get the best bang for your buck, fill up your car with all the family and friends you can safely manage.
World of Illumination tickets cost $39.99-$49.99 depending on the date of your visit. Buy at worldofillumination.com.
How long does World of Illumination take?
Each drive-thru show takes 20-30 minutes. There may be slightly longer wait times during peak hours.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.
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