Huge holiday light show opens Tempe location
With “In Pieces,” Sally Field has turned best-selling author. Far from the typical celebrity memoir, the book is a raw, revealing look at her life. Readers and fans can get up close with the two-time Oscar winner, who comes to Changing Hands to discuss the book.
Illumination Symphony of Light lit up the holiday scene last year with a dazzling display of lights, music and technology that drew thousands of people to its north Phoenix location.
This year the folks behind the drivethrough attraction are back with promises that it will be at least twice as big.
Illumination is adding a second location at Tempe Diablo Stadium to go along with last year’s original location near Interstate 17 and Jomax Road. The north Phoenix location opens Nov. 14 and runs through Jan. 5. The Tempe location gets started Nov. 16 and runs through Dec. 31.
Simon Kreisberger and Yakir Urman, the business partners behind the show, say this year’s version will be bigger, better and more affordable than last year.
Lower ticket prices
Tickets are $29 per vehicle when purchased online, down from $29.50 last year. Last year’s eight-person limit per vehicle has been waived this season. Cost for limos and buses is $59 when purchased online.
Kreisberger said the overwhelming response to last year’s exhibit prompted the opening of a second location but he said it was more than just a desire to
get more cars through the gates.
“Not only does the second show help alleviate the demand, but we want to accomplish so many things we couldn’t do in one show,” Kreisberger said. “There were so many elements and features we wanted to try that we had to expand our concept, hence we have a Tempe location.”
Illumination: New for 2018
A few elements from last year’s show will be back this year at the north Phoenix location, but the organizers said 80 percent of that display will be new.
New features include a massive RGB LED matrix screen (lights capable of producing countless colors) and a giant nativity scene.
“We definitely listened to the customers,” Kreisberger said. “People want to see more Christmas elements. We want it to be a holiday show. We want it to be all inclusive and for everybody to feel welcome, but we want to include more Christmas elements as well.”
The Tempe location will have a 500foot-long RGB display tunnel and a 30foot singing snowman in sync with the music.
Interactive experiences
Both locations will include interactive features that let visitors become part of the show.
The Santa Social Sleigh Cam will allow visitors to see themselves on a giant screen as they drive through the park. Christmas “Car-aoke” participants can upload videos of themselves singing along to the music in a sort of lip-sync battle to win prizes.
Holiday Boulevard at the north Phoenix location will have music, lights, decorations and themed bounce houses for kids of all ages. It also includes Santa’s Arctic Adventure, a 365-foot-long obstacle course.
Affordable fun on the boulevard
There is no charge to enter Holiday Boulevard. Food, beverages and holiday-themed goods will be for sale. There is a $10 charge for the obstacle course, but many features in that part of the park are free.
The organizers said that is to make the fun accessible to more people.
“There will be lots of things to enjoy for little cost,” Urman said. “We just want to get people to come out. We just want people to have a great time and enjoy. That’s the purpose of the holiday season, right?”
Part of the proceeds from the displays benefit Banner Children’s Hospital.
Illumination Symphony of Light
Two locations: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive, and 27701 N. Black Canyon Highway (Interstate 17 and Jomax Road), Phoenix.
Nov. 14-Jan. 5 in Phoenix and Nov. 16-Dec. 31 in Tempe. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 6-11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
$29 per vehicle online in advance or $35 at the gate. Limos and buses are $59 online or $65 on site.
480-550-1777, worldofillumination.com.